20+ Legit Ways to Get Free Walmart Gift Cards in 2026 (Tested & Proven)

Learning how to get free Walmart gift cards is a simple, practical way to save money on your everyday Walmart shopping.

Think about it — a free $25 Walmart eGift card can cover groceries, school supplies, diapers, or even gas at Walmart stations. That’s real money back in your pocket without stretching your budget.

With the USDA reporting steady increases in food prices, every bit of savings matters more than ever. That’s why a gift card to a store like Walmart — where you can buy just about anything — is as good as cash.

I’ve tested dozens of ways to earn free gift cards over the years. Some methods are fast, others take a bit more time, but every one you’ll find here is legit and scam-free. (If you want options beyond Walmart, check out my full guide on earning free gift cards.)

So how do you actually get free Walmart gift cards without paying a cent? Below, I’m sharing only the real methods I’ve personally tested and used myself.

Trade in Old Tech for Walmart Gift Cards

Got an old phone, tablet, or game console sitting in a drawer?

1. Walmart Trade-In
Walmart runs a trade-in program called CExchange, where you can trade in your used tech for free Walmart gift cards. They send you a prepaid shipping label to send in your item, and once it’s received and evaluated, you’ll get an instant Walmart eGift Card.

• Walmart Gadgets to Gift Cards: Official program details

Use Cashback & Rewards Apps

This method is well-known — and for good reason. Cashback and rewards apps genuinely work for earning free gift cards, including for Walmart.

These sites and apps reward you for things you’re already doing every day anyway: shopping, browsing the web, playing games, and more. So you may as well get paid for it. Here are the big, trusted cashback and rewards platforms you can use to score free Walmart gift cards.

2. Microsoft Rewards
You’re already searching the web every day, so you might as well get paid for it. Microsoft Rewards is an official program that gives you points just for using the Bing search engine instead of Google.

• Minimum Cash-Out Requirement: Typically around 5,250 points for a $5 Walmart gift card, though “Hot Deals” often lower this cost.
• Processing Time: Very fast — your digital gift card code usually arrives by email within 24 hours.

3. Swagbucks
By now, most people know Swagbucks. You earn points (called SB) for all kinds of activities, from taking surveys to watching videos and shopping online, then redeem them for cash or gift cards. For a full breakdown of every way to earn on the platform, check out my full Swagbucks review.

• Minimum Cash-Out Requirement: As little as 500 SB (equal to $5) for a Walmart gift card.
• Processing Time: Typically 2 to 3 business days.

4. InboxDollars
Unlike point-based sites, InboxDollars shows your earnings in real cash — a nice touch. They give you a $5 signup bonus and pay you for reading emails, taking surveys, and playing games.

• Minimum Cash-Out Requirement: $15 for your first cash-out.
• Processing Time: Usually 3 to 5 business days.

5. MyPoints
Another long-running, trusted site similar to Swagbucks. MyPoints has a great online shopping portal offering points back at thousands of stores, including Walmart.

• Minimum Cash-Out Requirement: Typically redeemable for a $10 Walmart gift card.
• Processing Time: Digital gift cards usually arrive by email within 4 to 5 business days.

6. Drop
Drop is a true “set it and forget it” app. Just link your credit or debit card to your Drop account, then use that card for your everyday purchases to start earning points automatically.

• Minimum Cash-Out Requirement: 25,000 points for a $25 Walmart gift card.
• Processing Time: Typically delivered within 3 business days.

7. Rakuten
Rakuten is the most well-known pure cashback site. Instead of points, they pay you in real cash — simply click through their site to Walmart.com, shop as usual, and earn cash back on your purchase.

They send you what’s called a “Big Fat Check” — or PayPal cash — every three months. You can then use that money to buy yourself a Walmart gift card directly. So if you shop at Walmart.com often, this is an easy, indirect way to basically get paid in Walmart gift cards just for shopping at their site.

• Minimum Cash-Out Requirement: A balance of at least $5.01 to trigger your quarterly payment.
• Processing Time: Payments are sent automatically every 3 months.

Make Online Surveys for Walmart Gift Cards

Taking surveys was one of the first ways I ever earned money and gift cards online.

If you’ve got spare time while watching TV or during your lunch break, sharing your opinion is a solid way to rack up points. Market research companies are always looking to pay for consumer feedback, and many of them offer Walmart gift cards as a primary reward option.

8. Survey Junkie
This is my top pick if you want a clean, no-nonsense survey experience. The site is incredibly easy to use and focuses purely on matching you with relevant surveys — no distracting offers or videos cluttering things up.

• Minimum Cash-Out Requirement: 500 points (equal to $5).
• Processing Time: Gift card codes are typically delivered to your email within 24 hours.

9. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys is another great platform focused entirely on market research. Their standout feature is a loyalty program called Branded Elite, which awards bonus points for completing a certain number of surveys each week — helping you earn rewards even faster.

• Minimum Cash-Out Requirement: 500 points (equal to $5).
• Processing Time: Usually 1 to 3 business days for your Walmart gift card.

10. LifePoints
LifePoints is a simple, mobile-friendly survey platform with global reach, offering a steady stream of opportunities to share your opinion on everyday products and services.

• Minimum Cash-Out Requirement: Around 550 points (roughly $5) for a Walmart gift card.
• Processing Time: Typically 5 to 10 business days.

11. Ipsos i-Say
Ipsos is one of the biggest, most well-known market research companies in the world, so you know their survey panel is 100% legitimate — a trusted and safe way to earn points just for sharing your opinion.

• Minimum Cash-Out Requirement: 1,000 points for a $10 Walmart gift card.
• Processing Time: Expect 3 to 4 weeks for delivery.

Play Games or Try Apps That Pay in Gift Cards

If you already enjoy playing games on your phone, you can turn that hobby into a way to earn free Walmart gift cards. These apps suggest new mobile games for you to try, then reward you with points for the time you spend playing.

12. Mistplay
This is probably the most popular “get paid to play” app out there for Android users. It works like a loyalty program for gamers, rewarding you with points (called Units) the longer you play the games it suggests.

• Minimum Cash-Out Requirement: Around 1,500 Units for a $5 Walmart gift card.
• Processing Time: Typically delivered within 48 hours.

13. Cash Giraffe
Another gaming app where you discover new games and earn “gems” for your playtime — a simple way to earn rewards while trying out different mobile games.

• Minimum Cash-Out Requirement: Very low, often under $1, though a $5 Walmart gift card is a common redemption option.
• Processing Time: Generally processed within 1 to 2 business days.

14. AppStation
One of the best apps for earning free gift cards through gameplay. For every minute you spend playing, you earn coins that can eventually be cashed in for Walmart credit and other rewards.

• Minimum Cash-Out Requirement: You can technically cash out with less than a dollar, but a $5 Walmart gift card is the standard redemption level.
• Processing Time: Can take up to 7 business days to receive your gift card code.

Shop with Walmart Partners & Earn Gift Cards

If you’re like me and shop at Walmart a lot, you might as well get paid for it. These apps partner with major retailers and reward you for things you’re already doing — like buying groceries or simply scanning your receipt when you’re done.

15. Ibotta
Did you know you can get Walmart gift cards just from your receipts? With Ibotta, you browse the app for offers, add them to your list, then scan your Walmart receipt after shopping to get real cash back deposited into your account — which you can redeem for a Walmart gift card.

I’ve seen rebates ranging from $1 to $3 or more per item, and it’s easy to earn $10 to $30 back in a single grocery trip.

• Minimum Cash-Out Requirement: At least $20 in earnings to cash out for a gift card.
• Processing Time: Typically delivered to your email within 24 hours.

16. Fetch Rewards
I personally think this is the easiest of all the receipt-scanning apps. There’s no need to hunt for specific offers — just snap a picture of your Walmart receipt when you’re done shopping, and you’ll earn points automatically. It’s incredibly simple.

• Minimum Cash-Out Requirement: Redemptions start at just 3,000 points for a $3 gift card, though a $5 Walmart gift card is a very common option.
• Processing Time: Usually very fast, with your code arriving within a day or two.

Trade In Unused Gift Cards for Walmart Ones

Most of us probably have a few old gift cards lying around that we keep forgetting to use, or that only have a few dollars left on them — not quite enough to buy anything at that particular store or site.

Here’s what you can do instead: rather than letting them expire in a drawer, you can use a gift card exchange site to trade them in for a Walmart gift card you’ll actually use. You can choose to get paid in cash via check or PayPal, or — often for a higher payout rate — trade it directly for a Walmart eGift Card.

17. CardCash
CardCash is one of the biggest online marketplaces for selling discounted gift cards. You can sell an unwanted gift card from hundreds of different brands — just enter the brand and balance of your old card, and they’ll make you an offer.

18. Raise
Raise is another massive, reputable platform for selling unwanted gift cards, with a user-friendly process for listing your card on their marketplace. You list your card for sale and set your own price; once it sells, you receive payment via direct deposit or PayPal, which you can then use to buy whatever you need at Walmart.

Look for Walmart Promotions & Freebies

Sometimes the best way to get a free Walmart gift card is to go straight to the source. Walmart itself often runs promotions where they give out gift cards to encourage you to sign up for a service or try a new product.

19. Check for In-Store & Online Promotions
Walmart is famous for offering all kinds of deals, especially when launching a new service. Keep an eye out for these types of offers:

• Prescription Transfers: Many Walmart pharmacies offer a gift card (often $10 or $25) when you transfer a prescription to them.
• Phone or Mobile Sign-Ups: Look for deals from carriers like Walmart Family Mobile that may include a free gift card when you purchase and activate a new phone.
• Seasonal Deals: Around major holidays or back-to-school season, check Walmart’s weekly ad for special promotions that might include a gift card with a specific purchase.

20. Walmart’s Own Receipt Survey & Sweepstakes
You know that long receipt Walmart gives you with a customer satisfaction survey and a link at the bottom? Yes, those! You can actually win prizes by taking those quick surveys — and a lot of the time, the prize is an eGift card for the same store.

Next time you shop at Walmart, check your receipt and take the survey if it’s available. I’ll admit I’m guilty of forgetting to do this myself, but it really is an easy, no-cost way to enter for a shot at a Walmart gift card.

It’s not instant money, but it’s a simple way to snag a bigger Walmart eGift card without spending anything extra.

• Official rules: Walmart Customer Satisfaction Sweepstakes Rules

21. Get Walmart Gift Cards Through Credit Card Rewards
If you have a credit card that earns rewards points, there’s a good chance you can cash those points in for the exact gift card you want.

Many major credit card programs offer what’s called “flexible points” — meaning you’re not locked into one airline or hotel program. Instead, you can redeem your points for all sorts of things, including gift cards to major retailers like Walmart.

Keep an eye on big programs like:

• Chase Ultimate Rewards
• American Express Membership Rewards
• Citi ThankYou Points
• Capital One Miles

Just log in to your credit card’s online rewards portal and look for the “gift card” section. You’ll usually find Walmart listed there, often at a rate of 1 cent per point — meaning 2,500 points gets you a $25 Walmart gift card.

21. Get Walmart Gift Cards Through Credit Card Rewards
If you have a credit card that earns rewards points, there’s a good chance you can cash those points in for the exact gift card you want.

Many major credit card programs offer what’s called “flexible points” — meaning you’re not locked into one airline or hotel program. Instead, you can redeem your points for all sorts of things, including gift cards to major retailers.

Keep an eye on big programs like:

• Chase Ultimate Rewards
• American Express Membership Rewards
• Citi ThankYou Points
• Capital One Miles

Just log in to your credit card’s online rewards portal and look for the “gift card” section. You’ll usually find Walmart listed there, often at a rate of 1 cent per point — meaning 2,500 points gets you a $25 Walmart gift card.

Ask for Them as Gifts (The Smart Way)

Okay, this might sound obvious, but I want to talk about the smart way to ask for gift cards. Sometimes the easiest way to get something is to just ask for it — but there are a few clever hacks that make it even easier for everyone involved.

22. Use Gift-Pooling Websites
For big occasions like a birthday, graduation, or holiday, you can use a gift-pooling service. Instead of having multiple friends or family members each scramble to figure out what to get you, you set up a “gift fund” on a site where everyone can chip in a few dollars. At the end, you can often cash out the total fund for the exact Walmart gift card you want — perfect for saving up toward a big-ticket item.

23. Hint for Your Birthday Rewards
You know how friends and family always ask, “What do you want for your birthday?” Instead of saying “I don’t know” or “Whatever,” try: “Honestly, a Walmart gift card would be amazing. I’m saving up for [a new coffee maker / new tires / our weekly groceries].”

By being specific about why you want it, you turn a simple gift card into a contribution toward a real, tangible goal — which makes the person giving it feel great too.

Hidden but Legit Ways to Get Free Walmart Gift Cards (Most People Miss These)

Okay, if you already knew about the options above and are looking for something more unique, this section is for you. Here are the rare but legit ways to snag a free Walmart eGift card.

24. Employer Wellness Programs: Cash In Points for Walmart eGift Cards
You know how some companies have wellness platforms where you earn points for hitting step goals, completing health screenings, or reaching certain fitness milestones? If your employer offers one and you haven’t joined yet, that’s basically free money you’re leaving on the table.

You can turn those points into gift cards at major retailers, including Walmart:

• Virgin Pulse: A popular employee wellness platform where workers earn points for completing health challenges, redeemable for rewards including Walmart eGift cards. See the Virgin Pulse Rewards overview
• Tango Card: The company powering the “rewards catalog” behind many corporate wellness and recognition programs — and yes, Walmart gift cards are usually part of the mix. Learn about Tango Card

25. Earn Walmart Cards Through Plasma Donation Rewards
Yes, you can also get paid in free Walmart gift cards if you’re a regular plasma donor. If you’re donating anyway, this is an easy way to earn points redeemable for Walmart eGift cards.

By the way, if you’re interested, you can learn all about how donating plasma for money works in my detailed guide.

• KEDPlasma / KEDLeague: A rewards program for plasma donors. Every time you donate, you earn points redeemable for gift cards, including Walmart eGift cards. Check out KEDLeague

26. Donate Blood & Get a Walmart Gift Card as a Thank-You
If you want a free Walmart gift card and to help someone at the same time, check out local blood drives. Many drives run promotions where donors receive a Walmart card as a thank-you — a legit, feel-good way to earn a little extra while giving back.

• OneBlood $20 Walmart Gift Card: OneBlood occasionally runs promotions where donors at participating drives receive a $20 Walmart eGift card as a thank-you. See OneBlood promo details
• OneBlood Bonus Bucks: A loyalty program for repeat donors where points can be redeemed for gift cards, including Walmart eGift cards. Learn about Bonus Bucks

27. Library & Community Programs (Reading Challenges, Surveys, Events)
Local libraries and nonprofits sometimes run reading programs, surveys, or community events with gift card prizes. The cool part? As a winner, you often get to choose your retailer, so picking Walmart is usually an option — a simple, local way to score a free gift card while supporting your community.

• Example (Iowa’s Ericson Public Library): Summer Reading Programs

28. Utility or Energy-Program Incentives (Verify Locally)
This one’s a bit hit-or-miss, but it’s worth a look. Sometimes utilities or local energy-saving programs give away gift cards as incentives when you sign up for certain programs or complete energy-saving actions. These offers are usually regional and time-limited, so always double-check with your local utility company.

---

How to Use Your Walmart Gift Card Online or In-Store

Once you have a Walmart gift card, using it is easy — whether online at Walmart.com or in a physical store.

Redeem Online at Walmart.com

• Go to checkout and confirm your delivery or pickup info.
• Select Gift Card under payment method.
• Enter your gift card number and PIN.
• Click Apply Gift Card to use it toward your order.
• Tip: If your order total is more than your gift card balance, you can pay the difference with another payment method.

Redeem In-Store

• Show the gift card email on your phone, or a printed copy, to the cashier.
• If it’s a plastic card, simply swipe it at checkout.

Please Beware of Walmart Gift Card Scams

Here’s the deal: where there’s free stuff, there are scams. I want you to know exactly what to avoid to keep yourself safe.

1. The Fake “Walmart Gift Card Generator”
We all like hacks, tricks, and shortcuts. While there are legitimate ways to stretch your gift cards further, there are no hacks or cheats that can get you one for free out of thin air.

You’ve probably seen websites claiming to have a “Walmart gift card generator tool.” Please don’t waste your time with those — they are 100% scams. Think about it: if anyone could create a real gift card code out of thin air, Walmart would be out of business. These sites exist solely to steal your personal information.

So if you ever see a site claiming to offer a “free gift card generator, no human verification” or an “instant gift code generator,” just ignore it.

2. The “Pay a Bill with a Gift Card” Trick
This one’s a big deal. Scammers will call pretending to be from the IRS or a tech support company, demanding you pay an “urgent bill” by buying a Walmart gift card and reading them the code over the phone.

Remember this: no legitimate company will ever ask you to pay a bill with a gift card. It’s a massive red flag for a scam — hang up immediately.

I hope you never fall victim to this or any other money scam, but if you do, be sure to file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center as well as your state consumer protection office.

FAQs About Free Walmart Gift Cards

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Walmart gift cards.

How can I get a free Walmart gift card?
Use legit methods like survey apps (Swagbucks), cashback apps (Rakuten), Walmart trade-ins (CExchange), or Walmart’s receipt surveys and sweepstakes.

Can I use a Walmart gift card online and in-store?
Yes! Walmart gift cards work both online at Walmart.com and in any Walmart store.

How do I redeem a Walmart eGift card in-store?
Show the eGift card email on your phone, or a printed copy, to the cashier at checkout.

How can I save a Walmart gift card for later use at Walmart.com?
Sign in to your Walmart account, go to “Gift Cards” under “Manage Account,” select “Add a New Gift Card,” enter the card number and PIN, and save it for future use.

What can I buy with a Walmart gift card?
Almost anything — groceries, electronics, clothing, and household items, both in Walmart stores and online.

Do Walmart gift cards expire?
No. Walmart gift cards never expire, so you can use them anytime.

How do I check my Walmart gift card balance?
Visit the Walmart Gift Card Balance page and enter your card number and PIN.

Are there any scams related to Walmart gift cards?
Yes. Avoid unsolicited emails or messages claiming you’ve won a gift card or need to verify your account. Always stick to official Walmart sources.

---

Final Thoughts on Earning Free Walmart Gift Cards

There you have it — legit, easy ways to score Walmart gift cards without spending a dime. Whether you’re using apps like Swagbucks, cashing in old tech through Walmart’s trade-in program, or entering a survey sweepstakes, there’s a method here for everyone.

As you can see, there’s no secret code or magic trick involved. All you need to do is pick a few of the options that appeal to you most and start working toward your next free Walmart gift card — a simple way to save money at Walmart next time you shop there.