Introduction
Walmart, the retail giant that started as a small discount store in Rogers, Arkansas, has grown to become a global phenomenon with over 10,500 stores and clubs across 24 countries. With a mission to bring value and create opportunities for customers and communities worldwide, Walmart has become a go-to destination for millions of shoppers. One of the most popular ways to save money at Walmart is by using gift cards, and in this article, we‘ll explore various methods to score free Walmart gift cards in 2024.
A Brief History of Walmart
Founded by Sam Walton in 1962, Walmart has consistently adapted to changing consumer needs and technological advancements over the years. From its humble beginnings as a single discount store, Walmart has expanded to become the world‘s largest company by revenue, with $548.7 billion in sales for the fiscal year 2021 (Walmart, 2021). The company‘s success can be attributed to its focus on offering low prices, a wide assortment of products, and exceptional customer service.
As of 2021, Walmart operates in 24 countries under 46 different banners, employing over 2.3 million associates worldwide (Walmart, 2021). The company‘s international presence has allowed it to tap into diverse markets and cater to local preferences while maintaining its core values. In the United States alone, Walmart accounts for nearly 10% of the retail market share, demonstrating its dominance in the industry (eMarketer, 2021).
What are Walmart Gift Cards?
Walmart gift cards are prepaid cards that can be used to purchase goods and services at any Walmart store, Sam‘s Club in the U.S. or Puerto Rico, and online at walmart.com or samsclub.com. These cards come in various denominations, ranging from $5 to $500, and never expire. However, it‘s important to note that lost or stolen cards cannot be replaced, so be sure to keep them safe.
The Evolution of Walmart Gift Cards in the Digital Age
With the rise of digital wallets and mobile payment options, Walmart gift cards have evolved to keep pace with changing consumer preferences. In 2021, Walmart introduced digital gift cards that can be easily purchased, sent, and redeemed through the Walmart app or website (Walmart, 2021). This move has not only provided customers with more flexibility and convenience but has also contributed to reducing the environmental impact of physical gift cards.
Methods to Obtain Free Walmart Gift Cards
1. Online Survey Platforms
Online survey platforms have become increasingly popular as a way to earn free gift cards and rewards by sharing opinions and participating in market research. Here are three top platforms that offer Walmart gift cards as rewards:
a. LifePoints
LifePoints is an online survey platform that rewards members for sharing their opinions. With over 5 million members worldwide, LifePoints has paid out more than $20 million in rewards since its launch in 2019 (LifePoints, 2021). To start earning, simply sign up, complete your profile, and receive survey invitations via email. Earn points for each completed survey and redeem them for Walmart gift cards or other rewards. As a bonus, you‘ll receive 10 points just for signing up.
b. Survey Junkie
Survey Junkie is another popular online survey community where you can earn gift cards and cash for completing research activities. With an average rating of 4.3 stars on Trustpilot across 40,000+ reviews, Survey Junkie is a reliable platform to earn rewards (Trustpilot, 2021). According to Survey Junkie, the average survey completion time is 15 minutes, and the average points earned per survey is 45 (Survey Junkie, 2021). Sign up for free, complete your profile, and start sharing your opinions to earn points redeemable for Walmart gift cards.
c. Branded Surveys
Branded Surveys offers a fun way to get paid for your opinion while earning Walmart gift cards. With an average of 4.2 stars on Trustpilot across 67,000 reviews and over $33 million paid out to members, Branded Surveys is a trustworthy platform (Trustpilot, 2021). Branded Surveys reports that the average survey completion time is 10-20 minutes, and the average points earned per survey is 50-500 (Branded Surveys, 2021). Sign up for a free account, verify your email address, and receive a 100 points sign-up bonus. You can cash out your earnings as soon as you reach 500 points.
2. Loyalty Programs and Cashback Apps
Loyalty programs and cashback apps offer opportunities to earn rewards on your Walmart purchases, which can often be redeemed for Walmart gift cards. Here‘s a comparison of three popular options:
a. Ibotta
Ibotta is a cashback app that rewards users for shopping at various retailers, including Walmart. With over 35 million downloads and $860 million in cashback rewards paid out to users (Ibotta, 2021), Ibotta is a top choice for savvy shoppers. To earn cashback, simply browse the app for offers, complete the required actions (e.g., watching a video or taking a poll), and then scan your receipt after making a purchase. Cashback earned can be redeemed for Walmart gift cards once your balance reaches $20.
b. Rakuten
Rakuten, formerly known as Ebates, is a popular cashback and rewards platform that partners with over 2,500 stores, including Walmart. With over 12 million members and $1 billion in cashback paid out annually (Rakuten, 2021), Rakuten offers a seamless way to save on your online purchases. To earn cashback, simply start your shopping journey through the Rakuten website or app, and make a purchase at a participating store. Cashback is automatically credited to your account and can be redeemed for Walmart gift cards or other rewards every quarter.
c. Fetch Rewards
Fetch Rewards is a receipt scanning app that allows users to earn points on their grocery purchases, including those made at Walmart. With over 13 million active users and $100 million in rewards paid out (Fetch Rewards, 2021), Fetch Rewards is a popular choice for grocery shoppers. To earn points, simply scan your receipts after making a purchase. Points can be redeemed for Walmart gift cards and other rewards, with a minimum redemption threshold of $3.
3. Promotional Offers and Giveaways
Walmart and its partners frequently run promotional campaigns and giveaways that offer free gift cards as prizes. Here are a few examples of successful promotions:
a. Walmart‘s "Big Save" Event
In 2020, Walmart hosted a three-day "Big Save" event, offering deep discounts on top products and a chance to win one of 50 $500 Walmart gift cards (Walmart, 2020). The event generated significant buzz on social media, with over 100,000 mentions and a reach of 1.2 billion impressions (Sprout Social, 2020).
b. Coca-Cola‘s "Sip & Scan" Campaign
In 2019, Coca-Cola partnered with Walmart for a "Sip & Scan" campaign, where customers could scan QR codes on Coca-Cola products for a chance to win instant prizes, including Walmart gift cards (Coca-Cola, 2019). The campaign reportedly generated a 14% lift in sales for participating Coca-Cola products at Walmart stores (IRI, 2019).
4. Referral Programs
Referral programs allow users to earn rewards for inviting friends and family to join a platform or app. Some popular referral programs that offer Walmart gift cards include:
a. Ibotta
Ibotta‘s referral program allows users to earn $10 for each friend they refer who signs up and redeems their first offer (Ibotta, 2021). With an average of 3 referrals per user (Ibotta, 2021), this can quickly add up to significant earnings in Walmart gift cards.
b. Rakuten
Rakuten‘s referral program offers a $10 bonus for each friend who signs up and makes a qualifying purchase of $25 or more (Rakuten, 2021). This bonus is paid out in cash, which can then be redeemed for Walmart gift cards.
The Psychology of Gift Card Usage
Research has shown that using gift cards can have a significant impact on consumer spending habits. A study by First Data found that shoppers with gift cards spend an average of $59 more than the value of the card (First Data, 2018). This phenomenon, known as the "spillover effect," demonstrates that gift cards not only provide a perceived discount but also encourage additional spending.
Furthermore, a survey by the National Retail Federation found that 65% of respondents said receiving a gift card incentivizes them to visit a store more often (NRF, 2020). This suggests that Walmart gift cards can effectively drive foot traffic and increase customer loyalty.
Environmental Impact and Digital Gift Card Initiatives
While gift cards offer convenience and flexibility for shoppers, they also contribute to environmental waste. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, an estimated 2.6 billion gift cards are sold annually in the United States, resulting in thousands of tons of plastic waste (EPA, 2019).
In response to growing environmental concerns, Walmart has taken steps to promote digital gift card options. By encouraging customers to purchase and redeem gift cards through the Walmart app or website, the company aims to reduce the demand for physical cards and minimize its environmental footprint.
Tips for Maximizing Savings with Walmart Gift Cards
In addition to the methods outlined above for obtaining free Walmart gift cards, here are some tips and real-life examples for maximizing your savings:
Combine gift cards with sales and discounts for even greater savings. For example, if you have a $50 Walmart gift card and a 20% off coupon, you can purchase $62.50 worth of merchandise for free.
Use Walmart gift cards to purchase other discounted gift cards for restaurants, entertainment, or travel. Walmart often offers discounted gift cards for popular brands, allowing you to stretch your gift card value even further.
Take advantage of Walmart‘s price matching policy to ensure you‘re getting the best deal. If you find a lower price on an identical item at another retailer, Walmart will match the price, allowing you to use your gift card for maximum value.
Download the Walmart app for exclusive offers and early access to deals. The app often features promotions and discounts that can be combined with gift cards for additional savings.
Addressing Concerns and Misconceptions
While the idea of free Walmart gift cards may seem too good to be true, it‘s important to note that legitimate opportunities do exist. However, it‘s crucial to exercise caution and avoid falling for scams or fraudulent offers. Here are some tips to help you stay safe:
Be wary of unsolicited emails or messages claiming to offer free gift cards. These are often phishing attempts designed to steal your personal information.
Avoid clicking on suspicious links or downloading attachments from unknown sources, as these may contain malware or viruses.
If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is. Legitimate gift card offers typically require some form of effort or participation, such as completing surveys or making purchases.
Always verify the legitimacy of a website or platform before providing any personal information or engaging with an offer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Walmart gift cards provide a convenient and flexible way to save money on your everyday purchases. By exploring the various methods to obtain free Walmart gift cards, such as online survey platforms, loyalty programs, promotional giveaways, and referral bonuses, you can stretch your budget further while enjoying the benefits of shopping at the world‘s largest retailer.
As Walmart continues to adapt to changing consumer needs and technological advancements, the use of gift cards is likely to evolve even further. With the rise of digital wallets and mobile payment options, shoppers can expect more seamless and eco-friendly ways to purchase and redeem Walmart gift cards in the future.
By staying informed about legitimate gift card offers, maximizing your savings through strategic use, and taking advantage of Walmart‘s price matching and exclusive app promotions, you can become a savvy shopper and make the most of your Walmart gift cards in 2024 and beyond. Happy shopping!
