Are you tired of feeling like your online shopping isn’t quite as affordable as you hoped? Do you constantly search for discount codes, only to feel frustrated when they either expire quickly or don’t apply to the items you actually want? Many shoppers miss out on significant savings simply because they aren’t utilizing all available strategies. This post will reveal a powerful technique – strategically combining Walmart gift cards with other discount codes – that can dramatically increase your savings while shopping online at Walmart, helping you get more bang for your buck.
Understanding the Power of Walmart Gift Cards
Walmart gift cards are a fantastic way to control your spending and guarantee you’ll only purchase items within their vast catalog. They offer flexibility because they can be used on almost everything sold at Walmart, from groceries and electronics to clothing and home goods. A key advantage is that they often don’t expire, providing a long-term savings vehicle. According to Walmart’s own data, over 70 percent of shoppers use gift cards for their purchases, indicating a widespread appreciation for this convenient payment method. This makes them a valuable tool when combined with other discount strategies.
Why Gift Cards Are Beneficial
- Control Spending: You pre-determine how much you’ll spend.
- Flexibility: Useable on almost all Walmart products.
- No Expiration Dates: Most gift cards don’t expire, offering long-term value.
- Easy Gift Giving: Perfect for birthdays and holidays.
Maximizing Savings with Discount Codes
Discount codes are the holy grail of online shoppers. They represent immediate savings on specific items or categories. However, many people only look for one code at a time, failing to realize that stacking multiple codes can lead to substantially larger discounts. Walmart frequently offers promotional codes through their website, email newsletters, and social media channels. Don’t just check one place; diversify your search.
Where to Find Walmart Discount Codes
- Walmart Website: Check the “Deals” section regularly.
- Walmart Emails: Sign up for their email list for exclusive offers.
- Social Media: Follow Walmart on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
- Coupon Websites: Sites like RetailMeNot, Coupons.com, and Honey often aggregate Walmart codes.
- Browser Extensions: Install browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten that automatically search for and apply discount codes.
The Strategic Combination: Gift Cards + Discount Codes
This is where the real savings potential lies. The key is to strategically layer your discounts. Start by using a gift card for a significant portion of your purchase, then apply a discount code to the remaining balance. This maximizes the impact of both offers. For example, if you’re buying a $100 item and have a $50 Walmart gift card, you can use the gift card first, reducing the amount you pay with your own funds. Then, search for a 10% discount code – that’s an additional $10 savings! This technique is particularly effective during major sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.
Case Study: Sarah’s Smart Savings
Sarah wanted to buy a new laptop for her college courses. She had a $100 Walmart gift card and diligently searched for discount codes. She found a 5% off coupon code for laptops through Honey. Applying the gift card first brought the initial price down, and then applying the 5% coupon reduced it further. She saved approximately $15 on her purchase – a significant difference compared to just using the gift card alone or relying solely on one coupon.
Step-by-Step Guide: Combining Gift Cards and Codes
- Start with the Gift Card: Always use your gift card first.
- Find Relevant Discount Codes: Search for codes specifically applicable to the items you’re buying. Look at categories, not just individual products.
- Apply Codes in Order of Magnitude: Start with the largest discount code and then apply smaller ones.
- Check the Total: Ensure the combined discounts result in a substantial savings.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: Try different combinations to see what yields the best results.
Specific Examples & Tactics
Using Gift Cards During Black Friday and Cyber Monday
Black Friday and Cyber Monday are prime opportunities for both gift card discounts and promotional codes. Walmart frequently offers gift cards as part of their doorbuster deals, and they also release numerous discount codes leading up to these events. Many retailers offer bonus percentage discounts when you use a gift card – this is a critical strategy to master during peak shopping periods. Remember to check the terms and conditions of both the gift card and the code before applying them.
Stacking Gift Cards with Store Promotions
Walmart regularly runs in-store promotions that can be combined with online discounts. For example, if you’re buying a television during a promotional period where you get free shipping and a discount on extended warranties, you can still use your gift card to cover the base price of the TV.
Leveraging Loyalty Programs
Walmart+ subscribers often receive exclusive discounts and promotions. If you have a Walmart+ membership, be sure to check for any additional offers that can be combined with your gift card and discount codes. The loyalty program itself can offer savings on shipping and other services.
Advanced Strategies & Considerations
Gift Card Resale
While not directly related to stacking discounts, reselling unused gift cards can generate extra income. Websites like Raise and Gift Card Granny allow you to sell your unwanted gift cards for a percentage of their face value. This allows you to recoup some of the money spent on the gift card, effectively increasing your savings potential.
Expiration Dates – A Crucial Factor
Always carefully check the expiration dates of both your gift cards and discount codes. Expired offers are useless. Walmart’s website typically displays the expiration date for each gift card prominently. For discount codes, make sure to note the validity period before applying them.
Terms & Conditions – Read Carefully
Before using any gift card or discount code, thoroughly read the terms and conditions associated with both offers. Some codes may have restrictions on eligible products, minimum purchase requirements, or expiration dates. Ignoring these terms can lead to disappointment. Understanding the fine print is key to successful couponing.
Conclusion
Stacking Walmart gift cards with other discount codes represents a powerful and effective strategy for maximizing your savings when shopping online at Walmart. By understanding how to strategically combine these offers, you can significantly reduce your spending and get more value from every purchase. Don’t just buy; *smartly shop*! Implementing the techniques discussed in this post will transform your online shopping experience into a rewarding adventure of savings.
Key Takeaways
- Combine Walmart gift cards with discount codes for maximum savings.
- Search for offers across multiple platforms (Walmart website, email, social media).
- Always check expiration dates and terms & conditions.
- Consider reselling unused gift cards to recoup some of the cost.
FAQs
- Can I use a Walmart gift card on digital purchases? Yes, you can use your gift card for both in-store and online purchases.
- How do I redeem a Walmart gift card online? During checkout, select “Gift Card” as your payment method and enter the gift card code.
- Are there any restrictions on using gift cards? Generally, you can use gift cards on most items sold at Walmart, but some exclusions may apply (e.g., gift cards themselves).
- How do I find discount codes for Walmart products? Check the Walmart website, email newsletters, social media channels, and coupon websites like RetailMeNot.
