Buy Gift Cards at Self Checkout: Policies and Tips for Major Retailers

You might wonder if you can buy gift cards at self-checkout. The answer depends on where you shop. walmart usually lets you purchase gift cards at self-checkout, but some retailers have different rules. You may find that one checkout allows you to purchase a card, while another does not. Some retailers, like walmart, make it easy to buy gift cards with a quick purchase at self-checkout. Always check with the store before you purchase, since policies can change between retailers and even between walmart locations.

Key Takeaways

• Many stores let you buy gift cards at self-checkout, but rules vary by retailer and location, so always check before you shop.

• Scan your gift card barcode at self-checkout and follow the on-screen instructions to pay and activate your card quickly.

• Some stores limit how many gift cards you can buy or require staff help for large amounts or special cards to prevent fraud.

• Keep your receipt after buying gift cards; it helps you check balances and fix problems if the card does not activate.

• If you have trouble at self-checkout, ask a store employee for help to ensure your gift card purchase goes smoothly and safely.

Buy Gift Cards at Self-Checkout

General Rules

You can often buy gift cards at self-checkout in many stores. Most retailers want to make your shopping experience quick and easy. When you walk up to the self-checkout kiosks, you usually find a scanner and a payment terminal. You just need to scan the gift card like any other item. The screen will show you the price, and you can move on to payment.

Here are some general steps you might follow:

1. Pick out the gift card you want to buy.

2. Go to the self-checkout area.

3. Scan the card at the self-checkout system.

4. Follow the prompts on the screen.

5. Pay for your purchase using your preferred method.

Tip: Always check the screen for any special instructions. Some self-checkout systems may ask you to call for help if there is a problem with the card.

Retailers design these checkout systems to handle most purchases, including gift cards. You can usually finish your purchase in just a few minutes.

Restrictions

Not every store lets you buy gift cards at self-checkout. Some retailers set limits to prevent fraud or mistakes. You might see a message on the screen that says you need help from a cashier. Sometimes, the checkout will not let you scan the card at all.

Common restrictions include:

• Age limits for certain gift cards (like prepaid Visa or Mastercard).

• Limits on the number of gift cards you can purchase in one transaction.

• Payment method restrictions (some stores do not allow you to use self-checkout for gift cards if you pay with cash).

• Activation issues that require a staff member to assist you.

If you run into trouble, just ask a staff member for help. They can guide you through the process or direct you to a regular checkout.

Retailer Policies

Walmart Gift Cards

You can buy walmart gift cards at most self-checkout lanes. When you want to use a walmart gift card as payment, select "Gift card" on the screen. Then, swipe your physical card or scan the barcode from your phone. Sometimes, the system will ask you to enter your PIN to confirm the payment. You can use more than one walmart gift card in a single transaction. If your total is higher than your card's balance, just pay the rest with another method.

Walmart does not always make it clear if you can purchase new walmart gift cards at self-checkout. Some stores allow you to do this, while others may require you to visit a staffed register. If you run into trouble, ask an employee for help. Always check your walmart gift card balance before you shop, so you know how much you can spend. You can also use egift cards at walmart, both online and in-store.

🛒 Tip: If you want to buy gift cards for friends or family, check if your local walmart allows self-checkout for these purchases. Policies can change between locations.

Target

Target lets you buy gift cards at self-checkout. You can add Target egift cards to your account or the Target app. When you check out, scan any coupons in your Wallet first. Then, scan your Wallet barcode and press pay. You can pick which egift cards you want to use during the transaction.

Sometimes, Target's self-checkout will trigger extra security. You might hear loud beeping or see blinking lights. The screen could show a "monitoring in progress" message. This does not mean you did anything wrong. Target just wants to keep your purchase safe. If you need help, ask a team member nearby.

Kroger

Kroger makes it easy to buy gift cards at self-checkout. You can purchase up to $1,999.99 in gift cards at the register or self-checkout without needing a cashier. Some stores, like Smith's Food and Drug, require a cashier override for purchases over $500.01. Kroger sets brand-specific limits, too. For example, you can only buy up to $1,000 in BestBuy cards every 10 minutes, and $500 in Apple cards per transaction.

Some Kroger employees may follow their own rules, so being friendly can help if you run into issues. Always check your egift card balance before you shop.

CVS

CVS allows you to buy gift cards at self-checkout, but there are strict limits. You can only purchase four cards in a 24-hour period. Each card has a $250 maximum load at self-checkout, and you cannot get a manager override for higher amounts. The system does not scan your ID at self-checkout, but it still tracks your purchases. Even if you cancel a transaction, it counts toward your daily limit.

• You must use a regular register and scan your driver's license if you want to buy $300 or more, or if you want to buy multiple cards.

• Once you scan your license, you cannot buy more gift cards for 24 hours.

• CVS sets a rolling limit of $2,000 (sometimes $1,000) in card value per 24 hours.

• You can use up to seven payment methods per transaction.

• Some stores require ID for large purchases, but self-checkout does not.

If you try to buy more than the limit, the system will stop you. Sometimes, the register may freeze or show errors if you scan your ID for multiple prepaid cards. Always check your egift card balance before you leave the store.

Walgreens

Walgreens lets you buy gift cards at self-checkout in many locations. You can pick up a card, scan it, and pay just like any other item. Some stores may limit the number of cards or the total amount you can buy in one visit. If you want to buy a large amount or special types of cards, you may need to go to a regular checkout. Walgreens also offers egift cards, which you can use online or in the app. Always check your balance before you shop.

💡 Note: If you have trouble with activation or payment, ask a Walgreens team member for help.

Costco

Costco does not allow you to buy gift cards at self-checkout. Only members can purchase or reload Costco Shop Cards, and you must use a staffed register. If you try to buy a gift card at self-checkout, the system will stop the transaction and call for a manager. You can use a Shop Card to pay at self-checkout, but you cannot buy one there. Costco enforces these rules to make sure only members can buy or reload gift cards.

Other Retailers

Many other retailers have their own rules for buying gift cards at self-checkout. Grocery stores often let you buy gift cards, but they may limit the types or amounts. Some stores, like Sam's Club, require you to use a staffed register for all gift card purchases. Pharmacies and convenience stores may ask for ID or limit the number of cards you can buy. Always check the store's policy before you try to buy gift cards at self-checkout. If you want to use an egift card, make sure the store accepts it and check your balance before you pay.

How to Buy Gift Cards

Scanning

When you want to buy a gift card at self-checkout, start by picking out the card you want. You might choose walmart gift cards, an egift card, or another brand. Walk up to the self-checkout machine and scan the barcode on the back of the card. The screen will show the amount for your purchase. If you have more than one card, scan each one before you move to payment. Some stores, like walmart, let you scan multiple cards in one transaction. Always check the screen for any special instructions. If you see an error or the card will not scan, ask a staff member for help.

Payment

After you scan your gift cards, you need to pay for your purchase. At walmart, you can use several payment options at self-checkout. Here are some common walmart payment methods:

• Debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)

• Credit cards

• Cash

• EBT cards for eligible items

• Walmart gift cards

• Walmart Pay through the app

You cannot use digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay at walmart self-checkout. If you want to use walmart gift cards to pay, just scan or swipe them at the payment screen. You can also check your balance before you pay, so you know how much you have left. If your card does not cover the full amount, pay the rest with another method.

💡 Tip: Always keep your receipt after checkout. It helps if you need to check your balance or fix a problem later.

Activation

Gift card activation happens right at the self-checkout when you pay. The system will activate your walmart gift cards or egift cards as soon as your purchase goes through. You should get a receipt that shows your cards are active. Sometimes, a staff member may need to help with activation, especially if the machine asks for it. To make sure your card works, check the balance online or in the store. You can also try a small purchase to see if the card is active. If you have any trouble, ask for help at customer service.

🛒 Note: Always confirm your card is active before you leave the store. This step can save you time and stress later.

Tips and Troubleshooting

Tips

Want to make your self-checkout experience smooth when buying gift cards? Try these tips to avoid problems and keep your money safe:

1. Always check the gift card and its packaging before you buy. Look for any signs of tampering, like broken seals, strange stickers, or scratched-off areas.

2. Pick gift cards from the middle of the rack. Cards on the ends are easier for scammers to reach.

3. After you finish at self-checkout, compare the barcode number on your receipt with the one on your gift card. They should match. This helps you know the right card got activated.

4. Use only the phone number or website printed on the card to check your balance. This keeps you away from scams.

5. Treat gift cards like cash. Keep them safe and watch for any strange activity.

6. At walmart, always double-check your receipt before you leave. If you see any issues, ask for help right away.

7. If you want extra safety, buy gift cards at the customer service desk instead of the regular checkout area.

8. Make sure the card’s expiration date is good and there are no fake activation stickers.

🛒 Tip: Self-checkout can help you avoid cashier scams. At walmart and other big stores, using self-checkout gives you more control over your purchase.

Troubleshooting

Sometimes, things go wrong at self-checkout. Maybe your gift card does not activate, or the machine gives you an error. Here’s what you can do:

• First, check that you scanned the card the right way. If the card will not scan, ask a staff member for help.

• If the card fails to activate, make sure the barcode and magnetic stripe look normal. Some cards need you to select “gift card” on the payment screen before swiping.

• At walmart, if the terminal asks you to pick a card type, choose “gift card.” If you still have trouble, the machine might need a quick reboot or a setting change. Staff can help with this.

• If your checkout experience freezes or the system will not process your card, do not panic. Go to customer service. Major retailers like walmart or Stop & Shop will often replace a bad gift card with a new one if you show your receipt.

• Always keep your receipt. It is your proof if you need help later.

💡 Note: If you ever feel stuck, ask for help right away. Staff at walmart and other stores want your checkout experience to be easy and safe.

Buying gift cards at self-checkout gives you speed and control, especially at stores like walmart and Schnucks. You can grab a walmart gift card, scan it, and pay in minutes. Always check each store’s policy, since limits and rules change. Here are some best practices:

• Confirm activation before leaving walmart or any store.

• Keep your receipt for every walmart gift card purchase.

• Watch for clear success messages at walmart self-checkout.

• Track your balances and use cards before they expire.

• Ask for help at walmart if you see an error or need support.

🛒 Remember, self-checkout at walmart works best when you stay alert and follow these tips.

FAQ

Can you buy any type of gift card at self-checkout?

You can buy most store and brand gift cards at self-checkout. Some cards, like prepaid Visa or Mastercard, may need a cashier. Always check the rack or ask an employee if you are unsure.

What should you do if your gift card does not activate?

If your card does not activate, keep your receipt. Go to customer service right away. Show them your card and receipt. They can help fix the problem or give you a new card.

Can you use cash to buy gift cards at self-checkout?

You can use cash at many self-checkouts, but some stores only allow cards for gift card purchases. Look for signs near the machine or ask a staff member before you start.

Is there a limit to how many gift cards you can buy at once?

• Most stores set limits on gift card purchases.

• You might only buy a few cards per visit.

• Some stores also limit the total dollar amount.

• Ask a worker if you want to buy many cards.

Do you need to show ID to buy a gift card?

You usually do not need ID for small amounts. If you buy a large amount or certain types of cards, the store may ask for your ID. This helps prevent fraud and keeps you safe.

See Also

Common Causes And Fixes For Self-Checkout Cash Mistakes

Understanding Frequent Self-Checkout Issues Experienced At Walmart

Walgreens Self-Checkout: Benefits And Obstacles In Modern Retail

How Walmart Plus Membership Enhances Self-Checkout Experience

Upcoming Changes To Walmart Self-Checkout Access In 2025