Activating a Walmart gift card is a necessary process that enables the recipient to use the card’s stored value for purchases at Walmart stores, online at Walmart.com, or at Sam’s Club locations. This procedure ensures the card’s security and validates its monetary value. Without activation, the card remains unusable. Consider it similar to validating a check before it can be cashed.
Activation is a critical step, providing a layer of security against theft or fraud. It also ensures the card is correctly linked to the Walmart system, allowing for balance tracking and usage. Historically, gift card activation was a manual process, but advancements in technology have streamlined and simplified this process.