William Lipovsky
You can buy Dollar General gift cards in stores (but not online) using cash, a credit card, a debit card, or a personal check.[1][2]
You can also reload and reuse many of these gift cards.[1][2][3]
Below, I explain Dollar General’s gift card policies, including what you need to know when purchasing or using a gift card.
Dollar General Gift Card Policy
Dollar General sells its gift cards at store locations only, not on its website. You can purchase a Dollar General gift card at any of its stores nationwide.[1][2]
You can buy them for any denomination from $5 to $250.[1][2]
I spoke with customer service representatives at Dollar General stores in Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin, as well as corporate representatives, to find out more about its gift card policies.
Buying a Gift Card
You can use almost any form of payment that Dollar General accepts to purchase its gift cards, including cash, personal checks, debit cards, and credit cards.[1][2]
However, you can’t use a gift card to purchase a gift card.[1][2]
Note that there are no additional fees for buying gift cards.[1][2]
Activation
At the time of purchase, an associate will remove the label over the barcode to activate the card.[1]
Tip: Dollar General also sells a variety of third-party gift cards, including Amazon, Starbucks, and Visa. Unlike Dollar General’s own gift cards, these are available both in stores and on the retailer’s website. Be aware that monetary gift cards like Visa require an activation fee (usually around $5).[1][4]
Returns
All gift card sales at Dollar General are final; you can’t return a gift card or get a refund.[1]
Using a Gift Card
Dollar General gift cards never expire, so you can use them any time after purchase.[1]
You can use them to pay for purchases on Dollar General’s website, as well as at any Dollar General store.[1]
Restrictions
You can’t use a Dollar General gift card to pay for DG GO! mobile checkout or DG Pickup orders; you’ll need to pay for your purchase at the register.[1][5]
There are also a few particular items you can’t buy with a gift card:[1]
- Alcohol and tobacco products
- Dairy products
- Financial services, such as money transfers and bill payments
- Lottery tickets
- Prepaid cards and other gift cards
- Any other items prohibited by state law
Additionally, you can’t get cash back using a gift card.[1]
The only exception to this policy is if your state requires stores to allow customers to cash out partially used gift cards. See more on getting cash from a gift card.
Checking Your Balance
You can check your gift card balance by phone at (844) 601-8030, by presenting your card at the register at any Dollar General location, or on the Dollar General website.[6][1]
Reloading
Many Dollar General gift cards are reloadable and reusable.[1][2][3]
You’ll need to check the gift card’s terms and conditions or the print on the front of the card to find out if it’s reloadable.[1][3]
FAQ
No, you can’t buy gift cards with DG Cash.[5]
No, you can’t pay with DG GO! in stores or buy gift cards for store pickup (online or in the Dollar General app). You must buy gift cards at the register since they require activation.[1][5]
Although you can load a Netspend card at Dollar General, you can’t use a Dollar General gift card to load funds.[1]
In Summary
Many Dollar General gift cards are reloadable and reusable, although you can’t return them.[2][3]
You can pick one up at any Dollar General store. Gift cards aren’t available on Dollar General’s website.[1]
You can purchase a gift card with any payment type accepted by Dollar General, except for another gift card.[1][2]
Note, however, that there are some items you can’t purchase with a Dollar General gift card, such as alcohol, tobacco products, and dairy products.[1]
You’re more than welcome to share any questions or thoughts that come to mind about Dollar General’s gift card policy in the comments section below.
Purchased a Wendy’s gift card from Dollar General, it did not work, took back to store with receipt, clerk said nothing they can or will do about it, even went as far of accusing me of stealing card.
They refused to load the card, I am out the money. I was told call number on back of card, no number on back of card….They are telling me it’s a 50-50 chance. If the card does not get loaded properly, I’m just SOL….??? This have never happened before. The Dollar General in essence just stole my money!
Marcie, that sounds like a frustrating experience. Were you able to speak with a manager at the store? It might be worthwhile to visit again or call the store and ask to speak with the manager. You can also try contacting Wendy’s at (888) 624-8140 or Dollar General’s corporate customer service line at (800) 678-9258. I hope you’re able to resolve the issue with your gift card!
I’ve entered a Dollar General with a gift card and was told I could not use it. I paid money on a card that I cannot use for alcohol, tobacco, dairy products and other issues. What’s what is this? Why am I giving you money for something that I can using your store. I sure would like an answer. And the policy says no restrictions. I read it in your policy. You have it on here, no exclusions, is what it sure would like an ansure.
Samuel, thank you for sharing your experience and bringing this to my attention. I looked into it further and found that you can’t buy the following items with a gift card at Dollar General: alcohol, tobacco, dairy products, financial services (like money transfers), lottery tickets, prepaid cards, or other gift cards. I’ve updated the post to include these restrictions.