William Lipovsky
Short Answer — Some locations of popular stores like Walmart, CVS, and Target allow you to purchase gift cards at a self-checkout kiosk. At these stores, gift cards generally automatically activate once your transaction is complete or with the assistance of a store associate.
Can You Buy Gift Cards at Self-Checkout?
When you’re in a rush or concerned about waiting in a long checkout line, it’s helpful to know where you can buy gift cards at self-checkout.
While you can buy most items at store self-checkout lanes, gift cards aren’t always allowed because they may require activation.[1][2]
Some stores do allow shoppers to buy and activate gift cards at self-checkout; we list these retailers below and explain what to expect during the checkout process.
Activation Process
Gift cards are generally activated when scanned and paid for at self-checkout.[3] However, some gift cards and prepaid cards, such as Mastercard- and Visa-branded cards, may require activation online or by phone.[4][5]
To do this, you will need to provide the 16-digit card number and security code found on the back of the card.[4][6]
You can find specific instructions on the back of individual gift cards and prepaid cards.[7][6]
Stores Where You Can Buy Gift Cards at Self-Checkout
We contacted customer service representatives from major U.S. retail chains to find out more about their policies for gift card transactions at self-checkout registers.
Note, however, that some companies may have stores without self-checkout, and store policies may vary by location.
Albertsons
- Checkout process: An Albertsons store associate will have to assist with the self-checkout purchase of gift cards;[8][9] check out the list of Albertsons gift cards.
- Find a store
BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Checkout process: A BJ’s Wholesale Club associate will need to approve the purchase of gift cards through self-checkout.[10]
- Find a store
Costco
- Checkout process: You’ll grab a “pull card” located near the checkout lanes, which you’ll scan along with any other items. Once the purchase is complete, an associate will switch it out for the actual gift card. Costco does not sell prepaid cards and all gift cards have predetermined amounts.[11][12]
- Find a store
CVS
- Checkout process: Scan and pay for gift cards just as you would any other item. For cards without a predetermined value, you will input the amount you wish to purchase when prompted. A CVS associate may have to approve the sale, depending on the card and the amount.[13]
- Find a store
Check out our list of gift cards sold at CVS.
The Home Depot
- Checkout process: A store associate will have to come assist with gift card purchases at self-checkout.[14]
- Find a store
Check out the list of gift cards sold at The Home Depot.
Kroger
- Checkout process: Scan and pay for gift cards just like any other item. If you’re buying a card without a predetermined value, you’ll input the amount you wish to purchase when prompted. You cannot purchase prepaid cards through self-checkout.[15][16]
- Find a store
Check out our list of gift cards sold at Kroger.
Lowe’s
- Checkout process: You will scan and pay for gift cards just as you would any other item. If the card doesn’t have a predetermined value, you will input the amount you wish to purchase when prompted. A Lowe’s associate may have to approve the sale, depending on the card and the amount.[17]
- Find a store
Publix
- Checkout process: A Publix associate will have to assist with the self-checkout purchase of gift cards.[18] Check out the list of gift cards at Publix.
- Find a store
Sam’s Club
- Checkout process: You can usually purchase gift cards through self-checkout and in the Sam’s Club Scan and Go app. However, purchase limits and restrictions may vary by location or gift card brand.[19] An error message will appear in the app if your gift cards aren’t eligible for Scan & Go purchase.[20] You can call your local store or visit the customer service desk to find out about limits at self-checkout lanes.[21]
- Find a store
Target
- Checkout process: Scan and pay for gift cards just as you would do for any other item. For cards that don’t have a predetermined value, you will be asked to input the amount you wish to purchase.[22]
- Find a store
Check out our list of gift cards sold at Target.
Walmart
- Checkout process: The policy varies by store, but at most Walmart locations, you can scan and pay for gift cards like any other item.[23][3] A Walmart associate can help you if activation fails or you’re purchasing a card without a predetermined value and need to input the amount.[3]
- Find a store
Check out our list of gift cards sold at Walmart.
Whole Foods Market
- Checkout process: A Whole Foods Market associate will need to come to the self-checkout register to assist with gift card purchases.[24]
- Find a store
Stores Where You Can’t Buy Gift Cards at Self-Checkout
We spoke with customer service representatives from the following stores, and they advised me that their stores don’t allow customers to purchase gift cards at self-checkout.
I just attempted to purchase gift cards at both Sam’s Club and Walmart, and both stores informed me that gift cards CANNOT be purchased activated at self-check out or by Scan & Go, and that a cashier would need to do it. This was for both a store card as well as a restaurant gift card.
Hello, J! Thanks for sharing your experience. I’m sorry to hear you had trouble purchasing the cards you wanted! I contacted a few additional store locations and found that the ability to activate gift cards at self-checkout does vary, and that the Scan & Go app has some restrictions. I’ve updated the post to clarify this.