Walmart Return Hours: Here’s Exactly How It Works

Updated November 8, 2024 by Kyle James
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I’ve talked a lot about the Walmart return policy in the past but have you ever wondered what the actual Walmart return hours are? Their return hours actually changed when COVID hit and it looks like their “new” hours are here to stay. We also answer when is the best time to make a return to avoid the crowd, and how long it takes for you to get your money back.

Walmart Return Hours: Here's Exactly How It Works

What Are the Walmart Return Hours?

6 a.m. – 11 p.m. is typical, but not the rule anymore.

The majority of Walmart stores have return hours between 6 a.m. – 11 p.m. which match their regular store hours.

There are some exceptions to this as certain stores don’t open until 7 a.m., and many close their returns as early as 8 p.m..

Also, many Walmart return desks close early on Sundays, often by 6 p.m.

To be 100% safe, check the hours of your local store by using the Walmart store finder.

See Also: Debunking Walmart Shopping Myths (Some of Which Are Hilarious)

Where In The Store Do I Go to Make a Return?

The Customer Service counter is where you’ll want to go to make your in-store return.

This is typically located near the front of Walmart or near the side entrance.

Do Any Walmart Stores Have 24/7 Return Hours?

No.

During the COVID pandemic, Walmart made the decision to limit store hours and not have any stores open 24/7.

And it appears they have no plans to make stores 24/7 again.

Thus you won’t be able to make any more of those late night returns when the store is practically empty.

Can I Make a Return After Money Center Closes?

Yes.

Most Money Centers at Walmart close at 8 p.m..

But that’s not a problem when making a return, as the customer service desk stays open to accept your return until the store closes.

See Also: A Clever Workaround to Use Apple Pay at Walmart

When is the Best Time to Make a Return?

If at all possible, go early and avoid the weekends.

If you can arrive before 8 a.m. on a Monday, Tuesday, or Wednesday you’ll be able to make your return VERY quickly.

If you go on a Saturday or Sunday in the middle of the day, expect a LONG line at most Walmart stores.

How Long Will It Take to Get My Refund?

Up to 10 business days. (according to Walmart)

In many cases, it does not take 10 full business days to get the money back to your credit card, according to current employee Felicia, it’s usually more like 3-4 days.

I was also surprised that a Walmart rep told me it takes up to 10 business days for a debit card return. whereas Felicia said 2-4 days is more accurate.

Have any of you made a return on their debit card?

How long did it take for your return to process and for the money to show up in your bank account?

Also, it’s worth noting the EBT returns are immediately placed back on your EBT card.

How Long Do Online Returns Take to Process?

5- 7 business days.

Once Walmart receives your return in the mail, and they process it, you can expect to get your refund (to your credit card) in 5-7 business days.

Can I Make a Return After Hours?

No.

You are beholden to the store hours of your local Walmart as to when you can make a return.

See Also: 45+ Stores That Offer FREE Shipping on Christmas Shopping

Can I Make a Return at a Checkout Aisle?

No.

Once I was trying to make a return, and there was a long line at the customer service desk and I decided to try and make my return at a regular checkout line.

There was nobody in line so I figured it was worth a shot, unfortunately the cashier was NOT able to help me and directed me to the back of the line at the customer service center.

Ask the Reader: Did you ever shop and make late night returns at Walmart back when they were open 24/7? I did it a couple times and it was the best Walmart shopping experience I ever had.


By Kyle James

Photo credit to Walmart Corporate.

The Gas Stations That Take Apple Pay (and Other Ways to Save)

Updated October 28, 2024 by Kyle James
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It finally happened to me just this morning…my gas tank was really low and it hit me like a ton of brinks that I forgot my wallet at home. I had a moment of panic until I realized I could simply pull into a nearby Chevron gas station and use Apple Pay via my iPhone to fill up my tank. It couldn’t have been easier. The COVID pandemic definitely accelerated the adoption of this technology as many gas stations realized customers loved the idea of not having to touch any buttons. Here are the 21 major gas stations that take Apple Pay, I hope this list helps you decide where to buy your next tank of gas.

The Gas Stations Accept Apple Pay

First of All…How Do I Use Apple Pay at the Pump?

Here are the 4 easy steps to make it happen:

1. Make sure the gas pump has the Apple Pay icon or Contactless Reader symbol on it.

2. Double-click the side button on your iPhone (or use your Apple Watch) and either enter your passcode or use Face ID to authenticate.

3. Hold your iPhone near or over the Contactless Reader.

4. Follow the instructions on the pump to complete the purchase.

Without further ado, here are all the major gas stations in the U.S. that take Apple Pay.

1. 7/11

While 7/11 absolutely takes Apple Pay, you’ll need to use it in the store when filling your gas tank.

There is no option to use Apple Pay at the actual gas pump at most stations.

You must go in the store to pay so you might as well grab a Slurpee and Slim Jim too.

PRO TIP: ALWAYS OPT FOR CARD TAP

Even if you don’t have Apple Pay setup, you should ALWAYS tap your credit card rather than sliding it or inserting your chip. Aside from paying with cash, tapping is by far the safest way to pay as you’ll avoid credit card skimming thieves that can steal your information when you slide your card or insert it.

2. ARCO

You can pay with Apple Pay at ALL Arco gas stations.

But keep in mind that Arco doesn’t take credit cards, only debit cards.

So make sure your debit card is linked to your Apple Wallet and select it as your preferred payment method when using Apple Pay.

3. BP/Amoco

According to the BPme app you can use Apple Pay at all gas BP/Amoco stations.

Also, double dip your savings by using the app to earn rewards good for discounted gas in the future.

See Also: Find Cheap Gas Near You (8 Ways To Make it Happen)

4. Casey’s General Store

The Midwest gas and convenience store, Casey’s, added the technology to be able to accept Apple Pay at all gas stations back in October of 2021.

I have fond memories of buying candy from Casey’s on my summer trips to Nebraska to visit my grandparents.

5. Chevron

You can use Apple Pay or the Chevron app to pay for your gasoline both in-store and at the pump.

It’s worth noting that the Chevron app does NOT allow you to sync your Apple Pay to it, at least not yet.

6. Circle K

All Circle K gas stations accept Apple Pay at the pump.

You can also enter the store and buy your snacks and drinks and pay with Apple Pay at the checkout register.

7. CITGO

Located in more than 30 states, CITGO is proud to offer customers the convenience of using Apple Pay at most locations.

CITGO is also one of the few gas stations that has pumps that are Amazon Alexa enabled.

You literally just say “Alexa, pay for gas” on your smartphone, confirm the pump number that you’re using, and the payment will be deducted form your Amazon account.

8. Conoco

Many Conoco stations accept Apple Pay these days.

When you pull up to the pump, just look for the contactless reader or Apple Pay sticker and you’ll be good to go.

9. Costco

As long as a Visa card is tied to your Apple Wallet, you can use Apple Pay at all Costco gas stations starting at 6:00 am everyday of the week.

Keep in mind that you MUST be a Costco member to use their gas stations.

The only exception to this is if you’re using a Costco Shop Card to fill up your tank.

See Also: 7 Smart Tips You GOTTA Know About Costco Gas Prices

10. Exxon Mobil

All Exxon Mobil locations in the U.S. accept Apple Pay.

Most Exxon Mobil pumps are also Amazon Alexa enabled, so just say “Alexa, pay for gas” on your smartphone and you’ll quickly pay via the Amazon Alexa app.

11. Love’s Travel Stops

Back in 2020, Love’s introduced a slew of new contactless payment options including Apple Pay at all pumps, as well as inside the store.

They also added Samsung Pay and Google Pay.

12. Marathon

Some, but not all, Marathon gas stations have the technology in place to accept Apple Pay.

As long as the pump has the contactless symbol you can use your iPhone to fill your tank.

13. Philips 66

Philips 66 is proud to announce that they take Apple Pay at all their gas stations.

You can also download the My Philips 66 app and use it to pay for gas as well.

14. RaceTrac

RaceTrac gas stations are located in the South and they absolutely accept Apple Pay.

You’ll find stations in Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas.

See Also: 7 Brilliant Tips To Save Money on Airfare and Hotels

15. Shell

All Shell gas stations take Apple Pay.

You can also use the Shell app and link Apple Pay to it, along with PayPal, Google Pay, and Samsung Pay.

16. Speedway

You can use Apple Pay at all Speedway locations, both at the pump and in the convenience store.

Speedway has over 3,000 locations in 36 states.

17. Sunoco

Sunoco also accepts Apple Pay at all locations.

You can either do it directly with your iPhone or via the Sunoco app.

The cool thing with using the app is it allows you to save an extra $.03 per gallon.

18. Texaco

Most (but not all) modern Texaco gas stations take Apple Pay.

According to the Texaco website, you can also use Venmo or PayPal when you using the Texaco app which is kinda cool.

19. Travel Centers of America

Known as a great stop for long-haul truckers, Travel Centers of America has been accepting Apple Pay for a couple years.

20. Valero

The vast majority of Valero gas stations accept Apple Pay.

Save even more by tying your Apple Pay to the Valero app and score a 10 cents per gallon discount.

21. Wawa

Wawa gas stations and convenience stores (located on the East Coast) happily accept Apple Pay.

If you’re ever in a Wawa location in November, order the Gobbler sandwich.

It’s a hot sandwich packed with turkey, gravy, stuffing, and cranberry on a hoagie roll. SO GOOD!

Ask the Reader: Do you know of any other major gas stations that accept Apple Pay? Let me know in the comments.


By Kyle James

Drug Testing at Target: What All New Hires Need to Know

Updated September 4, 2024 by Kyle James
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Target stopped drug testing during the COVID pandemic but has since resumed their drug screening…but NOT for all employees. I went out and talked to a couple current Target employees and got the inside scoop on exactly what you can expect during the hiring process. I hope you find this information helpful.

Drug Testing at Target: What All New Hires Need to Know

Yes, Target does do drug tests, but NOT all new hires are required to take one.

As of this writing, Target only drug tests you if you’re applying for a position like overnight stocker that requires the operation of heavy equipment like a forklift.

They also regularly drug test management positions, including new management hires as well as internal hires.

Update 1/21/2024 – A friend of mine just got hired in California as a Target security guard and he did have to do a drug test.

He also told me that they drug test for AP positions which are better known as Asset Protection or Anti-theft jobs.

Most Target Locations Test for Marijuana

Target does test for THC (marijuana), if you test positive for THC they reserve the right to NOT hire you.

I was told that on your initial drug test they are more interested in drugs like cocaine, heroine, meth, and opioids.

TARGET’S STANCE ON THC

Since marijuana is legal in many states, Target has become much more lenient in their marijuana testing process. So if you’re applying for job that requires a drug test, I would not be concerned if you have THC in your system. Just don’t show up to your interview stoned.

See Also: Target Employee Discount: Use It Correctly or Get Fired

A Marijuana Card Doesn’t Protect You

If you have a marijuana card, and live in a state where weed is legal, you’re NOT protected from Target’s workplace policies prohibiting drug use.

Target can’t punish you for using marijuana, but they can take action (i.e. – fire you) if they feel you’re working under the influence of THC.

Not All Jobs Require A Drug Test

As mentioned earlier, the vast majority of Target new hires will NOT have to take a drug test.

You’ll be told in the interview process if the job you’re applying for requires a drug screening.

It’s safe to assume that only management, asset protection, security, and overnight stocker positions will require a drug test.

See Also: Here’s EXACTLY What You Need to Know About the Target Dress Code

Yes, You’ll Need to Pee In a Cup

If required to do a drug test, you’ll be asked for a urine test as part of the final hiring decision.

According to the Target website, they use a company called Accurate Background for all their drug screening.

You’ll either do the test on-site or at a testing location near you.

Be sure to bring a valid photo I.D. and a full bladder.

See Also: Does Amazon Drug Test? Here’s EXACTLY How It Works

A Fail Test Usually Leads to Dismissal

Whether you fail your initial drug screening, a random drug test, or a test after an accident, your days of wearing a red shirt are probably behind you.

If you fail your drug test during the hiring process you’ll have to wait 6 months before you can re-apply for a job at Target.

Target Will Test After an “Incident”

Like most large retailers, Target reserves the right to ask for a drug test if you’re involved in an incident at work that causes bodily injury or damage to property.

If you refuse the drug test it’s basically considered a failed drug test and you’ll probably get fired.

Target Will Also Run a Background Check

Target does indeed perform a background check which they outsource to Accurate Background.

They main thing Target is interested in is your criminal record and if you have any felonies on your record.

I was told by a Target employee that they personally know of at least two employees that were still hired with a criminal record.

Target believes in 2nd chances, and if you have good employment references, you still stand a good chance of getting the job.

See Also: Does Walmart Drug Test? Here the Full Scoop

Be Prepared For Random Drug Tests

As part of your employment contract, you give permission for Target to perform random drug tests if they feel it’s warranted.

I was told you’ll probably never be asked to do a random test unless management suspects you’re coming to work high and it’s effecting your productivity.

Ask the Reader: Have you work at Target (or currently do) and had to take a drug test? Was it a random test or a pre-employment drug screening? Was it an easy process?


By Kyle James