You can get a Walmart credit card through Walmart's website, in-store, or by phone with Capital One

Walmart offers two credit cards: the Walmart Rewards Card (a standard Mastercard) and the Walmart Store Card (for use only at Walmart and Sam's Club). Both are issued by Capital One. You can start the process online at walmart.com/credit-cards, apply in person at a Walmart customer service desk, or call Capital One directly. The entire application takes about 10 minutes, and you'll get a decision within seconds to a few minutes.

You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and income information to complete an application. Capital One will pull your credit report during the process — this is called a hard inquiry and will show on your credit history. You don't need perfect credit to be approved; Capital One approves applicants across a range of credit scores, though your credit limit and interest rate will depend on your credit profile.

Key Takeaways

  • The Walmart Rewards Card works anywhere Mastercard is accepted and earns cash back on all purchases, while the Walmart Store Card only works at Walmart and Sam's Club but offers higher rewards rates there.
  • You can apply online, by phone, or in-store, and Capital One will give you a decision within minutes in most cases.
  • A hard inquiry will appear on your credit report, which may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points.
  • If you're denied, you can ask Capital One why and reapply after addressing the reason, or consider the store card if you were rejected for the Mastercard.

Differences between the Walmart Rewards Card and the Walmart Store Card

The Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard that works everywhere Mastercard is accepted, not just at Walmart. It earns 3% cash back on Walmart and Sam's Club purchases (in-store and online), 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. There is no annual fee. Cash back is deposited into your Walmart.com account as a statement credit or can be redeemed for a Walmart gift card.

The Walmart Store Card can only be used at Walmart, Sam's Club, and Walmart.com. It earns 5% cash back on Walmart purchases, 2% at Sam's Club, and 1% everywhere else the card is accepted. It also has no annual fee. The higher rewards rate at Walmart makes it valuable if you shop there frequently, but you'll need a different card for purchases outside the Walmart ecosystem.

If you're unsure which card fits your spending, the Rewards Card is more flexible because it works everywhere. You can always apply for the Store Card later if you find yourself shopping at Walmart often enough to justify the higher rewards there.

What happens after you're approved

If you're approved online or by phone, Capital One will tell you your credit limit immediately. You can request a physical card to be mailed to you, or you can add the card to your digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay) and use it right away at Walmart or other locations, depending on which card you received. The physical card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Your first statement will arrive about 30 days after your first purchase. You'll have a grace period — usually 21 to 25 days from the statement closing date — to pay your balance in full without interest charges. If you carry a balance, interest will accrue at your card's APR, which varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates.

What to do if you're denied

Capital One will send you a letter explaining why you were denied. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, a recent late payment, high existing debt, or a credit score below their current threshold. You have the right to request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) through annualcreditreport.com to check for errors.

If you were denied for the Rewards Card, you can try the Store Card instead — Capital One sometimes approves applicants for one but not the other. If you were denied for both, wait at least three to six months, work on paying down existing debt or correcting credit report errors, and reapply. Each application triggers a hard inquiry, so space them out to minimize the impact on your credit score.

How the rewards actually work

Cash back is not paid to you directly. Instead, it accumulates as a statement credit in your Walmart.com account. You can use this credit to reduce your credit card bill, or you can convert it to a Walmart gift card. The rewards post to your account within one to two billing cycles after you make a purchase, so there's a slight delay before you see them.

Rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. However, if you close the card or let it become inactive for an extended period, Capital One may close the account, and you could lose any unused rewards. To keep the account active, use it occasionally — even a small purchase every few months is enough.

Annual fees and interest rates

Neither the Walmart Rewards Card nor the Walmart Store Card charges an annual fee. This makes them low-cost options if you plan to use them regularly or keep them open for credit history length.

Interest rates (APR) vary by applicant and change over time. Capital One will disclose your specific APR in your approval documents. As of now, rates typically range from 16% to 24%, though this varies. If you carry a balance, you'll pay interest on the remaining amount each month. The best strategy is to pay your full statement balance by the due date each month to avoid interest charges entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Walmart Store Card outside of Walmart?

No, the Store Card only works at Walmart, Sam's Club, and Walmart.com. If you need a card that works everywhere, choose the Walmart Rewards Card instead, which is a Mastercard accepted at most merchants.

How long does it take to get approved?

Most applicants receive a decision within seconds to a few minutes when applying online or by phone. If you apply in-store, you may get a decision on the spot. Some applications are flagged for manual review and can take up to 30 days, but this is less common.

What credit score do I need to be approved?

Capital One does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. They review applications across a range of credit profiles, including people with fair or limited credit history. Your approval odds and credit limit depend on your full credit profile, not just your score.

Can I use the card before the physical card arrives?

Yes, if you're approved online or by phone, you can add the card to your digital wallet immediately and use it at any merchant that accepts contactless payments or Mastercard (depending on which card you received). The physical card will arrive separately.

What happens if I don't use the card?

Capital One may close inactive accounts after several months of no use. To keep your account open, use the card occasionally — even a small purchase every few months is sufficient. An open account helps your credit history length, which is part of your credit score.