The Two Walmart Credit Cards and Where to Get Them

Walmart offers two credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card (a store card that works only at Walmart) and the Walmart Rewards Card (a Mastercard that works anywhere). You get the Walmart Credit Card by applying directly through Walmart's website or in-store at a register. You get the Walmart Rewards Card the same way, but it's issued by Capital One, not Walmart itself.

Both cards go through an approval process that typically takes a few minutes to a few hours if you apply online, or a few minutes in-store. You don't need an existing Walmart account to apply. The main difference is that the store card has no annual fee and offers discounts only at Walmart, while the Rewards Card charges no annual fee either but earns cash back at any merchant and works outside Walmart.

The application asks for your Social Security number, date of birth, income, and current address. Walmart will pull your credit report, which means a hard inquiry appears on your credit file. This can lower your credit score by a few points temporarily.

Key Takeaways

  • Both Walmart cards are issued by Capital One and have no annual fee, but the store card works only at Walmart while the Rewards Card works anywhere.
  • You can apply online at Walmart.com, through the Walmart app, or in-store at a register in minutes.
  • Approval decisions come within minutes to a few hours for online applications, and you'll receive a decision immediately in-store.
  • A hard credit inquiry will appear on your credit report when you apply, which may lower your score slightly.
  • If you're denied, you can reapply after addressing the reason for denial, such as building credit history or lowering existing debt.

Applying Online for a Walmart Credit Card

Go to Walmart.com and look for the credit card section, usually found under "Services" or "Financial Services" in the footer. You can also download the Walmart app and find the card offer there. Click on the card you want—either the store card or the Rewards Card—and select "Apply Now."

The online form asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. You'll also enter your annual income and employment status. Walmart asks whether you want the card mailed to your address or picked up in-store. Mailed cards typically arrive within 7 to 10 business days; in-store pickup is faster if available at your location.

After you submit, you'll see a decision on screen. If approved, you'll receive a confirmation email with your card details and next steps. If pending, Walmart may contact you by phone or email within a few hours to a few days to ask follow-up questions. If denied, the email will explain the reason—usually insufficient credit history, too many recent inquiries, or high existing debt relative to income.

Applying In-Store at a Walmart Register

Walk to the customer service desk or a checkout register and ask to apply for a Walmart credit card. A representative will hand you a tablet or paper application. You fill in your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, phone, email, and income information. The process takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

The representative submits your application right there, and you'll get a decision within minutes. If approved, you can activate the card immediately and use it that day if you're picking it up in-store, or it will be mailed to you. If denied, the representative will tell you why and may suggest reapplying later or applying for a different card.

In-store applications are useful if you want to use the card the same day or prefer to speak with someone. However, not all Walmart locations have card representatives available at all times, so call ahead or check during busy hours when customer service is staffed.

Credit Requirements and What Happens If You're Denied

Walmart doesn't publish a minimum credit score, but both cards are easier to get than many bank cards. Capital One, the issuer, typically approves people with fair credit (scores around 580 and up), though approval isn't may provide at any score. If you have no credit history, a recent bankruptcy, or multiple recent late payments, denial is more likely.

If you're denied, the denial letter or email will state the reason. Common reasons are insufficient credit history, too many recent credit inquiries, high debt-to-income ratio, or a negative mark like a collection account. You can reapply after addressing the issue—for example, by waiting six months for recent inquiries to age, paying down existing balances, or disputing errors on your credit report.

If you're denied and want to build credit, consider a secured credit card from another issuer first, use it responsibly for 6 to 12 months, and then reapply for the Walmart card. You can also become an authorized user on someone else's account in good standing, which may help your credit profile.

Fees, Interest Rates, and How the Cards Work

Neither the Walmart Credit Card nor the Walmart Rewards Card charges an annual fee. Both have variable interest rates (APR), which means the rate changes based on the prime rate. As of now, rates vary but typically range from 17% to 27% depending on your creditworthiness and current market conditions. Capital One will tell you your specific rate when you're approved.

The store card offers a discount on your first purchase (usually $5 to $10 off) and ongoing discounts on select items. The Rewards Card earns 3% cash back on Walmart.com purchases, 2% at gas stations and Walmart stores, and 1% everywhere else. Cash back is deposited into your account monthly and can be redeemed as a statement credit or transferred to a bank account.

Both cards charge a late fee if you miss a payment (typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment, higher for subsequent ones) and a returned payment fee if a check bounces. There's no foreign transaction fee on the Rewards Card, but the store card works only in the US.

Using Your Card After Approval

Once approved, you'll receive your card by mail or pick it up in-store. Activate it by calling the number on the back or through the Capital One app. You can then use it immediately at Walmart locations (for the store card) or anywhere Mastercard is accepted (for the Rewards Card).

Your first statement arrives about 30 days after your first purchase. You can pay online through the Capital One website or app, by phone, by mail, or in-store at Walmart. The minimum payment is typically 1% to 3% of your balance, but paying the full balance avoids interest charges. Interest accrues daily on any unpaid balance at your APR.

Set up automatic payments to avoid late fees and keep your account in good standing. Late payments stay on your credit report for seven years and damage your credit score. If you miss a payment by 30 days, Capital One will report it to the credit bureaus.

Alternatives If You're Denied or Want to Compare

If Walmart denies you, consider a secured credit card from Capital One, Discover, or another issuer. Secured cards require a cash deposit (usually $200 to $2,500) that becomes your credit limit. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you can graduate to an unsecured card and get your deposit back.

If you want a card that works everywhere but don't want to wait for approval, Discover offers a secured card with no annual fee and cash back rewards. If you want rewards specifically at Walmart, the Walmart Rewards Card is your best option, but if you're denied, a secured card elsewhere followed by a reapplication in 6 to 12 months is a realistic path.

You can also use a debit card or cash at Walmart and build credit through other means—becoming an authorized user, paying bills on time, or using a credit-builder loan from a credit union. These take longer but don't require a hard inquiry.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for a Walmart credit card?

Online applications typically get a decision within minutes to a few hours. In-store applications get a decision within minutes. If your application is flagged for review, Capital One may contact you within a few hours to a few days. Mailed cards arrive 7 to 10 business days after approval; in-store pickup is immediate if available.

Can I use the Walmart store card outside of Walmart?

No, the Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart stores, Walmart.com, and Sam's Club. If you want a card that works everywhere, apply for the Walmart Rewards Card instead, which is a Mastercard.

What's the difference between the Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart Rewards Card?

The store card works only at Walmart and offers discounts on Walmart purchases. The Rewards Card is a Mastercard that works anywhere and earns cash back (3% on Walmart.com, 2% at Walmart and gas stations, 1% elsewhere). Both have no annual fee and are issued by Capital One.

Will applying for a Walmart credit card hurt my credit score?

Yes, a hard inquiry appears on your credit report and may lower your score by a few points temporarily. The impact is usually small and fades within a few months. Multiple applications within a short time (a few weeks) can have a larger impact, so space out applications if you're applying for multiple cards.

Can I reapply if I was denied?

Yes, you can reapply after addressing the reason for denial. If denied for insufficient credit history, wait 6 to 12 months and reapply. If denied for high debt, pay down existing balances first. If denied for recent inquiries, wait at least 3 to 6 months before reapplying.