You can get a Walmart credit card in two ways: apply online at Walmart.com or in a Walmart store at the customer service desk

Walmart offers two credit card products: the Walmart Credit Card (store-only) and the Walmart Rewards Card (Visa, usable anywhere). Both are issued by Capital One. The online application takes about 15 minutes and you get a decision in seconds or minutes. In-store applications at the customer service desk follow the same process but require you to be present. You do not need to be a Walmart shopper already — Capital One will pull your credit report and check your credit history to decide whether to approve you.

The main difference between the two cards is where you can use them. The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Walmart.com. The Walmart Rewards Card is a Visa that works at any merchant, which makes it useful if you shop outside Walmart. Both cards report to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion), so using either one responsibly can help build your credit history.

Key Takeaways

  • Apply online at Walmart.com or in person at a Walmart customer service desk; both routes use the same Capital One application and give you a decision within minutes.
  • The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart stores and Walmart.com, while the Walmart Rewards Card is a Visa accepted anywhere.
  • You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, income, and current address to complete the application.
  • Capital One will check your credit report, so your approval odds depend on your credit score and payment history, not on whether you shop at Walmart.
  • If you are denied, you can reapply after 30 days or ask Capital One why you were denied and what you can do to strengthen your application.

What information you need to have ready before you apply

Capital One will ask for your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and phone number. Have your driver's license or state ID handy so you can verify this information quickly. You will also need to provide your annual household income — this is what you and anyone else in your household earn in a year before taxes. If you are self-employed, use your net income from your most recent tax return.

You will need to know your employment status and employer name. If you are retired, unemployed, or a student, you can still apply; just select the option that matches your situation. Capital One will also ask whether you have a Walmart account already and whether you want to link your new card to an existing Walmart.com account. This is optional but can speed up your first purchase.

Online application at Walmart.com

Go to Walmart.com and search for "Walmart credit card" or navigate to the credit card section. You will see two cards listed with an "Apply Now" button next to each one. Click the button for the card you want — store-only or Visa. You will be taken to Capital One's application page.

Fill in your personal information, income, and employment details. The form will ask whether you want paperless statements and whether you consent to Capital One checking your credit. You must consent to the credit check for the application to go through. After you submit, Capital One will give you a decision on the spot or within a few minutes. If you are approved, you will see your card details and can start using it at Walmart.com right away. If you are denied, Capital One will tell you why and whether you can reapply.

In-store application at the customer service desk

Walk to the customer service desk at any Walmart location and tell the associate you want to apply for a Walmart credit card. They will hand you a tablet or direct you to a kiosk where you can fill out the application yourself. The form is the same as the online version. You will enter your information, consent to the credit check, and submit. The decision comes back in the same way — immediately or within a few minutes.

If you are approved in-store, the associate can sometimes issue you a temporary card number on the spot so you can make a purchase that day. Your physical card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you are denied, you can ask the associate for the reason or contact Capital One directly at the number on your denial letter.

Credit score and approval odds

Capital One does not publish a minimum credit score for the Walmart cards, but both cards are generally easier to get than premium travel or cash-back cards. People with fair credit (typically 580 to 669) have a reasonable chance of approval, especially if they have no recent late payments or collections accounts. People with good credit (670 and above) have a much higher approval rate.

Your credit history matters more than your score alone. Capital One looks at how many accounts you have open, how much debt you are carrying, and whether you have paid your bills on time. If you have a short credit history or no credit history at all, you may still be approved, but Capital One may offer you a lower credit limit. If you were denied, the reason is usually one of these: too many recent credit inquiries, too much existing debt relative to your income, a recent late payment, or a collection account.

What happens after you are approved

If you applied online, you can use your card number to shop at Walmart.com immediately. Your physical card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you applied in-store, you may get a temporary card number on the spot, or you can wait for your physical card to arrive. Either way, you will receive a welcome packet in the mail with your card, a PIN (if you want one), and your account agreement.

Your first statement will arrive 25 to 30 days after your first purchase. You can pay your bill online through the Capital One website or app, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Walmart customer service desk. If you set up autopay, your payment will be deducted automatically on your chosen due date each month. Late payments will be reported to the credit bureaus, so paying on time is important if you want to build your credit.

What to do if you are denied

If Capital One denies your application, you will receive a letter in the mail explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, too much existing debt, recent late payments, or a collection account. You can reapply after 30 days have passed. Before you reapply, try to address the issue — pay down existing debt, dispute any errors on your credit report, or wait for a recent late payment to age.

You can also contact Capital One directly to ask what you can do to strengthen your application. Call the number on your denial letter and ask a representative to review your file. Some people are approved on a second try after paying down a credit card or waiting a few months. If you are denied again, consider applying for a secured credit card instead, which requires a cash deposit and is easier to get with limited or poor credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for both the store card and the Visa at the same time?

You can apply for both, but Capital One will likely treat them as two separate applications and pull your credit twice. This will create two hard inquiries on your credit report, which can lower your score slightly. Most people choose one card based on where they shop most often, then apply for the other later if they want it.

What is the credit limit for a new Walmart card?

Capital One does not announce a standard credit limit. New cardholders typically receive between $300 and $5,000, depending on their credit score, income, and credit history. You can request a credit limit increase after you have had the card for six months and made on-time payments.

Do I have to shop at Walmart to get approved?

No. Capital One only cares about your credit history and income. You do not need to be a Walmart customer or have a Walmart account to apply. However, if you do not shop at Walmart, the store-only card will not be useful to you — the Visa version would be a better choice.

How long does it take to get my physical card after approval?

Your card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you applied online, you can use your card number to shop at Walmart.com right away while you wait. If you applied in-store, you may be given a temporary card number on the spot.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Capital One will report the late payment to the credit bureaus after 30 days, which will hurt your credit score. You will also be charged a late fee (the amount depends on your card agreement). If you miss a payment, contact Capital One as soon as possible to make a payment and ask about your options.