The fastest way to open a Walmart credit card account

You can open a Walmart credit card in three ways: online at Walmart.com, in a Walmart store at the customer service desk, or by phone. The online route is fastest — you'll get a decision in seconds to a few minutes, and you can start using a digital card number immediately if approved. In-store applications take about 15 minutes and require a photo ID. Phone applications go through Walmart's customer service line and take roughly 10 minutes.

All three routes ask for the same information: your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, income, and employment status. You'll also need a valid government-issued ID if you apply in person. The card issuer, Capital One, will run a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.

Walmart offers two versions of the card: the Walmart Credit Card (for use only at Walmart and Sam's Club) and the Walmart Rewards Card (a Mastercard you can use anywhere). The rewards card has a higher approval bar and typically requires better credit. Both cards have no annual fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Online applications at Walmart.com are the fastest option and give you a decision within minutes, with a digital card number you can use right away if approved.
  • You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and income information for any application method.
  • The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club, while the Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard accepted anywhere.
  • Capital One will perform a hard credit inquiry, which temporarily affects your credit score, regardless of whether you're approved.

What information you need to have ready

Before you start an application, gather your Social Security number, current address, and a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). You'll also need to know your annual household income and current employment status — you don't need to be employed, but you do need to state whether you are.

If you're applying online, have your email address ready. Walmart will send your approval decision and card details to that email. If you're applying by phone, have a quiet place to take the call so you can hear the representative clearly and answer verification questions.

For in-store applications, bring your ID and be prepared to wait. The customer service desk will have you fill out a paper form, and a representative will submit it while you wait. You'll get your decision before you leave the store.

Applying online at Walmart.com

Go to Walmart.com and search for "credit card" or navigate to the credit card section. Click on the card you want — either the Walmart Credit Card or the Walmart Rewards Card. Select "Apply Now" and you'll be taken to Capital One's application portal.

Fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and phone number. Then enter your income and employment information. Capital One will ask whether you're employed, self-employed, retired, or have another income source. Be accurate — they verify this information.

Review the terms and conditions, then submit. Capital One will run a hard inquiry and give you a decision on the spot. If approved, you'll see your card details immediately, including a digital card number you can use for online purchases at Walmart.com or the Walmart app right away. Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

Applying in a Walmart store

Walk to the customer service desk at any Walmart location during business hours. Tell the associate you want to open a Walmart credit card. They'll hand you a paper application form and ask for your ID.

Fill out the form with your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, phone number, income, and employment status. The associate will then submit your application electronically while you wait. Capital One will process it in real time, and you'll get your decision within 15 minutes.

If approved, the associate will give you a temporary card number to use immediately and order your physical card to be mailed to your address. If denied, the associate will explain why and you can ask about reapplying later or choosing the other card version (for example, if you were denied for the Rewards Card, you might be approved for the store-only card).

Applying by phone

Call Walmart's customer service line at 1-800-walmart (1-800-925-6278) and ask to open a credit card account. You'll be transferred to Capital One's phone application team. Have your ID and income information ready.

The representative will ask the same questions as the online form: personal details, Social Security number, income, and employment status. They'll verify your information and run a hard inquiry. You'll get a decision within 10 minutes.

If approved, the representative will give you a temporary card number over the phone and confirm your mailing address for the physical card. Write down the temporary number and any reference numbers they provide. Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

What happens after approval

Once approved, you can use your card immediately if you received a digital or temporary card number. Online and phone approvals give you a number right away; in-store approvals give you a temporary number at the desk. Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

When your physical card arrives, activate it by calling the number on the back or logging into your Capital One account online. Set up your online account at capitalone.com so you can check your balance, make payments, and track rewards (if you have the Rewards Card).

Your first statement arrives 30 to 45 days after your first purchase. You'll have a grace period on purchases — typically 25 days from the statement closing date — so you won't pay interest if you pay the full balance by the due date.

Choosing between the two card versions

The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart stores, Walmart.com, Sam's Club, and Murphy USA gas stations. It earns 3% cash back on Walmart.com purchases, 2% at Walmart stores and Sam's Club, and 1% everywhere else (though you can only use it at those locations). This card has the lowest approval bar and is easier to get if your credit is fair or limited.

The Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard that works anywhere Mastercard is accepted. It earns 3% cash back at Walmart and Sam's Club, 1% on all other purchases, and has no annual fee. This card requires better credit and is harder to get approved for, but it's more flexible because you can use it outside Walmart.

If you're denied for the Rewards Card, you can ask the representative whether you're approved for the store-only card instead. Many people are approved for one but not the other.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved?

Online and phone applications give you a decision within minutes. In-store applications take about 15 minutes while you wait at the customer service desk. Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days after approval, but you can use a digital or temporary card number immediately.

What credit score do I need?

Walmart and Capital One don't publish a minimum credit score. The Walmart Credit Card (store-only) is generally easier to get with fair or limited credit. The Walmart Rewards Card requires better credit. If you're denied, you can reapply after 30 days or ask about the other card version.

Can I use the card before my physical card arrives?

Yes. Online and phone approvals give you a digital card number immediately that you can use on Walmart.com or the Walmart app. In-store approvals give you a temporary card number at the desk. Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

What if I'm denied?

Capital One will tell you why you were denied — usually due to credit history, income, or too many recent credit inquiries. You can reapply after 30 days. If you applied for the Rewards Card, ask whether you're approved for the store-only card instead, which has a lower approval bar.

Is there an annual fee?

No. Both the Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart Rewards Card have no annual fee. You pay interest only if you carry a balance past your grace period.