how the process works for a Walmart Credit Card

You can request a Walmart credit card in three ways: online at Walmart.com, in person at a Walmart store, or by phone. The online route is fastest — you fill out the form, get a decision in seconds or minutes, and can start using the card when ready if you're approved. In-store applications take longer because a associate has to process the request, and phone applications require you to call Walmart's card services line. All three paths lead to the same card and the same approval decision.

The card itself comes in two versions: the Walmart Credit Card (for use anywhere Mastercard is accepted) and the Walmart Rewards Card (for Walmart and Sam's Club only). The Walmart Credit Card has a higher credit limit range and works outside Walmart, while the Rewards Card offers cash back on Walmart purchases but only works at Walmart and Sam's Club. You choose which one you want before you submit your request.

Key Takeaways

  • Online applications are processed when ready or within minutes, while in-store and phone applications can take several business days.
  • You need a Social Security number, current address, income information, and employment details to complete any process.
  • Walmart will check your credit report, so your credit score and payment history affect whether you're approved and what credit limit you receive.
  • If you're denied, you can request a reconsideration by phone or reapply after addressing the reason for the denial.

What You Need Before You Start

Have your Social Security number, current address, and phone number ready. You'll also need to provide your annual household income and current employment information — the employer name, your job title, and how long you've worked there. If you're self-employed, have your business name and annual income available instead.

Walmart will pull your credit report during the process process, so your credit score and payment history will factor into the decision. You don't need a perfect credit score to be approved — Walmart cards are available to people with fair, good, and excellent credit — but the score you have will determine whether you're approved and what credit limit you receive.

explore Online at Walmart.com

Go to Walmart.com and look for the credit card offer, usually found in the top navigation menu under "Services" or "Credit Cards." Click on the card you want (Walmart Credit Card or Walmart Rewards Card) and select "Request Now" or "explore Now." You'll be taken to a form.

Fill in your personal information: first and last name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. Then enter your income and employment details. Review the terms and conditions, check the box to authorize Walmart to pull your credit report, and submit the form.

You'll get a decision on the screen within seconds or a few minutes. If you're approved, your card number appears when ready and you can use it right away for online purchases. Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you're denied or need more information, Walmart will tell you on the screen and provide next steps.

explore In Person at Walmart

Visit the customer service desk at any Walmart store and ask to open a credit card account. A associate will give you a paper process or help you fill one out on a tablet. Provide the same information you would online: personal details, Social Security number, income, and employment information.

The associate submits your request and you'll receive a decision within a few business days by mail or phone. This method is slower than online, but some people prefer it because they can ask questions in person. If you're approved, your card arrives by mail.

explore by Phone

Call Walmart's credit card services line at the number on the back of any Walmart card or on Walmart.com. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone. Have your Social Security number, address, income, and employment information ready before you call.

The representative will ask the same questions as the online form, submit your request, and tell you the outcome during the call or within a few business days. This method takes longer than online but may be helpful if you have questions or prefer to talk to someone.

What Happens After You're Approved

If you're approved online, your card number is available when ready for online shopping. Your physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If you're approved in person or by phone, your physical card arrives by mail within the same timeframe.

When your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or by logging into your account online. Set up a payment method — you can pay online, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments. Your first statement arrives 30 days after your account opens, and your first payment is due about 25 days after that.

If You're Denied or Want to Reapply

If your request is denied, Walmart will tell you the reason — usually related to credit score, income, or credit history. You can call Walmart's customer service to ask for more details or to request a reconsideration. Some denials can be reversed if you provide additional information or if there was an error on your report.

If reconsideration doesn't work, you can reapply after 30 days. In the meantime, check your credit report for errors at annualcreditreport.com (the free federal site) and dispute anything that's wrong. Paying down existing debt or increasing your income may also improve your chances on a second request.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved?

Online applications are decided in seconds or minutes. In-store and phone applications take 3 to 5 business days. Your physical card arrives 7 to 10 business days after approval, but you can use your card number online when ready if you're approved online.

Can I use the card before it arrives in the mail?

Yes, if you're approved online. Your card number is available when ready for online purchases. You can also add it to your Walmart app or Walmart.com account right away. You'll need the physical card to use it in stores.

What credit score do I need?

Walmart doesn't publish a minimum credit score. Cards are available to people with fair, good, and excellent credit. Your actual score affects whether you're approved and what credit limit you receive, but there's no single cutoff.

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

The Walmart Credit Card is a Mastercard that works anywhere Mastercard is accepted and offers no cash back. The Walmart Rewards Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club but offers cash back on purchases. Choose based on where you shop and whether you want rewards.

Can I reapply if I was denied?

Yes. Wait at least 30 days before reapplying. In the meantime, check your credit report for errors, pay down debt, or increase your income if possible. When you reapply, your chances may improve if the reason for the denial has changed.