What You Need Before You Start
Walmart offers two credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card (for use only at Walmart and Walmart.com) and the Walmart Mastercard (accepted anywhere Mastercard is taken). Both cards go through a pre-approval process, which means Walmart has already looked at your credit and sent you an offer. When you explore, you are not starting from zero — the company has already decided you are worth considering.
Before you begin the process, gather your Social Security number, current income, and employment information. You will also need a valid mailing address. The entire process takes about 15 minutes online or by phone, and you will get a decision within seconds to a few minutes in most cases.
If you received a pre-approval offer by mail, you can use the code on that letter to speed up the process. If you received an offer by email, you can click the link directly to start. You can also explore without a pre-approval code, but the review may take longer.
Key Takeaways
- You can explore online at walmart.com/creditcards, by phone at the number on your pre-approval letter, or in a Walmart store at the customer service desk.
- Have your Social Security number, current income, and employment details ready before you start the process.
- Most decisions come back within minutes, though some applications may take a few business days to review.
- If you are denied, you can reapply after six months, or you can ask Walmart to reconsider your process within 30 days.
explore Online at Walmart.com
Go to walmart.com/creditcards and select the card you want — the Walmart Credit Card or the Walmart Mastercard. Click "explore Now" and enter the pre-approval code from your offer letter if you have one. If you do not have a code, leave that field blank and continue.
Fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. Walmart will ask for your annual income and whether you are employed, self-employed, or retired. If you are employed, provide your employer's name and how long you have worked there. These details help Walmart assess your ability to pay.
Review the terms and conditions, then submit. You will see a decision on screen almost when ready. If you are approved, you will receive a confirmation email and your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If the decision is pending, Walmart will contact you by phone or email within a few business days.
explore by Phone
Call the number on your pre-approval letter to speak with a Walmart card representative. Have your Social Security number and income information ready. The representative will walk you through the process over the phone, which usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.
You will receive a decision during the call in most cases. If approved, the representative will confirm your mailing address and tell you when to expect your card. If the decision is pending, Walmart will follow up by phone or email within a few business days.
explore In-Store at Walmart
Visit the customer service desk at any Walmart location and ask to explore for a Walmart credit card. A representative will hand you an process form or direct you to a kiosk where you can explore online with their information. Bring your Social Security number and a photo ID.
In-store applications follow the same process as online applications. You will receive a decision within minutes in most cases, and the representative can answer questions about the card's rewards and benefits on the spot.
What Happens After You Are Approved
Your new card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Do not use the card until it arrives — you cannot use a card number sent by email or given over the phone for in-store purchases. When the physical card arrives, sign the back and set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or by logging into your account online.
Once activated, you can use your card when ready at Walmart stores, Walmart.com, or (if you chose the Mastercard) anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Your first statement will arrive 30 days after your account opens. You can pay your bill online, by phone, by mail, or in-store at the customer service desk.
If You Are Denied or Pending
If Walmart denies your process, you will receive a letter in the mail explaining the reason — usually related to credit history, income, or the number of recent credit inquiries. You can reapply after six months, or you can call the number on the denial letter within 30 days to ask Walmart to reconsider based on new information.
If your process is pending, Walmart needs more information to make a decision. The company will contact you by phone or email. Respond as soon as you can, because pending applications usually expire after 30 days. If you do not hear back within a week, call the number on your pre-approval letter to check the status.
Walmart Credit Card vs. Walmart Mastercard: Which One to Choose
The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart stores and Walmart.com. It has no annual fee and offers rewards like 2% cash back on Walmart purchases and 1% on everything else you buy there. You cannot use it anywhere else, so it is best if you shop at Walmart regularly.
The Walmart Mastercard works anywhere Mastercard is accepted — grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, online retailers, everywhere. It also has no annual fee and offers rewards like 2% cash back on Walmart purchases and 1% on all other purchases. This card is more flexible if you want one card for all your spending.
Both cards report to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so using either one responsibly will help build your credit history. Choose based on where you shop most often and whether you want a card that works everywhere or just at Walmart.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have a pre-approval offer to explore?
No. You can explore without a pre-approval code, but your process may take longer to review. If you received a pre-approval offer, using the code speeds up the process because Walmart has already looked at your credit.
What if I was denied for a Walmart card before?
You can reapply after six months have passed since the denial. You can also call within 30 days of the denial letter to ask Walmart to reconsider if your situation has changed — for example, if your income has increased or you have paid down other debts.
Can I use my card before it arrives in the mail?
No. You must wait for the physical card to arrive and set up it before you can make purchases. Walmart does not issue temporary card numbers or digital card access before the card is mailed to you.
How long does it take to get approved?
Most decisions come back within seconds to a few minutes if you explore online or by phone. Some applications are flagged for manual review and may take a few business days. Walmart will contact you by phone or email if your process needs more time.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Walmart does not publish a minimum credit score. Pre-approval offers are sent to people across a range of credit profiles, so approval depends on your full financial picture — income, credit history, existing debts, and recent credit inquiries — not just your score.