The Walmart credit card process process takes about 15 minutes online or in-store, and you'll usually know if you're approved within seconds
Walmart offers two main credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card (for use only at Walmart and Walmart.com) and the Walmart Rewards Card (a Mastercard you can use anywhere). Both are issued by Capital One. The process itself is straightforward — you provide personal information, income details, and authorization for a credit check, then receive an when ready or near-when ready decision. If approved, you can use the card when ready in many cases, either digitally or by waiting for the physical card to arrive.
The key difference between the two cards affects where you can use them and what rewards you earn, so understanding which one fits your spending matters before you start. The Walmart Credit Card gives you higher rewards at Walmart (5% back on Walmart.com, 2% at Walmart stores) but can't be used elsewhere. The Walmart Rewards Card earns 3% cash back at Walmart and 1% everywhere else, making it more flexible if you shop outside Walmart regularly.
Key Takeaways
- You can start an process online at walmart.com/creditcards, through the Walmart mobile app, or in-store at a Walmart Money Center, and the decision usually comes within minutes.
- Walmart will pull your credit report, so the process triggers a hard inquiry that temporarily affects your credit score by a few points.
- You'll need your Social Security number, current income, and employment information to complete the process.
- If you're approved, you can often use the card when ready through a digital wallet or temporary number while waiting for the physical card to arrive in 7 to 10 business days.
- If you're denied, Capital One will mail you a notice explaining the reason, and you can request reconsideration or reapply after addressing the issue.
What information you'll need before you start
Gather these documents and details before opening the process, so you don't have to hunt for them mid-process. You'll need your Social Security number, current address, date of birth, and a valid government-issued ID (driver's license or passport). Have your most recent pay stub or tax return handy so you can enter your annual income accurately — Walmart asks for gross income, not net take-home.
If you're self-employed or have variable income, use your average annual income from the past year or your most recent tax return. You'll also need your current employment information: employer name, job title, and how long you've been in that position. If you've changed jobs recently, have the dates of your previous employment ready. The process also asks about housing status (rent, own, or other) and your monthly housing payment, so know that number before you begin.
how the process works online or through the Walmart app
Go to walmart.com/creditcards or open the Walmart mobile app and navigate to the credit card section. You'll see both card options displayed with their rewards structures and terms. Click "explore Now" on the card you want. The process opens in a new window and walks you through sections: personal information, income and employment, housing details, and then a review screen where you confirm everything is correct before submitting.
Enter your information exactly as it appears on your government ID and Social Security card — mismatches can delay approval or cause a denial. When you reach the income section, be honest about what you earn; Walmart and Capital One verify income for larger credit limits, and overstating it can lead to fraud issues later. After you submit, the system checks your credit and makes a decision. Most people see a result on screen within seconds to a few minutes. If approved, you'll receive a confirmation number and instructions for accessing your account or adding the card to a digital wallet.
explore in-store at Walmart Money Center
Walk into any Walmart and find the Money Center (usually near the front of the store or in the customer service area). Tell the associate you want to explore for a Walmart credit card. They'll hand you an process form or direct you to a kiosk where you can explore on a tablet. The in-store process is identical to the online one — you enter the same information and receive a decision in the same timeframe.
The advantage of explore in-store is that an associate can answer questions as you fill it out, and if you're approved, they can sometimes set up your card on the spot so you can use it when ready for a purchase. However, you still won't have the physical card in hand; you'll receive it by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you prefer the in-store experience or don't have reliable internet access, this route works just as well as online.
What happens after you're approved
Once approved, you'll receive a confirmation with your new account number and credit limit. Walmart and Capital One typically allow you to use the card when ready through a digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, or Samsung Pay) or by requesting a temporary card number for online purchases. This means you don't have to wait for the physical card to arrive to start earning rewards.
Your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or logging into your Capital One account online. Set up automatic payments or at least a reminder to pay by the due date each month — missing payments damages your credit score and triggers late fees. You can manage your account, view your balance, and make payments through the Capital One website or mobile app, or through Walmart.com if you have a Walmart account linked to your card.
Understanding the credit check and what it means for your credit score
When you submit your process, Walmart and Capital One perform a hard inquiry on your credit report. This is a formal credit check that appears on your credit history and typically lowers your credit score by a few points — usually between 5 and 10 points, depending on your current score and credit profile. The impact is temporary; the inquiry stops affecting your score after about three months and disappears from your report after two years.
A hard inquiry is different from a soft inquiry (which doesn't affect your score). It signals to other lenders that you've applied for new credit, which is why multiple applications in a short time can add up. If you're planning to explore for other credit soon — a car loan, mortgage, or another card — space out your applications by at least a few weeks to minimize the cumulative impact on your score. One hard inquiry is a normal part of credit building and shouldn't deter you from explore if you want the card.
If you're denied or want to reapply
If your process is denied, Capital One will mail you a notice within 30 days explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, a low credit score, high existing debt, or recent late payments. The notice also includes information about your right to dispute the decision and how to request a copy of your credit report for free.
If you were denied, you can reapply after addressing the issue — for example, paying down existing debt, waiting for late payments to age off your report, or building credit history with a secured card first. You can also call Capital One's reconsideration line (the number is on your denial notice) to ask if there's any flexibility, though this doesn't always work. Wait at least 30 to 90 days before reapplying, as explore too soon after a denial signals desperation to lenders and usually results in another denial. If you're building credit from scratch, consider a secured credit card first, then reapply for the Walmart card once your score improves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore for both the Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart Rewards Card?
Yes, you can hold both cards at the same time. Some people use the Walmart Credit Card for purchases at Walmart (to earn the higher 5% or 2% rewards) and the Walmart Rewards Card for everything else. However, explore for both on the same day triggers two hard inquiries, so consider spacing them out by a few weeks if you're concerned about the impact on your credit score.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Walmart and Capital One don't publish a minimum credit score requirement. Generally, the Walmart cards are easier to get approved for than many other credit cards, and people with fair credit (scores in the 600s) have been approved. However, approval depends on your full credit profile, not just your score — your income, existing debt, and payment history all matter.
How long does it take to receive my physical card?
The physical card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days of approval. You can use the card through a digital wallet or with a temporary card number before the physical card arrives, so you don't have to wait to start earning rewards.
Can I use the Walmart Credit Card outside of Walmart?
No, the Walmart Credit Card (the one with higher rewards at Walmart) can only be used at Walmart stores and Walmart.com. If you want a card you can use anywhere, the Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard accepted at any merchant that takes Mastercard.
What should I do if I'm denied?
Read the denial notice carefully — it explains the reason. If it's due to a credit report error, you can dispute it with the credit bureau. If it's due to a low score or high debt, focus on paying down existing balances and waiting for negative marks to age before reapplying. You can also call the reconsideration number on your notice to ask if there's any flexibility, though results vary.