Yes, you can get cash back with a Walmart credit card, but the method depends on which card you hold
The Walmart credit card itself does not offer a cash back feature. Instead, it earns rewards points that you redeem for Walmart purchases or statement credits. However, if you hold a Walmart Mastercard (the co-branded card issued by Capital One), you can earn cash back rewards on purchases both inside and outside Walmart, and you can request that cash back be deposited to your bank account or applied as a statement credit.
The distinction matters because the two cards work differently. The Walmart store card is designed to lock you into the Walmart ecosystem — your rewards stay there. The Walmart Mastercard gives you more flexibility. If cash back is what you want, the Mastercard is the card to compare.
Key Takeaways
- The Walmart store card earns rewards points redeemable only at Walmart; it does not offer cash back.
- The Walmart Mastercard earns cash back rewards at a higher rate at Walmart and a lower rate everywhere else, and you can redeem it as a statement credit or bank transfer.
- Cash back redemption minimums and processing times vary by card issuer and redemption method.
- You can request cash back through your online account, by phone, or by mail, depending on your card type and issuer.
How cash back works on the Walmart Mastercard
The Walmart Mastercard earns cash back at different rates depending on where you shop. At Walmart and Walmart.com, you earn a higher percentage (the exact rate changes periodically, so check your card agreement). At gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants, you earn a lower flat rate. All other purchases earn the lowest rate.
Cash back accrues automatically as you spend. You do not have to do anything to earn it — it straightforward appears in your account. When you are ready to redeem, you can choose to have it applied as a credit to your statement balance, transferred to your linked bank account, or in some cases sent as a check.
How to redeem cash back from your Walmart Mastercard
Log into your Capital One account online or through the Capital One mobile app. Navigate to the rewards or cash back section — the exact location depends on the app version, but it is usually under "Account" or "Rewards." You will see your current cash back balance.
Select the redemption method you prefer. Statement credit is the fastest and usually has no minimum. Bank transfer typically requires a minimum of $20 to $50 and takes three to five business days. Check redemption may take longer and often has a higher minimum. Complete the redemption request, and Capital One will process it according to the method you chose.
Minimum redemption amounts and timing
Most cash back programs require a minimum balance before you can redeem. For the Walmart Mastercard, statement credit often has no minimum or a very low one ($1 to $5), while bank transfers typically require $20 or more. Check your card's terms or your online account to confirm the current minimums, as these can change.
Processing time also varies by method. A statement credit usually appears within one to two billing cycles. A bank transfer typically takes three to five business days after you request it. If you request a check, allow two to three weeks for delivery.
The Walmart store card rewards program instead
If you hold only the Walmart store card (not the Mastercard), you earn Walmart rewards points instead of cash back. These points accumulate as you shop and can be redeemed only for discounts on Walmart purchases or Walmart+ membership benefits. You cannot convert them to cash or use them outside Walmart.
The store card offers higher earning rates at Walmart than the Mastercard does, so if you shop almost exclusively at Walmart, the store card may earn you more value — just understand that value is locked into Walmart spending. If you want the option to redeem rewards as actual cash, the Mastercard is the better choice.
Comparing cash back to other redemption options
Some credit cards let you redeem cash back for gift cards, merchandise, or travel bookings. The Walmart Mastercard keeps it straightforward: cash back is cash, and you decide whether it goes to your bank account or your statement. This straightforward approach means you are not locked into a particular redemption category and you can use the money however you want.
If you are comparing the Walmart Mastercard to other cash back cards, look at the earning rates in the categories where you spend most. A card that earns 2% everywhere might beat a card that earns 3% at one retailer but 1% everywhere else, depending on your actual spending pattern. Calculate your annual earnings at both cards using your own purchase history to see which one comes out ahead.
What happens to unredeemed cash back
Cash back does not expire on the Walmart Mastercard. It stays in your account indefinitely until you redeem it or close the card. If you close the card, you have a limited window (usually 30 to 60 days, depending on Capital One's policy) to redeem any remaining cash back. After that window closes, unredeemed cash back is forfeited.
Because of this, it is worth redeeming cash back periodically rather than letting it accumulate indefinitely. Even if you redeem it as a statement credit, you are putting money back into your account that you can use for anything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get cash back if I use my Walmart credit card at other stores?
Only if you have the Walmart Mastercard. The store card earns rewards only at Walmart and Walmart.com. The Mastercard earns cash back everywhere, though at a lower rate outside Walmart.
Is there a limit to how much cash back I can earn?
No hard cap exists, but cash back is limited by your spending and the card's earning rate. Some cards cap earnings in certain categories, so check your card agreement. There is no limit on how much you can accumulate before redeeming.
Can I transfer my Walmart rewards points to cash?
No. Walmart store card rewards points can only be redeemed for Walmart purchases or Walmart+ benefits. If you want cash back, you need the Walmart Mastercard, not the store card.
What if my cash back redemption doesn't go through?
Contact Capital One through your online account, the mobile app, or by phone. Common issues include an incorrect bank account number, insufficient cash back balance, or a processing error. Capital One can resubmit the request or offer an alternative redemption method.
Do I have to use my cash back right away, or can I let it sit?
You can let it sit indefinitely as long as your account is open. Cash back does not expire. However, if you close the card, you typically have 30 to 60 days to redeem any remaining balance before it is lost.