The Walmart credit card comes in two versions, and you choose based on where you shop

Walmart offers two credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card (for Walmart stores only) and the Walmart Rewards Card (Mastercard, accepted anywhere). Both let you start a purchase right away, but they work differently and have different rewards. The Walmart Credit Card gives you discounts at Walmart checkout. The Walmart Rewards Card earns cash back everywhere and works outside Walmart too. You pick one based on whether you want Walmart-only savings or broader rewards.

The process is straightforward: you provide personal and financial information, Walmart checks your credit, and you get a decision in minutes to a few days. You do not need to visit a store. Most people start online at walmart.com/creditcards or through the Walmart mobile app.

Key Takeaways

  • The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club; the Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard that works anywhere.
  • You can start the process online at walmart.com/creditcards or in the Walmart app without visiting a store.
  • Walmart will check your credit report, so your credit score affects whether you are approved and what interest rate you receive.
  • Once approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, though you can often use it online when ready.
  • Both cards charge interest on balances you do not pay in full each month, so the rewards only save money if you pay off what you charge.

What information you need before you start

Have your Social Security number, current address, and employment information ready. Walmart will ask for your annual income and current job title. You will also need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license or passport) to verify your identity.

If you have a checking or savings account, have that information nearby too — some approval paths ask for bank details. You do not need to provide it, but having it speeds up the process. Make sure the address you provide matches your government ID; mismatches can delay approval.

The online process process, step by step

Go to walmart.com/creditcards or open the Walmart app and tap the credit card section. You will see both card options side by side. Click the one you want. The form asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and phone number. Fill in each field carefully — typos can cause problems later.

Next, you enter employment information: employer name, job title, and annual income. Walmart uses this to assess your ability to pay. Then you confirm you have read the terms and conditions. You do not have to read them all, but the key ones are the interest rate (called the APR) and any annual fee. The Walmart Credit Card has no annual fee. The Walmart Rewards Card also has no annual fee.

After you submit, Walmart runs a credit check. This takes a few minutes to a few hours. You will see a decision on screen or receive an email. If approved, you can often use the card number online right away, even before the physical card arrives. If denied, the email explains why — usually a low credit score, recent missed payments, or too much existing debt.

What happens after you are approved

Your physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days. Track it through the email Walmart sends you. When it arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or through the Walmart app. You can then use it at Walmart stores, Sam's Club (if you have a membership), or anywhere that takes Mastercard (Rewards Card only).

Set up online account access so you can check your balance, make payments, and see your rewards. You can do this through walmart.com/account or the app. Most people set up automatic payments so they do not miss a due date. Missing a payment hurts your credit score and triggers late fees.

Interest rates and fees you should know about

Both Walmart cards charge interest on any balance you do not pay in full by the due date. The interest rate (APR) depends on your credit score — people with higher scores get lower rates. Walmart does not publish exact rates online, but they typically range from 17% to 24% based on creditworthiness. You will see your specific rate in the approval email or in your account after approval.

Neither card charges an annual fee. However, if you miss a payment, you will pay a late fee (usually $25 to $35). If your payment is more than 60 days late, the interest rate can jump higher. Cash advances — withdrawing money from an ATM using the card — charge a higher interest rate and an upfront fee, so avoid them.

The Walmart Credit Card offers discounts at checkout (usually 2% to 5% off certain purchases), but these only save money if you pay the full balance each month. If you carry a balance, the interest charges will be much larger than any discount you earn.

What to do if your process is denied

If Walmart denies you, the email will give a reason. The most common reasons are a low credit score, recent late payments, or high existing debt relative to your income. You can reapply after 30 days, but reapplying when ready will not help — Walmart will see the same credit report.

Instead, spend the next month paying down existing balances and making all payments on time. These actions improve your credit score. You can also look at the Walmart Secured Credit Card if it is available in your area — this requires a cash deposit but is easier to get approved for. After using it responsibly for several months, you may be able to move to an unsecured card.

How the two cards differ in rewards and where you can use them

The Walmart Credit Card gives you discounts at Walmart and Sam's Club only. Discounts vary by category — groceries, gas, and general merchandise each have different rates. You see the discount at checkout when you use the card. This card does not work anywhere else.

The Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard, so it works at any store, restaurant, or website that takes Mastercard. It earns cash back (usually 1% to 3% depending on category) that you can redeem as a statement credit or transfer to a bank account. This card is better if you shop outside Walmart regularly. The Walmart Credit Card is better if you do most of your shopping at Walmart and want when ready discounts at checkout.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes, in most cases. Once approved, Walmart gives you a card number you can use online or in the app when ready. You can add it to your Walmart account and shop online right away. The physical card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days, and you set up it by calling the number on the back.

What credit score do I need to get approved?

Walmart does not publish a minimum credit score, but most people approved have scores of 600 or higher. People with scores below 600 are sometimes approved, especially if they have a good income and low existing debt. The only way to know is to submit an process — the credit check does not hurt your score if you are denied.

Can I have both the Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart Rewards Card at the same time?

Yes, you can hold both cards. Some people use the Walmart Credit Card for Walmart purchases (to get the checkout discount) and the Rewards Card for everything else (to earn cash back). However, each card is a separate account with its own balance and payment due date, so you will need to manage both.

What happens if I carry a balance and pay interest?

The interest charges will be much larger than any rewards or discounts you earn. For example, if you charge $1,000 and carry it for a year at 20% APR, you will pay $200 in interest. A 2% discount saves only $20. Always pay the full balance by the due date to avoid interest charges.

Can I increase my credit limit after I get the card?

Yes. After you have used the card responsibly for several months (making on-time payments and keeping your balance low), you can request a limit increase through your account online or by calling the number on the back of your card. Walmart may increase it automatically as well.