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

Walmart offers two separate credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card (for in-store and online purchases at Walmart) and the Walmart Rewards Card (a Mastercard you can use anywhere). Both are issued by Capital One. The main difference is where you can use them and what rewards you earn. You can open either one online, by mail, or in a Walmart store, and the decision depends on whether you want to earn rewards only at Walmart or at any merchant.

The process process is straightforward and takes about 15 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information. Capital One will check your credit during the process, which means a hard inquiry appears on your credit report. Most decisions come back when ready or within a few days.

Key Takeaways

  • The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart stores and Walmart.com, while the Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard accepted anywhere.
  • You can open either card online at Walmart.com, by phone, or in a store without a pre-existing Walmart account.
  • Capital One will perform a hard credit inquiry, which temporarily affects your credit score by a few points.
  • Approval decisions typically arrive within minutes to a few days, and you can use the card when ready after approval in most cases.
  • Both cards carry an annual percentage rate (APR) that varies based on your creditworthiness; there is no annual fee for either card.

What you need before you start

Gather these documents and information before opening the process: your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, phone number, and email address. You will also need to provide your current employment status and, if employed, your employer's name and your annual income. If you are self-employed or retired, you can enter that information instead.

Have your government-issued ID nearby to verify your identity if you explore in a Walmart store. If you explore online, you do not need to upload anything — Capital One verifies your information through its own systems.

How to open the card online

Go to Walmart.com and look for the credit card section, or search "Walmart credit card" in your browser to find Capital One's process page. You will see two options: the Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart Rewards Card. Click the one you want and select "explore Now."

Fill in your personal information, employment details, and income. Review the terms and conditions, which include the APR range and any promotional offers currently running. Submit the process. Capital One will display a decision on screen — approved, pending, or denied — usually within minutes. If approved, you can often use your card number when ready for online purchases, and a physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

explore in a Walmart store

Walk to the customer service desk or the Walmart Money Center and ask for a credit card process. A representative will hand you a paper form or direct you to a kiosk where you can explore on a tablet. Bring your government-issued ID and have your Social Security number and income information ready.

The in-store process takes about 15 minutes. You will receive a decision before you leave the store in most cases. If approved, you may receive a temporary card number to use when ready, and your physical card ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens after you are approved

Once Capital One approves your process, you will receive a confirmation email with your account number and instructions for setting up online access. Create a login at Capital One's website or use the Capital One mobile app to view your balance, make payments, and track rewards.

Your physical card arrives by mail. set up it by calling the number on the back or through the app before making purchases. If you were approved for the Walmart Credit Card, you can use it when ready at any Walmart location or on Walmart.com. If you were approved for the Walmart Rewards Card, you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

Your first statement closes 25 to 30 days after your account opens. You will have a grace period (usually 21 days from the statement closing date) to pay your balance in full without interest charges. After that, interest accrues daily on any unpaid balance at your APR.

Understanding the rewards and APR

The Walmart Credit Card earns cash back on purchases: typically 3% at Walmart gas stations, 2% at Walmart stores and Walmart.com, and 1% elsewhere (though the "elsewhere" category is limited since the card only works at Walmart). The Walmart Rewards Card earns 3% cash back on gas and EV charging, 2% at grocery stores and Walmart, and 1% on all other purchases.

Both cards carry an APR that varies by applicant. Capital One bases your rate on your credit score, payment history, and other factors. The APR range is typically 17% to 24%, but your actual rate may fall outside that range. There is no annual fee for either card. If you carry a balance, interest charges will exceed any rewards you earn, so paying your full statement balance each month is the most cost-effective approach.

If your process is denied or pending

If Capital One denies your process, you will receive a letter explaining the reason — usually a low credit score, recent late payments, or high existing debt. You can reapply after 30 days, but your credit score or financial situation should improve first. Reapplying when ready will trigger another hard inquiry and will not change the outcome.

If your process shows "pending," Capital One needs more information. Check your email for instructions or call the number provided. Pending decisions typically resolve within 3 to 5 business days. In the meantime, do not reapply or explore for other credit — each process adds a hard inquiry to your report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Walmart Credit Card outside of Walmart?

No. The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart stores, Walmart.com, and Walmart gas stations. If you want a card that works anywhere, open the Walmart Rewards Card instead, which is a Mastercard.

How long does it take to receive my physical card?

Physical cards arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval. You can often use your card number for online purchases when ready after approval, even before the physical card arrives.

What is the credit limit, and can I request a higher one?

Capital One sets your credit limit based on your credit score and income. Your limit appears in your approval email. You can request an increase after you have made on-time payments for at least 6 months, either through the Capital One app or website or by calling the number on your card.

Do I need a Walmart account to open the credit card?

No. You can open a Walmart credit card without a Walmart.com account. However, if you plan to use the card online, creating a Walmart.com account makes checkout faster.

What happens if I miss a payment?

A missed payment will be reported to the credit bureaus after 30 days and will damage your credit score. Capital One will charge a late fee (typically $25 to $35) and may increase your APR. Contact Capital One when ready if you cannot make a payment — they may offer a hardship program or payment plan.