What the Walmart card actually is and how to start

Walmart offers two credit cards through Capital One: the Walmart Rewards Card (a standard Mastercard) and the Walmart Credit Card (store-only). Both let you earn cash back on purchases, but they work differently and have different approval odds depending on your credit history.

You can begin the process online at walmart.com/creditcards or in a Walmart store during checkout. The online route takes about 15 minutes and gives you a decision in seconds or minutes. In-store applications go through the same Capital One system but may take longer to process. Either way, you'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, income, and current address.

The Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard you can use anywhere. The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club. If you're rebuilding credit or have a thin credit file, the store card is often easier to get approved for. If you already have decent credit, the Mastercard gives you more flexibility.

Key Takeaways

  • Walmart offers two cards through Capital One: the Walmart Rewards Card (Mastercard, works everywhere) and the Walmart Credit Card (store-only), each with different cash back rates and approval standards.
  • You can start online at walmart.com/creditcards or in-store, and you'll get a decision within minutes if you explore online.
  • Both cards require your Social Security number, income, and address; the store card is typically easier to get approved for if your credit is limited or damaged.
  • Cash back rates vary by card and purchase type—the Mastercard pays 1% to 3% depending on category, while the store card pays 1% to 5% on Walmart purchases.
  • A hard inquiry will appear on your credit report whether you're approved or denied, so space out applications if you're shopping around.

The two cards and what each one pays back

The Walmart Rewards Card (Mastercard) earns 3% cash back on Walmart.com and Walmart gas stations, 2% at Sam's Club and Sam's Club gas, and 1% everywhere else. There is no annual fee. You can use it at any merchant that takes Mastercard, which means you can earn cash back on groceries at other stores, restaurants, or gas pumps outside Walmart.

The Walmart Credit Card (store-only) earns 5% cash back on Walmart.com, 2% at Walmart gas stations, and 1% on everything else you buy at Walmart or Sam's Club. It has no annual fee either. The catch is you can only use it at Walmart, Sam's Club, Walmart.com, and samsclub.com. If you shop almost exclusively at Walmart, this card's higher cash back on online purchases (5% vs. 3%) may be worth the limitation.

Both cards let you redeem cash back as a statement credit, a check, or a deposit to a bank account. Minimum redemption is usually $1. Neither card offers a sign-up bonus, so you earn cash back only on purchases you make after approval.

What Capital One looks at when you explore

Capital One pulls your credit report and checks your credit score, but they also look at your income and whether you already have other Capital One accounts. If you have no credit history or a very low score (below 580), you're more likely to be approved for the store card than the Mastercard. If your score is between 580 and 669, both cards are possible but not may provide. Above 670, approval odds are much higher for either card.

Capital One also considers how many recent applications you've made. Each process creates a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can lower your score by a few points. If you've applied for multiple cards in the last 30 days, a new process is less likely to be approved. Space applications out by at least a few weeks if you're testing multiple cards.

Your income matters, but Capital One doesn't verify it during the online process—they rely on what you report. If your stated income is very low relative to your credit limits elsewhere, they may deny you or offer a lower limit. If you're approved, your credit limit will be set based on your score and income; it typically ranges from $300 to $3,000 for first-time applicants, though some people get higher limits.

The approval decision and what happens next

If you explore online, you'll usually see a decision on the screen within seconds or minutes. "Approved" means your card is activated and you can use it when ready at Walmart or online. "Pending" means Capital One needs more information—they'll call or mail you within a few days. "Denied" means they won't open the account, though you can reapply after 30 days if your situation has changed (higher income, paid down debt, or a higher credit score).

If you're approved, your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can request a digital card number when ready to start using the card online or in the Walmart app before the physical card arrives. In-store, you can sometimes use the card the same day if you're approved at checkout.

If you're denied, Capital One will mail you a notice explaining the reason. Common reasons are insufficient credit history, too many recent inquiries, or income too low relative to existing debt. You can dispute the information on your credit report if you believe it's wrong, or you can wait and reapply once you've built more credit or paid down other balances.

How the card affects your credit score

The process itself causes a hard inquiry, which typically lowers your score by a few points for a few months. This is temporary and normal. Once the card is open, it helps your credit in two ways: it adds to your available credit (which lowers your credit utilization ratio if you use it responsibly), and it adds to the mix of credit types you have (credit cards, installment loans, etc.).

The card hurts your score if you carry a high balance. Credit utilization—the percentage of your credit limit you're using—makes up about 30% of your score. If you get a $1,000 limit and charge $900, that's 90% utilization, which will lower your score. Keeping your balance below 30% of your limit helps your score. Paying the full balance each month is best.

Late payments are reported to the credit bureaus after 30 days and will significantly damage your score. Missing a payment by even one day doesn't hurt you, but missing by 30 days or more does. Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum if you're worried about forgetting.

Comparing the Walmart card to other store cards

Most store cards (Target, Kohl's, Amazon) offer a discount on your first purchase (usually 10% off) but lower ongoing cash back rates than Walmart. The Walmart store card's 5% cash back on online purchases is competitive. The Walmart Mastercard's 3% at Walmart and 1% everywhere else is lower than some general-purpose cards (some pay 2% on all purchases), but it has no annual fee and is easier to get approved for if your credit is limited.

If you're comparing the Walmart Mastercard to other no-annual-fee cards, look at whether you shop at Walmart regularly. If you do, the 3% back at Walmart and gas stations is a real advantage. If you shop at multiple grocers equally, a flat 2% card might be better. The Walmart card is strongest if Walmart is your primary grocery and gas stop.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between being approved and pending?

Approved means your account is open when ready and you can use the card. Pending means Capital One needs to verify something—usually your income or identity—and will contact you within a few days. You're not denied, but the account isn't active yet. Check your email and phone for their message.

Can I use the card before the physical card arrives?

Yes. If you're approved online, you can request a digital card number in the Capital One app or Walmart app and use it when ready for online purchases or in the Walmart app. The physical card typically arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

Does explore for the Walmart card hurt my credit?

The process creates a hard inquiry, which lowers your score by a few points temporarily. Once the card is open, it can help your score by increasing your available credit and adding to your credit mix—but only if you keep your balance low and pay on time.

What if I'm denied?

You'll receive a notice in the mail explaining why. Common reasons are insufficient credit history, too many recent applications, or low income relative to existing debt. You can reapply after 30 days if your situation has changed, or you can try the store card instead of the Mastercard if you were denied for the Mastercard.

Can I use the Walmart Mastercard at other stores?

Yes, it's a standard Mastercard and works anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The Walmart store card works only at Walmart, Sam's Club, and their websites. The Mastercard is more flexible if you shop at multiple stores.