The Walmart credit card process takes about 10 minutes online or in-store, and you'll know whether you're approved within seconds
Walmart offers two credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card (works only at Walmart and Walmart.com) and the Walmart Rewards Card (works anywhere Visa is accepted). Both are issued by Capital One. You can start the process on Walmart.com, through the Walmart mobile app, or in person at a Walmart register. The process asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Capital One checks your credit report and gives you an when ready decision in most cases.
If you're approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you're denied, Capital One will mail you a letter explaining why within 30 days. You can also call the number on any rejection letter to ask questions or request reconsideration.
Key Takeaways
- The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart stores and Walmart.com, while the Walmart Rewards Card works anywhere Visa is accepted.
- You can start your request online at Walmart.com, through the Walmart app, or at a Walmart register with a cashier.
- Capital One will tell you when ready whether you're approved, and your card arrives in 7 to 10 business days if accepted.
- You need your Social Security number, current address, and employment information to complete the request.
explore online through Walmart.com
Go to Walmart.com and look for the credit card section, usually found under "Services" or "Money Services" in the footer. Click on the card you want — Walmart Credit Card or Walmart Rewards Card — and select "Request Now" or a similar button. You'll be taken to Capital One's find process page.
Fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Then enter your Social Security number and annual income. For employment, provide your employer's name and how long you've worked there. Review everything for accuracy before submitting. Capital One will display your decision on screen, and you'll receive a confirmation email.
explore through the Walmart mobile app
Open the Walmart app and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines). Look for "Money Services," "Financial Services," or "Credit Cards." Select the card you want and tap "Request Now." The form is the same as the online version: personal details, Social Security number, income, and employment history.
The app will show your decision when ready after you submit. You'll also get a confirmation email. If you're approved, you can check your card status in the app or by calling the number on your confirmation email.
explore in-store at a Walmart register
Walk up to the customer service desk or a regular checkout register and tell the cashier you want to request a Walmart credit card. They'll give you a tablet or direct you to a kiosk where you can fill out the process yourself, or they may hand you a paper form to complete. The information needed is identical to the online version.
In-store applications are processed the same way — Capital One checks your credit and gives you an when ready decision. You'll receive a confirmation, and your card will arrive by mail. Some Walmart locations offer when ready-issue cards at the register, but this varies by location; ask the cashier whether yours does.
What happens after you submit your request
Capital One pulls your credit report from one or more of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). This is called a hard inquiry and may lower your credit score by a few points temporarily. The company reviews your credit history, income, and debt to decide whether to approve you.
Most decisions come back within seconds or minutes. If your request is approved, you'll see a message on screen and receive an email with your card details and a temporary card number you can use online right away. Your physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If you're denied, you'll get a letter in the mail within 30 days explaining the reason — usually a low credit score, recent late payments, or high existing debt.
What to do if you're denied
A denial is not permanent. You can request reconsideration by calling the number on your denial letter and speaking with a Capital One representative. Have your recent pay stubs or tax returns ready to show your income. Some people are approved on reconsideration if they can explain a temporary hardship or provide proof of higher income than what was initially reported.
You can also wait 6 to 12 months, work on improving your credit score, and request again later. Pay down existing debt, make all payments on time, and check your credit report for errors at annualcreditreport.com (the only free, official source). If you find mistakes, dispute them with the credit bureau.
Differences between the two Walmart cards
| Feature | Walmart Credit Card | Walmart Rewards Card |
|---|---|---|
| Where you can use it | Walmart and Walmart.com only | Anywhere Visa is accepted |
| Annual fee | None | None |
| Cash back or rewards | 2% back at Walmart, 1% elsewhere (Rewards version only) | 3% back at Walmart, 1% back everywhere else |
| Best for | Frequent Walmart shoppers who want a straightforward card | People who shop at Walmart and other stores |
Both cards have no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. The Walmart Rewards Card is a Visa, so you can use it at gas stations, restaurants, and other retailers. The Walmart Credit Card is store-only but offers slightly higher cash back at Walmart if you choose the rewards version. Review the current rewards rates on Walmart.com before you request, as these can change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Walmart account to request a credit card?
No. You can request a card whether or not you have a Walmart.com account. If you don't have one, you'll create a login during the process. If you already shop at Walmart, you can use your existing account email and password.
What credit score do I need?
Capital One does not publish a minimum credit score. People with fair credit (typically 580–669) have been approved, as have people with good credit (670+). People with poor credit (below 580) are less likely to be approved but can still request. The only way to know is to submit your request and see what Capital One decides.
Can I use my card before it arrives in the mail?
Yes. If you're approved, Capital One gives you a temporary card number when ready that you can use online or through the Walmart app. Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days and can be used in stores and online.
What if I was denied but want to request again?
Wait at least 6 months before requesting again. In the meantime, pay all your bills on time, pay down existing credit card balances, and check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com for errors. You can also call Capital One at the number on your denial letter to ask what specific factors led to the denial.
Is there a fee to request a Walmart credit card?
No. Requesting a card is free. There is no annual fee once you're approved, and there are no fees for using the card at Walmart or Walmart.com. The Walmart Rewards Card has no foreign transaction fees if you use it abroad.