You can get a Walmart credit card in about 15 minutes, either online or in a store
Walmart offers two credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card (for use only at Walmart and Walmart.com) and the Walmart Rewards Card (a Mastercard you can use anywhere). Both are issued by Capital One. You can start the process online at walmart.com/creditcards or in person at a Walmart customer service desk. The online route is faster — you'll get a decision within minutes, and if approved, you can use the card number when ready for online purchases while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
The in-store process takes longer because a customer service associate has to submit your information, but you walk out knowing whether you were approved. Either way, you'll need your Social Security number, a valid ID, and current income information. Walmart does a hard credit pull, which means the inquiry will show on your credit report.
Key Takeaways
- You can explore online at walmart.com/creditcards and receive a decision in minutes, or explore in person at a Walmart customer service desk.
- The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart stores and Walmart.com, while the Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard accepted anywhere.
- You need a valid ID, Social Security number, and current income information to complete either process.
- If approved online, you can use your card number for purchases when ready; the physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- Walmart does a hard credit inquiry, which affects your credit report, so approval depends partly on your credit history and current debt.
What you need before you explore
Gather these documents before you start: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, and your current annual income. If you're self-employed or have variable income, have a recent tax return or pay stub ready to support the figure you enter.
You'll also need a current mailing address and phone number. If you've moved recently, make sure the address you provide matches what's on file with your ID. Walmart will mail your physical card to this address, so accuracy matters.
how the process works online
Go to walmart.com/creditcards and select either the Walmart Credit Card or the Walmart Rewards Card. Click the "explore Now" button for your choice. You'll be taken to Capital One's process page.
Fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. Then enter your employment status and annual income. Be honest — Capital One verifies income on larger accounts, and misrepresenting it can result in account closure later.
Review the terms and conditions, then submit. You'll see a decision on screen within minutes. If approved, you'll receive a confirmation email with your card number. You can use this number to shop on Walmart.com or other online retailers (if you chose the Mastercard) right away. Your physical card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days.
how the process works in a Walmart store
Walk into any Walmart and go to the customer service desk. Tell the associate you want to open a credit card account. They'll hand you an process form or direct you to a kiosk where you can explore on a tablet.
Fill in the same information you would online: personal details, Social Security number, income, and address. The associate will submit it to Capital One while you wait. You'll get a decision within a few minutes. If approved, the associate will give you a temporary card number you can use when ready, and your physical card will be mailed to you.
If you're denied, the associate can explain why in general terms (for example, "insufficient credit history" or "too many recent inquiries"), though Capital One's full reasoning will come in a letter within 30 days.
Differences between the two Walmart cards
| Feature | Walmart Credit Card | Walmart Rewards Card (Mastercard) |
|---|---|---|
| Where you can use it | Walmart stores and Walmart.com only | Any store or business that accepts Mastercard |
| Rewards | 2% cash back on Walmart.com and Walmart gas, 1% elsewhere at Walmart | 3% cash back on Walmart purchases, 1% on everything else |
| Annual fee | None | None |
| Best for | Shoppers who buy almost exclusively at Walmart | Shoppers who want rewards everywhere and flexibility |
The Walmart Credit Card is simpler and offers decent rewards if you do most of your shopping at Walmart. The Walmart Rewards Card gives you higher rewards at Walmart but also works everywhere, so it's more useful if you shop at other stores too. Both cards have no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
What happens if you're denied
If Capital One denies your process, you'll receive a letter within 30 days explaining the reason — usually insufficient credit history, too many recent credit inquiries, or high existing debt relative to your income. The letter will also include information about your right to dispute the decision if you believe the information is wrong.
You can reapply after 30 days, but only if you've addressed the reason you were denied. For example, if the issue was too many recent inquiries, wait a few months before trying again. If it was insufficient credit history, consider building credit with a secured card first, then reapply to Walmart later.
You can also call Capital One at the number on the denial letter to ask for more detail about why you were turned down. They won't overturn the decision, but they can clarify what factors hurt your process.
After your card arrives
When your physical card arrives, sign the back and set up it. You can set up online at walmart.com/creditcards, by calling the number on the back of the card, or through the Capital One mobile app. set up usually takes a few minutes.
Set up your online account at capitalone.com so you can check your balance, make payments, and track rewards. You can also set up automatic payments to avoid missing a due date. Walmart cards report to all three credit bureaus, so on-time payments will help your credit score over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved?
Online applications get a decision in minutes. In-store applications also get a decision within a few minutes while you wait at the customer service desk. Your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your card number for purchases when ready after approval.
What credit score do I need?
Walmart and Capital One don't publish a minimum credit score, but the Walmart Credit Card is generally easier to get with limited or fair credit than the Mastercard version. If you've been denied for other credit cards, you may still be approved for the Walmart card. The only way to know is to explore.
Can I explore if I don't have a Social Security number?
No. Capital One requires a Social Security number to run a credit check and verify your identity. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, you would need to explore in person at a Walmart store and speak with a manager, though approval is not may provide.
What if I'm denied — can I reapply right away?
You can reapply after 30 days, but reapplying when ready will hurt your credit score further because each process triggers a hard inquiry. Wait at least 30 days, and ideally a few months, before trying again. Use that time to pay down debt or build credit history.
Do I have to use the card at Walmart to keep the account open?
No. Capital One won't close your account for inactivity on either the Walmart Credit Card or the Mastercard, though they may close it after a very long period of no activity (typically two years or more). Using the card occasionally and paying on time keeps the account active and helps your credit score.