how the process works for a Walmart credit card
You can explore for a Walmart credit card in three ways: online at Walmart.com, in person at a Walmart store, or by phone. The online route is fastest — you fill out a form with your name, address, income, and Social Security number, and you get a decision in seconds or minutes. In-store applications take about 10 minutes at the customer service desk. Phone applications go through Synchrony Bank, which issues the card on Walmart's behalf.
You do not need to be a Walmart customer or have a Walmart account to explore. The card works at Walmart stores and Walmart.com, and also at Sam's Club locations if you have a membership there. Synchrony will pull your credit report during the process, so the process will show up on your credit history whether you are approved or not.
Key Takeaways
- Online applications at Walmart.com take the least time and give you an when ready or near-when ready decision.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and income information to complete any process.
- Synchrony Bank issues the card and will conduct a hard credit pull, which temporarily affects your credit score.
- If you are approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can use it online when ready with a temporary number.
- The card has no annual fee and offers discounts on Walmart purchases, but the interest rate depends on your creditworthiness.
What documents and information you need before you start
Gather these items before you begin the process, whether online, in-store, or by phone. You will need your Social Security number, your date of birth, and a current government-issued ID (driver's license or passport). Have your current address ready, including your zip code.
You will also need to provide your income — this can be from employment, self-employment, Social Security, retirement, or other sources. You do not need to provide tax returns or pay stubs unless Synchrony asks for them after you submit your process. If you are unsure of your exact income, use your best estimate; Synchrony may contact you to verify.
If you have moved in the last two years, have your previous address available. If you rent rather than own your home, have your landlord's name or your lease handy — Synchrony may ask for housing information.
explore online at Walmart.com
Go to Walmart.com and look for the credit card link, usually found in the footer under "Services" or by searching "Walmart credit card." Click on the Walmart Rewards Card or Walmart+ Card option (Walmart offers both). You will be taken to Synchrony's process page.
Fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address. Enter your employment status (employed, self-employed, retired, or other) and your annual income. Provide your phone number and email address. Review the terms and conditions, then submit.
Synchrony will give you a decision within seconds to a few minutes. If you are approved, you will see your credit limit and card details on screen. You can use a temporary card number to shop online when ready. Your physical card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you are denied, Synchrony will tell you why and may offer you the option to reapply after a certain period.
explore in person at Walmart
Visit the customer service desk at any Walmart store during business hours. Ask for a credit card process. A customer service associate will give you a paper form or direct you to a kiosk where you can explore on a tablet.
Fill out the form with your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, and income information. The associate will submit it to Synchrony while you wait. You will receive a decision within 10 to 15 minutes. If approved, you will get a temporary card number on the spot that you can use when ready, and your physical card will arrive by mail.
In-store applications can be slower during busy hours, so consider visiting early in the day or on a weekday if you want faster service.
explore by phone
Call Synchrony Bank's customer service line to explore by phone. The number is on the back of any Walmart credit card or on Walmart.com's credit card page. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and income information ready before you call.
A representative will walk you through the process questions. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive a decision before the call ends. If approved, the representative will give you a temporary card number you can use right away, and your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens after you are approved
Once Synchrony approves your process, you will receive a temporary card number by email or on screen (depending on how you applied). You can use this number to shop at Walmart.com and in Walmart stores when ready — you do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive.
Your physical card will arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or by logging into your Synchrony account online. You will need to set up your online account to view your balance, make payments, and manage your card.
Your first billing statement will arrive 25 to 30 days after your first purchase. You can pay your bill online through your Synchrony account, by phone, by mail, or in person at Walmart customer service. Payments are due by the due date shown on your statement to avoid interest charges.
What to do if you are denied
If Synchrony denies your process, you will receive a letter in the mail explaining the reason — usually a low credit score, too many recent credit inquiries, or insufficient income. The letter will also include information about your right to request a free copy of your credit report from the credit bureau Synchrony used.
You can reapply after 30 to 90 days, depending on Synchrony's policy. Before you reapply, work on improving your credit score by paying down existing balances, correcting errors on your credit report, or increasing your income. You can also ask Synchrony if you are a candidate for a secured credit card, which requires a cash deposit but may be easier to obtain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my temporary card number before my physical card arrives?
Yes. You can use your temporary card number to shop at Walmart.com and in stores when ready after approval. You do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail. Once your physical card arrives, you will set up it and use that instead.
What is the credit limit for a new Walmart credit card?
Your credit limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history. Synchrony will tell you your limit when you are approved. Limits typically range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, but the exact amount varies by applicant.
Does explore for a Walmart credit card hurt my credit score?
Yes, the process triggers a hard credit pull, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. The impact is usually small and fades within a few months. Multiple applications in a short time can have a larger effect, so space out credit card applications if you are explore for several cards.
Can I explore if I have bad credit?
You can explore, but approval is less likely with a low credit score. Synchrony may deny your process or offer you a secured card instead, which requires a cash deposit. Some people with lower scores are approved with a smaller credit limit. There is no harm in explore — the only cost is the temporary credit score dip from the hard pull.
What if I move after I explore?
Contact Synchrony to update your address before your card arrives. You can do this online through your account, by phone, or by mail. If your card arrives at your old address, contact Synchrony and they can reissue it to your new address or cancel it and issue a new one.