Getting a Walmart credit card starts with choosing between two versions and then submitting your information online or in-store
Walmart offers two credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card (also called the Walmart Mastercard) and the Walmart Store Card. The Store Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club. The Mastercard works anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Both are issued by Capital One. You can start the process on Walmart's website, through the Walmart mobile app, or by visiting a Walmart store and speaking to a cashier or customer service desk.
The process itself is straightforward: you provide your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Capital One then reviews your credit history and makes a decision. You'll typically hear back within minutes if you're explore online, though some applications take longer and you may receive a decision by mail. If you're pre-approved (which you saw before arriving at this page), your odds of acceptance are higher, but pre-approval is not a may provide.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart offers two cards: the Store Card (Walmart and Sam's Club only) and the Mastercard (accepted everywhere), both issued by Capital One.
- You can begin the process online at Walmart.com, through the Walmart app, or in-store at a Walmart location.
- The process asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment details.
- Online decisions usually come within minutes, though some applications are reviewed by mail and take longer.
- Pre-approval increases your likelihood of acceptance but does not may provide it.
explore online through Walmart's website or app
Go to Walmart.com and look for the credit card offer in the Money Services section, or search "Walmart credit card" directly. The Walmart app also displays credit card offers. Click the link for the card you want — Store Card or Mastercard — and you'll be taken to Capital One's process page.
Fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Then provide your Social Security number and employment details, including your employer's name, your job title, and your annual income. You don't need to upload documents; Capital One pulls your credit report electronically. After you submit, you'll see a decision on screen or receive one by email within a few minutes. If your process needs more review, Capital One will contact you by mail.
explore in-store at Walmart
Walk up to the customer service desk or a cashier and ask about the Walmart credit card. They can hand you a paper process or direct you to a kiosk where you can explore on a tablet. The in-store process is the same as online: you provide your personal, Social Security, and employment information.
In-store applications are sometimes processed on the spot, but you may also receive a decision by mail. If you're approved, you can pick up your card at the store within a few days, or it will be mailed to your address. Ask the associate which option applies to your location.
What happens after you submit your information
Capital One reviews your credit report, income, and payment history. They look at your credit score, how much debt you already carry, and whether you've had late payments or collections. If you have a thin credit file (few accounts or a short history), they may take longer to decide or ask for more information.
If you're approved, you'll receive your card by mail or pick it up in-store. Your credit limit depends on your credit profile and income; there's no way to know the limit before you're approved. If you're denied, Capital One will send you a letter explaining the main reason — usually a low credit score, high existing debt, or insufficient income. You can dispute inaccuracies on your credit report through the credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) and reapply later.
Rewards and benefits of each card
The Walmart Store Card offers cash back on Walmart and Sam's Club purchases — typically 1% to 3% depending on the category and current promotions. You earn rewards only when you use the card at those retailers. The card has no annual fee.
The Walmart Mastercard also offers cash back on Walmart and Sam's Club purchases at the same rates, but you earn a lower rate (usually 1%) on purchases everywhere else Mastercard is accepted. It also has no annual fee. The Mastercard is useful if you want a general-purpose card that earns rewards at Walmart but can be used anywhere.
Both cards come with fraud protection and the ability to set up automatic payments or check your balance online. Neither card offers travel insurance, purchase protection, or other premium benefits — they're basic cards designed for everyday spending and Walmart rewards.
Credit score and income requirements
Walmart and Capital One do not publish a minimum credit score or income requirement. However, based on how Capital One typically reviews applications, approval is more likely if your credit score is 650 or higher and your annual income is at least $15,000 to $20,000. These are not hard rules; people with lower scores or income have been approved, and people with higher scores have been denied.
Your debt-to-income ratio matters too. If you already carry high balances on other cards or loans, Capital One may deny you or offer a lower credit limit. If you've been denied in the past, waiting 6 to 12 months, paying down existing debt, and reapplying can improve your chances.
What to do if you're denied
If Capital One denies your process, you'll receive a letter in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. The letter will state the primary reason — usually "credit score too low," "insufficient income," or "too much existing debt." You have the right to request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) through AnnualCreditReport.com.
Review your report for errors: incorrect account balances, accounts you don't recognize, or late payments that aren't yours. Dispute any inaccuracies directly with the bureau. If your score is low because of recent late payments, wait 6 to 12 months and reapply. If your income is the issue, reapply once your income has increased or you can document higher earnings. You can reapply to Walmart or consider the Capital One Platinum Mastercard, which is designed for people building or rebuilding credit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does explore for a Walmart credit card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but only slightly and temporarily. When you submit an process, Capital One performs a hard inquiry on your credit report, which typically lowers your score by 5 to 10 points. This inquiry stays on your report for about 12 months but has the most impact in the first month. Multiple applications within a short time (a few weeks) can add up, so space out applications if you're considering other cards.
Can I use the card before it arrives in the mail?
Not usually. You must wait for the physical card to arrive and set up it before you can use it. Some retailers allow you to add a card to a digital wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay) once it's activated, which lets you use it on your phone before the physical card shows up. Check your approval email or account page for instructions on set up and digital wallet options.
What if I was pre-approved but got denied after explore?
Pre-approval means Capital One reviewed limited information and thinks you're a good candidate, but it's not a may provide. When you submit a full process, they pull your complete credit report and may find information that changes their decision — a new late payment, a collection account, or higher debt than expected. If this happens, ask Capital One why you were denied and follow the steps above to address the issue before reapplying.
How long does it take to receive the card after approval?
If you applied in-store and were approved on the spot, you can pick up your card within a few days or it will be mailed to you. If you applied online, the card is mailed to your address and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You'll receive a tracking number or notification when it ships. set up the card as soon as it arrives by calling the number on the back or using the Walmart app.
Can I increase my credit limit after I get the card?
Yes. After you've used the card responsibly for several months, Capital One may automatically increase your limit. You can also request a limit increase by logging into your account online or calling the number on the back of your card. Capital One will review your account and may perform a soft inquiry (which doesn't hurt your score) to decide.