What the Walmart Credit Card Is
Walmart offers two credit cards through Capital One: the Walmart Rewards Card and the Walmart Rewards Card for business use. Both are standard credit cards you can use anywhere Mastercard is accepted, not just at Walmart. The main difference between them and other cards is the rewards structure — you earn more cash back on Walmart and Walmart.com purchases than you do elsewhere.
The Walmart Rewards Card has no annual fee. You don't need to be a Walmart+ member to open one, though membership unlocks an extra rewards tier. The card reports to all three credit bureaus, so using it responsibly can help build your credit history.
Key Takeaways
- The Walmart Rewards Card earns 3% cash back at Walmart stores and Walmart.com, and 1% everywhere else Mastercard is accepted.
- Walmart+ members earn an extra 1% cash back at Walmart locations, for a total of 4% on in-store purchases.
- There is no annual fee, but the card carries a standard interest rate that varies based on your credit score and history.
- You can open the card online, in a Walmart store, or by phone, and the decision usually comes within minutes.
- Cash back is paid as a statement credit each month and does not expire as long as your account remains open.
How the Rewards Work
Cash back is earned on every purchase and paid as a statement credit on your monthly bill. You don't have to redeem it or move it anywhere — it straightforward reduces what you owe. The rate depends on where you shop: 3% at Walmart stores and Walmart.com, 1% everywhere else.
If you have a Walmart+ membership, you earn 4% cash back on in-store Walmart purchases instead of 3%. Walmart+ costs $98 per year or $12.99 per month. The extra 1% cash back means you'd need to spend at least $9,800 per year at Walmart stores for the membership to pay for itself — something to calculate based on your own shopping habits.
Cash back does not expire and does not need to be redeemed. It stays on your account as long as the card is open and active. If you close the card, any unredeemed cash back is typically forfeited, so check your statement before you cancel.
Interest Rates and Fees
The Walmart Rewards Card has no annual fee. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies by person and is based on your credit score, income, and credit history. Capital One will tell you the range of rates you may receive before you complete your process, but your actual rate depends on their review of your credit profile.
Like all credit cards, you pay interest only on balances you don't pay in full by the due date. If you carry a balance, the interest charges will be much larger than any cash back you earn. Paying your full statement balance each month means you pay no interest and keep all the rewards.
There are no fees for late payments, foreign transactions, or balance transfers listed in the card's standard terms, but late payments do damage your credit score and may trigger a higher interest rate on future balances.
How to Open a Walmart Credit Card Account
You can open the card in three ways: online at Capital One's website, in a Walmart store at the customer service desk, or by phone at the number on Walmart's credit card page. The online process is the fastest and takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and income information. Capital One will pull your credit report (called a hard inquiry) as part of the decision. The system usually tells you whether you're approved, denied, or pending within minutes. If you're approved, your card ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days.
If you explore in store, a Walmart associate can walk you through the process on a tablet, and the decision comes the same way. explore by phone takes longer but works if you prefer to speak with someone.
What Happens After Your Card Arrives
When your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or through the Capital One mobile app. You can then use it when ready at any Mastercard location. Your first statement arrives about 30 days after your first purchase.
You can pay your bill online through Capital One's website or app, by phone, by mail, or in a Walmart store. Setting up automatic payments from your bank account ensures you never miss a due date. Your due date is the same each month and appears on your statement.
You can check your balance, rewards, and transaction history anytime through the Capital One app or website. The app also lets you set spending alerts, freeze your card temporarily, and dispute charges.
Comparing the Walmart Card to Other Options
The Walmart card's main appeal is the 3% cash back at Walmart and Walmart.com with no annual fee. If you shop at Walmart regularly, this beats the 1% or 2% cash back most general-purpose cards offer. However, if you rarely shop at Walmart, a card that earns the same rate everywhere may serve you better.
Some cards offer higher cash back on groceries, gas, or restaurants — categories where you might spend more than you do at Walmart. Others offer sign-up bonuses (a lump sum of cash back after you spend a certain amount in the first few months). The Walmart card does not advertise a sign-up bonus, so compare based on ongoing rewards rates instead.
If you carry a balance month to month, the interest rate matters more than the rewards. In that case, look for a card with a 0% introductory APR period, which the Walmart card does not offer. Paying interest will erase the value of any cash back you earn.
Building Credit with the Walmart Card
Using the Walmart card responsibly can help build or improve your credit score. Capital One reports your payment history and account balance to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion each month. Making on-time payments and keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit both boost your score over time.
If you're new to credit or rebuilding after past problems, the Walmart card is a reasonable option because it has no annual fee and no minimum credit score requirement to open one. However, you may be offered a higher interest rate if your credit is limited or damaged. That's normal — the rate reflects the risk Capital One takes by lending to you.
Your credit utilization (the percentage of your credit limit you're using) affects your score. If your limit is $500 and you carry a $400 balance, that's 80% utilization, which hurts your score. Keeping it below 30% — ideally below 10% — helps your score climb faster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Walmart credit card outside of Walmart?
Yes. The Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard, so you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted. You earn 1% cash back on non-Walmart purchases instead of the 3% you earn at Walmart stores and Walmart.com.
What's the difference between the Walmart card and a Walmart store card?
The Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard that works everywhere. Walmart also offers a store card that works only at Walmart and Walmart.com. The store card may have different rewards rates and approval odds. Ask at the customer service desk which card you're being offered.
Do I lose my cash back if I close the card?
Yes. Any cash back you haven't redeemed as a statement credit is forfeited when you close the account. Check your statement and redeem any pending rewards before you cancel.
How long does it take to get approved?
Most decisions come within minutes of submitting your process online or in store. Some applications are flagged for manual review and take 1 to 3 business days. Capital One will contact you if they need more information.
What credit score do I need to open a Walmart credit card?
Capital One does not publish a minimum credit score. People with fair, good, and excellent credit have been approved. If your credit is limited or damaged, you may be approved at a higher interest rate. The only way to know is to explore.