The process Process for a Walmart Credit Card
You can explore for a Walmart credit card online, in a Walmart store, or by phone. The online route is fastest — you fill out a form on Walmart's website, get a decision in seconds or minutes, and can start using the card when ready if you're approved. In-store applications take longer because a associate has to process your information by hand. Phone applications are available but less common; most people choose online or in-store.
The card comes in two versions: the Walmart Credit Card (for use anywhere Mastercard is accepted) and the Walmart Rewards Card (for Walmart and Sam's Club purchases only). Both use the same process, but you choose which one during signup. The Walmart Credit Card typically has a higher credit limit range, while the Rewards Card is easier to get approved for if your credit score is lower.
Key Takeaways
- Online applications at walmart.com/creditcards take minutes and give you an when ready or same-day decision.
- You need a Social Security number, current address, income information, and a valid ID to complete any process.
- Walmart will run a hard credit inquiry, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.
- If approved, you can use your card in-store when ready or wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- If denied, you can reapply after addressing the reason — usually a thin credit file, recent missed payments, or high existing debt.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather these documents and information before you begin, whether you're explore online or in-store. You'll need your Social Security number, your current home address, and a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Have your phone number and email address ready as well.
You'll also need to provide income information. This can be your annual salary, household income, or income from self-employment — Walmart doesn't verify it against tax returns during the process, but lying about income can be grounds for the card issuer to close your account later. If you're retired or receive disability payments, those count as income too. Have a rough number in mind; you don't need exact figures.
If you have existing Walmart accounts (a Walmart.com account, a Sam's Club membership, or a previous Walmart credit card), have that information handy. It can speed up the process because Walmart already has some of your details on file.
explore Online at Walmart.com
Go to walmart.com/creditcards and click the button for the card you want (Walmart Credit Card or Walmart Rewards Card). You'll be taken to the process form, which asks for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. Fill in each field carefully — typos in your name or Social Security number can cause the process to be rejected or delayed.
Next, you'll enter employment and income information. The form asks for your employer name, job title, and annual income. If you're self-employed, enter your business name and estimated annual income. If you don't work, select "Retired," "Disabled," "Student," or another status that applies, and enter any income you receive.
The form also asks about existing credit accounts and whether you've had a Walmart credit card before. Answer honestly — Walmart can see this information through the credit bureaus anyway. Once you submit, Walmart runs a hard inquiry on your credit report and gives you a decision within seconds to a few minutes. If approved, you'll see your credit limit and can set up the card when ready to use online or in-store.
explore In-Store at Walmart
Visit the customer service desk or the money center at any Walmart location. Tell the associate you want to explore for a Walmart credit card. They'll give you a tablet or paper form to fill out — the questions are the same as the online process. Bring your ID and have your Social Security number ready.
The associate will submit your process while you wait. The decision usually comes through within 10 to 15 minutes. If you're approved, the associate can set up the card on the spot, and you can use it when ready in that store or online. You'll receive the physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
In-store applications are useful if you prefer to ask questions face-to-face or if you have trouble with the online form. However, the process takes longer than explore online, and you have to visit a store during business hours.
What Happens After You're Approved
If approved, you'll receive a confirmation email with your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back). You can use these details to make purchases online or over the phone when ready. Your physical card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days; set up it by calling the number on the back or through the Walmart app.
Set up online account access through walmart.com/creditcards or the Walmart app so you can view your balance, make payments, and track rewards (if you have the Rewards Card). Your first statement will arrive 30 to 45 days after your first purchase. You'll have a grace period of at least 21 days from the statement date to pay without interest, as long as you pay your full balance.
If you were approved for a lower credit limit than you hoped for, you can request a credit limit increase after you've had the card for at least six months and made on-time payments.
If Your process Is Denied or Pending
If you're denied, Walmart will send you a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include a low credit score, recent missed payments, high existing debt relative to your income, or a thin credit file (not enough credit history). You can reapply after addressing the issue — for example, paying down existing balances, waiting for late payments to age, or building credit with a secured card.
If your process is pending, Walmart needs more information. Check your email for a message asking for additional documents, such as proof of income or verification of your address. Respond within the timeframe given (usually 10 to 30 days) to move forward. If you don't respond, your process will be closed.
You can also call Walmart Credit Services at the number on the process letter to ask why you were denied and what you can do to improve your chances on a future process.
Understanding the Credit Inquiry and Its Impact
When you explore, Walmart performs a hard inquiry on your credit report. This is a formal request to see your credit history and score, and it shows up on your credit report for two years. A hard inquiry typically lowers your credit score by 5 to 10 points, though the impact fades over time.
Multiple applications within a short period (like explore for several cards in one week) can add up and hurt your score more. However, credit scoring models treat multiple inquiries for the same type of credit (like credit cards) within 14 to 45 days as a single inquiry, so spacing out applications by at least a month is wise if you're planning to explore for more than one card.
The hard inquiry is different from checking your own credit score, which is a soft inquiry and doesn't affect your score at all. Walmart also performs a soft inquiry if you check your pre-qualification offer on their website before explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for a Walmart credit card?
Online applications get a decision in seconds to a few minutes. In-store applications take 10 to 15 minutes. If your process is pending and Walmart needs more information, the process can take 10 to 30 days depending on how quickly you respond.
Can I use my Walmart credit card before the physical card arrives?
Yes. If you're approved online or in-store, you can use your card number when ready to shop on Walmart.com or in-store (by providing your phone number or email at checkout). The physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
What credit score do I need to get approved?
Walmart doesn't publish a minimum credit score, but the Walmart Rewards Card is generally easier to get approved for with lower credit scores, while the Walmart Credit Card (Mastercard) typically requires a higher score. If you have a score below 600, you're more likely to be denied or offered a low credit limit.
Can I explore if I'm not a U.S. citizen?
You need a valid Social Security number to explore. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, you may not be able to explore for a Walmart credit card, though you can contact Walmart Credit Services to ask about your specific situation.
What should I do if I was denied?
Read the denial letter to understand the reason. If it's a low credit score, focus on paying down existing balances and making all payments on time for several months before reapplying. If it's a thin credit file, consider getting a secured credit card first to build history, then reapply in 6 to 12 months.