What You Need to Know Before You explore
Walmart offers two credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card (for use only at Walmart and Walmart.com) and the Walmart Mastercard (accepted anywhere Mastercard is taken). Both are issued by Capital One. You can start the process online, in a Walmart store, or by phone. The approval decision usually comes within minutes if you explore online, though some applications need manual review and take longer.
Before you begin, understand that both cards perform a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. This inquiry stays on your report for about two years. You should only explore if you genuinely intend to use the card, not to see if you might be approved.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart Credit Cards are issued by Capital One and require you to be at least 18 years old with a valid Social Security number and a U.S. address.
- Online applications at walmart.com/creditcards or through Capital One's website typically give you a decision within minutes.
- You can also explore in-store at a Walmart customer service desk or by calling the number on the back of a Walmart receipt if you have received a pre-approved offer.
- Approval depends on your credit history, income, and existing debt — there is no minimum credit score published, but Capital One typically approves people with fair credit and above.
- Once approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can use it when ready online if you receive a temporary card number.
how the process works Online
The fastest route is the online process at walmart.com/creditcards. Click the card you want (Walmart Credit Card or Walmart Mastercard), then select "explore Now." You will be asked for your name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. Have your driver's license or state ID handy to verify your information.
Next, you will enter your employment information: current employer, job title, annual income, and how long you have worked there. Be honest about your income — Capital One verifies this information. You will also list any other credit accounts you have open (credit cards, loans, mortgages) and their balances. This helps Capital One understand your total debt load.
After you submit, you will see a decision on screen. If approved, you may receive a temporary card number when ready that you can use online. If your process needs review, Capital One will call or email you within one to two business days. If denied, you will receive a letter in the mail explaining why, and you can request a free copy of your credit report from the agency that provided the information.
explore in a Walmart Store
You can also explore at the customer service desk in any Walmart. Ask for a credit card process form. A customer service representative will give you a paper form or direct you to a kiosk where you can explore on a tablet. The process is the same as online: you provide your personal, employment, and financial information.
In-store applications take longer to process than online ones because the information must be transmitted to Capital One's system. You typically will not receive a decision on the spot. Instead, Capital One will contact you by phone or email within one to two business days. Some Walmart locations offer when ready approval kiosks, but this is not available at all stores.
What Happens After Approval
Once approved, your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you received a temporary card number during online approval, you can start using it when ready on Walmart.com and at Walmart stores (if you have the Walmart Credit Card) or anywhere Mastercard is accepted (if you have the Walmart Mastercard).
When your physical card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or logging into your Capital One account online. Set up your online account at capitalone.com so you can check your balance, make payments, and monitor your credit limit. Your first statement will arrive about 30 days after your first purchase.
Credit Limits and Rewards
Your credit limit depends on your credit score, income, and debt history. Capital One does not publish a minimum or maximum, but first-time cardholders typically receive limits between $300 and $2,500. You can request a credit limit increase after you have had the card for six months and made on-time payments.
The Walmart Credit Card offers 1% cash back on Walmart purchases and 0% cash back elsewhere. The Walmart Mastercard offers 1% cash back on Walmart purchases and 0.5% cash back on all other purchases. Cash back is credited to your account monthly and can be used as a statement credit or deposited to a bank account. There is no annual fee on either card.
If Your process Is Denied
A denial usually means Capital One found something in your credit report or income information that made them hesitant to approve you. Common reasons include a low credit score, high existing debt relative to your income, recent missed payments, or too many recent credit inquiries.
You have the right to a free copy of your credit report from the agency Capital One used. The denial letter will tell you which agency (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). You can order your free report at annualcreditreport.com. Review it for errors — if you find mistakes, you can dispute them with the agency.
If your credit has improved since the denial, you can reapply after six months. Each new process triggers another hard inquiry, so space them out. In the meantime, focus on paying all bills on time and paying down existing balances to strengthen your credit profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Walmart account to explore for the credit card?
No. You can explore for a Walmart credit card without having a Walmart.com account or shopping history. You only need to be 18 or older, have a valid Social Security number, and have a U.S. address.
What if I have no credit history?
Capital One does review applications from people with no credit history, though approval is not may provide. If you have no credit file at all, consider becoming an authorized user on someone else's credit card first, or opening a secured credit card elsewhere to build a history before explore.
Can I use the card before it arrives in the mail?
If you applied online and received a temporary card number, yes — you can use it when ready on Walmart.com and in Walmart stores (Walmart Credit Card) or anywhere Mastercard is accepted (Walmart Mastercard). You cannot use it until you receive the temporary number or your physical card arrives.
How long does the hard inquiry stay on my credit report?
Hard inquiries remain visible on your credit report for about two years, but they have the strongest impact on your score in the first three to six months. After that, their effect on your score diminishes, though they are still visible to lenders.
What is the difference between the Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart Mastercard?
The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Walmart.com. The Walmart Mastercard works anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Both offer 1% cash back on Walmart purchases, but the Mastercard also earns 0.5% cash back on purchases elsewhere. Choose based on where you shop most often.