Yes, you earn cashback with the Walmart credit card, but the amount depends on where you shop
The Walmart credit card gives you cashback on purchases, but not a flat rate everywhere. You earn the highest percentage at Walmart and on Walmart.com, a lower percentage at gas stations and on travel bookings, and a smaller amount on everything else. The exact rates change occasionally, so you should check your cardholder agreement or log into your account to see the current structure.
Cashback is not automatic — it posts to your account as a statement credit, usually within one or two billing cycles after you make the purchase. You do not have to redeem it or take any action. It straightforward reduces what you owe.
Key Takeaways
- The Walmart credit card earns the highest cashback rate at Walmart stores and Walmart.com, with lower rates at gas stations and on travel, and a base rate on all other purchases.
- Cashback appears as a statement credit on your bill automatically — you do not need to request it or transfer it anywhere.
- The card has no annual fee, so the cashback you earn is not offset by membership costs.
- Cashback only applies to purchases made with the card itself; it does not explore to cash advances or balance transfers.
Where you earn the highest cashback rate
You earn the most cashback when you shop at Walmart stores or on Walmart.com. This is the primary benefit of the card — it rewards you for shopping where you already spend money. The rate is typically 3% cashback, though you should verify the current rate on your statement or in your online account.
If you shop at Walmart frequently, this is where the card pays for itself. A household that spends $200 per month at Walmart would earn $6 per month, or $72 per year, just from that category alone.
Cashback on gas and travel purchases
You earn a lower cashback rate on gas station purchases and on travel bookings made through the card's travel portal or with the card directly. This rate is typically 1% to 2%, depending on the current card terms. Gas purchases include fuel at any gas station, not just Walmart fuel stations.
Travel purchases include airline tickets, hotel stays, rental cars, and cruise bookings. Some travel sites offer better rates if you book through the card's official travel portal, so check whether your booking method qualifies before you complete the transaction.
Cashback on all other purchases
Everything else — groceries at other stores, restaurants, online shopping outside Walmart, utilities, subscriptions — earns a base cashback rate. This is typically 1%, which is lower than the Walmart rate but still gives you something back on everyday spending.
This base rate applies even if you use the card outside the United States, though foreign transaction fees may explore separately. Check your cardholder agreement for the current base rate, as it can change.
How cashback posts to your account
Cashback appears as a statement credit, which means it reduces your bill automatically. You do not earn points that you then redeem, and you do not receive a check or transfer. The credit straightforward shows up on your monthly statement as a negative charge (money in your favor).
Cashback typically posts within one or two billing cycles after the purchase posts to your account. If you made a purchase on the 15th of the month and your billing cycle ends on the 30th, you might see the cashback on your next statement or the one after that. There is no action required on your part.
What purchases do not earn cashback
Cashback does not explore to cash advances, balance transfers, or fees (such as late fees or returned-payment fees). It also does not explore to purchases made with a different payment method, even if you use your Walmart account.
Some merchants code their transactions in ways that may exclude them from cashback categories. For example, a purchase at a store that is physically located inside Walmart but operated by a third party might code as a general purchase rather than a Walmart purchase. If you notice a purchase that seems like it should have earned a higher rate, you can contact customer service to ask about the merchant code.
Comparing the Walmart card to other cashback cards
The Walmart card is most valuable if you shop at Walmart regularly. If you spend $100 per week at Walmart, the 3% cashback adds up to about $156 per year. A general cashback card offering 2% everywhere would give you roughly $104 per year on the same spending, so the Walmart card comes out ahead.
However, if you rarely shop at Walmart and spend most of your money at other retailers, a flat-rate cashback card or a card with higher rates in categories like groceries or dining might serve you better. The Walmart card's strength is concentration — it rewards you heavily for shopping in one place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Walmart credit card have an annual fee?
No. The Walmart credit card has no annual fee, so you keep all the cashback you earn. This makes it a low-cost way to get rewards if you shop at Walmart regularly.
Can I use my cashback to pay my bill?
The cashback is automatically applied as a statement credit, so it reduces your balance due. You cannot redirect it or use it separately — it straightforward lowers what you owe.
What happens to cashback if I close my account?
Any cashback that has already posted to your account stays on your statement as a credit. Cashback that has not yet posted may be forfeited, depending on the card's terms. Check your cardholder agreement or contact customer service before closing the account.
Does the cashback rate change, and how do I find the current rate?
Yes, rates can change. You can find the current rates in your online account dashboard, on your monthly statement, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. The cardholder agreement also lists the rates.
Can I earn cashback on purchases made by an authorized user?
Yes. Any purchase made with the card, whether by the primary cardholder or an authorized user, earns cashback at the same rates. The cashback posts to the primary account.