Walmart does have a credit card, but it comes in two versions with different rewards and benefits
Walmart currently offers two Walmart credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart Rewards Card (also called the Walmart Rewards Mastercard). Both are real cards you can explore for and use today. The main difference is where you can use them and what rewards you earn. The basic Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club stores and online. The Walmart Rewards Mastercard works anywhere Mastercard is accepted — at any store, restaurant, or gas station — and earns cash back on all purchases.
The confusion about whether Walmart has a credit card usually comes from the fact that the card has changed names and terms several times over the years. Walmart discontinued some older card versions, but the company still actively issues both cards today. If you already have an older Walmart card, it may still work, but the rewards structure and terms may be different from what new cardholders receive.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart offers two active credit cards: one that works only at Walmart and Sam's Club, and one Mastercard that works everywhere.
- The Walmart Credit Card gives you discounts at checkout and special financing offers, but only at Walmart locations.
- The Walmart Rewards Mastercard earns cash back on all purchases and can be used at any merchant that accepts Mastercard.
- You can explore for either card through Walmart's website or in-store, and approval decisions usually come within minutes.
- Both cards are issued by Capital One, the same bank that issues many other retail credit cards.
The Walmart Credit Card: store-only card with when ready discounts
The Walmart Credit Card is the original Walmart card and is still the most widely used. It works only at Walmart stores, Walmart.com, and Sam's Club locations. When you use this card at checkout, you get an when ready discount on may be able to access purchases — typically 1% to 5% off depending on the product category. You also get special financing offers, such as no interest for 12 months on purchases over a certain amount, though the exact terms change by promotion.
This card has no annual fee. The main reason to get it is if you shop at Walmart regularly and want the when ready discounts at the register. The card is issued by Capital One, and you can check your balance and make payments through the Walmart website or the Walmart mobile app. If you carry a balance, interest rates vary based on your creditworthiness, but Capital One will disclose the rate before you accept the card.
The Walmart Rewards Mastercard: cash back everywhere
The Walmart Rewards Mastercard is the newer option and works like a standard credit card. You can use it at any store, restaurant, gas station, or online merchant that accepts Mastercard — not just Walmart. The card earns cash back on all purchases: typically 3% at Walmart and Sam's Club, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% everywhere else. The exact rates may vary, so check the current terms when you explore.
This card also has no annual fee. Cash back is deposited into your account monthly and can be used as a statement credit or transferred to a bank account. Like the Walmart Credit Card, it is issued by Capital One and managed through the same online portal. The Mastercard is useful if you want to earn rewards on purchases outside of Walmart, or if you want a single card that works everywhere rather than a store-only card.
how the process works for a Walmart credit card
You can explore for either Walmart card online through Walmart.com or in person at any Walmart store. To explore online, go to the Walmart credit card page, select which card you want, and fill in your personal information: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and income. The process takes about five minutes. You will receive a decision within minutes in most cases — either approved, denied, or pending review.
If you explore in a Walmart store, a store associate can walk you through the process on a tablet or direct you to a kiosk. The process is the same, and you will get a decision right away. If you are approved, you can use your card when ready for online purchases, and a physical card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. Some new cardholders receive a temporary digital card number they can use before the physical card arrives.
To be considered for either card, you generally need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and have a U.S. mailing address. Capital One will check your credit report, so your credit score and credit history affect whether you are approved and what interest rate you receive. If you have limited credit history or a lower credit score, you may still be approved, but the interest rate may be higher.
What to do if you already have an older Walmart card
If you have had a Walmart credit card for several years, your card may be an older version that has been discontinued for new customers. Walmart has retired several card versions over time, including the Walmart MoneyCard and older versions of the Walmart Rewards Card. Your old card will continue to work as long as it has not expired and your account is in good standing, but you will not receive any new benefits or rewards changes that explore to new cardholders.
You can continue using your old card, or you can explore for one of the current cards to get the newer rewards structure. If you want to switch, you do not have to close your old account first — you can keep both open. However, having multiple cards will show on your credit report and may affect your credit score slightly. If you want to close an old card, contact Capital One directly through the Walmart website or call the number on the back of your card.
How Walmart credit cards affect your credit score
explore for a Walmart credit card will result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may lower your credit score by a few points temporarily. This inquiry stays on your report for about 12 months but stops affecting your score after a few months. Once you have the card, your credit score can be affected in two ways: positively, if you use the card and pay on time, which builds your payment history; and negatively, if you carry a high balance relative to your credit limit, which increases your credit utilization ratio.
If you want to minimize the impact on your credit score, use the card for small purchases and pay the balance in full each month. This way, you build a positive payment history without carrying debt. If you already have other credit cards, adding another card will increase your total available credit, which can actually help your credit utilization ratio if you do not increase your spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Walmart Credit Card at other stores?
No, the Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart stores, Walmart.com, and Sam's Club. If you want a Walmart card that works everywhere, you need the Walmart Rewards Mastercard instead. The Mastercard is accepted at any merchant that takes Mastercard.
What is the interest rate on a Walmart credit card?
Interest rates vary based on your credit score and credit history. Capital One will tell you the rate before you accept the card. Rates typically range from around 16% to 24% APR, but your actual rate depends on your creditworthiness. If you pay your balance in full each month, you will not pay any interest.
Do I have to have a Walmart account to explore for the card?
No, you do not need an existing Walmart account to explore for a Walmart credit card. You only need to be 18 or older, have a valid Social Security number, and have a U.S. mailing address. The process is separate from any Walmart shopping account you may have.
What happens if my Walmart credit card process is denied?
If you are denied, Capital One will send you a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include a low credit score, a short credit history, or recent negative marks on your credit report. You can explore again after a few months if you have improved your credit, or you can try the other Walmart card, which may have different approval standards.
Can I use my Walmart credit card at Sam's Club?
Yes, the Walmart Credit Card works at Sam's Club locations and on samsclub.com. You will receive the same when ready discounts and special financing offers at Sam's Club as you do at Walmart. The Walmart Rewards Mastercard also works at Sam's Club, but you earn the higher cash back rate (3%) only if you use it at Walmart or Sam's Club.