Walmart offers two credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart Visa Card
Yes, Walmart issues its own credit cards through Synchrony Bank. The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club stores and on Walmart.com. The Walmart Visa Card is a Visa that works anywhere Visa is accepted — at other retailers, gas stations, restaurants, and online. Both cards are issued by Synchrony and carry different rewards structures and approval requirements.
The key difference is where you can use them. If you shop primarily at Walmart, the Walmart Credit Card offers higher rewards there. If you want a card that works everywhere, the Walmart Visa Card is the choice, though its rewards are lower outside Walmart locations.
Key Takeaways
- The Walmart Credit Card gives 3% cash back at Walmart and Sam's Club but only works at those stores and Walmart.com.
- The Walmart Visa Card earns 1% cash back at Walmart and 1% at gas stations, but only 0.5% elsewhere, and works anywhere Visa is accepted.
- Both cards require a credit check and are issued by Synchrony Bank, not Walmart directly.
- You can request a card online, in-store, or by phone, and approval decisions usually come within minutes to a few business days.
Walmart Credit Card rewards and limits
The Walmart Credit Card earns cash back only when you use it at Walmart, Sam's Club, or Walmart.com. You earn 3% cash back on purchases at those locations. There is no annual fee. The card does not earn rewards at other retailers.
Cash back is issued as a statement credit or can be redeemed for a Walmart gift card. There is no minimum redemption amount — you can redeem as little as $1. The card also offers special financing options on larger purchases, typically 0% APR for a set period if you meet the purchase minimum (usually $50 to $100, depending on the promotion).
The card has no preset spending limit — your limit depends on your credit history and income. Synchrony reviews your account periodically and may increase your limit over time if you pay on time.
Walmart Visa Card rewards and where it works
The Walmart Visa Card earns cash back at multiple locations. You get 2% cash back at Walmart and Sam's Club, 2% at gas stations (including Walmart fuel centers), and 1% on all other purchases. There is no annual fee.
Because it is a Visa, you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted — at other grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacies, online retailers, and ATMs. This makes it useful if you shop outside Walmart or want a single card for all spending. The lower rewards rate outside Walmart (1%) reflects that it is a general-purpose card.
Cash back is issued as a statement credit monthly. Like the Walmart Credit Card, there is no minimum redemption. The card also includes purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, and fraud liability protection that come with most Visa cards.
How to request a Walmart credit card
You can request either card through three channels: online at Walmart.com, in person at a Walmart store, or by phone. Online requests go through Synchrony's website and take a few minutes to complete. In-store requests are handled at the customer service desk and may be faster if you are approved when ready.
To request a card, you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and income information. Synchrony will pull your credit report as part of the decision. You do not need to be a Walmart employee or have a Walmart account already, though having a Walmart.com account makes the online process slightly faster.
Approval decisions usually come within minutes if you request online or in-store. If your process needs manual review, Synchrony may contact you within a few business days. Once approved, physical cards arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days, though you can often use the card number when ready for online purchases.
Credit requirements and who can get approved
Synchrony does not publish a minimum credit score for either Walmart card, but both cards are generally easier to get than premium rewards cards. People with fair credit (typically 580 to 669) have a reasonable chance of approval. People with good or excellent credit (670 and above) are more likely to be approved with higher limits.
Your income, employment status, and existing debt also factor into the decision. Synchrony looks at your debt-to-income ratio — how much you already owe compared to what you earn. If you have recent late payments or collections accounts, approval is less likely, though not impossible.
If you are denied, you can request reconsideration by calling Synchrony at the number on the denial letter. You can also reapply after 30 days. Building credit with a secured card or becoming an authorized user on someone else's account can improve your chances on a future process.
Comparing the two cards: which one to choose
| Feature | Walmart Credit Card | Walmart Visa Card |
|---|---|---|
| Where it works | Walmart, Sam's Club, Walmart.com only | Anywhere Visa is accepted |
| Cash back at Walmart | 3% | 2% |
| Cash back at gas stations | None | 2% |
| Cash back elsewhere | None | 1% |
| Annual fee | None | None |
| Special financing | Yes, on select purchases | No |
Choose the Walmart Credit Card if you do most of your shopping at Walmart or Sam's Club and want the highest rewards rate there. The 3% cash back adds up quickly on groceries, household items, and regular purchases. The special financing offers are also valuable if you buy larger items like electronics or furniture.
Choose the Walmart Visa Card if you shop at multiple retailers or want a card that works everywhere. The 2% at gas stations is useful if you fill up regularly, and the 1% on all other purchases means you earn rewards even outside Walmart. This card works better as an everyday card if Walmart is only part of your spending.
Some people carry both cards — using the Walmart Credit Card at Walmart for the higher rewards and the Visa Card elsewhere. This strategy works if you are comfortable managing two accounts and want to maximize rewards across all your spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Walmart Credit Card at other stores?
No. The Walmart Credit Card only works at Walmart stores, Sam's Club, and Walmart.com. If you need a card that works at other retailers, you need the Walmart Visa Card instead.
What is the interest rate on these cards?
Synchrony does not publish a standard APR because rates vary based on your credit score and creditworthiness. Rates typically range from 16% to 24% APR, but your actual rate depends on your individual approval. You will see your rate in the approval paperwork or by logging into your account online.
Do I have to shop at Walmart to get approved?
No. You do not need to be a regular Walmart customer or have a Walmart account to request a card. Synchrony bases approval on your credit history, income, and debt, not on your shopping habits. You can request a card even if you have never shopped at Walmart before.
Can I transfer a balance from another credit card?
Walmart cards do not offer balance transfer options. You cannot move debt from another card onto a Walmart card. However, the Walmart Credit Card does offer 0% APR financing on select purchases, which is different from a balance transfer.
How do I check my process status?
If you requested a card online, you can check your status on Synchrony's website using the reference number from your process. If you requested in-store, ask the customer service desk for an update. If your process is still pending, Synchrony will contact you by phone or email within a few business days.