The two Walmart cards and where to start
Walmart offers two credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card (also called the Walmart MoneyCard) and the Walmart Rewards Card. The Walmart Credit Card is a store card that works only at Walmart and Sam's Club. The Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard you can use anywhere. Both are issued by Capital One.
You can request either card directly through Walmart's website, in a Walmart store, or by phone. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you'll know whether you're approved within seconds. If approved, your card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Which card makes sense depends on how often you shop at Walmart. If you shop there regularly and want cash back on those purchases, the store card is simpler. If you want a card for everyday spending everywhere, the Rewards Card is the choice.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a Walmart card online at walmart.com/creditcards, by phone at 1-800-621-5485, or in any Walmart store at the customer service desk.
- Both Walmart cards are issued by Capital One and require you to be at least 18 years old with a valid Social Security number.
- The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club and offers 1% cash back on purchases; the Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard that works everywhere and offers 1% to 3% cash back depending on category.
- You'll receive a decision on your request within seconds, and an approved card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- You do not need an existing Walmart account or membership to request either card.
How to request online through Walmart's website
Go to walmart.com/creditcards and select the card you want. You'll see the offer details and cash back rates for each. Click the button to start the request.
You'll enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. Walmart will ask about your annual income and employment status. You do not need to provide tax returns or pay stubs at this stage.
Review the terms and conditions, then submit. Capital One will check your credit report and make a decision within seconds. If approved, you'll see a confirmation on screen and receive an email. If you're not approved, you'll see the reason — usually related to credit history — and can try again later or contact Capital One to discuss.
Requesting in a Walmart store or by phone
Walk to the customer service desk in any Walmart and ask to request a credit card. A representative will hand you a paper form or use a tablet to collect the same information as the online request: name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment details. You'll get a decision within minutes.
To request by phone, call 1-800-621-5485. A Capital One representative will walk you through the same questions and give you a decision on the call. This route is useful if you prefer speaking to someone or have questions about the terms before you submit.
What happens after you're approved
Once approved, your card is mailed to the address you provided. Standard delivery takes 7 to 10 business days. You can set up it as soon as it arrives by calling the number on the back of the card or logging into your online account at capitalone.com.
Before you use the card, set up online access so you can check your balance, make payments, and track cash back rewards. You can also set up automatic payments to avoid late fees. Your first statement will arrive 30 days after your first purchase.
Credit history and what lenders look at
Capital One will pull your credit report when you request a card. They look at your credit score, payment history, how much debt you already carry, and how long you've had credit accounts open. You do not need perfect credit to be approved — Capital One offers cards to people with fair or limited credit history.
If you've been turned down for credit before, a Walmart card can be a way to build or rebuild your credit. Both cards report to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so on-time payments help your credit score over time.
If you're denied, you can ask Capital One why. Common reasons include a low credit score, recent late payments, or high existing debt relative to your income. You can request again after a few months if you've improved your situation — for example, by paying down debt or correcting errors on your credit report.
Comparing the two cards side by side
| Feature | Walmart Credit Card | Walmart Rewards Card |
|---|---|---|
| Where you can use it | Walmart and Sam's Club only | Anywhere Mastercard is accepted |
| Cash back rate | 1% on all purchases | 1% to 3% depending on category (3% at Walmart, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, 1% elsewhere) |
| Annual fee | None | None |
| APR (interest rate) | Varies by creditworthiness | Varies by creditworthiness |
| Best for | Frequent Walmart shoppers who want simplicity | People who want to earn rewards on everyday spending everywhere |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Walmart account or membership to request a card?
No. You do not need a Walmart.com account or a Sam's Club membership. You can request either card as a new customer. If you're approved, you can start using the card at Walmart or Sam's Club when ready, and online at walmart.com if you create an account.
What's the difference between the Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart Rewards Card?
The Walmart Credit Card is a store card that only works at Walmart and Sam's Club and gives 1% cash back on all purchases. The Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard that works anywhere and gives higher cash back at Walmart (3%), gas stations (2%), and restaurants (2%), with 1% elsewhere. Choose the store card if you shop at Walmart most of the time; choose the Rewards Card if you want to earn on everyday spending everywhere.
How long does it take to get approved?
You'll know within seconds whether you're approved. If approved, the card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can use it as soon as it arrives by calling the set up number on the back or logging into your account online.
What if I'm denied?
Capital One will tell you why — usually a low credit score, recent late payments, or high debt. You can request again after a few months if you've improved your credit situation, or you can contact Capital One to discuss your options. Some people are approved for a lower credit limit on a second try.
Can I use the Walmart Credit Card online at walmart.com?
Yes. The Walmart Credit Card works for online purchases at walmart.com and in Walmart stores. You'll need to create a Walmart.com account and add the card as your payment method. The same 1% cash back applies to online purchases.