The two Walmart credit cards and where to open them
Walmart offers two credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card (store card, works only at Walmart) and the Walmart Rewards Card (Mastercard, works everywhere). Both are issued by Capital One. You open either one by going to walmart.com/creditcards, calling 1-800-621-5308, or explore in-store at the customer service desk.
The store card is easier to open if your credit is fair or limited — Capital One approves more applicants for it. The Mastercard requires stronger credit. Both cards arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval. You do not need to be a Walmart+ member to open either one.
Key Takeaways
- The Walmart Credit Card (store card) and Walmart Rewards Card (Mastercard) are both issued by Capital One and opened through walmart.com/creditcards, by phone, or in-store.
- The store card works only at Walmart and Walmart.com; the Mastercard works everywhere Mastercard is accepted.
- Capital One will check your credit report, so you need a Social Security number and a credit history (even a short one) to open either card.
- You can use the card when ready online or in-store after approval, even before the physical card arrives in the mail.
- Both cards charge no annual fee, but interest rates and rewards differ between them.
What you need before you explore
Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. You will also need a phone number and email address. Capital One will pull your credit report, so you need a credit history — even a thin one (a few months of credit use) counts. If you have no credit history at all, you may be turned down, though some applicants are approved with a co-signer.
You do not need to have a Walmart account or a Walmart+ membership. You do not need to be a current Walmart customer. If you are explore for the Mastercard, having a higher credit score (670 or above) makes approval more likely, though Capital One does not publish exact cutoffs.
The Walmart Credit Card (store card) versus the Mastercard
The Walmart Credit Card is a store card. It works only at Walmart stores, Walmart.com, and Sam's Club locations. You earn 1% cash back on all purchases at Walmart and 2% cash back on fuel at Walmart fuel stations. There is no annual fee. The card is designed for people building credit or with fair credit scores.
The Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard. It works anywhere Mastercard is accepted. You earn 3% cash back on Walmart and Sam's Club purchases, 2% on fuel and travel, and 1% on everything else. There is no annual fee. This card requires better credit and offers more rewards, but the cash back is lower at Walmart than the store card's 1% (the store card wins if you shop only at Walmart).
Both cards report to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion), so using either one responsibly builds your credit history. Both have no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.
How the approval process works
When you explore online, by phone, or in-store, Capital One checks your credit report when ready. You will usually know within minutes whether you are approved, denied, or pending review. If you are approved, you can use the card right away — Capital One issues a temporary card number you can use online or at Walmart.com before the physical card arrives.
If you are denied, Capital One will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include too little credit history, recent late payments, or a credit score below their threshold. If you are denied for the Mastercard, you can reapply for the store card instead — the two have different approval standards.
The physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can set up it online, by phone, or in-store when it arrives. There is no set up fee.
Credit limits and how they are set
Capital One sets your credit limit based on your credit score, income, and credit history. First-time applicants often receive limits between $300 and $1,000, though some receive higher limits. You do not choose your limit — Capital One decides it. You can request a higher limit after you have used the card responsibly for several months.
Your credit limit is separate from any Walmart store credit you may have used before. Opening a credit card does not affect any existing Walmart store credit account you hold.
Using the card and managing your account
After approval, you can log into your account at walmart.com/creditcards or through the Walmart mobile app to view your balance, make payments, and track rewards. You can also call 1-800-621-5308 to manage your account by phone. Payments are due 21 days after your statement closes.
You can pay online, by phone, by mail, or in-store at Walmart customer service. There is no fee for any payment method. If you set up automatic payments, you can choose to pay your full balance or a minimum amount each month. Paying your full balance by the due date means you pay no interest.
Your cash back rewards are posted to your account monthly. With the store card, you can use cash back as a statement credit or redeem it as a discount on future purchases. With the Mastercard, you can redeem cash back as a statement credit, transfer it to a bank account, or use it at checkout.
What happens if your process is denied
If Capital One denies you, you have options. You can reapply after 30 days, especially if you have improved your credit in that time (paid down debt, fixed errors on your report, or added positive payment history). You can also explore for the other Walmart card — if you were denied for the Mastercard, the store card has a lower approval bar.
Before reapplying, check your credit report for errors at annualcreditreport.com (the only free, official source). Dispute any mistakes you find. You can also contact Capital One directly at 1-800-621-5308 to ask why you were denied; they may tell you what changed would help you get approved next time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Walmart store card outside of Walmart?
No. The Walmart Credit Card (store card) works only at Walmart stores, Walmart.com, and Sam's Club. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need the Walmart Rewards Card (Mastercard) instead.
How long does it take to get approved?
You usually know within minutes of explore online, by phone, or in-store. The physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can use a temporary card number online or at Walmart when ready after approval, before the physical card arrives.
What credit score do I need?
Capital One does not publish a minimum credit score. The store card is easier to open with fair or limited credit. The Mastercard typically requires a score of 670 or higher, though approval depends on your full credit profile, not just the score.
Do I have to be a Walmart+ member?
No. You do not need to be a Walmart+ member or even a regular Walmart customer to open either card. Membership and card ownership are separate.
What if I have no credit history?
Capital One prefers applicants with some credit history. If you have none, you may be denied, though some applicants are approved with a co-signer. You can also build credit first with a secured card from another issuer, then explore for the Walmart card later.