The two Walmart credit cards and where to start
Walmart offers two credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card (sometimes called the Walmart MoneyCard) and the Walmart Rewards Card (a Mastercard). The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club. The Walmart Rewards Card works anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Which one makes sense depends on where you shop and what you want from a card.
You can start the process for either card on Walmart.com or in a Walmart store. The online route is faster — you'll get a decision in minutes. In-store applications can take longer, though some stores can approve you on the spot. Both cards are issued by Synchrony Bank, which handles the approval and account setup.
Before you explore, know that both cards are designed for people building or rebuilding credit. They don't require a perfect credit history, but they do a hard pull on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. If you've been denied for credit recently, you may still be considered for one of these cards.
Key Takeaways
- The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club, while the Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard that works everywhere.
- You can start an online process on Walmart.com and get a decision within minutes, or explore in a Walmart store.
- Both cards do a hard credit pull, which temporarily lowers your credit score, but neither requires perfect credit to be considered.
- If approved, you'll receive your card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, though you can use it online when ready in some cases.
- The Walmart Credit Card has no annual fee and offers 1% cash back at Walmart and Sam's Club; the Rewards Card charges no annual fee and earns 1% cash back on all purchases.
What you need before you explore
Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. You'll also need a valid government-issued ID to verify your identity. If you're explore online, you can do this in about five minutes. If you're explore in a Walmart store, bring your ID with you.
The process asks for your annual income, current employment, and housing status. You don't need to be employed to explore — if you receive Social Security, disability, or retirement income, that counts. Be honest about your income; Synchrony verifies it and misrepresenting it can result in denial or account closure later.
If you've had credit problems in the past, don't let that stop you from explore. Walmart's cards are specifically designed to work with people who have limited credit history or past missed payments. A bankruptcy that's several years old won't automatically disqualify you, though a very recent one may affect your chances.
The online process process
Go to Walmart.com and find the credit card section. You'll see both card options with their terms side by side. Click the one you want and select "explore Now." The form asks for your name, address, phone number, Social Security number, date of birth, and income information. Fill it out completely — leaving fields blank slows down the decision.
After you submit, Synchrony pulls your credit report and checks your information against their approval rules. Most decisions come back within minutes. You'll see "Approved," "Pending," or "Denied" on the screen. If you're approved, you can set up your PIN and start using the card online right away in some cases, though the physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
If you're denied, you'll get a letter from Synchrony explaining why. Common reasons include too many recent credit inquiries, a very low credit score, or a recent bankruptcy. You can reapply after 30 days, but only if you've fixed the underlying issue — for example, by waiting out the inquiry period or letting some time pass since the bankruptcy.
explore in a Walmart store
Walk into any Walmart and ask for the customer service desk. Tell them you want to open a credit card account. They'll hand you a paper process or direct you to a kiosk where you can explore on a tablet. Bring your ID and have your Social Security number memorized or written down.
The in-store process takes longer than online because the associate has to enter your information into the system manually. You'll wait 15 to 30 minutes for a decision. Some stores can approve you on the spot and hand you a temporary card number to use when ready. Others tell you they'll call you within 24 hours with a decision.
The advantage of explore in-store is that you can ask questions face-to-face and get help if you're unsure about something on the form. The disadvantage is the wait time and the fact that not all stores have the same approval speed or technology. If you're in a hurry, the online route is usually faster.
What happens after approval
Once you're approved, Synchrony mails your physical card to the address you provided on the process. This takes 7 to 10 business days. In the meantime, you may be able to use your card number online at Walmart.com or the Walmart app, depending on which card you got and when you applied.
When your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or going online to Synchrony's website. Set up your online account so you can check your balance, make payments, and see your statement. Your first statement arrives about 30 days after your first purchase.
Your credit limit depends on your credit history and income. First-time cardholders often get limits between $300 and $1,000. This isn't permanent — Synchrony reviews your account every few months and raises your limit if you pay on time. After 6 to 12 months of on-time payments, you may be able to request a higher limit.
How to use your card responsibly
The Walmart Credit Card charges interest on balances you don't pay off each month. The rate varies based on your creditworthiness but typically ranges from 16% to 24% APR. The Walmart Rewards Card has a similar range. This means if you carry a $500 balance for a month, you'll owe roughly $7 to $10 in interest alone.
To avoid interest, pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you can't pay the full amount, pay as much as you can — even small extra payments reduce the interest you owe. Set up automatic payments from your bank account so you never miss a due date. Missing payments hurts your credit score and can result in late fees.
Use your card for small purchases you'd make anyway, then pay it off when ready. This builds your credit history without the risk of carrying debt. After a few months of on-time payments, your credit score will start to improve, and you'll become a stronger candidate for other credit products with better terms.
Comparing the Walmart Credit Card and Walmart Rewards Card
| Feature | Walmart Credit Card | Walmart Rewards Card |
|---|---|---|
| Where you can use it | Walmart and Sam's Club only | Anywhere Mastercard is accepted |
| Annual fee | None | None |
| Cash back | 1% at Walmart and Sam's Club | 1% on all purchases |
| APR range | 16% to 24% (typical) | 16% to 24% (typical) |
| Best for | People who shop at Walmart frequently | People who want to use one card everywhere |
Choose the Walmart Credit Card if you do most of your shopping at Walmart or Sam's Club and want to keep your credit card use straightforward. Choose the Walmart Rewards Card if you want a card that works at other stores and restaurants. Both cards report to all three credit bureaus, so either one helps you build credit history.
The choice between them often comes down to your spending habits. If you rarely shop outside Walmart, the Walmart Credit Card keeps you focused and avoids the temptation to overspend. If you want one card for all your purchases, the Rewards Card gives you that flexibility without losing the cash back benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need good credit to get a Walmart credit card?
No. Walmart's cards are designed for people with limited credit history or past credit problems. You don't need a perfect score to be considered. However, a very recent bankruptcy, multiple missed payments in the last year, or too many recent credit inquiries can result in denial.
How long does it take to get approved?
Online applications usually get a decision within minutes. In-store applications take 15 to 30 minutes, though some stores may call you within 24 hours. Once approved, your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days, but you may be able to use your card number online sooner.
What's the difference between the Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart Rewards Card?
The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club. The Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard that works anywhere. Both earn 1% cash back and charge no annual fee. Pick the Walmart card if you shop there frequently; pick the Rewards Card if you want flexibility.
Can I use my card before it arrives in the mail?
Sometimes. If you applied online and were approved, you may be able to use your card number when ready at Walmart.com or the Walmart app. You cannot use it in physical stores until your card arrives. Check your approval email or online account to see if this option is available to you.
What happens if I miss a payment?
You'll owe a late fee (usually $25 to $35) and interest will accrue on your balance. Missing a payment also gets reported to the credit bureaus and damages your credit score. If you miss a payment, pay it as soon as you can and contact Synchrony to ask about hardship options if you're struggling.