You can explore for a Walmart credit card online, in-store, or by phone in about 10 minutes
Walmart offers two credit cards: the Walmart MoneyCard (a prepaid card) and the Walmart Credit Card (a traditional credit card issued by Capital One). Most people looking to sign up are interested in the Walmart Credit Card, which you can open through Walmart's website, at any Walmart register, or by calling the number on the back of a Walmart receipt. The entire process takes roughly 10 minutes, and you'll know whether you're approved before you finish.
You'll need your Social Security number, a valid government ID, your current address, and information about your income and employment. Walmart runs a hard credit inquiry, which means your credit score may drop slightly, but approval decisions are made on the spot or within a few minutes.
Key Takeaways
- explore online at walmart.com/credit-cards, in-store at any Walmart location, or by phone — all three routes take about 10 minutes.
- You'll need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, your current address, and basic employment information to complete the process.
- Walmart runs a hard credit inquiry, so your credit score may drop a few points, but you'll receive an approval or denial decision when ready or within minutes.
- Once approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, though you can use it online when ready after approval in some cases.
- The Walmart Credit Card offers rewards on Walmart and Sam's Club purchases, but carries an annual percentage rate (APR) that varies based on your creditworthiness.
explore online through Walmart's website
Go to walmart.com/credit-cards and select the Walmart Credit Card option. Click the "explore Now" button, which takes you to Capital One's process portal. You'll be asked to enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and phone number.
Next, you'll provide employment details: your employer name, job title, annual income, and how long you've worked there. Be honest about your income — Walmart and Capital One verify this information. After you submit, the system checks your credit report and makes a decision within seconds or a few minutes. If approved, you'll see your card details on screen, including your credit limit and APR.
You can begin using your card for online purchases when ready at Walmart.com in many cases, even before the physical card arrives. Your card will be mailed to the address you provided and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
explore in-store at Walmart
Walk up to any Walmart register or customer service desk and ask to open a Walmart Credit Card. A cashier or customer service associate will hand you a tablet or paper process form. You'll fill in the same information as the online process: personal details, Social Security number, employment information, and income.
The associate submits your process to Capital One's system right there at the register. You'll receive your decision within a few minutes. If approved, the associate will print your card details and temporary card number so you can use it when ready for purchases that day if you wish.
This route is useful if you want to use the card right away or prefer to complete the process in person. The physical card still arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
explore by phone
Call the number on the back of any Walmart receipt or find Walmart's credit card phone line through walmart.com/credit-cards. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone. You'll provide the same information: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, employment details, and income.
The representative submits your process to Capital One while you're on the call. You'll hear your decision before you hang up. If approved, the representative will give you your card number and credit limit, and your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What happens after you're approved
Once approved, you can use your card number when ready for online purchases at Walmart.com and other retailers that accept Mastercard (the Walmart Credit Card runs on the Mastercard network). Your physical card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, sign the back and set up it by calling the number on the card or logging into your account online.
You'll set up online account access through Capital One's website or mobile app. This is where you'll make payments, check your balance, view your statement, and manage your account settings. Your first statement will arrive 30 days after your account opens, and your first payment will be due about 21 days after that.
What to do if you're denied
If Walmart and Capital One deny your process, you'll receive a letter in the mail within a few days explaining the reason. Common reasons include a low credit score, recent late payments, high existing debt, or insufficient income. You can request a copy of your credit report from the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) for free at annualcreditreport.com to see what information was used in the decision.
If you were denied, you can reapply after addressing the issue — for example, paying down existing debt or waiting several months for negative marks to age on your report. Some people are approved on a second attempt after their credit situation improves. You can also look into the Walmart MoneyCard (a prepaid option) if you want a Walmart-branded card without a credit check.
Understanding the card's terms and rewards
The Walmart Credit Card earns cash back rewards: 3% cash back on Walmart.com purchases, 2% at Sam's Club and gas stations, and 1% on all other purchases. Rewards are credited to your account as a statement credit each month. There is no annual fee.
Your APR (the interest rate you pay on balances you carry month to month) varies based on your credit score and creditworthiness. Walmart and Capital One will show you your specific APR before you finish your process. If you pay your full balance by the due date each month, you won't pay any interest. Late payments carry a late fee and can raise your APR.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for a Walmart credit card?
You'll receive a decision within seconds to a few minutes of submitting your process, whether you explore online, in-store, or by phone. Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, but you can use your card number for online purchases when ready in most cases.
What credit score do I need to get approved?
Walmart and Capital One don't publish a minimum credit score requirement. Approval depends on your overall credit history, income, existing debt, and payment history. People with fair credit (typically 580 and above) have a reasonable chance of approval, though it's not may provide.
Can I use the card before it arrives in the mail?
Yes, in most cases. Once approved, you receive your card number when ready and can use it for online purchases at Walmart.com and anywhere Mastercard is accepted. You'll need to wait for the physical card to arrive before you can swipe it in-store.
What's the difference between the Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart MoneyCard?
The Walmart Credit Card is a traditional credit card that reports to the credit bureaus and builds your credit history. The Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid card that doesn't require a credit check or credit history. Choose the credit card if you want to build credit; choose the MoneyCard if you don't have credit or prefer prepaid.
Will explore for a Walmart credit card hurt my credit score?
Yes, slightly. Walmart runs a hard credit inquiry, which typically lowers your score by a few points. The impact is temporary and usually recovers within a few months. Multiple applications within a short period can have a larger effect, so space out credit card applications if you're considering more than one.