The Walmart credit card comes in two versions, and you choose based on where you shop

Walmart offers two credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card (for Walmart purchases only) and the Walmart Mastercard (for use anywhere). Both are issued by Capital One. The Walmart Credit Card gives you rewards only at Walmart and Sam's Club. The Walmart Mastercard works at any merchant that takes Mastercard, but the rewards rate is lower outside Walmart stores. You decide which one fits your spending pattern, then follow the same basic process to open an account.

The process itself takes about 15 minutes online or in-store. You will need your Social Security number, current income, and a valid ID. Capital One will check your credit report during the process. You do not need perfect credit to be considered — Capital One reviews applications from people across the credit spectrum — but your credit score and history will affect whether you are approved and what interest rate you receive.

Key Takeaways

  • The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club and offers higher rewards rates there, while the Walmart Mastercard works everywhere but with lower rewards outside Walmart.
  • You can start the process online at Walmart.com, through the Walmart app, or in-store at a customer service desk, and you will know the decision within seconds to minutes.
  • You need your Social Security number, proof of income, and a valid ID; Capital One will pull your credit report as part of the review.
  • Even if you are denied, you can ask Capital One why and reapply later, especially if you have built credit or increased your income since the first attempt.

Where to start the process

You have three ways to begin: online at Walmart.com, through the Walmart mobile app, or at a Walmart store. The online and app routes are fastest if you already know which card you want. Go to the credit card section, select your card, and click the process link. You will land on Capital One's process form, not Walmart's — Capital One handles all the underwriting.

If you explore in-store, visit the customer service desk and ask for a credit card process. An associate will hand you a tablet or paper form. In-store applications sometimes process faster because the associate can answer questions in real time, but the decision timeline is the same as online: usually when ready or within a few minutes.

Do not explore for both cards at once. Each process triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score. Space applications at least a few months apart if you think you might want both.

What information you need before you explore

Gather these documents or have the information ready before you start: your Social Security number, a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your current address, your phone number, and your email address. You will also need to provide income information — this can be from employment, self-employment, Social Security, disability, pensions, or other sources. You do not need a pay stub in hand; you just need to know the annual amount.

If you are self-employed or your income varies, use an average or your most recent year's total. Capital One does not verify income on the spot during the process, but if you are approved and later audited, you may be asked to provide documentation. Be honest about the figure you enter.

Have your current address ready, including zip code. If you have moved in the last two years, you may be asked for a previous address as well. The form will also ask about your employment status and employer name, though you do not need to provide a specific job title.

How the approval decision works

Capital One reviews your process using your credit report, income, and existing debt. They look at your credit score, payment history, how much credit you already have open, and how much of it you are using. You do not need a high credit score to be considered — Capital One has products for people building credit — but a lower score may mean a higher interest rate or a lower credit limit.

The decision comes back in one of three ways: approved, denied, or pending. If you are approved, you will see your credit limit and interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) right away. If you are denied, Capital One will tell you why in writing within 30 days. If your process is pending, Capital One needs more information and will contact you by phone or email.

An approval does not mean you have to use the card. You can open the account and decide later whether to set up it. There is no annual fee on either Walmart card, so carrying it unused costs you nothing.

What happens after approval

Once approved, your physical card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can also request a digital card number when ready through the Capital One app or website, which lets you start using the card online or in-store right away without waiting for the physical card.

When your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or through the Capital One app. Set up online access so you can view your balance, make payments, and track rewards. If you chose the Walmart Credit Card, you can link it to your Walmart account to see rewards accumulate in real time.

Your first statement arrives about 30 days after your first purchase. You will have a due date (usually 21 days after the statement closes) and a minimum payment amount. Paying in full by the due date avoids interest charges. If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily at your APR.

If you are denied or want to reapply

A denial does not mean you can never get the card. Capital One will send you a letter explaining the reason — usually credit score, income level, or existing debt load. You can call Capital One to ask for more detail. If the reason was a low credit score, focus on paying down existing balances and making all payments on time for the next few months, then reapply.

If the reason was income, reapply once your income has increased. If the reason was too much existing debt, pay down some of your current balances before trying again. There is no rule against reapplying, but waiting 3 to 6 months between attempts gives you time to improve the factor that led to the denial.

You can also ask Capital One whether a secured credit card might be an option. Secured cards require a cash deposit but are easier to get approved for, and graduating to an unsecured card is possible after you build a track record of on-time payments.

Walmart Credit Card vs. Walmart Mastercard: which one to choose

The Walmart Credit Card offers higher rewards at Walmart and Sam's Club (typically 1% to 3% back depending on category), but it works nowhere else. Choose this card if you do most of your grocery and household shopping at Walmart and want to maximize rewards there.

The Walmart Mastercard works at any store, restaurant, or online merchant that takes Mastercard. Rewards are lower outside Walmart (usually 1% cash back), but you get a consistent rate everywhere. Choose this card if you shop at multiple stores and want one card that works everywhere.

You do not have to choose based on credit score — both cards are available to the same applicants. The choice is purely about your spending habits. If you shop at Walmart most of the time, the Walmart Credit Card makes more sense. If you split your spending across stores, the Mastercard is more flexible.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved?

Most decisions come back when ready or within a few minutes. Some applications are flagged for manual review and take 24 to 48 hours. You will see a message on the screen or receive an email telling you the decision. If your process is pending, Capital One will contact you by phone or email to ask for more information.

What is the interest rate on the Walmart credit card?

Interest rates vary based on your credit score and history. Capital One will show you the APR before you finish the process. Rates typically range from 17% to 24%, but your actual rate depends on your creditworthiness. You can avoid interest entirely by paying your full balance by the due date each month.

Can I use the card before it arrives in the mail?

Yes. After approval, you can request a digital card number through the Capital One app or website and use it online or in Walmart stores when ready. Your physical card arrives within 7 to 10 business days, but you do not have to wait for it to start using the account.

What if I have a low credit score?

Capital One reviews applications from people with all credit scores, including those building credit or recovering from past issues. A lower score may result in a higher interest rate or lower credit limit, but you can still be approved. Use the card responsibly and make on-time payments to build your credit history.

Is there an annual fee?

No. Neither the Walmart Credit Card nor the Walmart Mastercard charges an annual fee. There are no hidden fees for having the account open. You only pay interest if you carry a balance past the due date.