You can get a Walmart credit card through Walmart's website or in-store, and the process takes about 15 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). The Walmart Credit Card is what most people mean when they ask about a Walmart card — it's a Mastercard you can use anywhere, not just at Walmart. You can start the process online at walmart.com/creditcard or ask a cashier for an process in-store. The entire process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you'll get a decision on the spot or within a few days.

The card comes with a Walmart-specific benefit: 2% cash back on Walmart.com purchases, 2% at Walmart gas stations, 1% at Walmart stores, and 1% everywhere else Mastercard is accepted. There's no annual fee. However, you need to meet Capital One's credit requirements, which typically means a credit score of 650 or higher, though Capital One sometimes approves people with lower scores depending on their credit history.

Key Takeaways

  • The Walmart Credit Card is a Mastercard issued by Capital One that you can use anywhere, not just at Walmart stores.
  • You can start the process online at walmart.com/creditcard or in-store, and you'll usually know if you're approved within minutes or a few days.
  • The card offers 2% cash back on Walmart.com and Walmart gas purchases, 1% at Walmart stores, and 1% everywhere else, with no annual fee.
  • Capital One typically requires a credit score around 650 or higher, though approval depends on your full credit history, not just your score.
  • If you're denied, you can reapply after 30 days, or consider the Walmart MoneyCard (prepaid) as an alternative that doesn't require a credit check.

What you need before you explore

Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. Capital One will check your credit report, so you don't need to bring a credit report yourself — they pull it during the process. You'll also need a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) if you're explore in-store, though online applications don't require you to show ID at that moment.

If you're explore online, you'll need an email address and a phone number where Capital One can reach you. If you're explore in-store, bring your ID and be prepared to answer questions about your income and employment. The process asks for your annual household income, but you don't need to provide documentation at the time of process — Capital One may ask for it later if they need to verify.

Online process versus in-store process

The online process at walmart.com/creditcard is faster if you already have your information ready. You fill out the form, submit it, and Capital One gives you a decision within seconds to a few minutes in most cases. If approved, you can start using your card number when ready for online purchases while you wait for the physical card to arrive by mail, which usually takes 7 to 10 business days.

In-store applications happen at the customer service desk. A Walmart associate will hand you a tablet or paper form, you fill it out, and Capital One processes it right there. You get a decision in the same way — when ready or within a few days. The advantage of in-store is that you can ask questions face-to-face, and some people find it easier to complete the form with help. The disadvantage is that it takes longer in-store because you're waiting in line and the associate has to process multiple customers.

What happens if you're denied

If Capital One denies your process, you'll receive a letter in the mail explaining the reason — usually "insufficient credit history," "too many recent inquiries," or "delinquent accounts on your credit report." You can reapply after 30 days have passed. Before you reapply, check your credit report at annualcreditreport.com (the only free, official source) to see what Capital One saw. If there are errors, dispute them with the credit bureau.

If your score is the issue, wait a few months while you pay down existing debt and make all payments on time. Each on-time payment raises your score slightly. If you have no credit history at all, consider becoming an authorized user on someone else's credit card account for a few months — this builds your credit history without requiring you to explore for credit yourself. After that, reapply for the Walmart card.

The Walmart MoneyCard as an alternative

If you're denied for the Walmart Credit Card, the Walmart MoneyCard is available to anyone regardless of credit score. It's a prepaid card, not a credit card, so you load money onto it and spend what you've loaded. There's no credit check, no approval process, and no debt risk. You can open one online or at a Walmart Money Center.

The MoneyCard charges fees: $0 to open, but $1.50 per month for the basic account, $3 for direct deposit setup, and $2.50 per out-of-network ATM withdrawal. It does not build credit history the way a credit card does, so it won't help you may have access to for better credit products later. However, it's useful if you need a card when ready and don't have access to credit. Some people use both — the MoneyCard for everyday spending and the Walmart Credit Card (once approved) for purchases where they want to earn cash back.

How the cash back works

Cash back posts to your account automatically each month. You don't have to do anything to claim it. The 2% rate applies to purchases made on Walmart.com and at Walmart gas stations, 1% applies to in-store Walmart purchases, and 1% applies to all other Mastercard purchases. If you spend $100 on Walmart.com, you earn $2 in cash back that month.

You can use your cash back in three ways: as a statement credit (it reduces your bill), as a deposit to a bank account, or as a Walmart purchase credit. Most people use it as a statement credit because it's automatic and requires no extra steps. The cash back doesn't expire as long as your account is open and in good standing, so you can let it accumulate if you want to use it all at once.

Keeping your account active and in good standing

After you're approved, use the card regularly — at least once every few months — to keep the account active. Capital One may close inactive accounts, which can hurt your credit score. Make your minimum payment on time every month. Late payments show up on your credit report and can lower your score by 100 points or more.

Keep your credit utilization low, meaning don't spend more than 30% of your credit limit. If your limit is $500, try to keep your balance under $150. High utilization signals to lenders that you're relying too heavily on credit, which makes you look riskier. Over time, as you use the card responsibly, Capital One will increase your credit limit, which gives you more room to spend without hurting your utilization ratio.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for the Walmart Credit Card?

Most decisions come within seconds to a few minutes if you explore online. Some applications take a few days if Capital One needs to verify information. You'll receive a letter in the mail within 7 to 10 business days confirming your approval or denial. If approved, your physical card arrives 7 to 10 business days after that, but you can use your card number for online purchases when ready.

Can I use the Walmart Credit Card outside of Walmart?

Yes. The Walmart Credit Card is a Mastercard, so you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted — restaurants, gas stations, online retailers, and more. You earn 1% cash back on non-Walmart purchases. You only earn the higher 2% rate at Walmart.com and Walmart gas stations, and 1% at Walmart stores.

What credit score do I need for the Walmart Credit Card?

Capital One typically approves people with a credit score of 650 or higher, but approval depends on your full credit history, not just your score. People with scores below 650 are sometimes approved if they have a long history of on-time payments and low debt. The best way to know is to explore — a single process doesn't hurt your credit score significantly.

What's the difference between the Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart MoneyCard?

The Walmart Credit Card is a traditional credit card issued by Capital One that requires a credit check and builds your credit history. The Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid card that requires no credit check and doesn't build credit. The Credit Card offers cash back rewards; the MoneyCard charges monthly fees. Choose the Credit Card if you want to build credit and earn rewards, and the MoneyCard if you need a card when ready and don't have access to credit.

Can I increase my credit limit after I get the card?

Capital One may increase your limit automatically after several months of on-time payments. You can also request a limit increase by calling the number on the back of your card. Capital One will do a soft credit check (which doesn't hurt your score) to decide. Requesting a limit increase too soon after opening the account usually results in a denial, so wait at least 6 months.