You can explore for a Walmart credit card in three ways: online at Walmart.com, in a Walmart store at the customer service desk, or by phone

The Walmart credit card comes in two versions: the Walmart MoneyCard (a prepaid card) and the Walmart Rewards Card (a traditional credit card issued by Capital One). Most people looking to build credit or earn rewards want the Rewards Card. You'll need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and provide proof of income or employment. The entire process takes about 10 to 15 minutes online, and you'll get a decision within seconds to a few minutes.

If you explore online, you go directly to Walmart's website, find the credit card section, and enter your personal and financial information. In-store applications happen at the customer service desk — a staff member will help you fill out the form on a tablet or paper. Phone applications are less common but possible; you can call the number on the back of a Walmart credit card or contact Capital One directly. Each method leads to the same underwriting process.

Key Takeaways

  • Online applications at Walmart.com are fastest and give you an when ready or near-when ready decision.
  • You need a valid Social Security number, proof of income, and a current mailing address to complete any process.
  • The Walmart Rewards Card is a traditional credit card; the Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid card and does not build credit history.
  • If you are denied, you can reapply after six months or contact Capital One to understand why your process was not approved.

What information you'll need to have ready

Before you start an process, gather your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and phone number. You'll also need to provide your employment information — either your employer's name and how long you've worked there, or proof of income if you're self-employed or retired. Have a recent pay stub, tax return, or bank statement nearby if you're unsure of your exact income.

Walmart and Capital One will also ask for your annual income and whether you rent or own your home. They may ask about other credit accounts you hold. If you have no credit history, that's not automatically a barrier — Capital One considers first-time applicants — but having at least one other account (a credit card, car loan, or student loan) makes approval more likely. If you've been denied for credit recently, wait at least a few weeks before explore again, as multiple applications in a short time can lower your credit score.

explore online at Walmart.com

Go to Walmart.com and search for "Walmart credit card" or navigate to the financial services section. You'll see options for both the Rewards Card and the MoneyCard. Click on the Rewards Card if you want to build credit. The process form asks for your personal details first: name, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. Then it moves to financial information: annual income, employment status, and housing situation.

After you submit, the system runs a soft credit check (which doesn't affect your credit score) and usually gives you a decision within minutes. If approved, you'll see your card number on screen and can add it to your Walmart account when ready. Your physical card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If the decision is pending, you'll receive an email or phone call within one to two business days. If denied, the email will explain the reason — usually insufficient credit history, recent late payments, or income below the threshold.

explore in a Walmart store

Visit the customer service desk at any Walmart location during business hours. Tell the associate you want to open a Walmart credit card account. They'll hand you a tablet or paper process form. The form is identical to the online version, so have the same information ready: Social Security number, income details, employment information, and address. The associate can answer basic questions but cannot override underwriting decisions.

After you complete the form, the associate submits it electronically. You'll receive a decision by email or phone within one to two business days, just as you would with an online process. The advantage of explore in-store is that you can ask questions in person and get help if you're unsure how to fill something out. The disadvantage is that you don't get an when ready decision like you might online.

What happens after you're approved

Once approved, your credit card account is active when ready, even though your physical card is still in the mail. You can use the card number online or over the phone right away. Your card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or logging into your Walmart account online. You'll then set a PIN for in-store purchases.

Your credit limit depends on your credit history and income. First-time applicants often receive $500 to $1,000; people with established credit may receive $2,000 or more. You can request a credit limit increase after six months of on-time payments. The card earns rewards on Walmart purchases (3% back in-store, 2% at Walmart.com, 1% everywhere else), and you can redeem rewards as a statement credit or Walmart gift card.

What to do if your process is denied

If you're denied, the rejection letter or email will state the reason. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, a recent late payment or collection account, income below the minimum threshold, or too many recent credit inquiries. You cannot appeal the decision, but you can reapply after six months have passed. In the meantime, focus on building credit: pay all bills on time, reduce existing credit card balances, and avoid opening new accounts.

If you want to understand the specific reason before reapplying, contact Capital One at the number provided in your denial notice. They can explain which factor was most important in the decision. Some people in this situation choose to start with the Walmart MoneyCard (the prepaid version) instead, which doesn't require a credit check. After six to twelve months of using it responsibly, you may have better luck with the Rewards Card process.

Walmart MoneyCard vs. Walmart Rewards Card

The Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid card that you load with your own money — it doesn't extend credit and doesn't build your credit history. There's no credit check, so anyone 18 or older with a valid ID can open one. It's useful for budgeting or if you've been denied traditional credit, but it won't help you establish a credit score. The MoneyCard has monthly fees (usually $1 to $3 depending on the account type) and ATM fees if you withdraw cash outside Walmart.

The Walmart Rewards Card is a true credit card issued by Capital One. It requires a credit check and builds your credit history with on-time payments. There's no annual fee. The Rewards Card is better if you want to build credit or earn cash back on purchases. If you're denied for the Rewards Card, the MoneyCard is a stepping stone — use it for six to twelve months, then reapply for the Rewards Card.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a decision on my process?

Online applications usually get a decision within minutes to a few hours. In-store and phone applications typically take one to two business days. Once approved, your card number is active when ready, but the physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

Can I use my Walmart credit card at other stores?

Yes. The Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard, so you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted. However, you only earn the higher rewards rate (3% back) when you shop at Walmart or Walmart.com. At other stores, you earn 1% cash back.

What's the difference between a soft credit check and a hard credit check?

A soft check doesn't affect your credit score and is used to pre-screen you. A hard check (which Walmart does when you formally explore) may lower your score slightly for a few months. Multiple hard checks in a short time can have a bigger impact, so space out credit applications by at least a few weeks.

Do I need an existing Walmart account to explore for the credit card?

No. You can explore for the credit card without a Walmart.com account. However, creating an account after approval makes it easier to track rewards and manage your card online.

What if I'm self-employed or don't have a traditional job?

You can still explore. Instead of an employer name, provide your business name and how long you've been self-employed. Have a recent tax return or bank statement showing your income ready to submit if asked. Capital One will verify your income using these documents.