You can get a Walmart credit card in about 15 minutes, either online or in a store, and you'll know whether you're approved before you leave

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. You can start the process on Walmart.com, in the Walmart mobile app, or at a customer service desk in any store. The online route is fastest — you answer basic questions about income and employment, Capital One makes a decision in seconds or minutes, and you can use a temporary card number the same day if approved. If you explore in-store, you'll get an answer while you wait, though the physical card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.

The main difference between the two cards is where you can use them. The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Walmart.com, but it offers rewards — you earn 3% cash back on Walmart.com purchases and at Walmart gas stations, and 1% back on everything else you buy at Walmart. The Walmart Mastercard works anywhere Mastercard is accepted, but it has no rewards program. Neither card has an annual fee. Your choice depends on whether you shop at Walmart regularly enough to benefit from the cash back.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online at Walmart.com, in the Walmart app, or at a store's customer service desk, and you'll get a decision in minutes.
  • The Walmart Credit Card earns cash back but only works at Walmart; the Walmart Mastercard works everywhere but has no rewards.
  • You need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and provide current income and employment information.
  • If you're approved, you can use a temporary card number when ready for online shopping, while the physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.
  • Capital One will check your credit report, so the process may lower your credit score slightly in the short term.

What you'll need before you explore

Have your Social Security number, a current mailing address, and your phone number ready. You'll also need to provide information about your income — this can be from employment, self-employment, Social Security, retirement accounts, or other sources. You don't have to be employed; you just need to report what you actually earn. Capital One will ask for your current employer or source of income and how long you've been there, so have that information handy.

If you're explore online or in the app, you'll also need a valid email address. If you explore in-store, bring a photo ID. Capital One will pull your credit report as part of the decision, so your credit score will be checked — this is called a hard inquiry and may lower your score by a few points temporarily.

The online process process

Go to Walmart.com and look for "Credit Cards" in the footer or search for "Walmart credit card." You'll see both card options. Click the one you want and select "explore Now." The form asks for your name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, and Social Security number. Then you'll enter employment information: your employer's name, your job title, how long you've worked there, and your annual income.

After you submit, Capital One reviews your information and gives you a decision — usually within seconds, sometimes within a few minutes. If approved, you'll see your temporary card number on the screen when ready. You can use this number to shop on Walmart.com or anywhere Mastercard is accepted (if you chose the Mastercard) right away. Your physical card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. If you're denied, Capital One will tell you why — usually because of credit history, income, or the number of recent credit inquiries on your report.

explore in-store at customer service

Walk to the customer service desk and ask to open a Walmart credit card account. A representative will hand you a tablet or paper process. You'll fill in the same information as the online form: personal details, income, and employment. The representative submits it while you wait, and you get a decision in minutes. If approved, you'll receive a temporary card number that you can use when ready, and your physical card ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days.

The in-store process is useful if you prefer to talk through the process with someone, or if you want to use the card for a purchase that day. Some stores also run promotions — like a discount on your first purchase if you open a card — so it's worth asking the representative whether any offers are currently running.

What happens if you're denied

If Capital One denies your process, you'll receive a letter in the mail explaining the reason. Common reasons include a low credit score, a short credit history, recent missed payments, high existing debt, or too many recent credit inquiries. Being denied does not hurt your credit further — the damage is done when Capital One checks your report, not when they say no.

You can reapply after a few months, especially if you've improved your situation — paid down debt, fixed errors on your credit report, or built a longer employment history. You can also ask Capital One for reconsideration if you believe the decision was based on incomplete information. Call the number on the denial letter to discuss your options.

Using your card and managing your account

Once approved, you can set up your online account at Capital One's website or through the Capital One mobile app. This is where you'll make payments, check your balance, and see your rewards (if you have the Walmart Credit Card). You can pay your bill online, by phone, by mail, or automatically each month. Set up autopay if you want to avoid missing a payment — you can choose to pay the full balance or a minimum amount each month.

Your credit limit depends on your credit score and income. Capital One may start you with a lower limit and increase it over time as you use the card responsibly. The interest rate (APR) also depends on your credit score — better credit means a lower rate. Check your offer letter or account details to see your specific APR and credit limit.

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

Choose the Walmart Credit Card if you shop at Walmart regularly and want to earn cash back. The 3% back on Walmart.com and gas station purchases adds up if you buy groceries, household items, or gas there often. The 1% back on other Walmart purchases is modest, but it's still something. This card only works at Walmart, so it won't help you at other stores.

Choose the Walmart Mastercard if you want a card that works everywhere, or if you don't shop at Walmart often enough to benefit from the rewards. The Mastercard has no rewards, but it's useful as a backup card for travel, online shopping at other retailers, or anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Some people carry both — the Walmart card for grocery and gas, and the Mastercard for everything else.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved?

If you explore online or in-store, you'll get a decision in seconds to a few minutes. If approved, you can use a temporary card number when ready. Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days by mail.

What credit score do I need?

Capital One does not publish a minimum credit score for the Walmart cards. People with fair, good, and excellent credit have been approved. If you have poor credit or no credit history, you may be denied, but it's worth trying — the only way to know is to explore.

Can I use the card before the physical card arrives?

Yes. If you're approved online or in-store, you'll receive a temporary card number when ready. You can use this number to shop on Walmart.com or anywhere Mastercard is accepted (depending on which card you chose) right away. The physical card is just a convenience for in-store shopping.

What if I have no credit history?

Capital One may still approve you, especially if you have steady income. Having no credit history is different from having bad credit — it just means there's no record yet. If you're denied, you could try a secured credit card from another issuer to build credit, then reapply for the Walmart card later.

Can I cancel the card after I get the sign-up offer?

Yes, you can cancel anytime. There's no annual fee, so there's no cost to keeping the card open. Closing it may lower your credit score slightly because it reduces your total available credit, so consider keeping it open even if you don't use it often.