The Walmart credit card comes in two versions, and you pick one based on whether you want rewards at Walmart only or everywhere

Walmart offers two credit cards through Capital One: the Walmart Rewards Card (works everywhere Visa is accepted) and the Walmart Store Card (works only at Walmart and Sam's Club). Both let you earn cash back on purchases. The main difference is where you can use them and what rewards you get. You can request either one through Walmart's website, in a Walmart store, or by phone. The decision comes down to whether you shop mostly at Walmart or spread your spending across many stores.

The approval process is quick — you'll usually know within minutes whether you're approved. If approved, you can use the card when ready in some cases, though the physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If you're denied, Capital One will tell you why, and you can reapply after addressing the issue (usually a low credit score or too many recent credit inquiries).

Key Takeaways

  • The Walmart Rewards Card earns 3% cash back at Walmart and 1% everywhere else, while the Walmart Store Card earns 5% at Walmart but only works there.
  • You need to be at least 18 years old, have a Social Security number, and provide a current address to request either card.
  • Capital One pulls your credit report during the request process, so your credit score matters — generally you'll need a score of 600 or higher, though some people with lower scores are approved.
  • You can request the card online at Walmart.com, in a Walmart store at the customer service desk, or by calling the number on the back of a Walmart receipt.
  • If you're denied, you can reapply after 30 days, but first check your credit report for errors at annualcreditreport.com.

Which Walmart card makes sense for your spending

The Walmart Rewards Card is the better choice if you shop at multiple stores. You earn 3% cash back on Walmart purchases and 1% on everything else — groceries, gas, restaurants, online shopping. There's no annual fee. The catch is that 1% outside Walmart is lower than what other cash-back cards offer (many offer 1.5% to 2% on all purchases), so this card works best if Walmart is genuinely your main store.

The Walmart Store Card makes sense only if you do most of your grocery and household shopping at Walmart. It earns 5% cash back at Walmart and Sam's Club, but you cannot use it anywhere else. The 5% rate is strong, but it only applies to Walmart purchases. If you need a card for gas, restaurants, or other stores, you'd have to carry a second card anyway.

A third option is to skip the Walmart card entirely and use a general cash-back card from another bank. Many offer 2% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee. The Walmart card makes sense only if you're already a heavy Walmart shopper and want the extra rewards there.

What you need to have ready before you request

You'll need your Social Security number, a current address, and your date of birth. Have a recent pay stub or tax return handy — Capital One may ask for income information, though they don't always require it. If you're self-employed, a recent tax return works. If you're retired or don't have traditional income, you can list Social Security, pension, or investment income.

You'll also need to know your current credit situation. Pull your credit report from annualcreditreport.com (the only free, official source) before you request. Look for errors — wrong accounts, wrong balances, accounts that aren't yours. Errors are common and can lower your score. If you find any, dispute them with the credit bureau before requesting the card.

Have your Walmart account username and password ready if you're requesting online. If you're requesting in-store, bring a photo ID and proof of address (a utility bill or lease works). If you're requesting by phone, have your Social Security number and income information ready.

How to request the card online, in-store, or by phone

Online: Go to Walmart.com, find the credit card section (usually under "Services" or "Money Services"), and click the link for the card you want. You'll answer questions about your income, employment, and address. The form takes about 10 minutes. You'll get a decision when ready or within a few minutes. If approved, you can use the card right away in some cases through a digital wallet, and the physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

In-store: Visit the customer service desk at any Walmart and ask to request a credit card. A representative will walk you through a short form on a tablet or computer. Bring your ID and proof of address. The decision comes back within minutes. This route is slower than online if you're in a hurry, but useful if you want to ask questions face-to-face.

By phone: Call the number on the back of any Walmart receipt, or search "Walmart credit card phone number" online. A representative will ask your income, employment, and address over the phone and submit the request. You'll get a decision within minutes. This route is best if you have questions or prefer talking to a person.

What happens if you're denied

Capital One will send you a letter explaining why you were denied. The most common reasons are a credit score below 600, too many recent credit inquiries (which suggest you're desperate for credit), or a history of missed payments. If the reason is a low score, you can work on raising it before reapplying — pay down existing balances, make all payments on time, and wait 30 days before requesting again.

If the reason is an error on your credit report, dispute it with the credit bureau (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion) through annualcreditreport.com. The bureau has 30 days to investigate. Once the error is removed, reapply.

If you're denied because you have too many recent inquiries, wait at least 30 days before requesting again. Each inquiry stays on your report for about a year, but their impact fades after a few months.

How the rewards actually work and what to watch for

Cash back posts to your account monthly. With the Walmart Rewards Card, you earn 3% on Walmart purchases (in-store and online) and 1% on everything else. With the Walmart Store Card, you earn 5% at Walmart and Sam's Club. The cash back appears as a credit on your statement — you don't have to do anything to claim it.

You can use your cash back in three ways: let it sit as a statement credit, redeem it for a Walmart gift card, or transfer it to a bank account (though this option varies by card and may have limits). Most people just let it reduce their monthly bill.

Watch for these common mistakes: carrying a balance and paying interest that eats the rewards, missing a payment (which hurts your credit score and may raise your interest rate), or requesting the card multiple times in a short period (which lowers your credit score each time). Use the card for purchases you'd make anyway, pay the full balance each month, and the rewards add up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Walmart account to request the card?

No, but having one makes the online request faster. If you don't have an account, you can create one during the request process, or request in-store or by phone without one.

How long does it take to get approved?

You'll know within minutes if you request online or by phone. The physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. In some cases, you can use the card when ready through a digital wallet while you wait for the physical card.

What credit score do I need?

Capital One doesn't publish a minimum, but most people approved have a score of 600 or higher. People with scores below 600 are sometimes approved, especially if they have a long history with Walmart or a co-signer. The only way to know is to request.

Can I request both the Rewards Card and the Store Card?

You can hold both, but requesting both at the same time will hurt your credit score (two inquiries instead of one). Request one, wait at least 30 days, then request the other if you want both.

What if I lose my card or it gets stolen?

Call the number on the back of your statement or contact Capital One when ready. They'll cancel the card and mail a replacement. You won't be responsible for fraudulent charges if you report it quickly.