You can sign up for a Walmart credit card in minutes, either online or in a store, and get an when ready decision

Walmart offers two credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card (for Walmart purchases only) and the Walmart Mastercard (for use anywhere). Both let you start the signup process on Walmart.com, the Walmart mobile app, or at a register in any Walmart store. You'll answer questions about your income and employment, and Walmart will tell you within seconds whether you're approved. If you're approved, you can use the card when ready in some cases, or receive it by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

The main difference between the two cards is where you can use them. The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart, Walmart.com, and Sam's Club locations. The Walmart Mastercard works anywhere Mastercard is accepted — gas stations, restaurants, online retailers, everywhere. Both cards carry an annual percentage rate (APR) that varies based on your creditworthiness, so two people approved on the same day may receive different rates.

Key Takeaways

  • You can complete the signup process online, on the Walmart app, or at a store register, and receive an when ready approval decision.
  • The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club; the Walmart Mastercard works anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
  • You'll need to provide your Social Security number, income information, and employment details during signup.
  • If approved, you may be able to use the card when ready in-store or will receive it by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
  • Your APR depends on your credit profile and will be disclosed before you finish the signup process.

What you need before you start

Have your Social Security number, current address, and phone number ready. You'll also need to provide your annual income and current employment information — the company name and how long you've worked there. Walmart will ask whether you're explore for the Walmart Credit Card or the Walmart Mastercard, so decide which one fits your spending habits before you begin.

If you're explore online or through the app, you'll need an email address. If you're explore in-store, a cashier or customer service associate can walk you through the process at a register or service desk. You don't need to bring documents with you — Walmart verifies your information electronically during the process.

Signing up online or through the Walmart app

Go to Walmart.com and look for the credit card offer, usually displayed on the homepage or in the account menu. On the mobile app, tap the menu icon and select "Credit Card." Click or tap the button to explore, then choose which card you want — the Walmart Credit Card or the Walmart Mastercard.

Fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Then provide your Social Security number and employment details. Walmart will ask your annual household income and whether you own or rent your home. Review the terms and conditions, then submit your process. You'll receive a decision within seconds on the same screen.

If you're approved, Walmart will show you your credit limit and APR when ready. You can use the card number right away for online purchases if you're approved for the Walmart Mastercard. For the Walmart Credit Card, you can use it in-store when ready or wait for the physical card to arrive by mail.

Signing up in a Walmart store

Visit the customer service desk or any checkout register and tell an associate you want to open a Walmart credit card. They'll direct you to a register or kiosk where you can complete the process. You'll answer the same questions as the online process — personal information, income, and employment details — on a tablet or computer screen.

The in-store process takes about 5 to 10 minutes. Once you're approved, you can use the card when ready at that register or any Walmart location. If you applied for the Walmart Mastercard, you can also use it outside Walmart right away. The physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What happens after approval

Walmart will send you a welcome email with your account details and a link to set up online access. You can log in to manage your account, view your balance, make payments, and set up automatic payments. Your physical card will arrive by mail — the timeline is usually 7 to 10 business days, though it can vary.

Your first statement will arrive 25 to 30 days after your first purchase. You'll have a grace period on purchases (the exact number of days will be in your cardholder agreement), meaning you won't pay interest if you pay your full balance by the due date. If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily at your APR.

If you're denied

Walmart will tell you when ready if you're not approved. The most common reasons are insufficient income, a thin credit history (very few accounts or recent accounts), or recent negative marks like late payments or collections. You can reapply after 30 days, or you can work on building credit in the meantime by becoming an authorized user on someone else's account or opening a secured credit card elsewhere.

You have the right to know why you were denied. Walmart will provide a reason in writing if you request it. You can also check your credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com to see if there are errors that affected the decision.

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

Choose the Walmart Credit Card if you do most of your shopping at Walmart and Sam's Club and want a card with no annual fee. It typically offers rewards like 2% cash back on Walmart.com and fuel purchases, and 1% cash back on other Walmart purchases. The rewards are paid as Walmart cash that you can use on future purchases.

Choose the Walmart Mastercard if you want to use the same card everywhere — gas stations, restaurants, online retailers outside Walmart, and travel. It also has no annual fee and offers cash back rewards, though the structure differs from the Walmart Credit Card. The Mastercard is more flexible if you don't do all your shopping at Walmart.

You can hold both cards at the same time if you want. Some people use the Walmart Credit Card for Walmart purchases to earn higher rewards, and the Mastercard for everything else. There's no penalty for having both.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved?

You'll receive a decision within seconds after you submit your process, either online, on the app, or in-store. You can use the card when ready in many cases, or the physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

What credit score do I need?

Walmart doesn't publish a minimum credit score. People with fair, good, and excellent credit have been approved. If you have limited credit history or recent negative marks, approval is less certain but still possible. The best way to know is to explore.

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

Yes. If you're approved for the Walmart Mastercard, you can use the card number for online purchases when ready. For in-store purchases, you can use the card right away if you applied at a store, or you can use your phone to show your digital card in the Walmart app once it's added to your account.

What's the difference between the APR I see advertised and the APR I might get?

Walmart advertises a range of APRs because the actual rate you receive depends on your credit profile. Someone with excellent credit might receive 16.99% APR, while someone with fair credit might receive 23.99% APR. Walmart will show you your specific APR before you finish the process.

Can I pay my bill online?

Yes. Once your account is set up, you can log in to Walmart.com or the app to make a payment, set up automatic payments, or view your statement. You can also pay by phone or mail, though online is the fastest method.