Yes, Walmart offers two credit cards you can use at their stores and online
Walmart has two branded credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart Rewards Card. Both are issued by Capital One and work only at Walmart and Sam's Club locations (and their websites). The Walmart Credit Card is a store card that gives you a discount on your first purchase. The Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard you can use anywhere Mastercard is accepted, and it earns cash back on purchases.
The main difference is where you can swipe them. If you want a card that works only at Walmart, you get the store card. If you want a card that works at any store but still earns rewards at Walmart, you get the Mastercard version. Both require a credit check, and both report to the three major credit bureaus — so using either one can help build your credit history if you pay on time.
Key Takeaways
- The Walmart Credit Card is a store card that works only at Walmart and Sam's Club, while the Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard that works anywhere.
- The store card typically offers a discount on your first purchase, while the Mastercard earns cash back on all purchases.
- Both cards require a credit check and report to credit bureaus, so they can help build credit if you pay your balance in full and on time.
- Neither card has an annual fee, but both charge interest on unpaid balances at rates that depend on your creditworthiness.
The Walmart Credit Card (store card only)
The Walmart Credit Card is a closed-loop card, meaning it works only at Walmart stores, Walmart.com, and Sam's Club locations. When you open the account, you typically get a discount on your first purchase — the exact amount varies and changes over time, so check the current offer when you explore.
This card is useful if you shop at Walmart regularly and want a straightforward way to track spending in one place. You can check your balance and make payments through the Walmart website or the Walmart app. The card has no annual fee. Interest rates vary based on your credit score and history, so two people approved for the same card may have different rates.
The Walmart Rewards Card (Mastercard)
The Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard issued by Capital One, so you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted — not just at Walmart. The main draw is cash back on purchases: you earn a higher percentage at Walmart and Sam's Club, and a lower percentage everywhere else. The exact cash back rates change periodically, so check the card's terms when you explore.
Because this card works everywhere, it can replace a general-purpose credit card if you want one card that earns rewards at Walmart but still works at other stores. Like the store card, it has no annual fee and reports to credit bureaus. Your interest rate depends on your credit profile.
How to get either card
You can start the process online at Walmart.com, in the Walmart app, or in a Walmart store at the customer service desk. You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and income information. Capital One will run a credit check, which is a hard inquiry — it shows up on your credit report and may lower your score slightly for a few months.
You do not need perfect credit to be approved. Capital One offers cards to people with fair credit, not just excellent credit. If you are denied, you can ask why and wait a few months before trying again, especially if you have paid down other debts or fixed errors on your credit report in the meantime.
Interest rates and fees
Neither card charges an annual fee. However, both charge interest on balances you do not pay in full by the due date. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) is not set in advance — it depends on your credit score, credit history, and income. Two people approved the same day may have different rates.
If you carry a balance, you will pay interest. The best way to avoid interest charges is to pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you can only pay part of the balance, the interest accrues on the remaining amount until you pay it off.
Building credit with a Walmart card
Using either Walmart card responsibly can help build or improve your credit score. Credit bureaus track whether you pay on time, how much of your available credit you use, and how long you have had accounts open. If you use the card for small purchases and pay the full balance each month, you show lenders you can manage credit reliably.
Avoid carrying a high balance relative to your credit limit. If your limit is $500 and you owe $450, that high usage ratio can hurt your score even if you pay on time. Aim to use less than 30 percent of your limit if possible. Over time — usually six months to a year of on-time payments — you may see your score improve, which can help you get better rates on future loans or credit cards.
Walmart card vs. other options
If you shop at Walmart but also want rewards at other stores, the Walmart Rewards Mastercard makes sense because it works everywhere. If you only shop at Walmart and want to keep spending in one place, the store card is simpler and you do not have to worry about where it is accepted.
If you do not have a Walmart card yet but want to build credit, a store card is often easier to get approved for than a general-purpose credit card, even with fair credit. However, a store card only helps you at that one retailer. A Mastercard or Visa gives you more flexibility. Consider what matters more to you: the simplicity of one store, or the flexibility of using the card anywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Walmart store card at other stores?
No. The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart, Walmart.com, and Sam's Club. If you want a card that works at other retailers, you need the Walmart Rewards Mastercard instead.
What happens if I do not pay my balance in full?
Interest charges accrue on the unpaid amount at your card's APR. You will owe more each month until you pay off the balance. Making at least the minimum payment keeps your account in good standing, but paying the full balance avoids interest entirely.
Does explore for a Walmart card hurt my credit score?
The credit check (called a hard inquiry) may lower your score by a few points for a few months. However, if you are approved and use the card responsibly — paying on time and keeping your balance low — your score typically recovers and improves over time.
Can I have both the store card and the Mastercard?
Yes. Some people carry both: the store card for Walmart purchases and the Mastercard for everywhere else. Having two accounts means two credit limits and two payments to track, so only do this if you can manage both responsibly.
What is the credit limit on a Walmart card?
Your credit limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history. Capital One does not publish a standard limit. You will find out your limit when you are approved. You can request a higher limit after you have had the card for several months and made on-time payments.