The Walmart credit card comes in two versions, and you choose based on where you shop

Walmart offers two credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card (also called the Walmart Mastercard) and the Walmart Store Card. The store card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club. The Mastercard works everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Both let you earn cash back on purchases, but the rewards and fees differ, so the right choice depends on whether you shop mainly at Walmart or need a card for other stores too.

You can start the process online at Walmart.com, through the Walmart mobile app, or in a Walmart store at the customer service desk. The online route is fastest — you'll get a decision in minutes in most cases. If you explore in person, a staff member can walk you through it, which helps if you have questions about which card fits your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • The Walmart Store Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club, while the Walmart Mastercard works everywhere Mastercard is accepted.
  • You can start the process online, on the Walmart app, or at the customer service desk in any Walmart store.
  • You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, income, and current address to complete the process.
  • Approval decisions usually come within minutes if you explore online, though some applications take longer for manual review.
  • Once approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you can use the digital version in the Walmart app right away.

What information you need before you start

Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. You'll also need to provide your annual household income — Walmart asks this to assess your ability to repay. If you've moved recently, have your previous address available too, as the system checks your credit history at that location.

If you're explore online or through the app, you'll fill out a form with this information. The system checks your credit report with the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to make a decision. This is called a hard inquiry and it shows up on your credit report, though the impact on your credit score is usually small and temporary.

The difference between the two cards

The Walmart Store Card earns 5% cash back on Walmart.com purchases (with a Walmart+ membership), 2% at Walmart stores and Sam's Club, and 1% everywhere else you use it. It has no annual fee. The catch: you can only use it at Walmart, Sam's Club, and Walmart.com. If you shop at other retailers, you won't earn rewards there.

The Walmart Mastercard earns 3% cash back on Walmart.com and Walmart stores, 1% at gas stations and transit, and 1% on all other purchases. It has no annual fee either, and you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted — grocery stores, restaurants, online retailers, everywhere. This card makes sense if you want one card that works for all your shopping.

Both cards offer the same fraud protection and dispute rights as standard credit cards. Neither charges an annual fee, so there's no cost to hold either one.

How the approval process works

When you submit your information, Walmart's system runs an when ready credit check. Most people get a decision within minutes — you'll see "approved," "pending," or "denied" on the screen right away. If your process goes to pending, it means a person needs to review it, which usually takes 24 to 48 hours. Walmart will contact you by phone or email with the decision.

Walmart doesn't publish a minimum credit score requirement, but the company typically looks for a credit score of 640 or higher. If you have a thinner credit file — few accounts or a short history — you may still be approved, but the credit bureau data is what matters most. If you're denied, you can ask why, and Walmart will tell you whether it was due to credit history, income, or another factor.

What happens after approval

Once approved, you can use your card right away through the Walmart app's digital wallet, even before the physical card arrives. This is useful if you want to start earning rewards on your next shopping trip. The physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

When your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or through the Walmart app. Set up online account access so you can check your balance, make payments, and track your cash back rewards. Your first statement arrives about 30 days after your first purchase, and you'll have a grace period (usually 21 days from the statement date) to pay your balance without interest charges.

Rewards and how they work

Cash back rewards post to your account monthly. You don't have to do anything to claim them — they appear automatically as a statement credit or can be redeemed for Walmart purchases. The exact redemption options depend on which card you have and whether you're a Walmart+ member.

For the Store Card, rewards add up faster at Walmart itself (2% or 5% with Walmart+) than elsewhere. For the Mastercard, the 3% at Walmart is solid, but you earn the same 1% everywhere else, so it's a flatter rewards structure. Neither card has a spending cap on rewards — you can earn indefinitely.

Fees and interest rates

Neither Walmart card charges an annual fee. However, both charge interest on balances you don't pay in full. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. Walmart doesn't publish a specific APR range, so you'll see your rate in the offer details before you finish the process.

Late payments trigger a late fee, and if you miss a payment by 30 days or more, it reports to the credit bureaus and can damage your credit score. Both cards also charge a cash advance fee if you withdraw cash using your card at an ATM, so avoid that unless you have no other option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Walmart Store Card at other stores?

No. The Walmart Store Card works only at Walmart stores, Sam's Club, and Walmart.com. If you need a card that works everywhere, choose the Walmart Mastercard instead. You can hold both cards if you want — one for Walmart shopping and one for other retailers.

What's the credit score requirement?

Walmart doesn't publish a minimum, but approval typically requires a score around 640 or higher. If your score is lower, you may still be approved depending on your income and payment history. The best way to know is to start the process and see what decision you get.

Can I use the digital card before the physical one arrives?

Yes. Once approved, you can add your card to the Walmart app's digital wallet and use it when ready at Walmart stores and online. The physical card arrives within 7 to 10 business days, but you don't have to wait to start earning rewards.

What happens if my process is denied?

Walmart will tell you the reason — usually credit history, income, or too many recent credit inquiries. You can reapply after addressing the issue, such as paying down existing debt or waiting a few months. You're also may have access to to a free credit report from each bureau once per year at annualcreditreport.com to check for errors.

Do I have to be a Walmart+ member to get the card?

No. Both cards work without a Walmart+ membership. However, if you have Walmart+, the Store Card's 5% cash back on Walmart.com kicks in, which is a bigger reward than the standard 1%. If you shop online frequently, the membership can pay for itself through the higher rewards rate.