The Two Walmart Credit Cards and How to Start

Walmart offers two credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card (also called the Walmart MoneyCard) and the Walmart Rewards Card. The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club stores. The Walmart Rewards Card works anywhere Visa is accepted. Both are issued by Capital One.

To start, you visit Walmart.com/creditcards or go to a Walmart store and ask a cashier for an process. You can also explore through Capital One's website directly. The online process takes about 15 minutes. You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information. Capital One will check your credit report and give you a decision on the spot or within a few days.

If you're approved, your card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use it when ready online if you receive a temporary card number during approval. If you're denied, Capital One will send you a letter explaining why, and you can contact them to ask what might change your chances in the future.

Key Takeaways

  • The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club, while the Walmart Rewards Card works anywhere Visa is accepted.
  • You can explore online at Walmart.com/creditcards, through Capital One's website, or in person at a Walmart store.
  • The process process takes about 15 minutes and requires your Social Security number, birth date, address, and employment details.
  • Capital One will make a decision when ready or within a few days, and your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

What Each Card Offers and Who They're For

The Walmart Credit Card has no annual fee and gives you 1% cash back on purchases at Walmart and Sam's Club. You earn 2% cash back on gas at Walmart gas stations and 3% cash back on Walmart.com purchases. The cash back appears as a statement credit or you can request it as a check. This card is best if you do most of your shopping at Walmart or Sam's Club and want to avoid paying an annual fee.

The Walmart Rewards Card also has no annual fee and works at any store that takes Visa. You earn 3% cash back on Walmart and Sam's Club purchases, 2% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% everywhere else. This card is better if you shop at multiple stores and want rewards that follow you beyond Walmart.

Both cards report to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so using either one responsibly can help build or improve your credit history. Neither card has a rewards cap — you can earn cash back indefinitely.

Credit Score Requirements and Approval Odds

Walmart credit cards are known for approving people with fair or limited credit history. Capital One does not publish a minimum credit score, but approval is more likely if your score is 620 or higher. If your score is lower or you have no credit history, you may still be approved, but you might receive a lower credit limit or higher interest rate.

Capital One will check your credit report, which is called a hard inquiry. This temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points, usually for about three months. If you're denied, you can reapply after six months, though waiting longer gives you time to improve your credit in other ways — paying down debt, fixing errors on your report, or building a payment history.

If you're approved but the credit limit is lower than you hoped, you can request an increase after six months of on-time payments. Capital One may do a soft inquiry (which doesn't lower your score) or a hard inquiry depending on their process at that time.

Interest Rates, Fees, and How to Avoid Them

Both Walmart credit cards charge interest on balances you don't pay in full each month. The interest rate (called the APR, or Annual Percentage Rate) varies by person and is based on your credit score and history. Capital One will tell you the APR range before you finish your process. Rates typically range from 16% to 24%, but your actual rate depends on your creditworthiness.

Neither card charges an annual fee, a late payment fee, or a foreign transaction fee. However, if you miss a payment by 30 days or more, Capital One will report it to the credit bureaus and it will damage your credit score. If you pay late, you'll also owe interest on the full balance going forward, not just new purchases.

To avoid interest charges entirely, pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. The due date is printed on your statement and is usually 21 to 25 days after your statement closes. If you can't pay the full balance, paying at least the minimum due keeps you from being late, but you'll still owe interest on what remains.

How to Use Your Card Once It Arrives

When your card arrives, sign the back and set up it. You can set up it by calling the number on the back of the card, through the Capital One mobile app, or online at capitalone.com. set up usually takes less than five minutes.

Set up online account access so you can check your balance, make payments, and view your statement anytime. You can pay your bill online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Walmart store. Most people set up automatic payments so they never miss a due date — you can choose to pay the full balance or just the minimum automatically each month.

Your first statement arrives about 30 days after your first purchase. The statement shows what you bought, how much you owe, the minimum payment due, the due date, and your interest rate. Keep statements for your records, especially if you use the card for large purchases.

Building Credit With Your Walmart Card

Using a credit card responsibly is one of the fastest ways to build credit. Capital One reports your payment history to all three credit bureaus every month. If you pay on time every month, your credit score will likely improve within three to six months.

To build credit most effectively, keep your balance low — ideally below 30% of your credit limit. If your limit is $500, try to keep your balance under $150. This shows lenders you can use credit without relying on it too heavily. Pay at least the minimum on time every month, and pay more than the minimum when you can to reduce interest charges.

After six to twelve months of on-time payments, you may receive a credit limit increase automatically, or you can request one. A higher limit (used responsibly) further improves your credit score because it lowers your utilization ratio. After one to two years of good payment history, you'll likely may have access to for other credit cards with better rewards or lower interest rates.

What to Do If You're Denied or Have Questions

If Capital One denies your process, they'll mail you a letter within 30 days explaining the reason. Common reasons include a low credit score, too many recent credit inquiries, high existing debt, or a history of late payments. The letter will also include contact information for the credit bureau they used, so you can request a free copy of your credit report to check for errors.

If you find errors on your credit report, you can dispute them directly with the credit bureau. The bureau has 30 days to investigate and correct or remove the error. Fixing errors can improve your score and increase your chances of approval on a future process.

If you have questions about your process status, interest rate, or credit limit, call Capital One at the number on your card or visit capitalone.com. You can also visit a Walmart store and ask a cashier for help, though they can direct you to Capital One but cannot change your account details.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Walmart Credit Card at other stores?

The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart stores, Walmart.com, and Sam's Club. If you want to earn rewards at other stores, you need the Walmart Rewards Card, which works anywhere Visa is accepted. Both cards are issued by Capital One and have no annual fee.

What happens if I miss a payment?

If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, Capital One reports it to the credit bureaus and it stays on your credit report for seven years. You'll also owe late fees and interest on your full balance. If you're struggling to pay, contact Capital One before the due date to discuss options — they sometimes offer hardship programs.

How long does it take to get approved?

Most decisions come back when ready or within a few days. If you explore online, you may get a temporary card number to use right away. Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If your process needs more review, Capital One will contact you by phone or mail.

Can I increase my credit limit?

Yes. After six months of on-time payments, you can request a credit limit increase by calling Capital One or logging into your account online. Capital One may approve the increase without a hard inquiry, or they may check your credit again. A higher limit used responsibly helps your credit score.

Do I need a Sam's Club membership to use the Walmart Credit Card?

No. The Walmart Credit Card works at Walmart stores and Walmart.com without a membership. You can use it at Sam's Club if you have a membership, but it's not required. The rewards are the same whether you shop at Walmart or Sam's Club.