The Walmart Credit Card comes in two versions, and you choose which one based on where you shop

Walmart offers two separate credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card (also called the Walmart Mastercard) and the Walmart Store Card. The main difference is where you can use them. The Walmart Store Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club. The Walmart Mastercard works anywhere Mastercard is accepted — at other stores, online, restaurants, gas stations, everywhere.

Both cards report to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), which means using either one can help build your credit history if you pay on time. The cards have no annual fee. The rewards structure and interest rates differ between them, so the right choice depends on whether you shop mostly at Walmart or need a card that works everywhere.

Key Takeaways

  • The Walmart Store Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club, while the Walmart Mastercard works anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
  • You can request either card through Walmart's website, in a Walmart store, or by phone, and you will get a decision within minutes to a few days.
  • Both cards have no annual fee and report to credit bureaus, so they can help build credit if you pay your bill on time each month.
  • The Walmart Mastercard typically requires a stronger credit history than the Store Card, so your approval odds depend on which card you choose.

What you need before you start

Have your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address ready. You will also need a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID). Walmart will check your credit report during the process, so you do not need to pull it yourself beforehand.

If you are explore for the Walmart Mastercard, have a checking or savings account number handy — Walmart may ask for it to verify your identity. You do not need to link the account to the card; it is just for verification. If you do not have a bank account, you can still explore, but the process may take longer.

How to request the card online

Go to Walmart's credit card page and select which card you want. Click the button to start the request. You will be asked to enter your personal information: name, address, phone number, Social Security number, date of birth, and employment details (employer name and income). The form takes about five minutes to complete.

After you submit, Walmart will tell you whether you are approved, denied, or pending. If you are approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If you are pending, Walmart will contact you by phone or email within a few days — usually because they need to verify something on your process. If you are denied, you can request a reconsideration by phone or reapply after a few months if your credit situation has improved.

Requesting the card in a Walmart store or by phone

You can fill out a paper process at the customer service desk in any Walmart. Bring your ID and be ready to provide your Social Security number and income information. A customer service associate will help you complete the form and submit it on the spot. You will get a decision within minutes or a few days, depending on whether Walmart needs to verify additional information.

To request by phone, call the number on the back of any Walmart credit card or call Walmart's general customer service line. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone. This route works well if you prefer not to explore online or in person, though the phone line may have a wait during busy hours.

Understanding the approval decision

Walmart uses your credit score, credit history, income, and existing debts to decide whether to approve you. The Walmart Store Card is generally easier to get approved for than the Walmart Mastercard. If you have limited credit history or a lower credit score, you may be approved for the Store Card but denied for the Mastercard.

If you are denied, Walmart will send you a letter explaining the reason — usually something like "insufficient credit history" or "too many recent inquiries." This does not mean you can never get the card. You can reapply after addressing the issue (for example, by building credit over several months or paying down existing debt). Each process creates a hard inquiry on your credit report, so space out reapplications by at least a few months to avoid damaging your score further.

What happens after approval

Once approved, your card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, call the number on the back to set up it before you use it. You will be asked to verify your identity and set a PIN for in-store transactions (the PIN is optional but recommended for security).

Your credit limit will be printed on the card or shown in your online account. You can start using the card when ready after set up. Set up online account access through Walmart's website so you can check your balance, make payments, and track rewards. Most cardholders can pay their bill online, by phone, or by mail.

Building credit with your new card

Using the card responsibly helps build your credit score over time. Pay at least the minimum payment by the due date every month — missing a payment can lower your score and trigger late fees. Paying the full balance each month is better for your score and saves you interest charges.

Keep your balance low relative to your credit limit. If your limit is $500, try to keep your balance under $150 (30 percent of your limit). This ratio, called your utilization rate, affects your credit score. The lower your utilization, the better for your score. After six months of on-time payments, you can request a credit limit increase, which also helps your utilization rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved?

You get a decision within minutes if you explore online or in store. If Walmart needs to verify information, the decision may take a few days. Once approved, the physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days.

What credit score do I need?

Walmart does not publish a minimum credit score. The Store Card is generally easier to get with a lower score, while the Mastercard typically requires a stronger credit history. If you have been denied before, focus on building credit for a few months before reapplying.

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

Not for the physical card. However, some cardholders can request a temporary digital card number to use online when ready after approval. Check your online account or call customer service to see if this option is available to you.

What if I am denied?

You will receive a letter explaining why. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, too many recent credit inquiries, or high existing debt. You can reapply after a few months of building credit or paying down debt. Space applications several months apart to avoid multiple hard inquiries.

Do I have to use the card at Walmart to keep it active?

Most credit card issuers, including Walmart, close inactive accounts after 12 months or more of no activity. Use the card at least once every few months to keep it active. Even a small purchase counts.