You can explore for a Walmart credit card online in about five minutes using Walmart's website or the Walmart mobile app
Walmart offers two credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card (for use only at Walmart and Sam's Club) and the Walmart Rewards Card (a Mastercard you can use anywhere). Both are issued by Capital One. The online process is the same for either card — you fill out a form with your personal and financial information, and Capital One makes a decision right away or within a few days. You do not need to visit a store or call anyone to start.
The process itself takes about five minutes. You will need your Social Security number, current income, and information about your address and employment. Capital One will check your credit report as part of the decision, so the process works best if you know roughly what your credit score is beforehand — though you can explore regardless.
Key Takeaways
- Both Walmart credit cards are issued by Capital One and you can explore through Walmart.com or the Walmart app without visiting a store.
- The process asks for your Social Security number, income, employment details, and address; Capital One checks your credit report as part of the decision.
- You will receive a decision when ready or within a few business days, and if approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club, while the Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard accepted anywhere.
- You can check your process status online using your Social Security number and date of birth if you do not receive a decision right away.
Where to start the process
Go to Walmart.com and look for the credit card section, usually found under "Services" or "Financial Services" in the footer of the page. You can also search "Walmart credit card" directly on the site. The Walmart mobile app has a similar section if you prefer to explore on your phone.
You will see both card options listed: the Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart Rewards Card. Read the features of each — the main difference is that the Walmart Credit Card gives you discounts at Walmart and Sam's Club but only works there, while the Walmart Rewards Card earns cash back and works anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Choose the card you want and click "explore Now."
What information you need to have ready
Before you start, gather these documents or have this information available: your Social Security number, your current annual income (or household income if you include it), your employment status and employer name, your current address, and a phone number and email address where Capital One can reach you. If you have moved in the last two years, you may need your previous address as well.
You do not need to upload documents or provide proof of income at the process stage. Capital One will verify your information through credit reports and other databases. If they need additional proof later — for example, if your income is very high or very new — they will contact you.
How the process form works
The form is divided into sections. First, you enter personal information: your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, phone number, and email. Then you enter your address and confirm how long you have lived there. Next comes employment information: whether you work full-time, part-time, or are retired, your employer's name, and your annual income.
The form also asks about your housing situation (whether you own or rent) and may ask about other credit accounts you have open. Answer honestly — Capital One is checking this information against your credit report anyway, so discrepancies will be caught. At the end, you review the terms and conditions and agree to them before submitting.
What happens after you submit
Capital One will give you a decision when ready in most cases — you will see "Approved," "Pending," or "Denied" on the screen before you leave the process. If the decision is when ready and you are approved, you will receive a confirmation email with your new account number and details about your card.
If your decision is "Pending," Capital One needs more time to review your information, usually one to three business days. You can check the status of a pending process by going back to Walmart.com, entering your Social Security number and date of birth, and selecting "Check process Status." Capital One will also send you an email when a decision is made.
If you are approved, your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can usually start using your account online or through the Walmart app before the card arrives — Capital One will provide instructions in your confirmation email or through your new account dashboard.
Reasons your process might be denied
Capital One denies applications for several common reasons: a credit score that is too low (there is no published minimum, but approval is harder below 600), recent late payments or collections accounts on your credit report, too much existing debt relative to your income, or a very short credit history. Being denied does not hurt your credit score further — the process itself causes a small, temporary dip, but the decision does not.
If you are denied, Capital One will send you a letter explaining the reason. You can reapply after addressing the issue — for example, paying down other debts, waiting for late payments to age on your report, or building credit history with a secured card. You can also call Capital One at the number on the denial letter to ask whether reapplying soon would be worth trying.
Using your new account and managing it online
Once approved, you can log into your account at Walmart.com or through the Capital One mobile app to see your balance, make payments, and view your statements. Payments can be made online, by phone, or by mail. You can set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on the same day each month.
Both Walmart credit cards report to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so using the card responsibly — keeping your balance low and paying on time — will help build your credit history. The Walmart Credit Card offers discounts on gas and groceries at Walmart, while the Walmart Rewards Card earns cash back on all purchases. Check your cardholder agreement or log into your account to see the current rewards rate and any promotional offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore if I do not have a credit history yet?
You can explore, but approval is less likely without any credit history. Capital One will look at other factors like your income and employment stability. If you are denied, a secured credit card (where you deposit cash as collateral) is often easier to get approved for and helps you build credit faster.
How long does it take to get a decision?
Most decisions are made when ready when you submit the process. If your decision is "Pending," Capital One typically decides within one to three business days. You can check your status online using your Social Security number and date of birth, or wait for an email notification.
What is the difference between the two Walmart cards?
The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club and offers discounts on gas and groceries. The Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard that works anywhere and earns cash back on all purchases. Choose based on where you shop most and whether you want rewards everywhere or discounts at Walmart specifically.
Can I explore on my phone?
Yes, the Walmart mobile app has the credit card process. The process is identical to explore on Walmart.com. Make sure you have a stable internet connection and all your information ready before you start.
What if I am denied — can I reapply right away?
You can reapply, but waiting a few months gives you time to improve your situation — pay down debt, make on-time payments, or build credit history. explore multiple times in a short period can lower your credit score further. Read the denial letter for Capital One's specific guidance, or call the number on the letter to ask when reapplying makes sense.