You can explore for a Walmart credit card in two ways: online through Walmart's website or in person at a Walmart register
The Walmart Credit Card comes in two versions — the standard Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart Rewards Card — and both let you start the process from home or while you're shopping. The online route takes about 10 minutes and gives you an answer within seconds in most cases. The in-store process takes longer but works if you prefer to explore with help or don't have internet access at home.
Both paths lead to the same card and the same account. Which one you choose depends on whether you want to finish before you leave the store or whether you'd rather explore at your own pace from a computer or phone.
Key Takeaways
- Online applications are faster and you get a decision when ready, while in-store applications require you to wait for a store associate to process your request.
- You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, income, and current address for either process method.
- If you're approved online, you can use your card number right away for online purchases, though the physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- In-store approval lets you use the card at checkout that same day if you're approved, but the process takes 15 to 20 minutes.
- Both applications run a credit check, so your credit score will be pulled regardless of which method you choose.
how the process works online through Walmart.com
Go to Walmart's credit card page on Walmart.com and select either the standard Walmart Credit Card or the Walmart Rewards Card. Click the button to start your process. You'll be taken to a form where you enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email address.
Next, you'll enter financial information: your annual household income, employment status, and whether you rent or own your home. The form also asks if you have a Walmart account already. Answer honestly — the lender uses this information to assess your creditworthiness. Do not leave fields blank; incomplete applications are rejected.
After you submit, you'll see a decision on screen within seconds to a few minutes. If you're approved, you'll receive a card number when ready that you can use for online purchases right away. Your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you're denied, the screen will tell you why and whether you can reapply later.
how the process works in store at a Walmart register
Walk up to the customer service desk or a regular checkout lane and tell the associate you want to open a Walmart credit card account. They will hand you a paper process or direct you to a kiosk in the store. Fill out the form with the same information you'd enter online: name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone, email, and income details.
Hand the completed form back to the associate. They will submit it to the credit card company's system from the register terminal. You'll wait 15 to 20 minutes for a decision. If you're approved, the associate will give you a temporary card number that works at Walmart registers that day. Your permanent card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you're denied in store, the associate will give you a notice explaining the reason. You can ask to speak with a manager if you have questions, though the decision itself comes from the credit card company, not Walmart.
What documents and information you need before you explore
Have your Social Security number ready — this is required for both online and in-store applications. You'll also need your date of birth, current address, phone number, and email address. If your address has changed recently, use your current address, not an old one.
You'll need to know your annual household income. This is the total income from all sources in your household before taxes. If you're unsure of the exact number, estimate based on your recent pay stubs or tax return. The lender uses this to set your credit limit, so being reasonably accurate matters.
Have your employment status ready — whether you're employed full-time, part-time, self-employed, retired, or something else. If you're employed, you don't need to provide your employer's name on the process, but having it handy helps if you're asked follow-up questions.
What happens after you're approved
If you're approved online, you receive a card number on screen that you can use when ready for purchases on Walmart.com or through the Walmart app. You cannot use this number at physical Walmart stores until your physical card arrives. Your permanent card is mailed to the address you provided on your process and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
If you're approved in store, you get a temporary card number that works at Walmart registers that same day. You can make purchases at any Walmart location using this number. Your permanent card arrives by mail on the same timeline. Once it arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or by logging into your account online.
After approval, you'll receive a welcome packet by mail that includes your permanent card, your account number, and information about your credit limit and interest rate. Set up online account access through Walmart's website so you can check your balance, make payments, and view your statements.
Reasons your process might be denied
The credit card company pulls your credit report and looks at your credit score, payment history, and current debt. If you have recent late payments, a very low credit score, or high existing debt relative to your income, you may be denied. A recent bankruptcy or collection account also makes approval unlikely.
If you're denied, the notice you receive will explain the main reason — usually "credit score too low" or "insufficient credit history." You can reapply after 6 months, and your chances improve if you've paid down debt or fixed late payments in the meantime. Some people are approved with a lower credit limit instead of being denied outright; if that happens, you can request a credit limit increase after 6 months of on-time payments.
Comparing online versus in-store process
The choice between online and in-store comes down to speed and convenience. Online applications finish in minutes and work from anywhere with internet access, but you can only use the card number online until your physical card arrives. In-store applications take longer but let you use the card at Walmart registers the same day if you're approved.
Both methods run the same credit check and lead to the same card and account. The credit limit, interest rate, and terms are identical regardless of which path you choose. Pick whichever fits your schedule and comfort level.
| Factor | Online process | In-Store process |
|---|---|---|
| Time to decision | Seconds to a few minutes | 15 to 20 minutes |
| When you can use the card | when ready online; physical card in 7-10 days | Same day at Walmart; physical card in 7-10 days |
| Where you explore | Walmart.com from home or anywhere with internet | Customer service desk or checkout lane |
| Help available | Online help or customer service phone line | Store associate at the register |
| Credit check | Yes | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I explore if I don't have a credit history?
Yes. Walmart's credit card is available to people with limited or no credit history, though you may receive a lower credit limit. If you have no credit history at all, approval is less certain, but it's still worth explore. Some people with no credit history are approved; others are denied and told to reapply after building some credit.
What's the difference between the Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart Rewards Card?
The Walmart Rewards Card earns cash back on purchases — typically 1% to 3% depending on where you shop — while the standard Walmart Credit Card does not earn rewards. Both cards work the same way for payments and credit limits. The Rewards Card usually requires a higher credit score to get approved.
How long does it take to receive my physical card after I'm approved?
Your physical card arrives within 7 to 10 business days from the date you're approved, whether you applied online or in store. If you don't receive it within that window, contact Walmart's credit card customer service number on your welcome letter or online account.
Can I use my card at other stores besides Walmart?
No. The Walmart Credit Card and Walmart Rewards Card work only at Walmart stores, Walmart.com, and Sam's Club locations. They are not Visa or Mastercard, so you cannot use them at other retailers. If you need a card that works everywhere, you'll need a different credit card.
What if I'm denied — can I reapply right away?
You can reapply, but waiting 6 months gives you a better chance of approval. Use that time to pay down existing debt, fix any late payments, or dispute errors on your credit report. When you reapply, your credit profile will look stronger.