Walmart Offers Two Credit Cards for Different Shoppers

Yes, Walmart has two credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart Rewards Card. The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club. The Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard that works anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Both are issued by Capital One.

The choice between them depends on where you shop. If you spend most of your money at Walmart and Sam's Club, the Walmart Credit Card offers rewards only there. If you want a card that earns rewards at other stores and restaurants too, the Walmart Rewards Card is the option.

Neither card charges an annual fee. Both report to the three major credit bureaus, so using either one responsibly can help build your credit history.

Key Takeaways

  • The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club stores and online, while the Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard accepted everywhere.
  • The Walmart Credit Card offers 3% cash back on Walmart.com purchases, 2% at Sam's Club, and 1% at Walmart stores, with no annual fee.
  • The Walmart Rewards Card earns 3% cash back at Walmart and Sam's Club, 1% everywhere else, and has no annual fee.
  • You can request a card through Walmart's website or explore in person at a Walmart customer service desk.
  • Both cards report to credit bureaus and can help build credit when you pay your balance on time each month.

Walmart Credit Card Rewards and Limits

The Walmart Credit Card earns cash back only when you use it at Walmart or Sam's Club. You earn 3% cash back on Walmart.com purchases, 2% cash back at Sam's Club (in-store and online), and 1% cash back at Walmart stores. Cash back is credited to your account as a statement credit.

There is no limit on how much cash back you can earn. The card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees, though it only works in the United States.

The card comes with a variable interest rate, which means the rate can change over time. Capital One sets your specific rate based on your credit history when you open the account.

Walmart Rewards Card Rewards and Limits

The Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard that earns cash back everywhere you shop. You earn 3% cash back at Walmart and Sam's Club, and 1% cash back at all other merchants. Like the Walmart Credit Card, cash back appears as a statement credit.

This card also has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees. Because it is a Mastercard, you can use it at millions of locations worldwide, not just Walmart.

The Walmart Rewards Card also carries a variable interest rate set by Capital One based on your credit profile at the time of opening.

How to Request a Walmart Credit Card

You can request either Walmart card online through Walmart's website or in person at a Walmart customer service desk. The online process takes a few minutes and asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and income information.

Capital One will check your credit report as part of the process. You will receive a decision within minutes in most cases. If approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you are denied, you can request a reconsideration by calling the number on the denial letter. You can also request a different card — for example, if you were denied for the Walmart Credit Card, you might request the Walmart Rewards Card instead.

Activating Your Card and Setting Up Payments

When your card arrives, you must set up it before you can use it. You can set up it online through your account, by calling the number on the back of the card, or through the Capital One mobile app.

Set up a payment method right away. You can pay your bill online, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments. Most cardholders set up automatic payments so they do not miss a due date. You can choose to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a custom amount each month.

Your first statement will arrive 20 to 45 days after you open the account. The due date is usually the same day each month. Paying on time each month helps build your credit score and keeps your account in good standing.

Credit Limits and How They Work

Capital One sets your credit limit based on your credit history, income, and other factors. New cardholders often receive limits between $300 and $2,500, though limits vary widely. You do not control your starting limit — Capital One decides it.

You can request a credit limit increase after you have had the card for at least six months and have made on-time payments. You can request an increase online, by phone, or through the mobile app. Capital One may or may not approve your request.

Your credit limit is the maximum amount you can charge to the card. If you reach your limit, you cannot make new purchases until you pay down your balance.

Building Credit With a Walmart Card

Using a Walmart credit card responsibly can help build your credit score. Your payment history is the largest factor in your credit score — paying on time every month matters most. Your credit utilization (how much of your limit you use) is the second-largest factor.

To build credit effectively, charge small purchases you would make anyway and pay the full balance each month. Carrying a balance and paying interest does not help your credit more than paying in full — it just costs you money. The card reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, so your activity shows up on your credit report.

If you have no credit history or poor credit, a Walmart card can be a way to start building a positive record. Many people use it as their first card or as a card to rebuild after past problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Walmart Credit Card at other stores?

No. The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart stores, Walmart.com, and Sam's Club. If you need a card that works everywhere, the Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard accepted at millions of locations.

What is the difference between the two cards?

The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club and offers higher cash back there (up to 3%). The Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard that works anywhere and earns 3% at Walmart and Sam's Club, 1% everywhere else. Choose the Walmart Credit Card if you shop mostly at Walmart; choose the Rewards Card if you want to earn rewards at other stores too.

What happens if I miss a payment?

A missed payment will be reported to the credit bureaus and will hurt your credit score. Capital One may also charge a late fee. If you miss a payment, contact Capital One as soon as possible to bring your account current. The sooner you pay, the less damage to your credit.

Can I use my Walmart card at Sam's Club?

Yes, both the Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart Rewards Card work at Sam's Club. The Walmart Credit Card earns 2% cash back at Sam's Club; the Walmart Rewards Card earns 3% cash back there.

How do I check my credit limit and available balance?

You can check both online through your Capital One account, by calling the number on the back of your card, or through the Capital One mobile app. Your available balance is your credit limit minus what you have already charged.