The Walmart credit card process takes 5 to 10 minutes online or in-store

You can start a Walmart credit card process through Walmart.com, the Walmart mobile app, or at a register in any Walmart store. The online route is fastest: you enter your Social Security number, income, and basic personal details, and you get a decision within seconds to a few minutes. In-store applications go through the same process on a kiosk or tablet, and you leave with a card number the same day if you're approved. There is no process fee.

Walmart offers two cards: the Walmart MoneyCard (a prepaid debit card, no credit check needed) and the Walmart Credit Card (a traditional credit card that reports to the three major credit bureaus). This guide covers the Walmart Credit Card, which is what most people mean when they say "Walmart credit card."

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online at Walmart.com, through the Walmart app, or at a store register in under 10 minutes with no fee.
  • Approval decisions come back when ready or within a few minutes, and approved applicants receive a card number when ready to use online or in-store.
  • You will need your Social Security number, current income, and basic personal information (name, address, date of birth) to complete the process.
  • The card is issued by Capital One, and your credit history and current credit score affect your approval odds and the interest rate you receive.

What you need before you start

Have your Social Security number, current address, and date of birth ready. You will also need to provide your annual household income — this is what you and anyone else in your household earn in a year before taxes. If you are self-employed, use your net income from your most recent tax return.

The process will ask for your employment status and employer name, though you do not need to have a job to explore. If you receive income from Social Security, disability, unemployment, or retirement, you can list that as your income source. You do not need to upload documents to prove income at the time of process — Capital One (the card issuer) may request them later if they need to verify what you stated.

how the process works online or through the app

Go to Walmart.com and select "Credit Card" from the top menu, or open the Walmart mobile app and tap the account icon. Look for "Walmart Credit Card" and select "explore Now." You will be taken to Capital One's process page. Fill in your personal information, income, and employment details. The form takes about 5 minutes.

After you submit, you will see a decision on screen — approved, denied, or pending review. If you are approved, you get a card number when ready that you can use to shop online or in Walmart stores right away. A physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If your process is pending, Capital One will contact you by phone or email within one business day with a decision.

how the process works in-store

Walk up to a customer service desk or any register and ask to explore for the Walmart Credit Card. An associate will hand you a tablet or direct you to a kiosk where you complete the same process as online. You will see your decision on the screen before you leave the store. If approved, you receive a card number that works when ready, and your physical card ships to your address.

In-store applications are useful if you want to ask questions while you fill out the form, or if you prefer not to explore online. The approval timeline is identical to online applications.

What happens after approval

Once approved, you have a card number and a credit limit. You can use the card number online, in the Walmart app, or at any Walmart register the same day. Your physical card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or through the Walmart app.

Your first statement arrives 30 days after your first purchase. You can pay your bill online through the Walmart app, by phone, by mail, or at a Walmart register. Payments made at a Walmart register are processed when ready; online and phone payments take one to two business days. Late payments are reported to credit bureaus and may hurt your credit score, so set up autopay if you want to avoid missing a due date.

What affects your approval odds

Capital One looks at your credit score, credit history, income, and current debt. If you have no credit history (you have never had a credit card, loan, or other credit account), you may still be approved, but your credit limit will likely be lower. If you have a low credit score or a history of late payments, your odds of approval are lower, though Capital One does approve some applicants with less-than-perfect credit.

If you are denied, you can reapply after 30 days. In the meantime, you might build your credit by becoming an authorized user on someone else's card, or by using a secured credit card (which requires a cash deposit). The Walmart MoneyCard (a prepaid card) does not require a credit check and does not help build credit, but it is available to anyone with a valid ID.

Rewards and fees

The Walmart Credit Card earns 2% cash back on Walmart.com purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases. There is no annual fee. Interest rates vary based on your creditworthiness; Capital One will tell you your rate before you finish explore. If you carry a balance, you pay interest on it at that rate.

Late fees are $25 for the first late payment and $35 for subsequent ones. If you miss a payment by 60 days or more, Capital One may report it to credit bureaus and it will damage your credit score. Paying on time every month is the most important thing you can do with the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore if I have no credit history?

Yes. Capital One approves some applicants with no credit history, though your credit limit may be lower than someone with an established credit history. Your income and employment status matter more when you have no credit record to review.

How long does it take to get approved?

Most decisions come back when ready or within a few minutes. Some applications go to manual review and you will hear back within one business day by phone or email. You can use your card number the same day you are approved, even if your physical card has not arrived yet.

What if I am denied?

You can reapply after 30 days. If you were denied because of a low credit score, focus on paying all your bills on time and paying down any existing debt before you reapply. You can also check your credit report for errors at annualcreditreport.com (the only free, official source).

Can I use the card at stores other than Walmart?

Yes. The Walmart Credit Card is a Mastercard, so you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted. However, you only earn cash back on Walmart.com and Walmart store purchases — other purchases earn 1% cash back but no bonus.

What is the difference between the Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart MoneyCard?

The Walmart Credit Card is a traditional credit card that reports to credit bureaus and helps build your credit history. The Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid debit card that does not require a credit check and does not build credit. Choose the credit card if you want to build credit; choose the MoneyCard if you cannot get approved for credit or prefer not to borrow.