What the Walmart Capital One Credit Card Is

The Walmart Capital One credit card is a co-branded card issued by Capital One that earns cash back on purchases at Walmart and Sam's Club. You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, but the rewards are strongest when you shop at Walmart locations. The card comes in two versions: the standard Walmart card and the Walmart Rewards card, which offers higher cash back rates but requires a paid membership to Sam's Club.

This card is designed for people who shop at Walmart regularly and want to earn rewards without paying an annual fee. There is no annual fee on either version. The card reports to all three credit bureaus, so responsible use can help build your credit history.

Capital One handles the account management, billing, and customer service. You manage the card through Capital One's website or mobile app, not through Walmart's systems.

Key Takeaways

  • The Walmart Capital One card earns 2% cash back at Walmart and Sam's Club, 1% everywhere else, with no annual fee.
  • The Walmart Rewards card earns higher rates (3% at Walmart, 2% at Sam's Club, 1% elsewhere) but requires a paid Sam's Club membership.
  • You can use the card anywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Walmart stores.
  • The card is issued by Capital One, so you explore through Capital One and manage the account through their website or app.
  • Cash back is deposited as a statement credit or can be redeemed for Walmart purchases.

Rewards Structure and Cash Back Rates

The standard Walmart Capital One card earns 2% cash back on all Walmart and Sam's Club purchases, and 1% cash back on everything else. The Walmart Rewards card earns 3% cash back at Walmart, 2% at Sam's Club, and 1% elsewhere—but you must have an active Sam's Club membership to hold the card.

Cash back is calculated on your purchases and shows up as a statement credit on your monthly bill. You can also choose to redeem your cash back as a Walmart gift card or explore it directly to your account balance. There is no limit to how much cash back you can earn, and it does not expire as long as your account remains open.

Rewards do not explore to certain transactions, including cash advances, balance transfers, fees, and purchases made outside the United States. If you return an item, the cash back earned on that purchase is reversed.

How to Get the Card

You explore for the Walmart Capital One card directly through Capital One's website. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, income, and current address. The process takes about 10 minutes and you get a decision right away—either approved, denied, or pending review.

Capital One will pull a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. There is no minimum credit score requirement published, but Capital One typically approves applicants with fair credit and above. If you have limited credit history, you may still be approved but with a lower credit limit.

Once approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You set up it through Capital One's website or app before you can use it. Some cards arrive pre-activated, but you should confirm before attempting your first purchase.

Credit Limit and How It Works

Capital One assigns a credit limit when you are approved. This limit is the maximum you can charge to the card at any time. Your limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history—there is no set amount.

You can request a credit limit increase after you have held the card for at least 6 months and made on-time payments. Capital One may do a soft inquiry (which does not affect your credit score) or a hard inquiry (which does) depending on the situation. You can request an increase through the Capital One app or website.

Your available credit is your credit limit minus your current balance. For example, if your limit is $1,000 and you have charged $300, you have $700 available to spend. As you pay down your balance, your available credit goes back up.

Paying Your Bill and Managing Your Account

Your billing cycle is monthly, and your due date appears on your statement. You can pay online through Capital One's website or app, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Walmart Money Center. The minimum payment is usually 1% to 3% of your balance, but paying only the minimum means you will pay interest on the rest.

If you pay your full balance by the due date, you pay no interest. If you carry a balance, Capital One charges interest at the APR (annual percentage rate) listed on your account. The APR varies based on your creditworthiness and can range from about 18% to 27%, though some cardholders receive lower rates.

You can set up automatic payments through the Capital One app so your bill is paid on the same day each month. This reduces the chance of missing a payment, which would damage your credit and trigger a late fee. Late payments stay on your credit report for seven years.

Building Credit and Responsible Use

The Walmart Capital One card reports your payment history to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This means on-time payments help build your credit score over time. Your payment history is the largest factor in your credit score, so consistent, timely payments matter most.

Your credit utilization—the percentage of your credit limit you are using—also affects your score. For example, if your limit is $1,000 and you carry a $500 balance, your utilization is 50%. Keeping utilization below 30% is generally better for your score. Paying down your balance before your statement closes is one way to lower utilization.

Missed payments, high balances, and frequent credit inquiries can lower your score. If you are building credit from scratch, this card can help, but only if you use it responsibly and pay on time every month.

Fees and Costs

The Walmart Capital One card has no annual fee. However, there are other fees you should know about:

  • Late payment fee: Up to $39 if you miss your due date.
  • Returned payment fee: Up to $39 if a check or automatic payment bounces.
  • Cash advance fee: 3% of the amount withdrawn (minimum $3), plus interest starting when ready.
  • Balance transfer fee: 3% of the amount transferred.
  • Foreign transaction fee: 1% of purchases made outside the United States.

Interest charges are not a fee, but they are a cost. If you carry a balance, you will pay interest at your APR. The longer you carry the balance, the more interest you pay. Paying your full balance each month avoids interest entirely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Walmart Capital One card at other stores?

Yes. The card is a Visa, so you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted—grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, online retailers, and more. You just earn the highest cash back rate (2% or 3%, depending on which card you have) only at Walmart and Sam's Club. All other purchases earn 1% cash back.

What is the difference between the standard Walmart card and the Walmart Rewards card?

The Walmart Rewards card earns higher cash back rates (3% at Walmart, 2% at Sam's Club, 1% elsewhere) compared to the standard card (2% at Walmart and Sam's Club, 1% elsewhere). However, you must have an active Sam's Club membership to hold the Walmart Rewards card. If you do not shop at Sam's Club, the standard card is the better choice.

How long does it take to get approved?

You get a decision when ready or within a few minutes after you submit your process online. If approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You set up it through the Capital One app or website before your first use.

What happens if I miss a payment?

A missed payment triggers a late fee (up to $39) and is reported to the credit bureaus, which lowers your credit score. If you are 30 days late, it appears on your credit report and stays there for seven years. If you miss a payment, contact Capital One right away to catch up and ask about hardship options.

Can I transfer a balance from another credit card to this card?

Yes, you can transfer a balance from another card, but Capital One charges a 3% balance transfer fee on the amount transferred. You also pay interest on the transferred balance at your APR unless you have a promotional 0% APR period, which this card does not typically offer.