What the Walmart Credit Card Is

Walmart offers two credit cards through Capital One: the Walmart Rewards Card (a Visa you can use anywhere) and the Walmart Store Card (usable only at Walmart and Sam's Club). Both cards give you cash back on purchases, but they work differently depending on where you shop and what rewards matter to you.

The Walmart Store Card earns higher cash back at Walmart and Sam's Club — currently 2% at Walmart and 1% elsewhere — but you can only use it at those stores. The Walmart Rewards Card earns 1% cash back on all purchases and 2% at Walmart, and you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted. Neither card has an annual fee.

Both cards report to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so using either one responsibly can help build your credit history. The cards are issued by Capital One, not by Walmart itself, though Walmart handles the rewards program.

Key Takeaways

  • The Walmart Store Card earns 2% cash back at Walmart and Sam's Club but cannot be used anywhere else, while the Walmart Rewards Card earns 1% everywhere and 2% at Walmart and can be used at any Visa merchant.
  • Both cards have no annual fee and report to credit bureaus, making them useful for building credit history if you pay on time.
  • Cash back rewards post to your account monthly and can be used as a statement credit, redeemed for Walmart purchases, or transferred to a linked bank account.
  • The cards are best suited for people who shop at Walmart regularly and want to earn rewards without paying an annual membership fee.

Comparing the Two Walmart Cards

The choice between the two cards depends on where you spend most of your money. If you do most of your grocery and household shopping at Walmart or Sam's Club, the Store Card's 2% back at those locations will earn you more than the Rewards Card's 1%. If you shop at multiple stores and want one card that works everywhere, the Rewards Card makes more sense.

The Store Card has a lower barrier to approval for people with fair or limited credit history, since it's a store card rather than a general-purpose Visa. The Rewards Card requires stronger credit to be approved. Both cards charge interest on unpaid balances — the rate varies based on your creditworthiness and current market conditions — so carrying a balance will erase the value of any rewards you earn.

You can hold both cards at the same time if you want to maximize rewards across different types of spending. Some people use the Store Card for Walmart trips and the Rewards Card for everything else.

How Rewards Work and When You Get Them

Cash back accrues as you make purchases and posts to your account once per month. You don't have to do anything to earn it — it happens automatically on every may be able to access purchase. Walmart excludes certain items from earning rewards, including gift cards, prepaid cards, and some services, but groceries, household goods, and general merchandise all earn at the stated rate.

Once your cash back is in your account, you have three ways to use it. You can explore it as a statement credit to reduce your bill, redeem it for Walmart purchases (either in-store or online), or transfer it to a linked bank account. There is no minimum amount you must accumulate before redeeming, and there is no expiration date on rewards that sit in your account.

The rewards rate is fixed — it does not change based on how much you spend or what tier you reach. You earn the same 2% (or 1%) on your first purchase as you do on your thousandth.

Interest Rates and Fees

Neither the Store Card nor the Rewards Card charges an annual fee. However, both cards charge interest on balances you don't pay in full each month. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) is not published in advance — it depends on your credit score and history, and Capital One sets it when you are approved.

If you carry a balance, the interest you pay will quickly exceed any rewards you earn. A 2% cash back reward becomes worthless if you're paying 18% or 24% interest on an unpaid balance. The cards are most valuable when you pay the full statement balance each month, which also means you pay no interest.

Late payments trigger a late fee (the amount varies but is typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment) and can raise your interest rate. Paying at least the minimum by the due date keeps you in good standing and protects your credit score.

Building Credit with a Walmart Card

Both cards report your payment history to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion each month. This means that using either card responsibly — paying on time and keeping your balance low — helps build a positive credit history. Your payment history is the single largest factor in your credit score, so a card you use regularly and pay reliably can meaningfully improve your score over time.

The cards also contribute to your credit mix (having different types of credit accounts) and your credit utilization ratio (how much of your available credit you're using). Using 10% to 30% of your available credit limit and paying it off each month is ideal for credit building.

If you're new to credit or rebuilding after past problems, the Walmart Store Card is often easier to get approved for than the Rewards Card, making it a practical entry point. Once you've built a stronger history, you can move to the Rewards Card or hold both.

How to Use Your Card and Manage Your Account

You can make purchases with your Walmart card in-store, online, or by phone. The Store Card works only at Walmart, Sam's Club, and Walmart.com. The Rewards Card works anywhere Visa is accepted — grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, online retailers, and everywhere else.

You manage your account through the Capital One website or mobile app, where you can view your balance, make payments, see your rewards balance, and set up automatic payments. Setting up automatic payments for the full statement balance each month removes the risk of missing a due date and ensures you never pay interest.

You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card to ask questions, report a lost or stolen card, or dispute a charge. Capital One's customer service is available 24/7.

When a Walmart Card Makes Sense

The Walmart cards work best for people who shop at Walmart regularly and want to earn rewards without paying an annual fee. If you spend $100 or more per month at Walmart, the 2% cash back on the Store Card or Rewards Card adds up to real savings over time.

They also work well for people building credit for the first time or rebuilding after past credit problems, since both cards are easier to get approved for than many other options and report to all three credit bureaus. The key is using the card and paying it off each month — that's what builds credit and keeps you from paying interest that erases your rewards.

The cards are less useful if you rarely shop at Walmart or if you carry a balance month to month. In those cases, a general-purpose rewards card with a lower interest rate or a 0% introductory period might serve you better.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Walmart Store Card at other stores?

No. The Walmart Store Card works only at Walmart, Sam's Club, and Walmart.com. If you need a card that works everywhere, the Walmart Rewards Card is the option. You can hold both cards at the same time if you want higher rewards at Walmart and a card for other purchases.

What happens if I don't pay my full balance?

Interest accrues on any unpaid balance at the APR set when you were approved. You must pay at least the minimum payment by the due date to stay in good standing. Paying only the minimum means you'll pay interest and your balance will grow, but you won't be reported as late to the credit bureaus.

How long does it take to get approved?

Most decisions are made when ready or within a few minutes when you explore online. If your process needs review, Capital One will contact you within a few business days. Once approved, your card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I lose my rewards if I close the card?

No. Any cash back rewards in your account remain there even after you close the card, and you can redeem them. However, once the card is closed, you stop earning new rewards on future purchases.

What credit score do I need to get approved?

Capital One does not publish a minimum credit score. The Store Card is generally easier to get approved for than the Rewards Card, and both are more accessible than many other credit cards. If you're unsure, you can check your credit score for free through your bank or a service like Credit Karma before explore.