Christine Krzyszton 
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January 31, 2024 
You’ve probably been shopping at Walmart for years, but maybe you’ve just realized that they have their own credit card. You may be wondering if you should apply for the Walmart credit card. We’ll tell you how to apply and everything else there is to know about the Walmart Mastercard.
The Walmart Credit Cards
Before we get started, let’s take a brief look at the Walmart credit cards. Currently, the retailer offers two different cards. One is a store-only card that can only be used for Walmart purchases. The other
Earning Cashback With the Walmart Credit Card
All Walmart credit card members are automatically enrolled in the Walmart Rewards Program. This means you’ll be earning cashback rewards on every purchase you make with either Walmart credit card. You’ll get:
with the Walmart Rewards® Card
- 5% back on all purchases at Walmart.com and the Walmart app, including orders placed online and picked up at Walmart stores.
Groceries purchased online and picked up at the store or delivered also receive 5% cash back. - 5% back on in-store purchases at Walmart using Walmart Pay for the first 12 months after approval as a special introductory offer.
- 2% back on purchases in Walmart stores and at Walmart and Murphy’s USA gas stations.
- 1% back on purchases made in Sam’s Club stores and at Sam’s Club gas stations.
with the Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® Credit Card
All the benefits of the Walmart Rewards card, plus:
- 2% back at restaurants and on travel purchases.
- 1% back on all other purchases.
There is no limit on the amount of
Current Promotions for the Walmart Credit Card: 5% Back in Stores with Walmart Pay
If you happen to shop at a Walmart store, make sure you use your Capital One Walmart credit card with Walmart Pay to be able to earn 5% back on your purchases. This offer is valid for the first 12 months after approval, so don’t miss your chance to save more.
If you do not use Walmart Pay, you will earn only 2% back on purchases at Walmart stores. And when the introductory offer is over, you will also earn 2% back at Walmart stores.
The First Step in Applying for a Walmart Credit Card
There are four fast and easy ways to apply for a Walmart credit card:
- In store at any Walmart register
- In store at the Walmart jewelry kiosk
- Online at Walmart.com
- Via the Walmart mobile app
Applying in Walmart Stores
Apply in Store at the Register: Bring a valid photo ID plus a current credit card if you have one to any register in a Walmart store to quickly apply for the Walmart credit card. The cashier will input your information into the screen or scan your credit card to retrieve your initial information.
You will then be asked a series of questions and the application will be submitted. You will either be approved instantly or be asked to call in to provide further information.
Apply in Store at the Jewelry Kiosk: Present your valid photo ID at the jewelry kiosk to apply for the Walmart credit card. This is similar to applying at any register except you’ll have more time and perhaps more privacy.
Applying Online
Apply Online at Walmart.com: You can complete and submit your Walmart credit card application online.
What You’ll Need for the Application
However you apply, completing the application is simple. You will need to be prepared to provide certain information, though, including: your full name, date of birth, current address, email, phone number, social security number, annual income and some other information.
You’ll also have to select a language for your billing statement, whether you want paperless billing and decide whether to decline or purchase the optional credit card protection.
What You Need to Know Before You Apply for the Walmart Card
Before you apply for a Walmart credit card, you should be aware that Walmart issues two types of credit cards—the Walmart credit card and the Walmart Mastercard. The application process is the same for both cards, and you can’t choose which card to apply for – the issuer will approve you for either of the two cards..
The general target audience for the Walmart credit card is Walmart shoppers with good or excellent credit scores. Customers with little or no credit may be approved for the store-only Walmart card.
The bottom line is that the in-store Walmart credit card is easier to get than most credit cards, including the Walmart Mastercard. That can make it a great option for those hoping to build or rebuild their credit history.
Your Credit Score Matters
Prior to applying, you should know your credit score. This is because applicants with higher credit scores are more likely be approved for the Walmart Mastercard, which can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
Those with lower scores may qualify for the Walmart credit card, which is an affiliated, store-only card. Both cards are issued by Capital One, one of the major banks in the U.S.
Knowing your credit score in advance can help you determine your chances of getting approved. You can utilize any online service to obtain your score.
Which Walmart Card Will You Get?
Applicants with credit scores hovering in the very high 500s have been approved for the Walmart credit card, and applicants with credit scores in the 600s have gotten the Walmart Mastercard.
With that said, this is just a generalization and not an indication as to whether you’ll be approved. Your numerical credit score is not the only criteria considered.
You’ll also want to read the terms and conditions before you apply to be aware of how interest rates work and the fees that come with the card. This information can be found on the application page. You can also review our guide on how credit card interest works.
Once You’ve Applied
If you apply in store at the register or jewelry kiosk and are approved immediately, you’ll receive a shopping pass that allows you to charge on your new credit card immediately. The pass is good for 24 hours at that store only.
If you completed a Walmart credit card application online and are approved, you will be able to shop immediately online.
You should receive your physical card in the mail in approximately 7 to 10 days. If after 10 days you have not received the card, you should call credit services at 1-800-227-4825.
If You Are Denied for the Walmart Credit Card
You will receive a letter in the mail stating the reasons for the denial. You should read it carefully and take note because these are areas where your credit could use improvement.
You should also make sure the reasons for denial are accurate. If not, there will be contact information included in the letter for getting that information corrected.
One last tip: Don’t forget the reconsideration line. You can call the card issuer if you’ve been denied and ask to be reconsidered. Prepare an argument in advance laying out the reasons that you should be approved, and give it a shot. It can’t hurt!
Using Your Walmart Credit Card
Once you’ve applied for the Walmart credit card and have been approved, you can start using the card. The in-store Walmart credit card earns rewards, so every qualifying purchase made on the card earns Walmart cashback that you will receive in the form of a statement credit.
Even better, the Walmart credit card does not charge an annual fee, so it costs you nothing to have the card.
You can use your Walmart credit card at:
- Walmart Stores
- Sam’s Clubs
- Walmart Neighborhood Markets
- Walmart.com
- Murphys USA Gas Stations
- Walmart Gas Stations
The Walmart Mastercard, if you get it, can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
Questions Before You Apply for a Walmart Credit Card
Where can I use my Walmart credit card?
You can use your Walmart credit card at Walmart Stores, Walmart Super Stores, Sam’s Clubs,Walmart Neighborhood Markets,Walmart.com, Murphys USA Gas Stations and Walmart Gas Stations.
The Walmart Mastercard can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
How do I sign up for the Walmart Rewards Program?
Once you’re approved for the Walmart credit card, you will automatically be enrolled in the Rewards Program. Just use your card to earn rewards.
How is the Walmart credit card different from the Walmart Mastercard?
The Walmart credit card can only be used at Walmart stores and Walmart.com. The Walmart Mastercard can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The Walmart Mastercard also comes with standard Mastercard benefits.
How long does it take to know if I’m approved for the Walmart credit card?
No matter how you apply for the Walmart credit card, it is possible that you will receive an instant decision as to whether or not you are approved. If you are not approved instantly, you can check the status of your application by calling 1-800-227-4825.
Can I make a payment on my Walmart credit card in the store?
You can make a payment on your Walmart credit card in store at the customer service desk. Your payment will be posted within 48 hours. Be sure to bring your account statement or card as your account number cannot be looked up in store.
Walmart Credit Card Alternatives for Poor or No Credit
If your credit history is not quite good enough to apply for the Walmart credit card, or if you’ve been denied, a secured card, such as the Platinum credit card from Capital One, is a good choice for a starter card.
With
If you choose to apply for a secured card, you will need to come up with a refundable deposit which is usually an amount equal to your initial credit limit. Perhaps inconvenient, but it is a small price to pay to help build or rebuild your credit history.
Walmart Credit Card Alternatives for Excellent Credit
If your credit score is decent and your credit history is strong, the Blue Cash Everyday card from American Express, with its $150 sign-up bonus and cash back on every purchase, would be a good alternative to the Walmart credit card.
The Citi Double Cash® Card card might be even better. It offers a total of 2 percent cash back on all purchases. You’ll get 1 percent back when you make a purchase and 1 percent more when you pay it off. Plus, you can earn a bonus offer of $200 cash back after spending $1,500 on purchases in the first 6 months of account opening. The card comes without an annual fee and with a hard-to-beat 2% back on every purchase.
Another option for people with excellent credit is the Citi Rewards+® Card. It comes with a 20,000-point welcome bonus. You will need to spend $1,500 in purchases within 3 months of account opening to qualify for the bonus offer. Still, it’s better than no sign-up bonus at all like on the Walmart credit card.
The Rewards+ Card will also allow you to earn 2x ThankYou points at supermarkets and gas stations for the first $6,000 per year and then 1x points thereafter. Plus, for a limited time, you can earn 5x ThankYou points on hotel, car rentals, and attractions (excluding air travel) booked on the Citi Travel℠ Portal through June 30, 2024. All other purchases will earn 1 ThankYou point per dollar.
Another good thing about the Citi Rewards+ Card is 0% intro APR on purchases for 15 months and no annual fee.
Bottom Line: Should You get the Walmart Credit Card?
Unfortunately, neither the Walmart credit card nor the Walmart Mastercard has received good customer reviews.
One reason is that if you miss a payment or do not follow the terms and conditions specifically, the consequences can be harsh and unforgiving. You can end up paying dearly with high interest rates, big late fees and a hit to your credit limit.
However, if you can keep up with your credit card payments and often shop at Walmart.com and gas up at Walmart, this card is a solid choice. It has some good rewards for those purchases, even though it does not offer a bonus for in-store Walmart shopping.
If you have a decent credit score, you could fare better with a