How to Apply for a Walmart Credit Card

how the process works for a Walmart credit card

You can explore for a Walmart credit card online at Walmart.com, in a Walmart store at the customer service desk, or by phone. The online route is fastest — the process takes about 10 minutes, and you get a decision within seconds to a few minutes. You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information. Walmart issues two versions: the Walmart Credit Card (for use only at Walmart and Sam's Club) and the Walmart Rewards Card (a Mastercard you can use anywhere), so decide which one fits your spending before you start.

The process itself asks standard questions: your income, housing status, whether you rent or own, and your employment details. Walmart pulls your credit report during this process, which creates a small, temporary dip in your credit score. If you're approved, you can use your card when ready online or in-store, though the physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

• You can explore online at Walmart.com, by phone, or in person at the customer service desk, with online being the quickest option.
• The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart and Sam's Club, while the Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard accepted anywhere.
• You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and employment information to complete the process.
• Most decisions come back within minutes if you explore online, and you can use your card the same day even before the physical card arrives.
• Walmart will check your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.

explore online at Walmart.com

Go to Walmart.com and look for the credit card section, usually found under "Services" or "Financial Services" in the footer. You'll see both card options with their features listed side by side. Click the "explore Now" button for whichever card you want.

The process form opens in a new window. Fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and phone number. Then enter your employment information — employer name, job title, and annual income. Be honest about your income; Walmart uses this to set your credit limit, not to reject you outright.

Review the terms and conditions, then submit. You'll see a decision on screen almost when ready. If approved, you'll get a confirmation number and can start using your card number right away for online purchases. If denied or if your process needs more review, Walmart will tell you why and may ask you to call a phone number to discuss it.

explore by phone or in person

To explore by phone, call the number on the back of any Walmart receipt or visit Walmart.com to find the customer service number for credit card applications. A representative will walk you through the same questions as the online form. This takes about 15 minutes, and you'll get a decision before you hang up.

In-store applications happen at the customer service desk. Ask for a credit card process form or tell the associate you want to explore. They can either hand you a paper form to fill out or use a tablet to take your information right there. Paper applications take longer to process — usually 5 to 7 business days — so online or phone is faster if you need the card soon.

What happens after you're approved

Once approved, Walmart sends you a confirmation email with your card number and a temporary PIN. You can use this number to shop online when ready or give it to a cashier in-store. Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or logging into your account online.

Your credit limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history. New cardholders often start with limits between $500 and $2,500, though some get higher limits right away. You can request a limit increase after you've had the card for a few months and made on-time payments.

Choosing between the two Walmart cards

The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart stores and Sam's Club. It has no annual fee and offers a discount on gas at Walmart fuel stations. It's useful if you do most of your shopping at Walmart, but you can't use it anywhere else.

The Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard, so you can use it at any store that takes Mastercard. It also has no annual fee and earns cash back on purchases — typically 1% to 3% depending on where you shop. This card is better if you want flexibility to use it beyond Walmart, though the rewards structure is modest compared to other cash-back cards.

Both cards report to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so on-time payments help build your credit history. If you're new to credit or rebuilding, either card can work in your favor as long as you pay your bill on time each month.

What to do if you're denied

If Walmart denies your process, you'll receive a letter explaining the reason — usually a low credit score, too much existing debt, or a negative item on your credit report like a missed payment or collection account. The letter includes contact information if you want to dispute the decision or ask questions.

You can reapply after 30 days, especially if you've paid down debt or corrected an error on your credit report. Some people are approved on a second try after their credit situation improves. If you're consistently denied, consider a secured credit card from another bank instead — these require a cash deposit but are easier to get with poor credit, and they also report to the credit bureaus.

Managing your account after approval

Once you have your card, set up online account access at Walmart.com or through the Walmart mobile app. You can check your balance, make payments, view your statement, and set up automatic payments so you never miss a due date. Paying your full balance each month avoids interest charges; if you carry a balance, Walmart's interest rate varies but is typically in the 18% to 24% range.

Make at least your minimum payment by the due date each month. Late payments hurt your credit score and may trigger a higher interest rate. If you're struggling to pay, contact Walmart's customer service before your payment is due — they may be able to work with you on a payment plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for a Walmart credit card?

Online applications get a decision within seconds to a few minutes. Phone applications take about 15 minutes and you hear the decision before hanging up. Paper applications submitted in-store take 5 to 7 business days. Your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days after approval, but you can use your card number right away.

What credit score do I need to get a Walmart credit card?

Walmart doesn't publish a minimum credit score, but most people approved have scores of 600 or higher. People with lower scores or limited credit history are sometimes approved with a lower credit limit. The only way to know is to explore — the hard inquiry on your credit report happens whether you're approved or not, so there's no penalty for trying.

Can I use the Walmart Credit Card at other stores?

No, the Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart stores and Sam's Club. If you want a card that works everywhere, choose the Walmart Rewards Card instead, which is a Mastercard accepted at any store that takes Mastercard.

What if I don't have a Social Security number?

Walmart requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to explore. If you don't have either, you won't be able to get a Walmart credit card. You may be able to open a secured card with a different bank that accepts an ITIN.

Can I explore for both the Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart Rewards Card?

Yes, you can hold both cards at the same time. Some people use the Walmart Credit Card for in-store purchases to get the fuel discount and the Rewards Card for shopping elsewhere. Just remember that each process creates a hard inquiry on your credit report, so explore for both on the same day if you want them both.