Walmart offers two credit cards through Capital One, but they work differently depending on what you're buying
Walmart has two credit cards: the Walmart Rewards Card (a Mastercard you can use anywhere) and the Walmart Credit Card (a store card that only works at Walmart and Sam's Club). Both are issued by Capital One. The Walmart Rewards Card earns cash back on all purchases. The Walmart Credit Card offers discounts on Walmart purchases but charges interest if you carry a balance. Neither card requires a specific credit score to open, though Capital One will check your credit history.
The main difference is where you can use them. The Walmart Rewards Card works like a regular Mastercard at any store, gas station, or restaurant. The Walmart Credit Card only works at Walmart, Walmart.com, Sam's Club, and Murphy USA gas stations. If you shop mostly at Walmart, the store card may save you more money. If you shop at multiple stores, the Rewards Card gives you flexibility.
Key Takeaways
- The Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard that earns cash back everywhere, while the Walmart Credit Card is a store card that only works at Walmart and Sam's Club.
- The Walmart Credit Card offers 2% cash back on Walmart purchases and 1% on everything else when used at other merchants, but the Walmart Rewards Card earns cash back on all purchases at a flat rate.
- Both cards charge interest on balances you don't pay in full each month, and the interest rate depends on your credit history.
- You can open either card online, in a Walmart store, or by phone, and Capital One will tell you within minutes whether you're approved.
How the Walmart Rewards Card works
The Walmart Rewards Card is a Mastercard issued by Capital One. You can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted — at other retailers, restaurants, gas stations, and online. It earns cash back on every purchase, though the rate varies depending on where you shop. The cash back is deposited into your account as a statement credit or can be transferred to a linked bank account.
You pay interest on any balance you don't pay off by the due date. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) is set by Capital One based on your credit history and can range from around 16% to 24%, though rates change over time. If you pay your full balance each month, you pay no interest. The card has no annual fee.
How the Walmart Credit Card works
The Walmart Credit Card is a store card that only works at Walmart, Walmart.com, Sam's Club, and Murphy USA gas stations. It offers 2% cash back on Walmart purchases and 1% cash back on gas at Murphy USA. If you use it outside these places, you get no rewards. Like the Rewards Card, you pay interest on any balance you carry, and the APR depends on your credit history.
The Walmart Credit Card also offers discounts during special promotional periods — for example, 0% interest for a set number of months on large purchases. These promotions change throughout the year. You can check current offers on Walmart's website or ask in-store. The card has no annual fee.
How to open a Walmart credit card
You can open either Walmart card online at Walmart.com, in a Walmart store at the customer service desk, or by phone. You'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, and current address. Capital One will check your credit report and give you a decision within minutes in most cases. If you're approved, you can use the card immediately for online purchases, and a physical card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
If you're denied, Capital One will tell you why. Common reasons include a very short credit history, recent missed payments, or too much existing debt. You can reapply after addressing the issue — for example, paying down other balances or waiting several months for negative marks to age on your credit report.
Interest rates and fees
Both cards charge interest on balances you don't pay in full. The APR is not fixed and can change over time. Capital One sets your starting rate based on your credit score and history. If you have good credit (usually a score of 670 or higher), you may get a lower rate. If your credit is fair or poor, the rate will be higher.
Neither card charges an annual fee, a late fee, or a foreign transaction fee. However, if you miss a payment by more than 30 days, Capital One may report it to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score. If you miss a payment by 60 days or more, they may close your account or send it to collections.
Comparing the two cards
| Feature | Walmart Rewards Card | Walmart Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Where you can use it | Anywhere Mastercard is accepted | Walmart, Walmart.com, Sam's Club, Murphy USA only |
| Cash back rate | Varies by category (typically 1–3%) | 2% at Walmart, 1% at Murphy USA |
| Annual fee | None | None |
| Interest rate (APR) | 16–24% (varies by creditworthiness) | 16–24% (varies by creditworthiness) |
| Best for | Shopping at multiple stores | Frequent Walmart shoppers |
What happens if you can't pay your balance
If you carry a balance on either card, interest starts accruing immediately. For example, a $1,000 balance at 20% APR costs about $200 per year in interest if you don't pay it down. The longer you carry the balance, the more interest you pay. If you can only afford the minimum payment, most of that payment goes to interest, not the principal.
If you fall behind on payments, Capital One will contact you by phone or mail. After 30 days, they report the late payment to credit bureaus, which lowers your credit score. After 60 days, they may close your account. After 180 days, they may sell the debt to a collection agency. At that point, the collector can sue you or garnish your wages, depending on your state's laws.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Walmart Credit Card at other stores?
No. The Walmart Credit Card only works at Walmart, Walmart.com, Sam's Club, and Murphy USA gas stations. If you try to use it elsewhere, it will be declined. The Walmart Rewards Card, by contrast, works anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
What credit score do I need to open a Walmart card?
Walmart does not publish a minimum credit score. Capital One considers your full credit history, not just your score. People with fair credit (scores around 580–669) sometimes get approved, though at a higher interest rate. People with poor credit or no credit history are less likely to be approved.
Do I have to pay interest if I pay my balance in full each month?
No. If you pay your full balance by the due date, you pay no interest. Interest only applies to the amount you carry over to the next month. This is called the grace period, and it applies to both Walmart cards.
Can I use a Walmart card if I don't have a bank account?
Yes. You don't need a bank account to open or use either card. However, if you want cash back deposited directly to a bank account, you'll need one. You can also request a check or use the cash back as a statement credit instead.
What's the difference between the APR and the interest I pay?
The APR is the yearly interest rate. If your APR is 20% and you carry a $100 balance for one month, you pay about $1.67 in interest (20% divided by 12 months). The longer you carry a balance, the more interest adds up. Paying your balance in full each month avoids interest entirely.