The two ways to apply for a Walmart credit card

Walmart offers two credit cards: the Walmart MoneyCard (a prepaid card) and the Walmart Credit Card (a traditional credit card issued by Capital One). You can apply for the Walmart Credit Card online at walmart.com/creditcard, in a Walmart store at the customer service desk, or by phone at 1-800-621-1220. The Walmart MoneyCard is available through Green Dot and does not require a credit check.

The Walmart Credit Card application takes about 15 minutes to complete. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information. Capital One will check your credit report during the process, so your credit score matters — the card is typically available to people with fair to good credit, though some applicants with lower scores have been approved.

You will get a decision immediately or within a few business days. If approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If denied, Capital One will send you a letter explaining why, and you can dispute any errors on your credit report with the credit bureaus.

Key Takeaways

  • The Walmart Credit Card is issued by Capital One and requires a credit check, while the Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid option that does not.
  • You can start an application online, by phone, or in-store, and you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and employment details.
  • Approval decisions come immediately or within a few business days; approved cards arrive in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you are denied, the rejection letter will explain the reason, and you can check your credit report for errors at annualcreditreport.com.

What information you need before you start

Gather these documents before you begin the application: a valid government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID), your Social Security number, your current address, and your employment information including your employer's name and how long you have worked there. If you are self-employed, have the business name and the year you started.

You will also need to know your annual household income. This includes wages, self-employment income, Social Security, disability payments, and any other regular income. Capital One uses this figure to set your credit limit, not to deny you outright, so estimate honestly but do not inflate the number.

Online application versus in-store and phone

The online application at walmart.com/creditcard is the fastest route. You fill out the form, submit it, and receive a decision on the spot or within a few business days. The form is straightforward and takes about 15 minutes. You can save your progress and return to it later if you need to look up information.

Applying in-store at the customer service desk takes longer because you are filling out a paper form, but a Walmart associate can answer questions as you go. This option works well if you want to speak to someone or if you do not have internet access at home. Phone applications (1-800-621-1220) follow the same timeline as online but require you to provide information verbally.

All three routes use the same Capital One underwriting process, so your chances of approval are the same regardless of method. Choose based on what is most convenient for you.

What happens after you submit your application

Capital One will review your credit report, income, and employment history. This review usually takes a few minutes to a few business days. You may receive a decision immediately after submitting online, or you may get a call or email within 48 hours asking for additional information — this is normal and does not mean you have been denied.

If Capital One needs more details, they will ask for things like recent pay stubs, a bank statement, or proof of address. Provide these documents as quickly as you can, because delays extend the review period. Once they have everything, they will make a final decision and notify you by mail or email.

If you are approved, your card will be mailed to the address you provided on the application. The card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can activate it online, by phone, or through the Walmart app once it arrives. Your credit limit will be printed on the card or shown when you activate it.

If your application is denied

Capital One will send you a written notice explaining why you were denied. Common reasons include a low credit score, recent late payments, high existing debt, or insufficient income. The letter will also tell you that you have the right to request a free copy of your credit report from the credit bureau Capital One used.

Request your free credit report at annualcreditreport.com (the official site run by Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Review it for errors — incorrect payment history, accounts you did not open, or wrong personal information. If you find errors, dispute them directly with the credit bureau in writing. Correcting errors can improve your score and may make you a stronger candidate if you reapply in the future.

You can reapply for the Walmart Credit Card after 30 to 90 days, depending on Capital One's policy. If your credit score has improved or you have paid down debt, your chances of approval are better the second time.

The Walmart MoneyCard as an alternative

If you are denied for the Walmart Credit Card or prefer not to use credit, the Walmart MoneyCard is a prepaid option. It is issued by Green Dot and does not require a credit check or credit history. You load money onto the card and spend only what you have loaded — there is no borrowing and no interest charges.

The Walmart MoneyCard has monthly fees (typically $3 to $5 depending on the account type) and per-transaction fees for some activities like ATM withdrawals or customer service calls. You can open one online at greendot.com or in-store at Walmart. The card arrives within 7 to 10 business days, and you can start using it immediately once it arrives.

The Walmart MoneyCard does not build credit history the way a credit card does, so it will not help you improve your credit score. It is useful for budgeting and avoiding debt, but if your goal is to build credit, the Walmart Credit Card is the better choice once you are approved.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does applying for a Walmart credit card hurt my credit score?

Yes, but only slightly and temporarily. Capital One performs a hard inquiry when you apply, which typically lowers your score by 5 to 10 points. This inquiry stays on your credit report for 12 months but stops affecting your score after about three months. Multiple applications within a short period do more damage, so space out applications if you are denied and plan to reapply.

What is the credit limit if I am approved?

Capital One sets your credit limit based on your credit score, income, and existing debt. Limits typically range from $300 to $3,000 for first-time applicants, though some people receive higher limits. Your limit will be shown when you activate the card or in your online account after approval.

Can I use the Walmart credit card outside Walmart?

Yes. The Walmart Credit Card is a Mastercard and works anywhere Mastercard is accepted. You are not limited to Walmart purchases. However, Walmart offers extra rewards (cash back) when you use it at Walmart, so you earn more by using it there.

How long does it take to receive the card after approval?

Approved cards are mailed within 7 to 10 business days. If you do not receive it within that window, contact Capital One at 1-800-621-1220 to check the status. Do not activate the card until it arrives in your hands.

What if I made a mistake on my application?

Contact Capital One immediately at 1-800-621-1220 if you provided incorrect information. Explain the error and provide the correct details. If the error affects your approval decision, Capital One may reconsider your application. If you have already been denied, correcting the information may help if you reapply.