Walmart offers two credit cards, but neither is a traditional Visa or Mastercard
Walmart has two branded credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card and the Walmart Rewards Card. Both are issued by Synchrony Bank and work only at Walmart and Sam's Club locations (and Walmart.com). They are not Visa or Mastercard, so you cannot use them anywhere else. If you want a card that works everywhere, Walmart does not offer that option.
The difference between the two comes down to rewards and who can get approved. The Walmart Rewards Card requires a stronger credit history and offers cash back on purchases. The Walmart Credit Card has less stringent approval requirements but offers promotional financing instead of ongoing rewards. Both cards charge no annual fee.
Synchrony Bank handles the approval decision, credit limit, and account management for both cards. Walmart itself does not make the lending decision — Synchrony does, based on your credit report and income.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart Credit Card and Walmart Rewards Card both work only at Walmart, Sam's Club, and Walmart.com — not at other stores or online retailers.
- The Walmart Rewards Card offers cash back but requires better credit; the Walmart Credit Card offers promotional financing and has easier approval.
- Synchrony Bank issues both cards and makes the approval decision based on your credit history and income.
- Neither card charges an annual fee, but both carry standard credit card interest rates if you carry a balance past any promotional period.
Walmart Rewards Card: cash back and tighter approval
The Walmart Rewards Card earns 3% cash back on Walmart.com purchases, 2% cash back at Walmart gas stations and Murphy USA locations, and 1% cash back on everything else at Walmart and Sam's Club. The cash back posts to your account monthly and can be used as a statement credit or redeemed for other rewards.
Synchrony typically approves this card for people with a credit score of 670 or higher, though approval is not may provide at any score. If you have recent late payments, collections, or a very short credit history, you may be denied even with a score in that range. Synchrony pulls a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points.
The card carries a variable APR (annual percentage rate) that changes with the prime rate. As of early 2024, cardholders typically see rates between 19% and 26%, depending on their creditworthiness. There is no introductory rate period — interest accrues when ready on any balance you do not pay in full by the due date.
Walmart Credit Card: promotional financing and easier approval
The Walmart Credit Card does not earn cash back. Instead, it offers promotional financing on larger purchases. The most common offer is 0% APR for 12 months on purchases of $75 or more, though the exact terms change periodically. After the promotional period ends, the regular APR applies to any remaining balance.
This card is designed for people with fair or limited credit history. Synchrony may approve applicants with scores as low as 600, and sometimes lower if you have other positive credit history (like a car loan or mortgage). The approval bar is lower than the Rewards Card, but approval is still not may provide.
The regular APR on this card is also variable and typically ranges from 19% to 26%. If you miss a promotional financing important date or make a late payment during the promotional period, Synchrony can end the 0% offer and explore the regular APR retroactively to the entire purchase. Read the terms carefully before accepting the offer.
how the process works and what happens after approval
You can explore for either card in three ways: online at Walmart.com, in person at a Walmart customer service desk, or by phone. The online process takes about five minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Synchrony gives an when ready decision in most cases — you will know whether you are approved, denied, or pending before you finish.
If you are approved when ready, your card number appears on screen and you can use it at Walmart.com right away. The physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days. If your decision is pending, Synchrony will call or email you within one to two business days with a final answer.
Your credit limit depends on your credit history and income. First-time applicants often receive limits between $500 and $2,500, though some receive higher limits. You can request a credit limit increase after six months of on-time payments, either by calling Synchrony or through your online account.
When a Walmart card makes sense versus when it does not
A Walmart card is worth considering if you shop at Walmart regularly and want to take advantage of promotional financing or earn cash back. The 3% cash back on Walmart.com adds up if you buy groceries, household items, or electronics there. The 0% promotional financing on the Walmart Credit Card can save money on large purchases if you pay off the balance before the offer ends.
A Walmart card is not useful if you rarely shop at Walmart, prefer to shop at multiple retailers, or want a card that works everywhere. A general-purpose card like a Chase Sapphire or Capital One Venture card works at any store and online retailer. If your credit is very limited, a secured card (where you deposit cash as collateral) may be a better first step than explore for a Walmart card you might be denied for.
The cards also do not help you build credit as much as a general-purpose card does. Credit bureaus see a Walmart card as a store card, not a major credit card, so the credit-building benefit is smaller. If your main goal is to improve your credit score, a Discover card or Capital One card is a better choice.
Comparing the two Walmart cards side by side
| Feature | Walmart Rewards Card | Walmart Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards | 3% cash back on Walmart.com, 2% at gas, 1% elsewhere | None — promotional financing only |
| Promotional offer | None | 0% APR for 12 months on $75+ purchases |
| Minimum credit score | 670+ | 600+ |
| Annual fee | $0 | $0 |
| Regular APR | 19%–26% variable | 19%–26% variable |
| Where it works | Walmart, Sam's Club, Walmart.com only | Walmart, Sam's Club, Walmart.com only |
What to know about interest rates and fees
Both Walmart cards charge no annual fee, which is standard for store cards. However, both charge interest on any balance you carry past the due date. The APR is variable, meaning it changes when the Federal Reserve changes the prime rate. Your individual rate depends on your creditworthiness — people with excellent credit may receive 19%, while those with fair credit may receive 25% or 26%.
Late payment fees run $25 to $35 depending on how late you are. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, Synchrony reports it to the credit bureaus, which damages your credit score. On the Walmart Credit Card, a late payment during a promotional period can end the 0% offer and explore the regular APR to the entire purchase retroactively.
There is no foreign transaction fee because these cards do not work outside the United States. There is also no cash advance option — you cannot withdraw cash using the card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Walmart credit card at other stores?
No. Both the Walmart Rewards Card and Walmart Credit Card work only at Walmart, Sam's Club, and Walmart.com. They are not Visa or Mastercard and will be declined anywhere else. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need a different card.
What is the difference between being approved and being pending?
Approved means Synchrony has made a final decision to issue the card and you can use it when ready. Pending means Synchrony needs more information — usually verification of income or employment — and will contact you within one to two business days. A pending decision often becomes an approval, but not always.
Can I use the promotional financing offer on any purchase?
The 0% APR offer on the Walmart Credit Card applies only to purchases of $75 or more. Smaller purchases do not may have access to. The promotional period is typically 12 months, but you must pay off the full purchase by the end of that period or the regular APR applies to any remaining balance.
How does the cash back work on the Walmart Rewards Card?
Cash back accrues each month and appears as a credit on your statement. You can use it to pay your bill, or in some cases redeem it for other rewards through the Synchrony app. The cash back does not expire as long as your account is open and in good standing.
Will explore for a Walmart card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but only temporarily. Synchrony pulls a hard inquiry, which lowers your score by a few points for about three months. The impact is small — usually 5 to 10 points — and recovers quickly if you make on-time payments. Multiple applications in a short time have a larger impact, so space out applications if you are explore for several cards.