The Walmart credit card application process takes about 15 minutes online or in-store, and you'll usually know within seconds whether you're approved

Walmart offers two credit cards: the Walmart Credit Card (works only at Walmart and Walmart.com) and the Walmart Mastercard (works anywhere). Both use the same application path. You can start online at walmart.com/credit-cards, through the Walmart mobile app, or in person at a Walmart customer service desk. The application asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. A soft credit inquiry happens immediately — this doesn't hurt your credit score — and most decisions come back within seconds.

If you're approved on the spot, your card either prints at the register (for in-store applications) or arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days (for online applications). If the decision is pending, Walmart will contact you by phone or email within a few days. If you're denied, you'll receive a letter explaining why, and you can request a copy of the credit report Walmart used.

Key Takeaways

  • You can start your Walmart credit card application online, on the Walmart app, or at a customer service desk in any Walmart store.
  • The application takes about 15 minutes and requires your Social Security number, income, and current employment details.
  • Most decisions come back instantly; if yours is pending, Walmart will call or email you within a few days.
  • In-store approved cards print at the register immediately; online approved cards arrive by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
  • If you're denied, you'll receive a letter with the reason and can request the credit report that was used in the decision.

What information you'll need before you start

Have your Social Security number ready — this is required for the credit check. You'll also need your current address and phone number. Walmart will ask for your annual household income (you don't need to prove this with documents at the time of application) and your current job title and employer name.

If you've moved in the last two years, have your previous address available. If you're self-employed or your income varies, use a reasonable estimate of what you expect to earn over the next year. Walmart doesn't verify income during the application itself, but if your account is later reviewed, they may ask for proof.

Applying online or through the Walmart app

Go to walmart.com/credit-cards and select either the Walmart Credit Card or Walmart Mastercard. Click "Apply Now" and you'll be taken to Synchrony Bank's application portal (Synchrony is the bank that issues both cards). Fill in your personal information, income, and employment details. The form takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

After you submit, you'll see a decision on screen within seconds in most cases. If you're approved, write down your confirmation number — you'll need it to activate the card when it arrives. If the decision is pending, Walmart will contact you within a few business days. The Walmart app has the same process; just tap the credit card section and follow the same steps.

Applying in-store at Walmart

Visit the customer service desk at any Walmart location and ask to open a Walmart credit card account. A customer service associate will walk you through the application on a tablet or computer. You'll provide the same information as the online application. The whole process takes 10 to 15 minutes.

If you're approved on the spot, your card will print at the register within a few minutes. You can use it immediately for purchases in that store. If the decision is pending, the associate will give you a reference number and Walmart will contact you by phone or email within a few days. Some Walmart locations may not have the equipment to print cards same-day; if that's the case, your card will be mailed to you instead.

What happens after you're approved

Once approved, you'll receive a welcome packet by mail that includes your card (if it wasn't printed in-store), your PIN, and information about your account. You can also set up online access through walmart.com/account or the Walmart app to check your balance, make payments, and view your statement before the physical documents arrive.

Your credit limit will be shown in your approval letter or on screen at the time of approval. Walmart typically starts new cardholders with limits ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on your credit history and income. You can request a credit limit increase after you've had the card for at least six months and have made on-time payments.

If your application is denied or pending

A denial usually happens because of a low credit score, too much existing debt, or recent negative marks on your credit report (like late payments or collections). When you receive the denial letter, it will include the specific reason and instructions for getting a free copy of your credit report from the bureau Synchrony used.

If your application is pending, Walmart may need to verify information you provided or may want to contact you directly. They'll reach out by phone or email within a few business days. Don't apply again while your application is pending — multiple applications in a short time can hurt your credit score. If you're denied, you can reapply after addressing the issue (like paying down debt or waiting for negative marks to age), but waiting at least three to six months is usually wise.

Walmart Credit Card vs. Walmart Mastercard: which one to choose

The Walmart Credit Card works only at Walmart stores and Walmart.com. It typically offers higher rewards (usually 3% back on Walmart purchases) but is less useful outside Walmart. The Walmart Mastercard works anywhere Mastercard is accepted and offers lower rewards (usually 1% back on most purchases, 2% at Walmart and gas stations) but gives you a card you can use everywhere.

If you shop at Walmart frequently and want to maximize rewards there, the Walmart Credit Card makes sense. If you want one card that works everywhere and don't mind lower rewards, the Mastercard is more flexible. You can hold both cards, but each application is a separate hard inquiry on your credit report, so applying for both on the same day will have a slightly larger impact than applying for one.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to hear back if my application is pending?

Walmart will contact you by phone or email within a few business days if your decision is pending. If you don't hear back within a week, you can call Walmart customer service to check the status of your application. Have your confirmation number ready.

Can I use my Walmart credit card before it arrives in the mail?

If your card was approved and printed in-store, yes — you can use it immediately. If your card is being mailed to you, you'll need to wait until it arrives and you've activated it (usually by calling the number on the back or activating it online). Most cards arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

What credit score do I need to be approved?

Walmart doesn't publish a minimum credit score requirement. Approval depends on your overall credit history, income, and existing debt, not just your score. People with fair credit (scores in the 600s) have been approved, but approval isn't may provide at any score level.

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

The initial application triggers a soft inquiry, which doesn't affect your score. If you're approved, a hard inquiry happens, which typically lowers your score by a few points for a few months. Multiple applications in a short time have a larger impact, so space out applications if you're considering more than one card.

Can I apply if I don't have a Social Security number?

No. Walmart requires a Social Security number to run the credit check. If you have an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead, contact Walmart customer service to ask about alternatives, though approval is unlikely.