Walmart Credit Card Benefits

Every retailer seems to offer their own credit card nowadays, each with its own special benefits. How are you supposed to know which to choose and whether using that card is really worth it?

Unfortunately, many of these cards come with a high interest rate and low minimum payments that pretty much offset any discounts in the end.

So let’s take a look at the Walmart Mastercard and Walmart Credit Card by Synchrony Bank to see how they stack up.

The Walmart MasterCard & Walmart Credit Card at a Glance

   Walmart MasterCard  Walmart Credit Card 
Main Cash Back Benefits 3% – Walmart.com
2% – Murphy’s USA & Walmart gas stations
1% – Anywhere Mastercard is accepted
3% – Walmart.com
2% – Murphy’s USA & Walmart gas stations
1% – Walmart, Walmart Supercenters,
Neighborhood Markets & Sam’s Club
Annual Fee $0  $0
APR 18.15% – 24.15% (variable)  24.15% (variable)
Late Fees / Penalties  Up to $38  Up to $38

Walmart has 2 branded cards, which have virtually the same benefits with just a few main differences.

The Walmart MasterCard can essentially be used anywhere you like — meaning that you’ll get rewarded for purchases made virtually anywhere MasterCard is accepted (albeit marginally, at 1%). The Walmart Credit Card is only accepted at Walmart stores, Walmart.com, Walmart and Murphy USA gas stations, and Sam’s Club stores (there are credit cards that offer rewards for Sam’s Club too).

Another difference: some Walmart MasterCard holders may receive a lower APR depending on account type. And finally, Walmart MasterCard holders are eligible for cash advances (with a variable APR), while Walmart Credit Card holders are not eligible.

Since the Walmart MasterCard is slightly more difficult to qualify for, some applicants will automatically receive the Walmart Credit Card, which targets consumers with low to fair credit scores looking to build their credit. You can find out more about the application process below.

Walmart’s “3-2-1 Save” Rewards Program

All Walmart credit cards are automatically enrolled in Walmart’s 3-2-1 Save Rewards Program. As a result, you’ll receive cash-back in the form of a statement credit for each purchase.

Here’s how it works:

  • 3% at Walmart.com*
  • 2% at Murphy USA and Walmart gas stations
  • 1% at Walmart (or anywhere else when using the MasterCard)

*All purchases made at Walmart.com qualify for the 3% cash-back. This even includes in-store item/grocery pickup and grocery delivery purchases, if paid for online (cash-back is 1% if paid for in-store).

Rewards earned with the Walmart MasterCard and Walmart Credit Card never expire, and there is no limit to the rewards that can be earned (within the credit limit).

Additional Features of the Walmart MasterCard/Credit Card

Below are additional perks offered with both Walmart cards:

  • No annual fee
  • Free online FICO® credit score checks anytime by signing up to electronic statements
    • Other companies charge up to $20 to check your score, so this could be a handy advantage
  • Fraud protection
  • Access to special 6-12 month financing options

Fees and Drawbacks of the Walmart Cards

There are a few cons to consider before applying for a Walmart MasterCard or Walmart Credit Card.

Fees: Here are the current fees/penalties that you might incur. These include (but are not limited to):

Walmart MasterCard Walmart Credit Card
APR 18.15% – 24.15% (variable) 24.15% (variable)
Cash Advance APR 20.90% – 26.90% (variable) not applicable
Cash Advance Transaction Fee $5 or 3% of each cash advance amount (whichever is greater) not applicable
Late Fee $27 – $38  $27 – $38
Foreign Transaction Fees  3%  not applicable

Other drawbacks certainly apply to this card. For example, cardholders can only receive the max 3% cash-back for using the card at Walmart.com. That being said, if you’re a frequent online shopper, the statement credit could quickly add up.

If your credit history isn’t strong enough for the Walmart MasterCard, you can’t earn cash-back outside of Walmart (which limits the card’s usefulness). But, again, there’s no annual fee…so even using it to pay at Walmart, approved gas stations, and Sam’s Club can mean money back each month. Especially if you spend there often!

Even though there’s no annual fee, the Walmart MasterCard and Walmart Credit Card have high APRs and late fees. These can add up quickly and put you in a serious bind. Of course, you can avoid these fees by paying the balance in full each month.

Finally, if you’re still working on building your credit, you’ll probably be given a low credit limit, which means you won’t be able to spend much on the card. But if you use your credit card responsibly, your credit limit and credit score could increase.

Applying for the Walmart MasterCard and Walmart Credit Card

Potential cardholders technically apply for the Walmart MasterCard and Walmart Credit Card at the same time to see which one (if either) they will qualify for. As mentioned above, the Walmart MasterCard has slightly higher qualification criteria. For this reason, those who do not qualify for the MasterCard may still qualify for the Walmart Credit Card instead.

That being said, the general consensus is that the Walmart cards are usually intended for individuals with poor or limited credit histories. In short, Walmart likely anticipates recent or past flaws in your credit.

You can apply for the Walmart MasterCard/Walmart Credit Card online, at any store register, or at the jewelry kiosk.

Upon credit review, some applicants will be approved instantly. However, some applications may need further review, resulting in a 7-10 day waiting period. (See here for more instant approved credit cards)

Sign Up Bonuses: The Walmart MasterCard and Walmart Credit Card usually offer marginal sign up bonuses that have been variable in the past.

One such recent promotion was a savings of $25 or $35 off your first purchase for online applications only. Walmart has also recently offered a one-time 10% discount on the cardholder’s first purchase.

But as usual, restrictions apply. For the 10% discount, the offer was capped at a maximum of $25…meaning it was only good on purchases of up to $250. And for both bonuses, the purchase had to be made the same day of application approval. So what if you have to wait to be approved? Walmart states you will receive a comparable offer in your credit card package.

For both of these sign-up bonus examples, cardholder savings are not “cash in hand,” but are instead put back on the next card statement as a credit.

Another possible promotion is 0% financing on large purchases if paid for within a specific time frame (6, 12, 18, or 24 months). However, if you fail to pay the balance in full by the statement deadline, you’ll be charged interest back to the date of purchase, which could be very costly.

You may also be offered a promotional “no interest for X months” offer. In that case, you don’t pay interest at all during the promotional period — but will start paying interest when the offer expires. There’s no back interest with this offer.

Since promotional offers vary, make sure to check the terms carefully when you submit your application.

In our opinion, are these good sign-up offers? Not really. You can definitely earn better sign-up bonuses through other rewards credit cards on the market.

Additional Walmart Card Options

What happens if you are denied both the Walmart MasterCard and Walmart Credit Card? In that case, you still have another option: the Walmart MoneyCard, a reloadable prepaid Visa or MasterCard from Green Dot Bank.

Like the other cards, the Walmart MoneyCard also qualifies for enrollment in the 3-2-1 Program. You’ll get access to special discounts and sales notices, you don’t need a bank account to use the prepaid card, and you can even have your paycheck direct deposited. However, there are monthly fees for using the Walmart Money Card.

Alternative Rewards Credit Cards (Our Recommendations)

There are a number of other excellent rewards-based cash-back credit cards out there that would likely earn you more than the Walmart cards.

No complicated fee’s or structures to understand with these rewards cards:

Rewards Card Benefits & Info
American Express Cash Magnet™ Card
  • Earn a $150 statement credit after you spend $1,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 3 months of Card Membership.
  • Unlimited 1.5% Cash Back on your purchases.
  • Low intro APR: 0% for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable rate, currently 15.24% to 26.24%.
  • No annual fee

Terms.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®
  • Earn $150 bonus
  • Unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase – it’s automatic.
  • 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases & balance transfers, then a variable APR of 17.24% – 25.99%.
  • Annual Fee: $0

Alternatively, if you love to travel (or want to travel more) you could pick up the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card that is known as one of the best (if not the best) travel rewards cards.

The sign up bonus is worth $625 when redeemed for travel expenses (flights, hotels etc) through Chase’s travel portal. Earn 1pt/$1 spent at Walmart stores and outside of Walmart, 2pts/$1 spent on ALL dining and travel purchases.

Credit Card Benefits & Info
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
  • 50,000 bonus points
  • That’s worth $625 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
  • 2X points on travel and dining at restaurants worldwide.
  • $0 foreign transaction fees
  • Annual Fee: $0 the first year, then $95

These Chase points are extremely valuable when used correctly!

Logging in & Managing Your Walmart Credit Card Account

After you are issued a credit card, you can log in and manage your Walmart card account here.

Options within the online management platform include:

  • View your statement
  • Pay your bill
  • Set up account alerts
  • Opt for paperless statements

Final Thoughts

If you regularly buy groceries or other items at Walmart.com and Walmart or simply fill your tank at Walmart or Murphy USA, then a Walmart credit card can be valuable. That is, if you’re a responsible cardholder!

As long as you pay your entire balance on time each month to avoid the high APR and late fees, you’re okay. Otherwise, your penalties could wind up seriously outweighing your benefits.

Nonetheless, there are certainly other cash-back rewards credit cards out there that can earn you a lot more on your everyday spending!

 FAQ

How much is a Walmart Credit Card?

The Walmart Credit Card has $0 annual fee, a big perk!

How do I apply for a Walmart Credit Card?

You can apply for the Walmart Credit Card online, or in-store at any register or jewelry kiosk.

What does your credit score have to be to get a Walmart Credit Card?

There is no hard and fast number when it comes to the credit score required to get a Walmart Credit Card. Most reports state a credit score of 620 or better is recommended, however some individuals in the upper 500s range have reported approval (and some in mis 600s have reported denials).

What is the minimum credit limit on a Walmart Credit Card?

There does not seem to be a distinct minimum credit limit on the Walmart Credit Card, but we’ve seen reports of limits as low as $150. Your credit limit will depend on your credit history.

How do I increase my Walmart Credit Card Limit?

In order to increase your Walmart Credit Card Limit, you will have to call customer service number on the back of your card to make a request. Reports state customer service employees are unable to confirm whether this will be a hard pull or soft pull on your credit, so be wise with your decision.

We’ve seen reports that Walmart usually approves most requests for a credit limit increase after about six months of regular/successful payments; some have seen approvals earlier.

In general to build your chances of a limit increase, you should attempt to make small purchases every month, trying not to go over 80% of your limit. Additionally, make sure you pay off your balance on time, every month.

Can I pay my Walmart Credit Card in store?

Yes, you can pay your Walmart Credit Card bill at the customer service counter at any Walmart location, online, by mail or by phone. Be aware that by phone, if you speak with a representative (vs automated) you may be charged a fee.

How do I cancel my Walmart Credit Card?

To cancel your Walmart Credit Card, simply call the customer service phone number on the back of your card.

Walmart credit card review

Walmart® offers two credit cards. One is a regular store credit card, the Walmart® Credit Card and the other is a Walmart® Mastercard®. The Walmart® store card is like any other store card, meaning that it is only good for making purchases at Walmart® or one of its family stores, such as Sam’s Club®. The Walmart® Mastercard®, on the other hand, is a credit card that you can use wherever Mastercard® is accepted.

Walmart® Credit Card highlights

Rewards earned on purchases 3% back on Walmart.com,
2% back on Walmart and Murphy USA gas stations
1% on other eligible purchases with the Walmart® Mastercard®, 1% on other eligible Walmart® purchases with the Walmart® Credit Card
(some exclusions apply)
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Purchases (Walmart® Mastercard®) 17.65% to 23.65% Variable APR, based on your creditworthiness and other factors
(per the Walmart website this information is accurate as of May 30, 2017 and may have changed after that date)
Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Purchases (Walmart® Credit Card) 23.65% Variable APR
(per the Walmart website this information is accurate as of May 30, 2017 and may have changed after that date)
Bonus Offer If approved for a Walmart Credit Card online, you can save 20% up to $50 on your first online purchase made on the same day as the application. Offer ends June 14, 2017
Annual Fee $0

Walmart® Credit Card basics

walmart credit cardAnyone can apply for a Walmart® Credit Card, but we think they may be geared toward consumers who have average or limited credit. The Walmart® Mastercard® has more stringent credit requirements than the store card, so if you are interested in building or rebuilding your credit score, the store card is a good first step.

Both cards allow cardmembers to earn rewards through the 3-2-1 Save Rewards program. Cardmembers can earn:

  • 3 percent back on purchases made on Walmart®.com, which include purchases made on the Walmart® App
  • 2 percent back on fuel purchases made at either Walmart® or Murphy USA (excluding Murphy Express) gas stations
  • 1 percent back on other eligible purchases made at Walmart® locations with the Walmart® Credit Card. With the Walmart® Mastercard®, 1 percent back on other eligible purchases from Walmart locations and from any merchant that accepts Mastercard credit cards
  • Cash back is applied as a credit to your statement

We want to help you understand the Walmart® Credit Card pros and cons we identified, so here are a few comparisons with other popular credit cards.

walmart credit card

Walmart® Credit Card vs. Citi® Double Cash Card

walmart credit cardAlthough the Walmart® credit card has the 3-2-1 Save program, Citi® Double Cash Card cardmembers can earn cash back rewards. They can earn 1 percent on all purchases and then 1 percent as they pay for those purchases.

There are no category restrictions or caps on the amount of cash back rewards Citi® Double Cash Card cardmembers can earn.

Neither Walmart® Credit Card nor the Citi Double Cash Card have an annual fee.

Conclusion: Walmart® Credit Card has the better deal when it comes to cash back providing you spend more in the selected categories. The Walmart® Credit Card is the way to go if you are looking for those kind of savings.

Walmart® Credit Card vs. Sallie Mae® Rewards MasterCard® (Now known as Upromise® by Sallie Mae)

walmart credit cardEditor’s Note: The Upromise® by Sallie Mae Mastercard® mentioned in this article is expired and is no longer available. As far as we know the Upromise® by Sallie Mae Mastercard® issued by Barclaycard is no longer accepting new applications (last time we checked was April 24, 2017)

The Sallie Mae® Rewards MasterCard® from Barclaycard has been discontinued. In its place, Barclaycard now offers the Upromise® by Sallie Mae Mastercard®, which, as we understand is no longer accepting new applications.

The Upromise card pays up to 5 percent cash back on online shopping (eligible purchases made through Upromise.com), 2.5% cash back on your total eligible bill from participating Upromise restaurants; and up to 5 percent cash back on online travel (eligible purchases made through participating travel partners through Upromise.com).

Through the Upromise portal you can visit popular retailers like JCPenny, Kohl’s, Orbitz, Barnes & Noble, and many others. The site currently offers up to 7 percent back on Travelocity.com purchases. Other specials include 3 percent back on selected categories of Amazon.com purchases. The partnership with Orbitz means virtually any travel purchases are likely to be eligible for cash back. Hundreds of retailers are listed by name offering deals and savings.

Anecdotally, some consumers complain that the rewards program is complicated. The best way to avoid confusion is to read and fully understand the terms and conditions on the card. Here are some nice perks to the card:

  • Upromise Mastercard® has no annual fee
  • No rotating bonus categories
  • 0% introductory APR for the first fifteen billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening. After that, (and for balance transfers that do not post within 45 days of account opening) your APR will be 14.74%, 20.74%, or 23.74% based on your credit worthiness. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

The Upromise Mastercard® pays more generous rewards than either of the Walmart® cards.

Walmart® Credit Card pros

walmart credit cardConsumers with no credit or average credit may have a shot at qualifying for the Walmart® Credit  Card (the store card), so it may be an option for those looking to build or rebuild credit.

The bonus offer of 20 percent off online purchases made on the first day can be stacked with in-store sales for real savings.

We always like cards with no annual fee.

It can be hard to earn enough rewards on some fee cards to negate the cost of owning the card.

Walmart® Credit Card cons

walmart credit cardYou may find that your credit limit is as low as $150. Some consumers complain that this limit doesn’t allow meaningful card use. The way to raise the credit limit is to use the card sparingly and pay it off in full each month. Patience and good financial behavior are key.

Interest rates on both cards run on the steep side. If you tend to carry a balance, look for a financing option that will allow you to pay down your debt at a lower cost.

Should you get this credit card?

While the Walmart® Credit Card certainly isn’t the most advantageous credit card for people with great credit, with responsible use by you, it could help you get back on track or build your credit if you are starting over or starting from scratch, keep in mind this version of the credit card can only be used for purchases at Walmart®  or one of it’s family of stores such as Sam’s Club®.

The Walmart® Mastercard®, on the other hand, is a credit card that can be used wherever Mastercard® is accepted.

If Walmart® is your place to shop the Walmart® Credit Card or the Walmart® Mastercard® could be just the ticket to get some nice cash back rewards.