Writer: Ashley Fricker
Editor: Lillian Guevara-Castro
If you’re wondering whether you can use your Walmart credit card anywhere, the short answer is: it depends. That may not be the clear-cut answer you wanted, but we’ll walk you through it.
Walmart is the largest retail company in the world and has remained in the top position among other American retail chains since 2002. Known for its “Everyday Low Prices,” people love the convenience and affordability Walmart brings to the (dinner) table. With everything from clothing and furniture departments to full-service pharmacies and delis, Walmart is a one-stop-shop for many families.
So naturally, it makes sense to get a credit card from a store you visit often — each week, nearly one-third of the US population will go to a Walmart store! But what about when you want to go to Target, or literally anywhere else? We’ve done some research on the Walmart credit cards and where they can be used to make purchases, the rewards you can (and can’t) earn, along with some comparable (and superior) credit card options.
1. It Depends on Which Walmart Credit Card You Carry
There are two Walmart credit cards you can apply for — the Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard and the Walmart Rewards Card. The latter can only be used at Walmart stores, Walmart.com, Sam’s Club, and its associated gas stations. The Walmart Mastercard, however, can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
Being Mastercard is one of the largest and most popular global networks, you can bet your card will be accepted most everywhere.
While you may not be able to use the Walmart Rewards Card everywhere, you may be happy to know that both cards earn up to 5% cash back for purchases made on Walmart.com and 2% back for purchases made in store. That’s not bad considering neither card charges an annual fee.
But here’s the catch: if you want bonus rewards at places beyond Walmart and its gas stations, you may be missing out on stronger earning potential. We’ll explain why next.
2. Both Carry High APRs, So You May Have Better Options
While known for low prices, Walmart isn’t necessarily known for low-interest rates. The Walmart Rewards Card carries a variable 26.99% APR, while the Walmart Rewards Mastercard begins at 17.99% APR up to 26.99%, based on creditworthiness, per the terms and conditions.
If you have a poor credit score, it’s unlikely you’ll be approved for the Walmart Rewards Mastercard, but the Walmart Rewards Card provides more lenient approval standards.
If you make most of your purchases online at Walmart.com, both cards can provide great cash-back value at 5% for all qualifying transactions. If you’re making the bulk of your purchases in-store, the cash-back value isn’t so appealing, sitting at just 2% per qualifying purchase. This is less than ideal when cards like the Chase Freedom Flex℠ offer top-tier back in rotating quarterly categories that can include Walmart at least one quarter per year.
Your cash back rewards can be applied as a statement credit for your previously made purchases through the Capital One app or by visiting walmart.capitalone.com. Redemptions typically take two to three days to appear on your statement. You can also redeem your rewards for gift cards, and if you’re approved for the Capital One Mastercard, your cash back rewards can be redeemed for travel.
If you carry a balance, though, those rewards are really just offsetting some of the interest you’re being charged. In other words, you may not feel like you’re earning much of anything.
Not only can the following cards be used everywhere Visa and Mastercard are accepted, most offer lower APRs and better cash back rewards that can be redeemed for a check, travel rewards, gift cards, merchandise, or statement credit if that’s what you prefer — and there are options for all credit types — no bad credit denials to worry about.
Good Credit (700+) | Fair Credit (650+) | Poor Credit (<650)
Rewards Cards for Good Credit
Those with good credit scores have the best offers to choose from, especially when it comes to cash back. Instead of earning 1% on outside purchases with the Walmart Mastercard, earn up to 5% cash back with one of these.
Additional Disclosure: Citi is a CardRates advertiser.
+ See More Cards for Good Credit
Rewards Cards for Fair Credit
“Fair” credit means you’re landing somewhere in the middle of the credit score range, between “good” and “bad.” If you use one of the following cards wisely by paying on time and keeping your balance low, you can build your credit over time while still earning rewards similar to the Walmart Rewards Card. The main advantage is broader acceptance, so you can earn rewards almost everywhere, not just at Walmart.
This card is currently not available. This card is currently not available.
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Rewards Cards for Poor Credit
Regardless of your credit rating, you still have options for earning cash back rewards on all of your qualifying purchases — the caveat being you may be required to pay an annual fee. This is the price you’ll quite literally pay to have a card that isn’t restricted to one store when you have less-than-perfect credit. These cards can also be used to mend your credit score with responsible use, and you can eventually qualify for better offers.
This card is currently not available. This card is currently not available. This card is currently not available.
+ See More Cards for Bad Credit
3. Special Financing is No Longer Available
When the holidays roll around, or really any time you want to make a large purchase, it’s nice having the option to “buy now and pay later” with Walmart special financing. Special financing allows you to pay no interest on your purchase, however, this feature was removed from Walmart credit cards when they were recently taken over by Capital One.
If interest-free financing appeals to you, you’re better off with a 0% intro APR credit card, allowing you to purchase anything — not just a qualifying Walmart product — and pay no interest for up to 15 months or longer! The pair of Walmart credit cards have their perks, especially when buying online, but every wallet should have a more versatile option that allows cardholders to earn rewards everywhere.
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