Capital One Walmart Rewards Credit Card Review – Is It Worth It?
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Every retailer seems to offer its 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.
Recently, Walmart has made some changes to rebrand its rewards program, ended a partnership with Synchrony Bank, and is now partnering with Capital One to update their card offerings.
So let’s take a look at the Capital One Walmart Rewards™ card (set to release later this year) and the Walmart Rewards™ Card to see how they stack up.
Table of contents
Table of Contents
The CapOne Walmart Rewards Card and Walmart Rewards Card
| CapOne Walmart Rewards Card | Walmart Rewards Card | |
| Main Cash Back Benefits |
|
|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| APR | 17.99% – 26.99% (variable) | 26.99% (variable) |
| Late Fees / Penalties | Up to $39 | Up to $39 |
Walmart has 2 branded cards, which have virtually the same benefits with just a few main differences.
The CapOne Walmart Rewards card 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 standard Walmart Rewards card is only accepted at Walmart stores, Walmart.com, and Walmart and Murphy USA gas stations.
Another difference: some CapOne Walmart Rewards cardholders may receive a lower APR depending on account type. And finally, CapOne Walmart Rewards cardholders are eligible for cash advances (with a variable APR), while standard Walmart Rewards cardholders are not eligible.
Since the CapOne Walmart Rewards card is slightly more difficult to qualify for, some applicants will automatically receive the standard Walmart Rewards 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.
Additional Features of the Walmart Rewards Card Options
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 Rewards Cards
There are a few cons to consider before applying for either card.
Fees: Here are the current fees/penalties that you might incur. These include (but are not limited to):
| CapOne Walmart Rewards Card | Walmart Rewards Card | |
| APR | 17.99% – 26.99% (variable) | 26.99% (variable) |
| Cash Advance APR | 26.99% (variable) | N/A |
| Cash Advance Transaction Fee | $10 or 3% of each cash advance amount (whichever is greater) | N/A |
| Late Fee | Up to $39 | Up to $39 |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | 0% | N/A |
Other drawbacks certainly apply to this card. For example, cardholders can only receive 2% cash-back for using their cards at a Walmart store. That being said, if you visit physical Walmart stores frequently, the statement credit could quickly add up.
If your credit history isn’t strong enough for the CapOne Walmart Rewards card, 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 and approved gas stations can mean money back each month, especially if you spend there often!
Even though there’s no annual fee, the CapOne Walmart Rewards card and the standard Walmart Rewards 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.
Hot Tip: For additional options, check out our guide to the best credit cards to use at Walmart.
Applying for the CapOne Walmart Rewards and Walmart Rewards Cards
Potential cardholders technically apply for the CapOne Walmart Rewards card and the standard Walmart Rewards card at the same time to see which one (if either) they will qualify for.
As mentioned above, the CapOne Walmart Rewards card has slightly higher qualification criteria. For this reason, those who do not qualify for the Capital One card may still qualify for the Walmart Rewards 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 CapOne Walmart Rewards card and Walmart Rewards 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.
Hot Tip: Looking for an easy instant approval credit card that offers immediate access to your new card number? Click here for more instant approved credit cards.
Welcome Bonus
Walmart credit card options have offered marginal sign-up bonuses that have been variable in the past.
In July 2020, the introductory offer was earning 5% back in Walmart stores for the first 12 months when you use your CapOne Walmart Rewards card with Walmart Pay.
Additional Walmart Card Options
What happens if you are denied both the CapOne Walmart Rewards card and the Walmart Rewards card? In that case, you still have another option: the Walmart MoneyCard, a reloadable prepaid Visa or MasterCard from Green Dot Bank.
The Walmart MoneyCard earns 3% cash-back at Walmart.com, 2% cash-back at Murphy USA and Walmart fuel stations, and 1% cash-back at Walmart stores — up to $75 each year.
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 MoneyCard. The monthly fees are waived if you deposit $1,000 or more to your account each month. Additionally, you’ll also receive 2% annual interest on up to $1,000 in your free savings account.
Logging in and 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
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:
| Credit Card | Benefits & Info |
|---|---|
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Learn More (at Chase's secure site) |
Must Reads: For more info on the Chase Freedom Unlimited, see our thoughts on its benefits and our full review. |
Alternatively, if you love to travel (or want to travel more) you could apply for the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card that is known as one of the best (if not the best) travel rewards cards.
The welcome offer is worth over $750 when redeemed for travel expenses (flights, hotels, etc.) through Chase’s travel portal. Earn 1 point/$1 spent at Walmart stores and outside of Walmart, 2 points/$1 spent on all dining and travel purchases.
| Credit Card | Benefits & Info |
|---|---|
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Apply Now (at Chase's secure site) |
|
These Chase points are extremely valuable when used correctly!
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!
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Hello,
I have applied for a Walmart credit over a year ago and I was turned down. Why are they more difficult to get than other credit cards and is there a suggested time period to try again and if so, how many times. If your turned down is there a chance you will finally get approved?
This is tough to answer without knowing your specific situation. But in general, I would stop applying for anymore credit cards until you know your credit score (e.g. you can check it for free at Credit Sesame) and can at least get it to 680+. Also, don’t apply for any cards/loans for at least 3-5 months until trying again.
I have had a Walmart Credit card for about 2 years. I always paid my card on time and decided to pay it off this month. Thinking I was doing a good thing by paying some of my cards down and off, I was completely shocked when I saw that they had slashed my credit line from $800 to $100! I see this is not an uncommon practice by Walmart after doing some research online. Here I am, trying to build up my credit score after a student loan company put some things on there I have reported and disputed. Never thought I would be punished for paying my card off in full.
I thought I was going nuts. After paying off my Walmart Capital One card which was my 1st cc while I was divorcing. I used my other cards to pay off legal bills. 2 years later I asked for an increase and I had bought a few things to show them I am active and paying. I asked what would be my option now for a credit increase and the answer was “how do we know you will pay off a larger amount?” I took the online increase request my credit score is over 700. I was approved for a MasterCard Platinum Rewards for $9100.00 and I have a 5 day wait for Walmart and I bet I will be turned down!
They did me the same way. Paid on time early each month and they lowered my credit limit twice.
I had to write my story after reading your comment and a few others in the same boat.
I am a senior citizen excited to have my own Walmart credit card. I charged something on it and made a payment on time and now it is revoked. I do a lot of business with Walmart. This is very poor business practice and I will never shop there again. Shame on you Walmart.
I received a letter from Walmart credit card saying that I sent the billing portion, but no check. I sent proof that they cashed my check but still have not credited my account and they charged me a 25.00 late fee. I was told I would have to wait for their resolution to determine what they did with the money and that this could take 60 to 90 days. Why?? They would not wait on me. Could care less about my business with them, they yelled at me like it was my mistake and my problem.
I got an email with a reference number to see the decision/status of applying for the walmart credit card but the link doesn’t open up to give you the answer. Ridiculous.
This happened to me too…I am trying to open the link and doesn’t work!
Are Walmart employees restricted at all to apply for their credit card? And is there any special space to verify that they do?
Hey Cindy – in our research, we have not found any restrictions for Walmart employees when it comes to applying for Walmart credit cards!
I am a senior resident eager to have my own Walmart charge card. I charged something on it and made an installment on time and now it is disavowed. I complete a great deal of business with Walmart. This is exceptionally poor business practice and I will never shop there again. Disgrace on you Walmart.
I applied for a walmart c.c. and when I put in the referance number, s.s. number etc., it says wrong info. Is there a phone number I can call?
Hi Doris, please be advised that we are not Walmart, we are Upgraded Points, a points and miles blog who has reviewed this card.
That being said, the customer service phone number for Walmart Credit Cards is: 1 (877) 294-7880. Hope this helps.
What is new address to send payment in mail for capital one
Hi Michelle,
The regular address is:
Capital One
Attn: Payment Processing
PO Box 71083
Charlotte, NC 28272-1083
And the overnight address is:
Capital One
Attn: Payment Processing
6125 Lakeview Rd
Suite 800
Charlotte, NC 28269
Here’s the official website for mailing in a credit card payment:
https://www.capitalone.com/support-center/credit-cards/mail-credit-card-payment
A walmart CC is not worth the effort. They just cancel your card without permission and says it is automatic. I just tried to get through on customer service and 8 mins later after forced to listen to ads, they say that you need to call a different number. I’m changing my buying habits and will avoid walmart completely in the future. If you’re smart you’ll do the same.
This is one of the best reviews I’ve read about Walmart credit cards.
Thank you UpgradedPoints.
Richard
PLEASE do not get a credit card with Wal-Mart! Synchrony Bank is one of the WORST banks to ever deal with! They are rude, condescending, and are not out for the customers best interest. In February, I paid my balance statement and it is now April and wanted to use my card, however I got declined b/c my card was on a “TEMPORARY” hold due to a credit protection charge and interest charge that made my card “temporarily suspended” and unavailable. I did not receive any notification or email regarding this matter! HORRIBLE BANK AND CUSTOMER SERVICE!!!
Thank you, Lindsay, for the info, I was thinking of applying for one, not anymore after reading all these horrible stories from cardholders. It seems to me the bank that Walmart chooses to be in business with only care about the money they are getting from their customer. What kind of bank cancels your credit card or lowers your credit limit when you pay the balance on time? Why would you punish your customers for being a good creditor? That means they are not interested in you if they are not making money on you. What’s funny too is, cashiers are always encouraging customer/shopper to open a credit card and their key lines always says “you get cash back on your purchases and if you pay the balance right away then you get free money just for shopping here”. I was getting annoyed already because opening a Walmart credit card was always offered at check out and I always politely decline it. Glad I didn’t fall for it.
Why so many negative comments being made here? Granted the credit logistics of the actual creditor which is Synchrony bank may not be up to par.
Not a single vendor has anything to do with approval of credit, decline of transactions etc. that’s 100% handled by the creditor the company that backs up payments to a vendor (whom if approved is paid) creditors decide to reduce available credit that’s not the vendors fault in this case Walmart, if a creditor declines a transaction it’s the creditor.
I find it amusing that so many people actually think that a vendor makes choices about approving transactions, or denying them, that’s totally wrong.
Walmart cannot decide to accept nor deny you to make a purchase using a payment method, that’s choice is made by the company that decides whether your are of worth to complete the transaction.
Yea it sucks, but the bottom line is the over all question can and could you actually afford what your buying?
Credit is not a Right, access to credit is, just as creditors have the privilege to provide credit but not a Right, but they have a Right to provide credit.
Walmart has nothing to do with approvals, or denials that’s the creditors choice.
Saying “I’ll never shop at Walmart again is foolish, since for the most part they do have the best prices on average that saves most consumers.
But over all if you depend on credit to buy things you want and need, it becomes a bad notion that it will work out well with you.
Most people need very little, over spending often is a result of wants. That’s where risk assessment comes into the real world in the actual real world scenario.
I applied for a Walmart Credit Card in March 2019, and was approved for a Walmart Mastercard with an $800 credit limit. Used it for gas and a few Walmart.com purchases, paid it off when the bill was due, and then recieved an email telling me my credit limit was increased to $1200. Continued to use it responsibly and pay it off. Just a couple weeks ago, I received another email, informing me that my limit was increased again to $5000.
So honestly, I don’t understand all these negative reviews. My Dad has had a Walmart Mastercard for several years now, and he’s never had any issues. He’s now got a $10,000 credit limit! Just makes me wonder about the legitimacy of these negative reviews.
I recently ordered from Walmart.com. They suggested I apply for a Walmart credit card and I did. I Was approved. One month later, my checking account showed Walmart had deducted the entire amount of my online purchase from my checking account. I thought the purpose of a credit card was to pay for items on an installment plan.
Hello Yvonne. Since we do not represent Walmart or Capital One, we cannot help explain why this happened. You can try calling the number on the back of your card and ask them to clarify why the amount was deducted from your checking account.
Because they sent us new cards and it is capital 1 Walmart card, and in 6 months they have sent me 6 new cards, because non of them worked, chip cards, I have been with Walmart for at least 30 years and never had trouble with my card until capital 1 took over. Got the 6th one Friday, and it doesn’t work except on line. No gasoline, diesel, haven’t tried regular store yet. Fed up with capital 1 Walmart.
I keep trying to bring up the site to apply for a Walmart CC. It keeps telling me there is an error or the site has moved. What’s going on?
Hi Jackie,
Give this link a try, it should work for you! https://www.walmart.com/cp/walmart-credit-card/632402
Is the credit card application a soft inquiry or hard inquiry?
Hi Larry,
A credit card application is a hard inquiry on your credit report.
Thanks for reading!
When our new cards come, can I still have paper billing? I just don’t like doing business online .
Please let me know. I don’t mind the new Capital One Walmart card but I want a paper bill. Thank You, Patricia A Jones
Hi Patricia. Please understand that we are not Walmart or Capital One. We are Upgraded Points, a blog specializing in credit card and travel resources. You can call the number on the back of your Walmart Rewards card to speak with a representative about your request.
Do we need to apply for the new Walmart capital one card? Because I still have the old Walmart card.
Hi Odeh,
No, you do not need to apply for the new Walmart card, you will automatically receive the new benefits.
I signed up for Walmart Mastercard through Synchrony Bank in May 2019 with an interest-free promotion for 11 months or so I thought. I didn’t notice the interest charges and was making monthly payments. Now that they sold the account to Capital One, they say they cannot access my records anymore, and now I have no recourse.
This new Capital One Walmart card is worthless. Originally with Synchrony Bank, we had guaranteed special financing offers for either 6 or 12 months with 0% interest. This potentially saved the customer hundreds or even thousands in interest over time. The “rewards” program is a joke even if it’s a consistent 5% cash-back. That’s a one-time 1-5% cash-back on a single purchase compared to 0% interest-free purchases over a certain threshold for either 6 or 12 months. There’s no logical comparison there. I’ll be paying off my remaining promo balances prior to expiration and closing out my $11k Walmart card, as I am not paying 17-27% in interest each month in addition to already higher prices for groceries. I realize that credit was designed to be a short-term solution but there are much better offers out there that allow us to carry a balance at 0% for an extended period. Thanks but no thanks Capital One! And thank you Upgraded Points for this review and forum.
Hi Kristopher,
Thanks for your comments, we’re glad you found the review helpful!
I always used my Wal-Mart credit card with Synchrony Bank to do my Christmas shopping with the 0% interest offers. I no longer do my Christmas shopping with Wal-Mart or the credit card with Capital One. Still, I liked the idea of 0% interest. The credit card is no longer worth it to me.
Hey Brianna,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I went to Walmart yesterday to pay a statement from my new Walmart Capital One Mastercard. They would not accept a check. Informed me it must be cash or debit. I also must have the card with me when making a payment. After I agreed to pay with my debit card I was charged a $1.50 fee. With the other Walmart Mastercard, I did pay at Walmart with a check and no fees. In my opinion, this new Mastercard is not as good as the old one.
I just got the Statement from the new Capital One. The account was not accessible and is not until today, so we could not pay online as we did for years. The late fee and the interest rate is an astonishing 24.65%. Get rid of any Walmart Credit Card. Anything you buy there is in reality 25% more expensive as it is on the price tag. You have to add 25 cents to every dollar that you spend.
There is NO LOW PRICE at Walmart anymore. I will pay it out this week and then we are done. I will still go shopping at Walmart, I like Walmart since they do many good things for older people who would couldn’t find work otherwise. But not with the credit card policy I’ll be using cash only.
Hi Chris,
Though we don’t represent Walmart or Capital One, I’m sorry to hear you’ve had a negative experience with the Walmart credit card. Just to clarify though, you only have to pay an interest rate on your purchases if you carry a balance on the card. If you pay your balance off in full every month, you will not have to add 25 cents to every dollar, as you’ve mentioned. That will allow you to continue earning rewards, without paying any interest.
Thanks for reading!
The percentage rate is annually(yearly), it’s not .25 cents on the dollar every month. The APR works out to be 2.05% every month not 24.65. If you pay off your balance every month, there’s nothing to worry about.
I have made my payments over the phone for the last 2 months and they do not take it out of my account which has made me late. I am very upset as I always pay my payments on time.
Hi Robin,
Have you tried contacting Capital One about this?
How long does it takes for the capital one rewards card to come?
Hi Raneisha,
You should receive your rewards up to 6-8 weeks after the statement posts, but it could be sooner!
Big mistake capital 1 card, they do not work, at gas, store, only online. Have got 6 cards in 6 months and non of them work. Capital 1 sucks.
Can you buy phone cards with the Walmart rewards card? Yes or no?
Hi Ann,
You should be able to purchase anything with the Walmart Rewards card as long as the establishment accepts credit cards.
Capital One is an incompetent Bank. The customer service is really bad and never sends me any alerts or emails to my account. I’ve already closed this account and Synchrony Bank was much better. I had this card from 2000 and now it is no good for me. Stay away from Capital One.
If there’s a class action for unfair Late Fees and Credit reporting caused when Walmart switched from Synchrony to CapitalOne, I would join it. The last statement I could see online showed 0 due, and then they broke the account link so I had no idea they closed the Synchrony card and opened a CapitalOne card. The new CapitalOne account started charging late fees, even though on walmart site the last statement said 0 due. When trying to resolve and get the fees removed, Walmart sends me to Capital One, Capital One says it’s Walmart. Both agents and supervisors apologize that they can do nothing. Both agents confirm that this is a huge customer complaint issue. Capital One has canned responses already cooked up about the issue, and are prepared to deny, deny, deny!
What can you get with the rewards points and how do you redeem them?
Hi Betty,
To use rewards to book travel, simply sign in to your Capital One account and select your Capital One Walmart Rewards account. You can either click on your rewards points amount at the top of the screen or scroll down to “Redeem Rewards.”
I received my new card from Capital One late 2019 and do not know if it is a Capital One Walmart Rewards card or just a card to be used at Walmart. Can this card be used anywhere or just Walmart?
Hi Frank,
If you have the Capital One Walmart Rewards MasterCard then it can be used anywhere. If you have the standard Walmart Rewards card, which is not a Mastercard, then it can only be used at Walmart.
Why has Walmart capital one stopped giving Cash Back at Walmart! l shopped there for years and always got cash back. What’s up!
How long does it take to get approved or denied for this credit card after you fill out the application?
Hi Judy,
It depends. At times you might receive instant approval, other times might require a few weeks for your application to be reviewed.
Thanks for reading!
Why can I no longer get Cash Back when checking out with the Capitol One card? I have been doing so for many years with Discover and MasterCard, but now the register doesn’t even display the Cash Back option when I use the new card. I always pay the balance off every month, and I really miss the convenience of Cash Back.
Hi Rex,
On the Capital One Walmart card website, redeeming for a statement credit appears to still be an option. If it is not working for you then I recommend you contact Capital One by calling the number on the back of your card.
Thanks for reading!
I had a balance with capital one of $2979.00. My statement said the minimum payment was due by July 1. I paid the whole amount of $2979.00 well before the 1st of july and still received a bill for $32.00 in interest on the next billing cycle. The interest on zero should be zero. I do not mind paying if I owe something but not if I dont. They gave me the run around so I just paid it. I never had a problem until this company took over. I will never use my card again.
Capital One are thieves plain and simple. They hijacked the Walmart Card from Synchrony Bank. I had no issues with Synchrony Bank. They locked me out of my account. Once I created a Capital One login I paid my full balance of $477. Months later they hit me with $144 in late fees and interest and wrecked my perfect credit score! I wrote letters and called customer service and they say they can do nothing! I never even agreed to be their customer and they do this. In 21 years of using credit cards I have never seen such a ruthless company as Capital One. Capital One is a big hassle. They will certainly not be in my wallet. Don’t have them in yours. You have been warned.
Do you know what the credit score range for the Walmart rewards card is?
Hi Jo,
There is no exact score needed, as application results can be based on a few factors. But generally speaking, you’ll need 640+ for the store card version, which can only be used at Walmart, and 700+ for the Mastercard, which can be used anywhere.
Do you know what the transaction fee for the Walmart rewards card is?
Hi Jo,
The Walmart Rewards card does not charge consumers a transaction fee. But there is a variable interest rate for purchases that aren’t paid off when your statement is due.
Customer Service Representatives do not know their work well enough. They are incompetent and rude.