Can I Use My Walmart Credit Card Anywhere In 2022?
Yes, you can use Walmart credit cards virtually everywhere that accepts Mastercard in 2022! Specifically, the Capital One Walmart Rewards Card is accepted at all merchants who take Mastercard. This gives you wide flexibility to earn rewards on purchases made across thousands of locations. The Walmart Rewards Card is more limited – it can only be used at Walmart stores, websites, and gas stations.
As an experienced Walmart card user, I want to provide a comprehensive guide on where each card can be used, how to maximize your rewards, and any limitations to be aware of. Whether you‘re considering applying for a Walmart card or want to get more from the one in your wallet, read on for helpful tips!
An Overview of Walmart‘s Credit Cards
Walmart offers consumers two different credit cards to choose from:
Capital One Walmart Rewards Card
- Can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted
- Offers cashback rewards on Walmart purchases and other spending
- Provides credit limits between $400-$5000
Walmart Rewards Card
- Can only be used at Walmart stores, Walmart.com, and select gas stations
- Earns rewards to redeem at Walmart stores and websites
- Has lower credit requirements for approval
Walmart has over 65 million cardholders across these two programs. In 2021, the retail giant processed $61 billion in card transactions. The Capital One card gives you flexibility, while the Walmart Rewards card may be easier to obtain for those rebuilding credit.
Where Can I Use the Capital One Walmart Rewards Card?
This card carries the Mastercard logo, meaning it is accepted by all merchants who take Mastercard – and that‘s millions worldwide!
You can count on using this card at:
- Major retailers like Target, Costco, Best Buy
- Grocery stores like Kroger, Aldi, Publix
- Clothing stores, malls, and boutiques
- Home improvement shops, furniture galleries
- Drugstores like CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid
- Department stores like Macy‘s, JCPenney, Kohl‘s
- Online shopping sites and apps
- Restaurants, cafes, fast food chains
- Entertainment like movie theaters, music services
- Hotels, car rentals, travel sites
- Doctor offices, pharmacies, hospitals
And the list goes on! Essentially if you see the Mastercard logo, you can use your Capital One Walmart Rewards card there. With vast acceptance, you‘ll never be limited when it comes to earning cash back rewards.
Where the Walmart Rewards Card is Accepted
The Walmart Rewards Card is more restrictive in terms of usage. This store-branded card can only be used for purchases at:
- Walmart retail locations
- Walmart Neighborhood Market stores
- Walmart.com and the Walmart app
- Sam‘s Club warehouse stores
- Murphy USA and Walmart gas stations
So it does not have the flexibility or wider usage of the Capital One version. The Walmart Rewards Card is meant for frequent Walmart shoppers who want to maximize savings at their favorite retailer.
Comparing the Two Walmart Credit Cards
| Capital One Walmart Rewards Card | Walmart Rewards Card | |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptance | Everywhere Mastercard is accepted | Only at Walmart stores/sites |
| Rewards | Up to 5% back on Walmart, 2% gas/dining, 1% other | Up to 5% back on Walmart |
| Credit Needed | Good/Excellent | Fair/Average |
| Credit Limit | $400 – $5000 | Up to $1000 typically |
When and How to Use the Walmart Credit Cards
Using your Walmart credit card is simple:
In stores – When checking out, just swipe or insert your card into the payment terminal. You may need to enter your 4-digit PIN.
Online – Provide the card details like number, expiration date, and security code. Store in your account for faster checkout.
Gas stations – Insert or swipe the card at the pump. You‘ll be prompted to enter your billing ZIP code for verification.
Mobile payments – Add your card to the Walmart Pay app to use your phone or smartwatch for tap-to-pay purchases.
Account management – Log in online to check balances, make payments, see statements, set up alerts and more.
One tip – add your new card to Walmart Pay as soon as it‘s approved so you can start using it right away digitally before the physical card arrives.
Credit Limits and Requirements
The Capital One Walmart Rewards card offers credit limits generally ranging from $400 up to $5000 depending on your credit history. The better your credit score, the higher your limit is likely to be. Many people start at $400-$800 and get increases over time with responsible usage. You‘ll likely need a credit score of 670 or higher for the best approval odds.
The Walmart Rewards card tends to have lower credit limits, often $200-$1000. The retail card is easier to obtain if you have an average credit score around 640-660 or are rebuilding credit. Lower income may also qualify if you shop at Walmart frequently.
Where You Cannot Use the Walmart Credit Cards
The biggest restriction is that the Walmart Rewards Card can only be used at Walmart-owned businesses. Any other retailers or merchant locations will decline this card. Make sure to carry a different card for non-Walmart spending.
For the Capital One Walmart Rewards Card, limitations come down to places that don‘t accept Mastercard payments. For example, Costco Wholesale Clubs only take Visa cards. Some smaller shops or restaurants may not accept Mastercard as well. But these cases are rare – Mastercard is a leading payment network.
Maximizing Rewards with the Walmart Credit Cards
One of the best benefits of having a Walmart credit card is getting rewarded on your spending. Here are some tips to maximize earnings:
Use Walmart Pay on your phone to get 5% back – the highest rate available. This applies at Walmart stores, Walmart.com, grocery pickup/delivery.
Opt for store pickup for Walmart.com orders. This counts as an in-store purchase to earn 2% back instead of just 1%.
Make sure to use your Walmart card at Murphy/Walmart gas stations to earn 2% back at the pump.
Set up automatic payments from your bank account to avoid late fees and interest charges.
Track your rewards balance and redeem regularly for statement credits or Walmart gifts cards to lower your spending.
As a Walmart cardholder myself, I always use Walmart Pay on my phone to get the full 5% back on all my Walmart grocery trips. Over a year, those rewards really add up!
How to Apply for a Walmart Credit Card
You can apply for either Walmart card on their website or in stores:
Online – Simply go to Walmart.com/creditcards and fill out the application. You‘ll get a decision within minutes.
In-store – Stop by the customer service desk or jewelry counter to apply on the spot and receive an instant decision.
Make sure to only submit one application to avoid duplicate hard credit inquiries on your report. If approved, you can start using your new card as soon as it‘s added to Walmart Pay.
The Bottom Line
The Capital One Walmart Rewards Card can be used virtually anywhere that takes Mastercard. The Walmart Rewards Card is limited to Walmart affiliated stores and gas stations. Both cards provide cashback rewards on Walmart purchases, especially when using Walmart Pay. Consider your spending habits and credit profile to decide which card fits your needs. Use this guide to maximize the value of your Walmart credit card! Let me know if you have any other questions.
