If you’re looking into pre-approval for a Walmart credit card, then that probably means you’re hoping to apply and eventually get approved. So, let’s go over the basics of the card and its application process first…
The Capital One Walmart Rewards Card offers 5% cash back on all Walmart.com purchases, 2% cash back on purchases from Walmart stores or fuel stations, and 1% cash back everywhere Mastercard is accepted. There is also no annual fee, making this a low-cost and high-rewards credit card.
The only major downside of the Walmart Rewards Card is that it comes with a hefty variable APR ranging from 17.99% to 28.99%. Your APR translates to the total interest and fees you will pay on top of your credit balance each year, and these percentages are quite high when compared to other cards. To learn more about the pros and cons of the Walmart Mastercard, click here.
If you’re set on applying for this card, you have a couple of different options. You can either seek pre-approval first or apply right away. Applying for the Walmart Credit Card is super easy. Just head over to Walmart’s website to start your application process now. To skip the pre-approval process, you can apply directly by clicking here and logging into your Walmart account.
You can also apply for a Walmart credit card in person by visiting any Walmart location and speaking with a Walmart employee.
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How To Get Pre-Approved
Pre-approval is important for one very specific reason–applying for a credit card hurts your credit score. By getting pre-approved, you can feel fairly confident that your application won’t be denied and that the hit to your credit score will be worth it in the end.
Remember that pre-approval is not the same as approval. Pre-approval is based on the information you provide and does not look further into your credit history to verify your information. If you provide inaccurate information during the pre-approval process, you could still get denied based on your application if your credit history does not match your initial claims.
To find out if you qualify for pre-approval for a Walmart credit card, visit this link and click “See if I’m pre-approved.”
Next, you will be taken to a page where you can either sign into an existing Walmart.com account or create a new one.
Once you’re logged into your account, you will be walked through the pre-approval process. The pre-approval questionnaire will ask you some questions about your income, credit history, assets, and debts.
If you meet the requirements for pre-approval, this means that you can apply for a Walmart Credit Card and feel fairly confident that you will get approved. However, keep in mind that pre-approval does not guarantee approval.
Capital One uses all three major credit bureaus–Equifax, Transunion, and Experian–to verify applicants’ credit information through hard credit checks.
What Happens If You Get Denied?
If your Walmart Credit Card application gets denied, you will either be notified instantly when you apply online, or you will be notified via email or through a physical letter in the mail. You can also check the status of your application at any time through your Walmart account.
If you apply in person, you will likely be notified before you leave the store regarding the status of your application. Otherwise, you will be notified via the contact information you provided.
Some reasons why your application might be denied include…
- Your credit score is too low
- Your income is too low
- You don’t have enough of a credit history
- You have too much debt
- Your application was incomplete or contained incorrect information
If you suspect your application was denied due to inaccurate or incomplete information, contact Walmart via the information provided on your denial notice and ask them to reconsider your application based on your updated information.
To better understand your credit situation and why you were denied, you can request a free copy of the hard credit report that was pulled during your application process. To request this information, contact Walmart directly.
To check on the status of your credit card application, log into your Walmart.com account or contact Walmart customer service by calling (877) 969-3668.
If your application is denied, you can technically reapply. However, each time you apply for a new credit card, your credit score will take a small hit. Instead of reapplying immediately, you might want to take some time to improve your credit score first.
Tips On How To Get Pre-Approved
Here are some tips for increasing your chances of getting pre-approved for your Walmart credit card…
Build up a healthy credit history
Building up a credit history can look like consistently making payments on an existing credit card, paying rent on time each month through an official rental agreement, or owning property and consistently making your payments on time. You can also build up your credit history by purchasing a car and paying your monthly loan payments on time. When people talk about “building up credit” this is what they mean.
Make your payments on time for all existing debts, loans, or credit cards
Making your payments on time is the single best way to cultivate a healthy credit score. If you have a record of missing payments or paying late, this will definitely hurt your credit score over time and make it less likely that you’ll get approved for credit cards when you apply.
Lower your debts
While it’s not important to eliminate all debt, making sure you don’t have excessive debt is an important part of increasing your chances of getting approved for credit. While each lender has a different definition of “too much debt,” it’s safe to say that if your debt exceeds the total line of credit you could receive by applying for a new card, this might make your lender less enthusiastic about approving you.
If you have a credit score of 640 or higher, your chances of getting approved for a Walmart Credit Card are good. According to RewardExpert.com, applicants with credit scores in the high 500s have also been known to receive approval. However, if your score is lower than 575, you are not likely to be approved for a Walmart Credit Card.
FAQs
How long does approval take for a Walmart credit card?
This depends. If you have a credit score of 640 or higher, you can qualify for instant approval. However, if your credit score is on the lower end, it could take up to 10 days to receive news about your application.
Can you use your Walmart Credit Card after approval?
Yes. Once you’re approved, you can begin using your card immediately using the card number provided to you through the Walmart app. 1-2 weeks later, you should receive your physical card in the mail.
Do pre-approvals hurt your credit score?
No. Pre-approvals do not affect your credit score as they do not pull your credit information from any credit bureau.
