Walmart accepts most major credit cards at all store locations and online
Walmart takes Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover at every physical store and on Walmart.com. You can also use these cards at Walmart gas stations and Walmart Neighborhood Markets. The only credit cards Walmart does not take are store-branded cards issued by other retailers — for example, a Target Mastercard will not work, but a regular Mastercard will.
Walmart also accepts its own store credit card, the Walmart Credit Card, which works anywhere Mastercard is accepted. If you use a Walmart Credit Card at Walmart stores, you may earn rewards or get promotional financing offers depending on your card terms.
Payment method acceptance is the same whether you shop in person, online, or through the Walmart mobile app. You enter your card number the same way at checkout, and the transaction processes when ready.
Key Takeaways
- Walmart accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover at all store locations, online, and at gas stations.
- The Walmart Credit Card (a Mastercard) works at Walmart and anywhere else Mastercard is accepted.
- Store cards from other retailers do not work at Walmart, even if they carry a Visa or Mastercard logo.
- Contactless payment with a credit card works at Walmart checkout lanes that have the contactless reader symbol.
How to pay with a credit card at Walmart stores
At checkout, tell the cashier you are paying with a credit card or insert your card into the chip reader when prompted. Most Walmart registers have a chip reader built into the payment terminal. If your card has a chip, insert it and leave it in until the transaction completes. If your card does not have a chip, swipe it instead.
You will be asked to sign or enter your PIN depending on the transaction amount and your card issuer's rules. Smaller purchases often do not require a signature. After approval, you receive a receipt and your card is returned when ready.
If the chip reader is not working, the cashier can swipe your card as a backup. Contactless payment (tapping your card near the reader) is also available at many Walmart registers — look for the contactless symbol on the payment terminal.
Paying for Walmart purchases online and through the app
On Walmart.com, add items to your cart and go to checkout. Enter your credit card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit code on the back). Walmart will ask for your billing address and confirm it matches your card issuer's records.
The Walmart mobile app uses the same checkout process. You can save your card information in your account so you do not have to enter it every time. Walmart encrypts saved card data, and you can remove it from your account at any time in your account settings.
Online orders typically process within a few minutes. You will receive an order confirmation email with your receipt and tracking information once your order ships.
What to do if your credit card is declined at Walmart
If your card is declined, the most common reasons are insufficient funds, an expired card, or a fraud alert from your card issuer. Ask the cashier to run the card again — sometimes a temporary connection issue causes a decline that will not happen on the second attempt.
If it declines again, contact your credit card issuer before leaving the store. Call the number on the back of your card. The issuer can tell you why the card was declined and whether you can use it when ready or need to resolve something first. Many declines are resolved in a few minutes.
If you do not have another payment method with you, you can leave your items at the register and return another time. Walmart does not hold items, so they will be restocked.
Credit card rewards and promotions at Walmart
Walmart does not offer rewards for using outside credit cards like Visa or Mastercard at Walmart stores. However, the Walmart Credit Card may offer cash back, discounts, or promotional financing depending on your specific card agreement. Check your card's terms or log into your Walmart account to see what rewards you have.
Walmart frequently runs promotions where you can earn cash back or discounts when you use specific payment methods — for example, "Earn 5% cash back when you pay with your Walmart Credit Card this week." These promotions are posted in stores and on Walmart.com, and they change regularly.
If you have a Walmart+ membership, some credit card promotions may stack with membership benefits. Review the promotion details at checkout to see what applies to your purchase.
Using international credit cards at Walmart
Walmart accepts international Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover cards at U.S. store locations and on Walmart.com. Your card must have a valid chip or magnetic stripe and be issued by a bank outside the United States.
When you use an international card, your bank or card issuer will convert the purchase amount from U.S. dollars to your home currency. The exchange rate and any foreign transaction fees are set by your card issuer, not by Walmart. Check with your bank before traveling to understand what fees explore.
Some international cards require a PIN instead of a signature. If you are unsure whether your card will work, contact your card issuer before you shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a credit card to buy gift cards at Walmart?
Yes, Walmart accepts credit cards for gift card purchases both in stores and online. You can buy physical gift cards at the register or digital gift cards on Walmart.com using any major credit card.
Does Walmart take credit cards for gas purchases?
Yes, Walmart accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover at Walmart gas stations. You can pay at the pump or inside the station. The Walmart Credit Card also works at the pump.
What if I want to return something I bought with a credit card?
Walmart refunds purchases back to the original payment method. If you paid with a credit card, the refund goes back to that card. Refunds typically appear within three to five business days, depending on your card issuer.
Can I use a credit card to pay my Walmart Credit Card bill?
No, Walmart does not accept credit cards as payment for Walmart Credit Card bills. You can pay your bill online through your account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Walmart Money Center using a debit card, bank account, or cash.
Does Walmart charge a fee for paying with a credit card?
No, Walmart does not charge you a fee for using a credit card. Your credit card issuer may charge you interest if you carry a balance, but that is between you and your bank, not Walmart.