Walmart Credit Card
From LoveToKnow Creditcards
From its initial founding in 1962, no one would have guessed that a simple discount store would rise to prominence as the world’s largest retailer, and today the Walmart credit card helps countless consumers fund their purchases at this iconic chain.
Why Walmart?
The idea of a credit card associated with a discount store may seem unusual, but the Walmart card is no different than dozens of available store credit cards for popular department stores and chains. The affiliation of the card is a way to express personality as well as take advantage of numerous benefits only available to cardholders.
Walmart Credit Card Benefits
Like all credit card offers, Walmart endorses specific benefits for eager shoppers. There are actually two types of Walmart cards, the general credit card and a Discover card affiliated with Walmart. The Discover variation is accepted wherever general Discover cards are used and offers the familiar up to one percent cash back rewards associated with that company. The generic card is only accepted at Walmart stores, Sam’s Club warehouse stores, and online at Walmart.com, but it is a great option for individuals seeking to rebuild their credit and limit their spending to a single store rather than having the temptation of spending at many outlets.
Both the general card and the Discover variation offer assorted benefits, including:
- No annual fee regardless of spending limits or credit rating.
- Credit card fraud protection that guarantees cardholders are not liable for fraudulent purchases.
- Choice of payment due dates to fit cardholders’ payment preferences.
- Special rates for pre-paid AT&T long distance when purchased through Walmart.
- Ability to make in-store bill payments at Walmart or Sam’s Club registers, eliminating postal hassles.
- Ability to take cash advances when making a purchase (limited to $20 and one transaction per day).
- Discount savings similar to gas card rates of 3 cents off per gallon at Walmart gas stations.
With these types of benefits, many savvy discount store shoppers are turning to Walmart’s programs.
Applying for a Walmart Credit Card
Just as shopping at any Walmart store is easy, so is applying for the credit card. Interested applicants can submit an online application at WalmartCreditCard.com or at the store’s Gift Registry kiosk or fill out a mail-in paper application available from any register.
For even greater convenience, interested shoppers can submit an express application electronically right at the cash register simply by answering a few questions; having the cashier verify their identification, and entering critical information via the credit card keypad (social security number, birth date, telephone number, street address number, and zip code). As a courtesy to other shoppers, however, it is recommended that express applications only be submitted when lines are short and other Walmart patrons will not be unduly inconvenienced.
Applicants do not express a preference for whether they would like to apply for the generic Walmart credit card or the Discover variation. The Discover card has stricter acceptance requirements, and as the application is being processed, the applicant is considered for that card first. If they do not qualify for the Discover card, they are then considered for the less stringent generic card.
Warnings about Walmart Cards
Just because you shop frequently at Walmart or Sam’s Club stores does not mean a Walmart credit card is right for you. As with any credit card, it is important to review the card’s terms and conditions before applying to see if they meet or exceed your expectations. Details about the Walmart cards include:
- Late fees of up to $35 depending on the size of the balance when the payment is late.
- Annual percentage rates up to 23 percent depending on the type of account (the Discover card has slightly lower rates).
- Balance transfer fees up to $5 or 3 percent of the transferred balance depending on the card type.
If prospective cardholders are considering switching to a Walmart card instead of their current credit cards, they should compare these figures to the terms and conditions of their current cards before choosing to cancel any accounts.
As more and more stores offer their own lines of credit and team up with banks to entice loyal consumers to register for specific credit cards, it is no surprise that the world’s largest retailer, with more than 4,000 stores in the United States alone, would offer its own card. A Walmart credit card may not be perfect for everyone, but it may be a good option for regular Walmart customers.
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Comments
You can apply for a WalMart credit card online or by completing an application at any WalMart store.
-- Contributed by: SusanWeberi would like get a walmart credit for my self
-- Contributed by: Enter your name hereJoseph,
To check the balance on your credit card you need to call the customer service 800# on the back of the card. You can also receive the 800# by asking at the customer service staff at any WalMart store.
Thanks for your question.
-- Contributed by: SusanWeberThis page has been accessed 3,979 times. This page was last modified 02:05, 22 February 2007.
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