Choosing the right credit card for your Walmart shopping can significantly impact your savings and overall financial well-being. With numerous options available, understanding the benefits and drawbacks of each card is crucial for making an informed decision. This article will guide you through the best credit card options for maximizing rewards and savings at Walmart in 2024.
| Credit Card | Rewards at Walmart | Other Key Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Capital One Walmart Rewards Card | 5% cash back on Walmart.com and the Walmart app, 2% at Walmart stores and at Walmart and Murphy USA gas stations, 1% everywhere else. | No annual fee; Special financing options on Walmart.com; 5% cash back in store using Walmart Pay for the first 12 months. Offers balance transfers. |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | 1.5% cash back on all purchases (including Walmart). | No annual fee; 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 3% cash back on dining and drugstores; Introductory APR offer; Chase Ultimate Rewards points can be redeemed for travel, cash back, gift cards, or Amazon.com purchases. Excellent purchase protection and travel insurance benefits. |
| Discover it Cash Back | 5% cash back on rotating categories (Walmart sometimes included). 1% after. | No annual fee; Cash back match at the end of the first year (effectively doubling rewards); Introductory APR offer; FICO Score access. Excellent customer service. |
| Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express | 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%), 1% at Walmart. | $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95; 6% cash back on streaming subscriptions and U.S. gas stations; Purchase protection; Return protection; Amex Offers; Global Assist Hotline. |
| Citi Double Cash Card | 2% cash back on all purchases (including Walmart). | No annual fee; 1% cash back when you buy and another 1% when you pay your bill; Balance transfer options. |
| Walmart+ Rewards Credit Card (invitation only) | 5% cash back on Walmart.com and the Walmart app, 2% at Walmart stores and at Walmart and Murphy USA gas stations, 1% everywhere else. | No annual fee; Special financing options on Walmart.com; 5% cash back in store using Walmart Pay for the first 12 months. Offers balance transfers. This is the same card as the Capital One Walmart Rewards Card, but invitation only. |
| Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card | 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods, 1% at Walmart. |
Detailed Explanations
Capital One Walmart Rewards Card:
This card offers significant rewards for frequent Walmart shoppers, especially those who shop online. The 5% cash back on Walmart.com and through the Walmart app is a major draw. The 2% at Walmart stores and gas stations is solid, while the 1% elsewhere is standard. The absence of an annual fee makes it a low-risk choice. The 5% in-store using Walmart Pay is a great incentive during the first year, encouraging digital wallet adoption. Special financing options can be helpful for larger purchases, but always be mindful of interest rates after the promotional period.
Chase Freedom Unlimited:
While not directly branded for Walmart, the Chase Freedom Unlimited is a versatile card that provides a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, including those made at Walmart. Its strength lies in its bonus categories: 5% on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards and 3% on dining and drugstores. The introductory APR offer can save you money on interest charges, and the Chase Ultimate Rewards program offers flexible redemption options. The purchase protection and travel insurance benefits are valuable perks.
Discover it Cash Back:
The Discover it Cash Back card offers a unique rotating category structure, where you earn 5% cash back on specific categories that change each quarter. While Walmart is not a guaranteed category, it sometimes appears, making this card a potentially lucrative option if you time your Walmart purchases accordingly. The cash back match at the end of the first year effectively doubles your rewards, providing a significant initial boost. The absence of an annual fee and access to your FICO score are additional benefits.
Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express:
This card shines for supermarket spending, offering 6% cash back on U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year). While Walmart isn't explicitly a supermarket, some Walmart locations may code as such, depending on how they are classified by American Express. The 6% cash back on streaming subscriptions and U.S. gas stations is a valuable addition. However, the annual fee (after the first year) should be considered, and the 1% cash back at Walmart stores is relatively low compared to other options. Amex Offers can provide additional savings opportunities.
Citi Double Cash Card:
The Citi Double Cash Card provides a straightforward 2% cash back on all purchases, including those made at Walmart. This simple rewards structure makes it easy to track your earnings, and the absence of an annual fee is a plus. The 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay structure encourages responsible spending habits.
Walmart+ Rewards Credit Card (invitation only):
This card mirrors the Capital One Walmart Rewards Card in its benefits, offering 5% cash back on Walmart.com and the Walmart app, 2% at Walmart stores and at Walmart and Murphy USA gas stations, and 1% everywhere else. The card is invitation only, which makes it unavailable to many consumers. It offers special financing options on Walmart.com and 5% cash back in store using Walmart Pay for the first 12 months.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card:
While primarily focused on Amazon purchases, this card offers 5% back at Amazon and Whole Foods Market. The 1% back at Walmart isn't particularly high, but the card is a good choice for those who frequently shop at Amazon and want a card with no annual fee (with an Amazon Prime membership). The 2% back at restaurants and gas stations is a decent perk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which credit card offers the highest rewards at Walmart? The Capital One Walmart Rewards Card and the Walmart+ Rewards Credit Card (invitation only) both offer 5% cash back on Walmart.com and the Walmart app.
Is there a credit card with no annual fee that offers good rewards at Walmart? Yes, the Capital One Walmart Rewards Card, Chase Freedom Unlimited and Discover it Cash Back card all offer rewards at Walmart and have no annual fee.
Can I use any credit card at Walmart? Yes, Walmart accepts all major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and Discover.
Does the Discover it Cash Back card offer 5% cash back at Walmart every quarter? No, the 5% cash back categories rotate each quarter, and Walmart is not always included.
Is the Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express a good choice for Walmart shoppers? It depends. If your Walmart store codes as a supermarket with Amex, you could earn 6% back on up to $6,000 a year. Otherwise, it only offers 1% back at Walmart, which isn't ideal.
What is Walmart Pay and how does it affect credit card rewards? Walmart Pay is a mobile payment system that allows you to pay for purchases using your smartphone at Walmart stores. The Capital One Walmart Rewards Card offers 5% cash back in store using Walmart Pay for the first 12 months.
Do these cards offer purchase protection? Some cards, like the Chase Freedom Unlimited and Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express, offer purchase protection, which can cover damage or theft of items purchased with the card. Check the card's terms and conditions for specific details.
What is an introductory APR and how does it work? An introductory APR is a promotional interest rate offered for a limited time, often 0%, on purchases or balance transfers. It can help you save money on interest charges, but be sure to pay off the balance before the introductory period ends.
How do I redeem rewards from these credit cards? Reward redemption options vary by card. Common options include cash back, statement credits, gift cards, travel, and merchandise. Check your card's rewards program for details.
What credit score do I need to be approved for these cards? Generally, you'll need a good to excellent credit score (670 or higher) to be approved for most of these cards.
Conclusion
Choosing the best credit card for Walmart shopping depends on your spending habits and preferences. The Capital One Walmart Rewards Card is a solid choice for dedicated Walmart shoppers, while the Chase Freedom Unlimited provides more versatility with its flat-rate rewards and bonus categories. Consider your individual needs and spending patterns to determine the best fit for maximizing your rewards and savings at Walmart.