If you’re a regular Walmart shopper in 2025, you’ve likely considered signing up for either the Walmart Credit Card 💳 or Walmart Plus. But which one offers better value for your money?
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down both options based on real savings potential, convenience, perks, and long-term benefits. Whether you’re shopping online or in-store, your decision could impact your yearly budget.
We’ll cover:
- ✅ What each option includes
- 💵 Fees and costs
- 💰 How rewards or benefits add up
- 🔄 Use cases: when to use the card, when to go with the membership
- 👥 What current users say
- 📊 Side-by-side comparison chart
Let’s find out which one deserves a place in your wallet or your subscription list.
🧾 What Is the Walmart Card?
The Walmart Card is a co-branded credit card offered through Capital One, available in two versions:
- Walmart Store Card — Use only at Walmart and Walmart.com
- Walmart Capital One Mastercard — Use anywhere Mastercard is accepted
Key Walmart Card Features:
- 5% back on Walmart.com purchases (including pickup and delivery)
- 2% back in Walmart stores, restaurants, and travel
- 1% back on all other purchases (Mastercard only)
- Intro offer: 5% back in Walmart stores via Walmart Pay (first 12 months)
- No annual fee
📦 What Is Walmart Plus?
Walmart Plus (Walmart+) is a paid membership service designed to offer convenience and savings, especially for online and frequent grocery shoppers.
Walmart Plus Includes:
- Free same-day grocery delivery from your local Walmart
- Free shipping on Walmart.com with no order minimum
- Mobile scan & go in stores for faster checkout
- Discounts on fuel at Walmart and Murphy USA gas stations
- Paramount+ streaming included (as of 2025)
- Cost: $12.95/month or $98/year
💰 Cost Breakdown
Feature | Walmart Card | Walmart Plus |
---|---|---|
Annual Fee | $0 | $98/year or $12.95/month |
Interest Rate | 19.99%–26.99% APR | N/A |
Late Payment Fee | Up to $40 | N/A |
Delivery Perks | Limited | ✅ Included |
Cashback | ✅ Up to 5% | ❌ None |
📈 Potential Yearly Savings
Walmart Card:
- Online orders ($300/mo): 5% = $180/year
- In-store spending ($200/mo): 2% = $48/year
- Dining/travel ($100/mo): 2% = $24/year Total cashback: ~$252/year (if paid in full to avoid interest)
Walmart Plus:
- Grocery delivery savings ($10/trip x 4 trips/mo) = $480/year
- Shipping savings ($6/order x 3 orders/mo) = $216/year
- Fuel discounts ($0.10/gal x 10 gal x 4 weeks x 12 mo) = $48/year Total estimated savings: ~$744/year
🔍 When to Use Walmart Card
You should use the Walmart Card if:
- You shop mostly online at Walmart.com
- You want to build or improve your credit
- You pay your balance in full monthly to avoid interest
- You don’t need grocery delivery services
🚚 When to Choose Walmart Plus
You should subscribe to Walmart Plus if:
- You buy groceries weekly from Walmart
- You prefer delivery over in-store shopping
- You frequently order household essentials online
- You want streaming and fuel discounts bundled in
💡 Can You Use Both?
Absolutely! In fact, using both can maximize your benefits:
- Pay for your Walmart+ membership using the Walmart Mastercard to earn 1% back
- Shop online using the Walmart Card to earn 5%
- Enjoy free grocery delivery through Walmart+
Used together wisely, these tools can work in your favor—especially if you’re part of a large household.
🧑🤝🧑 Real User Reviews
“Walmart+ pays for itself in 2 months of grocery delivery. Total lifesaver!” — Jessica B.
“I like the cashback on my Walmart Card, but I only use it online. In-store rewards are low.” — Marcus R.
“I use both. Card for purchases, Plus for groceries. Perfect combo for families.” — Nina K.
📊 Walmart Card vs Walmart Plus: Summary Table
Feature | Walmart Card | Walmart Plus |
---|---|---|
Cashback | ✅ Up to 5% | ❌ No cashback |
Free Delivery | ❌ | ✅ Yes |
Streaming Perks | ❌ | ✅ Paramount+ included |
Fuel Discounts | ❌ | ✅ Yes |
Cost | $0 | $98/year |
Credit Building | ✅ Yes | ❌ Not applicable |
Ideal For | Online spenders | Grocery-heavy households |
🧠 Expert Tips
- Always pay your Walmart Card balance in full to avoid interest eating into rewards.
- If you order groceries online 2–3 times per month, Walmart+ likely pays off.
- Combine both for max benefit if your spending habits span both in-store and online.
- Check for Walmart+ free trials or discounted yearly plans around Black Friday.
❓ FAQ: Walmart Card vs Walmart Plus
Q1: Can I use the Walmart Card to pay for Walmart+?
A: Yes, and you’ll earn 1% cashback if you’re using the Mastercard version.
Q2: Is Walmart+ worth it if I don’t order groceries?
A: Possibly—not just for groceries, but also for free shipping and fuel discounts.
Q3: Do I need a Walmart Card to use Walmart Plus?
A: No, they’re entirely separate programs.
Q4: Will Walmart+ affect my credit score?
A: No, Walmart+ is a subscription, not a credit account.
Q5: What if I cancel Walmart+ early?
A: You can cancel anytime. If you paid annually, you may get a prorated refund depending on the policy.
Q6: Can I apply for the Walmart Card with fair credit?
A: Yes, but you’re more likely to be approved with a score of 640+.
🏁 Final Verdict: Which One Is Better?
- 💳 Go with the Walmart Card if you want to earn cashback and pay your balances in full monthly.
- 📦 Choose Walmart Plus if you value time-saving grocery delivery and bundled perks like streaming and fuel discounts.
- 🧠 Best strategy: Use both together to save the most, especially if you’re a frequent Walmart customer both online and in-store.
Whichever you choose, the goal is the same—spend smarter and save more in 2025.