Walmart is a primary destination for everything from weekly groceries to household essentials, but earning maximum rewards there requires a specific strategy. Because Walmart is technically classified as a “superstore” rather than a traditional supermarket, many grocery credit cards only earn a baseline 1% reward rate on these transactions.
Furthermore, there is currently no active Walmart co-branded credit card available for new applicants, leaving shoppers to find alternative ways to find value. To maximize your return, cash-back credit cards remain the most reliable and consistent tools for earning rewards on your spending.
This guide identifies the best credit cards based specifically on their performance for Walmart purchases— both in-store and online — to ensure you aren’t leaving money on the table.
Best credit card for Walmart
Since Walmart is classified as a “superstore,” earning high rewards requires choosing the right tool for your specific shopping method.
Top picks by category
Recommended Card
Key Benefit
Best for Everyday Simplicity
Earn unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase, in-store or online
Best for Maximizing Cash Back (In-Store)
Earn 2% back (1% when you buy, 1% as you pay on time) with no category tracking
Best for Walmart.com and App
Select “online shopping” as your 3% category to earn on Walmart.com and in-app orders
Best for Strategic Rewards
Earn 5% back during quarters when Walmart is a featured bonus category (up to $1,500 spend when you activate)
For in-store shoppers, stick to flat-rate cards like the Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card (1.5% back) or 2% credit cards. Most “grocery” cards will only earn 1% at the register at Walmart.
For online/app shoppers, use cards that reward “Online Shopping” or “Online Groceries.” You can often bypass the 1% superstore restriction by ordering through the Walmart app for pickup or delivery.
BONUS TIP!
Most grocery credit cards explicitly exclude Walmart from their 3%–6% bonus tiers. Unless a card specifically lists “Superstores” or “Wholesale Clubs” as an eligible category, a standard cash-back card is your most reliable way to ensure you’re earning more than the 1% baseline.
How to maximize cash back at Walmart
Maximizing your rewards at Walmart requires a two-pronged strategy because the retailer often codes as a general merchant rather than a grocery store.
- Utilize rotating categories: Periodically, cards like the Discover it(R) Cash Back or Chase Freedom Flex℠ feature Walmart as a 5% bonus category. Activate these offers and prioritize that card for all Walmart spending during that quarter.
- Pair with a flat-rate fallback: In quarters without a specific bonus, use a 1.5%–2% flat-rate card to ensure consistent rewards that beat the standard 1% “superstore” rate.
- Leverage online shopping: If your card offers high rewards for “online shopping,” consider ordering through Walmart.com or the app for pickup to trigger those bonus tiers.
➤ SEE MORE:Best credit cards for wholesale clubs
Frequently asked questions
Does Walmart count as grocery for credit card rewards?
Typically, card networks classify Walmart as a superstore or general merchandise retailer rather than a specialized grocery store. Consequently, the high-earning grocery bonus categories found on some credit cards usually do not apply here.
Which credit card gives the highest cash back at Walmart?
While rotating category cards can offer up to 5% back when Walmart is a featured category, these opportunities are limited and conditional. For dependable year-round earnings without quarterly restrictions, a flat-rate card is often the most effective earner.
Can you earn 5% cash back at Walmart year-round?
Reliably earning 5% year-round is difficult now that the Capital One Walmart Rewards card was discontinued in May 2024. While some cards offer 5% during specific quarters when Walmart qualifies as a rotating category, these windows are temporary and not guaranteed.
How can you maximize cash back at Walmart?
The most effective strategy is to use a rotating category card during the months when Walmart is eligible for bonus rewards and switch to a flat-rate card the rest of the year. Additionally, if you frequently order through the website or app, consider using a card that specifically rewards online shopping. Combining these two types of cards ensures you never miss out on potential savings.
Is a flat-rate cashback card better for Walmart purchases?
Yes, a flat-rate card is superior for most shoppers because Walmart rarely triggers traditional “grocery” bonus categories. This approach offers predictable, reliable earnings on every trip without the need to track changing quarterly themes.
Do online Walmart purchases earn more rewards than in-store?
This depends entirely on your specific credit card’s terms; for instance, the Bank of America(R) Customized Cash Rewards credit card can earn higher rates if “online shopping” is your chosen category. Conversely, if you are using a standard flat-rate card, your earnings will remain the same whether you shop in the aisles or on Walmart.com.
Is Walmart+ membership worth it for rewards?
While Walmart+ does not function like a rewards credit card, the $98 annual membership provides value through free delivery, fuel discounts, and a Paramount+ subscription. You can maximize your savings by using a rewards-earning credit card to pay for your Walmart.com orders placed through the membership, effectively layering your benefits.
The bottom line
There is no single “best” card for everyone, as the right choice depends entirely on whether you shop in-store or prefer the higher rewards often available via Walmart.com. It’s a common mistake to rely on a standard grocery card only to receive a 1% rebate, effectively leaving money on the table at a retailer designed for savings. By pairing a consistent flat-rate card with rotating category cards during select bonus periods, you can ensure you’re earning 2–5% back on every trip. Always consider your credit profile before applying, and compare the latest offers to choose a card that aligns with your specific spending habits.
