Walmart MoneyCard Vs. Walmart Credit Card

The Walmart MoneyCard and Walmart credit card have more differences than similarities. Walmart MoneyCards are essentially prepaid debit cards. Walmart credit cards offer credit on a revolving monthly basis. If you don't need cash advances and can pay your balance in full each month, the Walmart credit card is a better option, with lower fees than the MoneyCard.

Walmart has four types of MoneyCards available as prepaid Visa or MasterCard debit cards. The Basic card is available online for free or for $1.88 in stores. The Plus card is available for $3. The Specialty and Preferred cards are both available for $4. Each card has a $3 monthly service fee. All four cards offer no-fee ATM withdrawals and balance inquiries at any MoneyPass ATM in the United States. Fees apply at non-MoneyPass ATMs. Occasionally, Walmart offers promotions on new MoneyCards.

A Basic Walmart MoneyCard gives you purchase security from Visa or MasterCard's purchase assurance. You can reload the card at participating Walmart stores for a $3 fee. The fee is waived if you are cashing a check, but check-cashing fees may apply.

Both the Plus and Specialty MoneyCards offer the same features as the Basic card. In addition, you can waive the monthly fee by meeting monthly deposit targets. A free online bill pay option is available, and you can send money to friends and family anywhere in the U.S.

The Preferred MoneyCard offers all of the features available on the Basic, Plus and Specialty cards. In addition, you can access an online vault to set money aside for future use. With a qualifying employer, you can choose a rapid payroll direct deposit. The rapid reload in stores for Preferred cardholders is free, whereas all other cards charge a $3 fee. Preferred cardholders can also personalize their cards with a picture at no charge.

Walmart offers an in-store credit card and a MasterCard that cardholders can use anywhere MasterCard is accepted. You can make a payment on these cards online, by e-payment, by phone, by mail or in person at a Walmart store. You can manage both accounts online, where you can view your transaction history, dispute a charge and order a new card.

The Walmart MasterCard provides zero fraud liability for unauthorized charges. You can add authorized users, and they receive additional cards at no cost. If you need a cash advance, the charge is $5 or 3% of the transaction amount, whichever is greater. If you do not pay your balance in full each month, it is subject to the annual percentage rate (APR) of interest until paid in full. Late payments are subject to a penalty of up to $35.

By using either Walmart credit card at a Walmart gas station, you can receive a 5-cent per gallon discount. Special in-store financing is available, subject to credit approval. If you enroll in electronic statements, Walmart provides a free monthly FICO credit score report. Unlike the Walmart MoneyCard, a Walmart credit card can help you build your credit score when you make timely payments each month.

Both the Walmart MasterCard and MoneyCard are accepted forms of payment at Sam's Club. The Walmart MasterCard does not provide an additional 5-cent per gallon discount at Sam's Club gas stations.

If you need cash and don't want to worry about overspending, a Walmart MoneyCard is the better option. The Walmart credit card is better if you are looking to build credit, you don't need cash advances and you can pay the balance in full each month.