Wal-Mart's New Rewards Program: What You Need to Know

Wal-Mart is officially rolling out of a new rewards system for its Wal-Mart MoneyCard holders and anyone who uses Wal-Mart credit and prepaid cards, beginning April 1.

The new program is called 3-2-1 Save and gives all qualifying cardholders a chance to earn rewards on purchases. The breakdown of rewards is simple. You can earn 3% back on online purchases, 2% back when you fill up your tank at Wal-Mart or Murphy USA gas stations and 1% back on anything you buy at Wal-Mart or wherever Wal-Mart credit cards are accepted.

“We’re always looking for ways we can create and change products and services to make them even better for our customers,” Daniel Eckert, senior vice president, services, Wal-Mart U.S. said in a press release.

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Qualifying for the 3-2-1 Save Program

If you already have a Wal-Mart credit card or Wal-Mart MasterCard, you are automatically enrolled in the program. You won’t need a new card or to do anything additional to start earning rewards.

If the new rewards program inspires you to apply for a Wal-Mart credit card, you can do so in any of the stores or online. In addition to the savings program, new customers receive 10% off any online or in-store purchases that day, up to $25 in savings, which will be applied as a statement credit. The purchase annual percentage rate for the Wal-Mart credit card is a 23.15% variable APR, and the Wal-Mart MasterCard has three different APRs depending on account type — 17.15%, 20.15% and 23.15% variable APR. (You can see how it stacks up to the winners of our best cash-back credit cards in America ranking here.)

Before you apply for a credit card, it’s a good idea to check your credit score, as this can affect what offers you’re likely to qualify for. You can get two of your credit scores for free each month on Credit.com.

The Wal-Mart MoneyCard

The Wal-Mart MoneyCard, which will also now feature the 3-2-1 rewards, is a prepaid card program and is used like a debit card. It also gives customers free early direct deposit, access to online bill pay and mobile features.

The MoneyCard does have an initial subscription fee of $1 if it is picked up in-store. That fee is waived if it’s ordered online. There is also a $5 monthly charge, which can be waived if $1,000 or more is loaded on the card each month. If you are considering signing up for a Wal-Mart MoneyCard, keep in mind that there are additional fees associated with using it. Be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully to make sure it’s right for you.

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