A felony on your record doesn’t mean your job search is over, but it does mean you’ll hit more questions than most applicants. Being one of the largest companies in the world, Walmart makes it one of the first places people check.
You’ll see how the process has actually played out for real applicants, drawn from their experiences of what happened after they applied.
This blog breaks down the answer to a common dilemma: does walmart hire felons, and what actually happens when you apply? You’ll see how Walmart’s background check works, which convictions raise red flags, and which ones usually don’t.
Does Walmart Hire Felons?
Yes, Walmart hires felons, but it makes hiring decisions on a case-by-case basis. Walmart is a signatory of the Fair Chance Business Pledge and has removed the felony conviction question from job applications in most states.
A criminal record, therefore, does not automatically stop someone from applying.
Walmart may consider the type of conviction, how long ago it happened, and whether it relates to the job you applied for if you are one of the shortlisted applicants.
Background checks usually happen later in the hiring process.
With more than 1.6 million U.S. employees, Walmart hires across many job types, giving applicants with past convictions opportunities to be considered based on their individual circumstances.
What is Walmart’s Fair Chance Hiring Policy?
Walmart’s Fair Chance Hiring Policy removes barriers that once blocked applicants with a criminal record before they even got an interview.
It’s built on two commitments: Ban the Box and the Fair Chance Business Pledge, which Walmart signed in 2016 alongside employers collectively representing over 3 million American workers (White House, 2016).
|
Policy Piece |
What It Means for You |
|
Ban the Box |
No criminal history question on Walmart’s initial job application in most states |
|
Fair Chance Pledge (2016) |
Corporate commitment to review each applicant individually, not screen them out upfront |
|
Background check timing |
Runs after your interview, usually once you get a conditional job offer |
|
Review basis |
Decision depends on the conviction type, how long ago it happened, and the role you want |
Policies like this usually sit alongside the rest of a company’s written workplace rules, which spell out how decisions like this actually get applied day to day.
Which Felony Convictions Disqualify You From Walmart?
Walmart does not publish a fixed list of felonies that automatically disqualify applicants.
It reviews every conviction individually, but some categories carry far more weight than others. Here’s how the major conviction types typically play out during a background check.
Violent crimes
Convictions for assault, robbery, or similar violent offenses face the strictest scrutiny across almost every role. Walmart weighs safety risk heavily here, especially for customer-facing positions.
Theft and fraud
These convictions draw close attention for cash-handling or customer-facing jobs like cashier. A warehouse or overnight stocking role usually faces less scrutiny for the same conviction.
Drug offenses
Employers review drug convictions based on how recent they are and the specific state’s laws. Older convictions or marijuana-related charges in states where it’s now legal tend to carry less weight.
Weapons and sex offenses
These are the most consistently disqualifying categories, regardless of role or how much time has passed. Roles tied to firearms sales are closed off by law to anyone with a felony record.
Disclaimer: This section covers general hiring patterns, not legal advice. Disqualification rules vary by state, and some categories (like firearms-related roles) are governed by federal law rather than Walmart policy. If you’re unsure how a specific charge applies to you, a legal aid clinic or employment attorney can review your record directly.
Walmart’s Background Check Process
Walmart accepts job applications entirely online. So, the question of whether the selection is hampered for you as a felon comes up during the background check if you are shortlisted.
What actually happens when you start the application is:
|
Step |
What Happens |
|
Fill out the application |
No resume required, but have your job history ready. Takes 20-25 minutes. You can save it and finish later. |
|
Double-check before you submit |
You can’t edit it after submitting, so get any context right the first time. |
|
Get confirmation |
A screen confirms your application and assessments went through. If you don’t see it, something didn’t submit. |
|
Wait for the hiring decision |
Walmart usually responds within a week, sometimes longer depending on role and location. |
|
Background check (if you move forward) |
This is where your felony actually gets reviewed, not at step 1. Everything before this is judged on your application and interview alone. |
Note: If it’s a no on your application, you’re not done. Hourly applications stay active for 60 days. You can update your preferences for other roles without reapplying.
What People Are Saying About Getting Hired at Walmart
Recent 2026 Reddit posts show that Walmart’s hiring decisions can vary based on the offense, it age, and the role. Check what people are saying:
Applicant With a Drug Felony Got an Offer
One applicant had a four-year-old drug felony and had already received a Walmart job offer. Commenters shared examples of people with felony records who were successfully hired. – Reddit
Older Drug Felony Sent for Review
A Florida applicant with a drug felony from 2018 applied for a deli role. Commenters said the final background-check decision would likely be handled above the store level. – Reddit
Theft Convictions May Be Harder to Overcome
In another 2026 thread, users discussed Walmart hiring people with theft convictions. Several commenters said theft can make approval harder, especially for retail jobs. – Reddit
Recent Theft Record Raised Concerns
One applicant said Walmart had previously denied them while a felony theft case was pending. After the case became misdemeanor theft convictions, they applied again and received another conditional offer. – Reddit
Older Assault Charge Did Not Stop the Application
A Walmart applicant reported an assault charge from nine years earlier and an older theft charge. They said they knew someone with similar charges who had still been hired. – Reddit
The Bottom Line
So, does walmart hire felons? Two things matter more than the felony itself: timing and role fit. Older convictions carry less weight than recent ones, and warehouse or overnight roles draw less scrutiny than cash-handling positions like cashier.
Start with the application. It won’t ask about your history, so apply for the role you actually want, not just the one you think you’ll get.
Once you get a conditional offer, watch your email closely for the background check instructions. If anything comes back wrong, like an old charge listed incorrectly, use your FCRA dispute rights before the decision is final.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Felonies Will Walmart Not Hire?
Although not officially mentioned, violent, theft, fraud, sexual, and weapons-related offenses may receive greater scrutiny depending on the role and how recent the conviction is.
How Strict Is a Walmart Background Check?
Walmart conducts criminal background checks for job offers, but it reviews applicants under applicable laws and fair-chance hiring practices. A criminal record does not automatically mean rejection.
What Will Make You Fail a Walmart Background Check?
A serious or recent conviction that raises safety, trust, or job-related concerns can hurt your chances. Giving false or inconsistent information during the hiring process may also create problems.
What Disqualifies You from Working at Walmart?
Disqualification can depend on the job, your background-check results, legal requirements, and the nature of any criminal history. Some positions, such as certain firearms-related roles, have stricter background requirements.
