Student credit cards 21 August 2023

8 Easy Store Credit Cards

Whether you're shopping online or in the store, having a retail card in your wallet can help cut costs. Here are our top picks for easy store credit cards to apply for.

Easy Store Credit Cards

The easiest store credit cards to get approved for are TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®, JCPenney Credit Card, and Lowe’s Advantage Card. These cards have a slightly lower minimum credit requirement than most other store credit cards. All three of these cards accept applications with at least a fair level of credit score and the approval rates are higher for those that have a FICO credit score of 620 and above.

All other store credit cards generally require at least a minimum credit of 690 or above for approval. If you have bad credit, then secured credit cards may be the best option for you to opt for as they charge a security deposit as collateral.

Store credit cards come with great rewards and benefits and upon approval, you can start using most of them instantly generally through the store’s app or wallet. However, instant use is only commonly allowed at the store that issued the card. A few stores that allow instant use of their cards are Amazon and Target.

It is generally best to get the card where you shop most. However, when comparing cards, looking at their interest rates and related fees is also important. We have provided a list of the best store credit cards that are easy to get along with the associated rewards, interest rates, and minimum credit requirements for comparison.

Easy Store Credit Cards

LenderScholaroo ratingRegular APRCredit Score

TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®

Best for TJX shoppers

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4.8/531.99%620+

Lowe’s Advantage Card

Best for Lowe’s shoppers

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4.7/528.99%620+

Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card

Best for Amazon credit cards

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4.7/518.99% - 26.99%690+

JCPenney Credit Card

Best for JCPenny shoppers

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4.6/530.99%640+

REI Co-op® Mastercard®

Best for REI shoppers

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4.6/518.99% - 29.99%690+

Bloomingdale’s American Express® Card

Best for Bloomingdale’s shoppers

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4.4/531.49%690+

Target REDcard™ Credit Card

Best for Targe shoppers

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4.4/527.90%690+

My Best Buy® Visa® Card

Best for Best Buy shoppers

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4.3/531.24%690+
Lender

TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®

Best for TJX shoppers

Scholaroo rating
4.8/5
Regular APR
31.99%
Credit Score
620+
Visit website
Lender

Lowe’s Advantage Card

Best for Lowe’s shoppers

Scholaroo rating
4.7/5
Regular APR
28.99%
Credit Score
620+
Visit website
Lender

Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card

Best for Amazon credit cards

Scholaroo rating
4.7/5
Regular APR
18.99% - 26.99%
Credit Score
690+
Visit website
Lender

JCPenney Credit Card

Best for JCPenny shoppers

Scholaroo rating
4.6/5
Regular APR
30.99%
Credit Score
640+
Visit website
Lender

REI Co-op® Mastercard®

Best for REI shoppers

Scholaroo rating
4.6/5
Regular APR
18.99% - 29.99%
Credit Score
690+
Visit website
Lender

Bloomingdale’s American Express® Card

Best for Bloomingdale’s shoppers

Scholaroo rating
4.4/5
Regular APR
31.49%
Credit Score
690+
Visit website
Lender

Target REDcard™ Credit Card

Best for Targe shoppers

Scholaroo rating
4.4/5
Regular APR
27.90%
Credit Score
690+
Visit website
Lender

My Best Buy® Visa® Card

Best for Best Buy shoppers

Scholaroo rating
4.3/5
Regular APR
31.24%
Credit Score
690+
Visit website

1. TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®

Best for TJX shoppers

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TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®

4.8
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR31.99%
Annual FeeN/A
Rewards5% back in rewards points at T.J.Maxx and affiliates
Credit ScoreFair to Good
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

The TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® is a store credit card designed for frequent shoppers at TJX companies, which include T.J.Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra, and Homesense. TJX accepts applications with a fair credit level too and the approval rate is higher for applicants that have a credit score of 620 and above.

The card has a 31.99% variable APR and cardholders with a lower credit score can be considered for a store-only card. There is no annual fee, making it accessible to many shoppers.

It offers 5% back in rewards points for purchases at T.J.Maxx and its affiliated stores; you earn five points for every dollar spent at these stores and one point for every dollar spent elsewhere.

Every 1,000 points can be redeemed for a $10 rewards certificate to spend at TJX stores.

It’s important to note that the interest rate on this card can be on the higher side. If you tend to carry a balance from month to month, the interest charges might outweigh the rewards benefits.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • 10% off your first purchase
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Invitations to exclusive private shopping events

Cons

  • High APR
  • Reward certificates cannot be exchanged for cash
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Must have a fair to good credit score
  • Earn 5% on TJX store purchases
  • Earn 1% on all other purchases with the TJX Reward Platinum Mastercard
  • Earn $10 rewards certificate for every 1,000 points earned

2. Lowe's Advantage Card

Best for Lowe’s shoppers

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Lowe’s Advantage Card

4.7
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR28.99%
Annual FeeN/A
Rewards5% off eligible purchases at Lowe’s
Credit ScoreFair to Good
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

The Lowe’s Advantage Card is a store credit card offered by Lowe’s, a well-known home improvement retailer. It is tailored to provide benefits to customers who frequently shop at Lowe’s for home improvement projects and related purchases. Applicants with credit scores in the lower 600s may also get approved.

The card has no annual fee and has a 28.99% regular APR. There is n intro APR offer but as a welcome bonus, you get 20% off your first purchase up to $100 in savings.

Another benefit is that cardholders receive a 5% discount on eligible purchases, which can translate into significant savings on large home improvement projects.

The Lowe’s Advantage Card often includes special financing options, such as 0% interest for a certain period on qualifying purchases. This allows customers to make larger purchases and pay them off over time without accruing interest, provided the balance is paid in full by the end of the promotional period.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • High rewards rate
  • New cardholder bonus offer

Cons

  • Rewards have limited flexibility
  • No 0% intro APR
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Need a good to excellent credit score
  • 5% off eligible purchases
  • Pay over time with Lowe’s Special Financing on purchases of $299 or more
  • Up to 84 fixed monthly payments with reduced APR financing on purchases of $2,000 or more
  • Upon approval you get ‌20% off your first purchase (maximum savings: $100). The offer is available through Jan. 31, 2024

3. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card

Best for Amazon credit cards

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Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card

4.7
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR18.99% - 26.99%
Annual Fee$0
RewardsEligible Prime members get 5% cash back at Amazon.com
Credit ScoreGood to Excellent (690 - 850)
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature credit card is a great option for those spending a lot at Amazon.com or Whole Foods Market. No other card provides the consistently high rewards this card does when it comes to spending at Amazon.com.

Redeeming rewards is very flexible; you can redeem your rewards on Amazon purchases, through Chase to book travel or buy gift cards, or just simply get cash back in your pocket.

Issued by Chase, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature credit card comes with a variable APR of 18.99% – 26.99%, no annual fee if you’re an Amazon Prime member ($139 a year), and a $200 Amazon Gift Card when you sign up.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 5% back at Amazon.com, Whole Foods, and physical Amazon stores with an eligible Prime membership

Cons

  • Requires a good credit score
  • Charges a foreign transaction fee of 3%
  • Good credit score (690-850)
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Prime members get a $200 Amazon Gift Card upon approval
  • Unlimited 3% back on Chase Travel purchases or 5% back with an eligible Prime membership
  • Unlimited 3% back online or in-store at Whole Foods Market or 5% back with an eligible Prime membership
  • Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations
  • Earn unlimited 2% back at restaurants
  • Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases anywhere Visa is accepted

4. JCPenney Credit Card

Best for JCPenny shoppers

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JCPenney Credit Card

4.6
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR30.99%
Annual FeeN/A
RewardsEarn 1 point per $1 on JCPenny purchases
Credit ScoreFair to Good
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

The JCPenney credit card is a store credit card offered by JCPenney, a well-known department store chain in the United States. It is designed to provide benefits to regular JCPenney shoppers.

Cardholders earn points for purchases made at JCPenney stores and online. Typically, you’ll earn one point for every dollar spent, and these points can be converted into rewards certificates to be used on future JCPenney purchases. Sometimes, special promotions may offer additional points.

The card has no annual fee and there is a 0% intro APR for 18 months. The card’s regular APR is 30.99%.

In our view, the JCPenney credit card offers value to frequent JCPenney shoppers, particularly those who take advantage of the special discounts and rewards program. However, it comes with a high interest rate, so the card’s benefits might not appeal to those who don’t shop at JCPenney often.

Pros

  • No membership fees
  • 35% discount initial rewards bonus
  • Qualify with fair credit

Cons

  • High regular APR
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Earn 1 point per $1 on JCPenny purchases with your credit card up to the point maximum (2,000) on a single purchase
  • Receive extra 20% and 5% on other select merchandise
  • Get a $10 JCPenney Rewards certificate for every 200 points
  • Get an extra 35% off original, regular and sale-priced apparel, shoes, accessories, fine jewelry, and home purchases when you open and use your card

5. REI Co-op® Mastercard®

Best for REI shoppers

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REI Co-op® Mastercard®

4.6
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR18.99% - 29.99%
Annual FeeN/A
Rewards5% back on REI purchases
Credit ScoreGood to Excellent (690 - 850)
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

The REI Co-op® Mastercard® s a co-branded credit card offered by Recreational Equipment, Inc. (REI), in partnership with Mastercard. This card is designed for members of REI’s co-op, particularly those who frequently shop at REI stores or are outdoor enthusiasts.

The card offers 5% cash back on purchases at REI and ‌1% cash back on everyday purchases elsewhere. This is on top of the standard 10% member dividend that REI members receive. The rewards can add up for frequent REI shoppers.

Interest rates start at 18.99% variable APR and you get a $100 gift card as a welcome bonus. There are no foreign transaction fees and cash rewards never expire.

There’s no annual fee for this card, making it accessible to many borrowers. One unique aspect of the REI Co-op® Mastercard® is that REI makes a donation to a selected outdoor nonprofit with each purchase made on the card.

Pros

  • Easy to earn welcome offer
  • 5% back on REI purchases
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Cash rewards never expire

Cons

  • Potentially high APR
  • Must be a Co-op member to apply
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Must be a Co-op member
  • Must have a good credit score
  • 5% back on REI purchases
  • 1.5% back on everything else
  • Annual $50 credit toward REI Co-op Experiences

6. Bloomingdale’s American Express® Card

Best for Bloomingdale’s shoppers

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Bloomingdale’s American Express® Card

4.4
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR31.49%
Annual FeeN/A
Rewards6X points on selected Bloomingdale's purchases
Credit ScoreGood to Excellent (690 - 850)
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

The Bloomingdale’s American Express® Card is a co-branded credit card offered by Bloomingdale’s in partnership with American Express. It’s designed to provide benefits and rewards to regular shoppers at Bloomingdale’s stores.

Cardholders often enjoy exclusive discounts and offers at Bloomingdale’s, such as special sales events or promotional coupons available only to those with the card.

The card comes with a 31.49% APR and a 3% foreign transaction fee. The card has no annual fee but there is a late payment fee of up to $41.

The card offers rewards points for purchases, usually providing higher points for spending at Bloomingdale’s and affiliated stores. These points can be redeemed for future purchases at Bloomingdale’s, allowing loyal customers to save on their favorite items.

Pros

  • Receive $25 in rewards for every 5,000 points earned
  • No annual fee
  • 6X points on shoes, cosmetics, and fragrances from Bloomingdale's
  • 3X points on all other purchases

Cons

  • High APR
  • No intro APR on purchases
  • Foreign transaction fee
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Must have a good credit score
  • 6X points for every dollar spent on shoes, cosmetics and fragrances
  • 3X points for every dollar spent on all other Bloomingdale’s purchases
  • Receive $25 in rewards for every 5,000 points earned
  • Get 20% off your purchases on the day you open a card account and the next day (total savings of $250 on your purchases over the two days)

7. Target REDcard™ Credit Card

Best for Targe shoppers

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Target REDcard™ Credit Card

4.4
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR27.90%
Annual FeeN/A
Rewards5% discount on all eligible Target purchases
Credit ScoreGood to Excellent (690 - 850)
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

The Target REDcard™ credit card is a store credit card offered by Target, a popular retail chain in the United States. It’s designed to provide benefits specifically for those who frequently shop at Target stores or on Target’s website.

The card has no annual fee and a 27.90% variable APR. One of the standout benefits of the Target REDcard™ Credit Card is the 5% discount on most Target purchases. This discount is applied at the time of purchase, providing immediate savings for cardholders.

Cardholders often enjoy free standard shipping on most items purchased at Target.com. This can add convenience and further savings for those who shop online.

Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Relationship rewards for customers
  • New cardholder bonus offer
  • No foreign transaction fee

Cons

  • Must be a member/customer
  • High APR
  • Requires a good credit score
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Must be a member/customer
  • Save 5% every day at Target and Target.com
  • RedCard Exclusives including special items and offers

8. My Best Buy® Visa® Card

Best for Best Buy shoppers

Apply now

My Best Buy® Visa® Card

4.3
Scholaroo Rating
Regular APR31.24%
Annual Fee$0 – $59
Rewards5% back on Best Buy purchases
Credit ScoreGood to Excellent (690 - 850)
Why We Like ItPros and ConsEligibility RequirementsBenefits and Rewards

The My Best Buy® Visa® card is a credit card offered in partnership between Best Buy, a leading electronics retailer, and Visa. It’s designed to provide benefits and rewards to regular shoppers at Best Buy stores and online.

The card offers a rewards program where cardholders can earn points on Best Buy purchases as well as other everyday purchases like groceries and dining. The points can then be redeemed for Best Buy gift certificates.

The standard version of the My Best Buy® Visa® Card typically has no annual fee, but there might be other versions with an annual fee that offer higher rewards.

Pros

  • No annual fee for the Platinum card
  • Excellent reward earning on eligible Best Buy purchases
  • Special financing options on eligible Best Buy purchases

Cons

  • $59 annual fee for the Gold version of the card
  • High standard APR
  • Must be at least 18 years old
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident
  • Need a good to excellent credit score
  • 5% back in rewards (6% back in rewards for Elite Plus card members) on Best Buy purchases or flexible financing options starting on purchases $299 and up
  • 3% back in rewards on gas purchases
  • 2% back in rewards on grocery dining and takeout purchases
  • 1% back in rewards on all other purchases

What Is a Store Credit Card?

Credit cards tailored to particular stores can provide a range of advantages, including reward points, exclusive discounts, and financing options.

Many people think of large department stores when it comes to store credit cards, but they are also available from specialty stores in the areas of home improvement, cosmetics, fashion, and sports. Some of these cards are only accepted at certain outlets, while others are affiliated with major credit card companies like Visa and Mastercard.

What Are the Benefits of Retail Store Cards?

Retail store cards come with a variety of benefits that can be appealing to consumers:

  • Discounts and Special Offers: Many retail store cards offer exclusive discounts or special offers for cardholders. These can include a percentage off your first purchase, ongoing discounts on select items, or access to special sales events. These perks can lead to significant savings for frequent shoppers at a particular store.
  • Rewards Programs: Store cards often feature rewards programs where you can earn points or cash back on purchases. These rewards can be redeemed for merchandise, gift cards, or other incentives. It’s a way to get additional value from the shopping you already do.
  • Building Credit: For those with limited or no credit history, retail store cards can provide an opportunity to build credit. They often have more lenient approval requirements, making them accessible to a wider range of consumers. By using the card responsibly and making timely payments, you can establish or improve your credit score.
  • Financing Options: Some store cards offer special financing options, such as 0% interest for a certain period on large purchases. This can make it easier to afford big-ticket items by spreading the cost over time without incurring interest.
  • Exclusive Perks: Depending on the retailer, a store card might grant you access to exclusive perks like free gift wrapping, special customer service lines, or early access to new products and sales.

The Drawbacks of Store Credit Cards

Retail store cards, while offering various benefits, also come with certain drawbacks that must be carefully considered:

  • High-Interest Rates: One of the most significant disadvantages of retail store cards is the typically high-interest rates they carry. If you don’t pay off the balance in full each month, the interest charges can quickly add up, negating any savings or rewards you might have earned.
  • Limited Usability: Store cards can only be used at the specific retailer or within a chain of related stores. This limited usability can be inconvenient if you want a credit card for more general spending.
  • Impact on Credit Score: Applying for a store card will often result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your credit score. If the card has a low credit limit, it might be easier to utilize a high percentage of that limit, potentially affecting your credit utilization ratio negatively.
  • Temptation to Overspend: The discounts and special offers associated with store cards can lead to a temptation to overspend. It’s easy to make impulse purchases to take advantage of a deal, but this can lead to carrying a balance and paying interest.
  • Potential Fees: Some store cards may come with annual fees or other charges that can reduce their overall value. It’s crucial to read the terms and conditions to understand all potential costs.
  • Less Robust Protection: Compared to traditional credit cards, store cards may offer fewer consumer protections. This could include less generous return policies or fewer features like extended warranties.

FAQs

What’s the best store credit card?

The best store card depends on your individual needs; good options include the TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® and Amazon Prime Rewards card. Compare store cards above to find one that suits your personal requirements.

Are store cards easier to receive approval for than other cards?

If you have good credit, store cards can be easier to qualify for than regular ones but may not be as widely accepted. Store cards are typically only accepted at specific stores.

Will a store credit card help me build credit?

Just like a credit card, store cards can help you build your credit history with responsible use as most of them report to the major credit bureaus.