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.
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
Lender | Scholaroo rating | Regular APR | Credit Score |
---|---|---|---|
TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® Best for TJX shoppers Visit website | 31.99% | 620+ | |
Lowe’s Advantage Card Best for Lowe’s shoppers Visit website | 28.99% | 620+ | |
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card Best for Amazon credit cards Visit website | 18.99% - 26.99% | 690+ | |
JCPenney Credit Card Best for JCPenny shoppers Visit website | 30.99% | 640+ | |
REI Co-op® Mastercard® Best for REI shoppers Visit website | 18.99% - 29.99% | 690+ | |
Bloomingdale’s American Express® Card Best for Bloomingdale’s shoppers Visit website | 31.49% | 690+ | |
Target REDcard™ Credit Card Best for Targe shoppers Visit website | 27.90% | 690+ | |
My Best Buy® Visa® Card Best for Best Buy shoppers Visit website | 31.24% | 690+ |
TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®
Best for TJX shoppers
Lowe’s Advantage Card
Best for Lowe’s shoppers
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
Best for Amazon credit cards
JCPenney Credit Card
Best for JCPenny shoppers
REI Co-op® Mastercard®
Best for REI shoppers
Bloomingdale’s American Express® Card
Best for Bloomingdale’s shoppers
Target REDcard™ Credit Card
Best for Targe shoppers
My Best Buy® Visa® Card
Best for Best Buy shoppers
1. TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®
2. Lowe's Advantage Card
3. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
4. JCPenney Credit Card
5. REI Co-op® Mastercard®
6. Bloomingdale’s American Express® Card
7. Target REDcard™ Credit Card
8. My Best Buy® Visa® Card
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.