A store credit card is an ideal choice for those who do a lot of their regular shopping at a particular store, and is a smart way to earn rewards or discounts on things you’d already planned on buying.
Finding the best store credit card for your spending needs means reading reviews, studying product features, and diving into the ins and outs of available options and interest rates. With the right store credit card, you can make important purchases at your favorite stores with ease.
We reviewed dozens of store credit cards to identify the best of the best, based on CreditCards.com reviews, how easy they were to apply for and use, cost, and other considerations. We narrowed our search down to 5 of the top-rated store credit cards people can apply for to easily make important purchases at their favorite stores.
We’ve identified Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard® as the best store credit card out there. With the ability to use it anywhere that Mastercard is accepted, plus accelerated rewards at Walmart stores and on Walmart.com, this store credit card is one that will keep your spending on track.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Store Credit Cards
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Best Store Credit Card Overall | Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard® | 4.8 |
| Best Online Store Credit Card | Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card | 4.6 |
| Best Store Credit Card With No Annual Fee | Target REDcard™ Credit Card | 4.7 |
| Best Store Credit Card With Promotional Financing | Lowe's Advantage Card | 4.5 |
| Best Store Credit Card With Cash Back | Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi | 4.7 |
*Ratings are from NerdWallet.com at the time of publication and can change
Best Store Credit Card Overall: Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard®
The Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard® took the top spot on our list of the best store credit cards, and offers shoppers the ability to earn unlimited 5% cashback at Walmart.com including on Grocery Pickup and Delivery, unlimited 2% back at restaurants and on travel, plus in Walmart stores, and unlimited 1% back everywhere else that Mastercard® is accepted. There is an introductory bonus offer where you can earn unlimited 5% back in Walmart stores for the first 12 months after approval when you use the card with Walmart Pay.
Those who held and reviewed this store credit card appreciated the additional warranty protection at no charge, automatic travel accident insurance, and instant purchase notification features. They also liked that the card included access to Paribus, which finds potential savings on previous online purchases and gets you money back.
With no annual fee, the price is certainly right on this store credit card, and the convenience of use as well as the quality service associated with the brand, make it an excellent option for most shoppers. It has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars on NerdWallet.com, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make the application.
Capital One® Walmart Rewards™ Mastercard® Key Features:
- Redeem for statement credit, travel, or gift cards
- Regular APR 17.99%-26.99% variable
- $0 fraud liability protection
Best Online Store Credit Card: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card took the runner-up spot on our list of the best store credit cards, and allows you to easily earn rewards anywhere you shop, with 5% cashback for Amazon and Whole Foods purchases; 2% at restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores; and 1% on all other purchases. The card is available exclusively for Amazon Prime members and comes with a $70 Amazon gift card upon approval. It has a regular APR of 14.24%-22.24% variable.
Those who held and reviewed this store credit card appreciated that it offered a high rewards rate on Amazon purchases and that it was an open-loop card — meaning it can be used anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted. People also liked the extended warranty and purchase protection features.
With no annual fee, the price is certainly right on this store credit card if you already have a Prime membership, and the convenience of use as well as the quality service associated with the company, make it an excellent option for most shoppers. It has a rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars on NerdWallet.com, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make the application.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card Key Features:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Travel and emergency assistance
- No minimum redemption amount
Best Store Credit Card With No Annual Fee: Target REDcard™ Credit Card
The Target REDcard™ Credit Card is an excellent choice for those looking for a store credit card that won’t break the bank. There’s no annual fee on this card, which lets you save 5% on Target purchases both in-store and online. Each year on your anniversary, you’ll get a 10% off coupon for even bigger savings.
Those who hold and reviewed this store credit card appreciated that it gave them an additional 30 days to return items, and free shipping for online purchases. It does have a steep APR of 25.15% variable, so make sure you pay the balance off each month to avoid incurring interest charges. The card can be added to your wallet in the Target app to more easily pay and redeem for exclusive offers at in-store checkout.
With no annual fee, the price is certainly right on this store credit card, especially if you do a lot of your shopping at Target. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on NerdWallet.com which we think goes a long way in convincing people that this budget-friendly pick is just as good at meeting their credit needs as its more expensive counterparts.
Target REDcard™ Credit Card Key Features:
- Additional 5% off clearance items and in-store at Starbucks
- Save 10% on hotels with Hotels.com
- No foreign transaction fee
Best Store Credit Card With Promotional Financing: Lowe’s Advantage Card
The Lowe’s Advantage Card is an excellent option for those looking for a store credit card with promotional financing. Cardholders can choose between two options, either 6 months special financing on any minimum purchase of $299, or 84 fixed monthly payments with reduced APR financing on any purchase over $2,000. There is also a special promotional offer of 10% off your first purchase, up to $100.
Those who hold and reviewed this store credit card appreciated that it offered appreciable discounts on their home improvement projects, with various financing options to suit their needs. You’ll need good to excellent credit in order to qualify for this card, so keep that in mind if you decide to apply. It is a closed-loop card, meaning it can only be used at Lowes.
With no annual fee, the price is certainly right on this store credit card, especially for those looking to tackle some home improvement projects. It has a rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars on NerdWallet.com, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make the application.
Lowe’s Advantage Card Key Features:
- Take 5% off everyday purchases in-store and online
- Regular APR 26.99% variable
- No foreign transaction fees
Best Store Credit Card With Cash Back: Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Save at the warehouse, at the pump, and anywhere else you shop.
Check PriceThe Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is a solid choice for those wanting a store credit card with cashback. It is available exclusively for Costco members, and offers 1%-4% cashback on purchases at Costco and elsewhere. There is no annual fee for this card with your paid Costco membership, and cardholders will enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases.
Those who hold and reviewed this store credit card appreciated that it let them rack up some sizable rewards, but did find it restrictive that rewards could only be redeemed once a year, and only in store. It offers a decent regular APR of 15.24%, plus one of the best reward rates on fuel purchases.
With no annual fee, the price is certainly right on this store credit card, especially if you’re already paying for a Costco membership. You’ll need excellent credit in order to qualify for this store credit card though. It has a rating of 4.7 out of 5 stars on NerdWallet.com, which we think goes a long way in convincing people to make the application.
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi Key Features:
- Regular APR 15.24% variable
- Damage and theft purchase protection
- Special access to purchase tickets
Who Should Apply for a Store Credit Card
A store credit card is an ideal choice for those who do a lot of their regular shopping at a particular store. If you’re doing your grocery and clothing shopping at a certain department store, it makes sense to get a discount or some sort of rewards in order to maximize your savings.
Additionally, a store credit card is also a good choice for those who are looking to make a large purchase from a particular store, such as a home improvement store, and would like to ensure that they’re getting a discount or some sort of rewards in order to maximize savings for their purchase. Many stores offer special financing options for larger purchases, which can make them a more convenient way to finance something than a bank loan or regular credit card — especially if you’re earning rewards or getting a discount at the same time.
Finally, some people find that an open-loop store credit card is a good way to earn rewards to redeem at their favorite store while making purchases anywhere that Visa or MasterCard are accepted.
If you’re looking for other credit cards for specific stores or products, then you may want to try The Best Hotel Credit Cards or The Best Gas Credit Cards.
Important Features to Consider
Not all store credit cards are created equal. A store credit card should be easy to apply for, and offer the credit you need. Here’s what to consider when evaluating the options in search of the best store credit card for your financial needs:
- Bonus features. Many store credit cards include bonus features that make them more appealing to users, such as discounts of everyday purchases, cashback, extended warranties, or fraud protection. Review a card’s additional features to see if there are any that would be applicable to your personal situation.
- Introductory APR. Some store credit cards offer an introductory APR (annual purchase rate) that is much lower than the regular APR. It will only last a short period of time, usually 18-months or less, so be careful when it ends that your APR isn’t going to be astronomical. If you have a number of upcoming purchases, though, and want to keep the cost of borrowing low, a card with an introductory APR offer might be a good option.
- Regular APR. A card’s regular APR will determine how much interest you are charged each month. Cards with lower APRs make borrowing more affordable, but they sometimes come with annual fees, so be careful. Cards with low or no annual fees often carry higher APRs, but if you’re making payments in full and on schedule, they can still be a good option.
- Annual fee. You’ll definitely want to consider the annual fee of any store credit card. Cards with annual fees tend to have lower APRs, which can make borrowing more affordable over time. Cards with low or no annual fees often carry higher APRs, but as long as you are making payments in full and on time, they can still be a good option if you want to avoid the annual fees. If you don’t plan on using the card often, this won’t be as big of a factor in your decision. Some store credit cards have no annual fee, but you may have to pay an annual membership to the store in order to apply for the card.
- Credit limit. Another important factor when it comes to choosing a store credit card is how much credit you can actually get. Some cards offer really low starting limits of only $100, while others start at $500 and up. You’ll want to find a card that suits your spending needs and habits, though, so be realistic about your spending before you make a decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best store credit card to get?
The best store credit card to get will largely depend on your shopping habits. If you do a lot of your everyday shopping at a department store such as Target or Walmart, then one of their credit cards will be a good choice. If you have a lot of home repairs or other DIY projects coming up, a credit card from Lowes or Home Depot will better suit your needs. Many people hold multiple store credit cards in order to maximize their spending and savings. As long as you can make the payments each month, having multiple store credit cards isn’t a problem for most people.
Do store credit cards hurt your credit score?
Having a store credit card will hurt your credit score in the same way that a regular credit card does. If you are overspending or not making minimum payments on your store credit card on time, your credit score will take a hit. However, if you responsibly use your card, and make payments in full and on time each month, a store credit card can help you maximize your purchases and build a strong, healthy credit history.
What store credit cards can I get with bad credit?
You don’t need to have excellent credit in order to qualify for a store credit card, although many of the best cards with the best rewards do require an excellent credit rating. There are still many store credit cards that are available to those with bad credit, including: Kohl’s Charge Card; Macy’s Credit Card; TJX Rewards Credit Card; Nordstrom Retail Card; and JCPenney Credit Card.
What is the difference between an open-loop and a closed-loop credit card?
Store credit cards are generally offered in one of two formats, open loop or closed loop. An open-loop credit card simply means that it can be used at any retailer or point of sale that credit cards are accepted. On the other hand, a closed-loop credit card is one that can only be used at one particular retailer. Closed-loop cards are often easier to qualify for those with bad credit than open-loop credit cards.
Other Store Credit Cards We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other store credit cards. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best store credit cards list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your credit needs. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Online Store Credit Cards
- Store Credit Cards With No Annual Fee
- Store Credit Cards With Rewards
- Store Credit Cards With Promotional Financing
Online Store Credit Cards
This online store credit card lets you earn points when you make a purchase in-store and online, plus, you’ll save 20% and get free shipping on your first purchase.
Key Features:
- Redeem at any Gap Inc. brand
- Bonus point shopping days
- Surprise birthday gift
Cost: $0 annually
Montgomery Ward Credit Account
This online store credit card boasts quick approval with a $100 credit limit, and lets you earn an increased limit as you make on-time payments.
Key Features:
- Regular APR 5.75%-25.99%
- No annual fee
- Suitable for those with limited credit history
Cost: $0 annually
This online store credit card provides 20 points for every $1 spent, with a $10 reward for every 2,500 points accumulated.
Key Features:
- Bonus point opportunities
- Free birthday gift
- Express app lets you track spending and rewards
Cost: $0 annually
This online store credit account lets you easily finance purchases from Fingerhut.com, which carries numerous items from popular brands.
Key Features:
- Regular APR 29.99%
- Credit limit of $200-$800
- No membership fees
Store Credit Cards With No Annual Fee
TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®
This store credit card with no annual fee lets you earn 5% back at the brand’s family of stores, with 10% off your first purchase.
Key Features:
- App lets you track spending and rewards
- Exclusive private shopping events
- Regular ARP 26.99% variable
Cost: $0 annually
This store credit card with no annual fee lets you earn 5% back in rewards on IKEA® purchases, including Traemand installation and TaskRabbit assembly services, as well as 3% back in rewards on dining, grocery, and utilities.
Key Features:
- Regular APR 21.99% variable
- 1% back on all other purchases
- Reward certificates issued in $15 increments
Cost: $0 annually
This store credit card with no annual fee lets you earn up to $5,000 cashback each year, including 5% on gas, 3% on dining and travel, and 1% on all other purchases.
Key Features:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Doubles as your membership card
- Accepted at all Sam’s Club and Walmart® locations nationwide
Cost: $0 annually
Marriott Bonvoy Bold™ Credit Card
This store credit card with no annual fee lets members earn 3X Bonvoy points per $1 spent at over 7,000 participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels, 2X Bonvoy points on other travel purchases, and 1X point on everything else.
Key Features:
- No annual fee
- 15 elite night credits
- No foreign transaction fees
Cost: $0 annually
This store credit card with no annual fee boasts the ability to earn reward miles through flight purchases, and travel partners, and everyday purchases.
Key Features:
- Regular APR 15.99%-24.99% variable
- 50,000 bonus mile qualifying purchase offer
- Save 25% on inflight food and beverage purchases
Store Credit Cards With Rewards
This store credit card with rewards lets you combine your Kohl’s cash with your credit card in order to receive the most savings every day.
Key Features:
- Regular APR 24.99% variable
- Rewards bonus 35% + 15%
- Suitable for those with fair credit
Cost: $0 annually
This store credit card with rewards allows you to pay for your new Apple products over time, interest-free, and lets you earn unlimited daily cashback.
Key Features:
- Earn 1-3% cashback
- Regular APR 10.99%-21.99% variable
- Suitable for those with good credit
Cost: $0 annually
This store credit card with rewards boasts flexible financing options on anything BestBuy sells in-store or online, and lets you redeem $25 for every 1,250 points earned.
Key Features:
- Rewards rate of 2.5 points / $1 spent
- Regular APR 25.24% variable
- Suitable for those with fair credit
Cost: $0 annually
This store credit card with rewards boasts different tiers depending on qualification and earns you $10 in Star Money for every 1,000 points earned.
Key Features:
- Reward rate 0-5 points / $1 spent
- Regular APR 25.24% variable
- Rewards bonus 25% discount
Cost: $0 annually
This store credit card with rewards allows cardholders to earn rewards towards their next GM vehicle purchase on everything they buy, with the ability to combine with other special offers.
Key Features:
- Earnings never expire
- No limits to how much you can earn or redeem
- Introductory APR 0% on purchases for the first 12 months
Cost: $0 annually
This store credit card lets you earn rewards for your purchases at Shell. New cardholders can save 30¢/gallon (up to 20 gallons) on their first 5 Shell fuel purchases made by 10/31/20.
Key Features:
- Save 10¢ per gallon by linking your checking account
- Earn 2% rebate on up to $10,000 grocery and dining purchases, 1% on all other purchases
- Rebates applies as statement credit
Cost: $0 annually
This store credit card with rewards lets you earn 2 AIR MILES Reward Miles for every $20 spent at IGA, plus 1 Mile for every $20 spent elsewhere.
Key Features:
- Signup bonus 800 Miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months
- Extended warranty and purchase protection
- 25% car rental discount
Cost: $0 annually
This store credit card with rewards lets you earn 2 points per eligible net $1 spent at the Kroger Family of Companies, plus 1 point per dollar everywhere else.
Key Features:
- No annual fee
- Kroger fuel center savings
- Travel assistance services
Store Credit Cards With Promotional Financing
This store credit card with promotional financing boasts zero liability on unauthorized charges and gives you up to 4x the amount of time to return items you no longer need.
Key Features:
- Regular APR 17.99%-26.99% variable
- Suitable for those with fair credit
- Purchase intro APR 0% for 6-24 months
Cost: $0 annually
This store credit card with promotional financing lets cardholders earn 2X the rewards points with a JCPenney Credit Card, and provides special financing on qualifying purchases.
Key Features:
- Regular APR 25.99% variable
- Suitable for those with fair credit
- Purchase intro APR 0% for 12-60 months
Cost: $0 annually
This store credit card with promotional financing lets you choose between 10% off or 18 months financing on select purchases, and lets you earn points on everyday purchases.
Key Features:
- Regular APR 25.24% variable
- Suitable for those with fair credit
- Purchase intro APR 0% for 6-18 months
Cost: $0 annually
