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Best Store Credit Cards for October 2024

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updated: September 5, 2024

You’ve almost certainly been standing at checkout and staring down the barrel of a painfully rehearsed store credit card pitch. Did you take the bait?

Store credit cards aren’t for everyone—but they’re great for some. Whether you’re interested in bonus cash at stores you frequent or 0% APR opportunities for large purchases, a store card may be right up your alley. But you should take a look at non-store cards to ensure that one of those isn’t a better fit for your spending habits.

Let’s take a look at the best store credit cards to help you find the perfect option.

TIME Stamped best store credit cards

Best for Simon Mall shoppers: Simon® American Express® Credit Card

Simon Mall shoppers
Cardless

Simon® American Express® Credit Card

Simon Mall shoppers

Simon® American Express® Credit Card

Credit score needed
Good
Annual fees
$0
Welcome offer
$150 cash back

The Simon® American Express® Credit Card is the perfect cash back tool for mall addicts. You’ll earn $150 back after you spend $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days from account opening. You’ll also get:

  • 5% back in-store at participating retailers such as JCPenney, Aeropostale, Forever 21, Eddie Bauer, etc.
  • 5% for online purchases at select online shops.
  • 3% back on purchases with other retailers at any Simon Mall, Mills, or Premium Outlet in the U.S.
  • 1% back on all other eligible purchases.

You’ll also earn statement credits of up to 10% when purchasing gift cards with merchants like Gap and Banana Republic.

To boost your savings, you’ll also have access to Amex Offers. These are targeted statement credits and bonus rewards incentives that you can add to your card through your online account. Amex Offers change all the time, so be sure to keep an eye out for offers that can help you save on purchases you were planning to make anyway.

  • 5% cash back at Simon Center and at any other Simon Mall, Mills, or Premium Outlet in the U.S.
  • 200+ shopping malls nationwide
  • No annual fee
  • Use your card 5 times each statement cycle to earn Rewards
  • Balance transfer fee: N/A
  • Cash advance fee: N/A
  • Foreign transaction fee: $0

Pros:

  • 5% back at participating Simon destination retailers and on select online purchases.
  • $150 welcome bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days after account opening.
  • $0 annual fee.

Cons:

  • Must make 5 purchases per statement cycle to earn rewards.
  • 5% back category is capped at $10,000 spending each year.
  • Rewards redemption options are limited.

Best for food delivery: card_name

card_name

DoorDash Rewards Mastercard®

DoorDash Rewards Mastercard®

Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full

If you’re one of the many who have become hooked on food-delivery services over the past few years, you know how expensive the service fees and delivery-driver tips can make a reasonably priced meal. The card_name's annual_fee_disclaimer can go a long way in keeping your costs low.

First, you’ll receive a free year of DashPass (normally $96 annually) after account opening. This comes with perks like $0 restaurant-delivery fees and lower service fees on eligible DoorDash orders. You’ll even get 5% in DoorDash credits when you opt to pick up the food yourself. Each year you spend $10,000 on your card, you’ll get another free year of DashPass.

You’ll also get a solid return for your spending:

  • 4% cash back on DoorDash and Caviar orders
  • 3% cash back on dining when purchased directly from a restaurant
  • 2% cash back on grocery stores online or in-store
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

Particularly for a no-annual-fee credit card, this is an above-average return for dining, whether you eat at the restaurant or order delivery.

Introductory Offer:

  • Unlock a FREE year of DashPass (worth $96) with the DoorDash Rewards Mastercard.

Card Rewards:

  • 4% on DoorDash and Caviar orders, including restaurants, groceries, pet supplies, retail items, and more. No earning caps.
  • 3% on dining directly from restaurants. No earning caps.
  • 2% on grocery store purchases, both online and in person.
  • 1% on all other purchases. No earning caps.

Additional Benefits:

  • Earn a complimentary DashPass membership (worth $96) every year with $10,000 in annual card spend. DashPass members enjoy $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible orders.
  • No annual card fee, just cash back on every purchase.
  • Exclusive Cardmember benefit: Get 10% off one Convenience, Grocery, Alcohol, Retail, or DashMart order every month (up to $15 per order). Offer expires 12/31/2024.

Member FDIC

  • Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
  • Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
  • Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee

Pros:

  • No annual fee.
  • 4% cash back on DoorDash and Caviar orders.
  • Complimentary one-year DashPass subscription for new cardholders.

Cons:

  • Limited rewards redemption options.
  • High variable APR of 20.24% to 28.99% for purchases,
  • Requires good to excellent credit.

Best for Disney fanatics: card_name

card_name

Disney® Premier Visa® Card

Disney® Premier Visa® Card

Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles_full

The card_name serves exclusively one demographic: Big Disney spenders. Here’s why:

  • It offers a 10% discount on various Disney shopping (shopDisney.com, merchandise at Walt Disney World, etc.).
  • Its rewards can only be redeemed for Disney purchases (and airfare).
  • It offers special financing for select Disney packages.

This card earns Disney Reward Dollars for everyday purchases. You’ll get 5% back on purchases made directly with DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com, or ESNPlus.com, 2% back at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and most Disney U.S. locations, and 1% back on all other eligible purchases.

The Disney Premier Card charges a annual_fees annual fee. But you’ll also earn a $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening—making the card well worth a test drive for a year to see if it complements your Disney-crazed lifestyle.

Introductory Offer:

  • Earn a $300 Statement Credit after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • 0% promo APR for 6 months on select Disney vacation packages from the date of purchase, after that a variable APR of 19.24% - 28.24%
  • 0% promo APR for 6 months on select Disney vacation packages from the date of purchase, after that a variable APR of 19.24% - 28.24%

Card Rewards:

  • Earn 5% in Disney Rewards Dollars on card purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or ESPNPlus.com.
  • Earn 2% in Disney Rewards Dollars on card purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and most Disney U.S. locations.
  • Earn 1% on all your other card purchases. There are no limits to the number of Rewards Dollars you can earn.
  • Redeem Rewards Dollars for a statement credit toward airline purchases.

Additional Benefits:

  • 10% off select merchandise purchases at select locations and 10% off select dining locations most days at the Disneyland® Resort and Walt Disney World® Resort.
  • Save 10% on select purchases at DisneyStore.com

Member FDIC

  • Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
  • Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
  • Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee

Pros:

  • 2% in Disney Rewards Dollars at Disney locations, restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores; 5% back at disneyplus.com, hulu.com, espnplus.com; 1% elsewhere.
  • $300 statement credit after spending $1,000 in the first three months.
  • 0% Intro APR for the first 6 months.

Cons:

  • $49 annual fee.
  • 3% foreign transaction fee.
  • Rewards have limited flexibility.

Best for grocery delivery: card_name

card_name

Instacart Mastercard®

Instacart Mastercard®

Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles

Instacart is a platform that allows you to select and buy groceries (and other things) online from local stores. You can have them delivered, or you can pick them up yourself.

Groceries are the biggest monthly credit card expense for many of us, so getting the absolute biggest return for your grocery spending is important. The card_name offers a huge earning rate on groceries—and a respectable return for other common purchases, too:

  • 5% cash back through the Instacart app and on Instacart.com.
  • 5% cash back on travel reserved through the Chase Travel Portal.
  • 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, and on select streaming services.
  • 1% cash back for all other eligible purchases.

You’ll even get a $100 Instacart credit and a free year of Instacart+ membership after you’ve opened your credit card account. That means free delivery for purchases over $35, lower service fees, and a 5% credit when you choose to pick up your shopping (instead of having it delivered). Instacart+ is normally $99 per year.

  • New cardmember bonus offers from Instacart are valid only once per Instacart account. If the Instacart account you are applying from already received any new cardmember bonus from Instacart, such as an Instacart Credit or free Instacart+ membership, the credit card is available to you but you will not be eligible for another new cardmember bonus from Instacart. 
  • You'll earn points on purchases of products and services, minus returns or refunds, made with an Instacart Mastercard credit card by you or an authorized user of the account.
  • You’ll earn 5% Cash Back rewards for each $1 spent on purchases made using your card through Chase Travel.
  • You'll earn 2% Cash Back rewards for each $1 spent on purchases in the following rewards categories: gas stations; dining at restaurants including takeout and eligible delivery services; select streaming services. 
  • You'll earn 1% Cash Back rewards for each $1 spent on all other purchases. 
  • You can pay with points
  • Purchases Eligible for Chase Pay Over Time Set Up After Purchase
  • Purchases Eligible for Chase Pay Over Time at Checkout on Amazon.com
  • Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
  • Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
  • Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee

Pros:

  • 5% cash back through Instacard and on Chase Travel purchases.
  • No annual fee.
  • No foreign transaction fees.

Cons:

  • No bonus rewards for non-Instacart groceries.
  • No 0% introductory APR.
  • Requires good to excellent credit.

All information about the Instacart Mastercard® has been collected independently by TIME Stamped.

Best for Amazon/Whole Foods purchases: card_name

card_name

Prime Visa

Prime Visa

Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees
Welcome offer
bonus_miles

The card_name is one of the most versatile cash back credit cards you can open because of its monster return rate at Amazon and Whole Foods. Between those two brands, you can get just about anything you’d possibly need.

Here’s what you’ll earn:

  • 5% cash back with Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods.
  • 5% cash back via the Chase Travel Portal.
  • 2% cash back at gas stations, restaurants, and local transit and commuting.
  • 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.

You’ll also earn 10% back (or more) for a rotating selection of products thanks to a perk called “Prime Card Bonus.”

While this card does not charge an annual fee, only Amazon Prime members are eligible. If you don’t have Amazon Prime (which costs $139 per year), you’re only eligible for the less-premium Amazon Visa with inferior earning rates.

  • Unlimited 5% back on their Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and Chase Travel purchases for Prime members (or 3% for non-prime members) and those points can be redeemed for future Amazon.com purchases or for cash back, gift cards or travel via Chase.
  • Unlimited 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and on local transit and commuting (including rideshares).
  • Unlimited 1% back on all your other purchases.
  • No annual fee.
  • Balance transfer fee: balance_transfer_fees
  • Cash advance fee: cash_advance_fee
  • Foreign transaction fee: foreign_transaction_fee

Pros:

  • $100 Amazon gift card on card approval.
  • 5% rewards on Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and Chase Travel.
  • Substantial travel and purchase protections.

Cons:

  • $139 required Amazon Prime membership for best rewards.
  • Limited rewards redemption options.
  • No Chase Ultimate Rewards points.

All information about the Prime Visa has been collected independently by TIME Stamped.

Best for gas stations: card_name

card_name

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Annual fees
annual_fees (Rates & Fees)
Welcome offer
bonus_miles

The card's annual_fees (Rates & Fees) annual fee by Citi is surprisingly useful outside the brick-and-mortar walls of a Costco warehouse.

Its crowning feature is the ability to earn 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging (up to $7,000 in spending per year, then 1% thereafter). This includes gas stations that are not affiliated with Costco. There are some strings attached, though—gas purchased at a supermarket, superstore, convenience store, or warehouse club (other than Costco) will only earn 1%. In other words, only standalone gas stations will earn 4% back.

You’ll also earn:

  • 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel, including Costco travel
  • 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

While this card doesn’t tout a public bonus, you can ask in-store if you’re targeted for any special offers for applying. You might get lucky.

One other thing: You can only redeem your cash back once per year after your February statement closes. You can ask for cash or simply use it for free merchandise at Costco warehouses within the U.S.

  • Discover one of Citi's best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
  • 4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
  • 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
  • 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases
  • No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
  • Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico

Pros:

  • High rewards rates.
  • Can be used anywhere.
  • Purchase protections.

Cons:

  • Must be a Costco member (annual fee).
  • Rewards can only be redeemed at Costco.
  • Rewards expire at the end of the year.

Best for Apple purchases: Apple Card

Apple purchases
Apple

Apple Card

Apple purchases

Apple Card

Credit score needed
Good
Annual fees
$0
Welcome offer
N/A

The Apple Card doesn’t have ground-breaking rewards. It doesn’t offer a welcome bonus, and its bonus categories are a bit on the niche side. But there are some unique aspects to what it offers.

The card earns “Daily Cash,” which is effectively cash back that you can redeem toward a statement credit on your card (or in other ways within the Apple universe). Daily cash is deposited instantly into your rewards account—so when you swipe your card, your available cash balance will increase the same day. Pretty handy, as many other credit cards won’t deposit your rewards until after your billing cycle.

The card earns:

  • 3% back at Apple when you use Apple Pay
  • 3% back at Nike, Panera, Walgreens, T-Mobile, Duane Reade, Uber/Uber Eats, Exxon Mobil, and Ace Hardware
  • 2% back on all purchases when you use Apple Pay
  • 1% back on all other eligible purchases

One of the big selling points of the card is the ability to set up monthly installments for Apple purchases. If you’re always purchasing Apple products, this card gives you the power to buy new Apple products and pay over time without incurring interest.

  • Most credit cards emphasize your minimum amount due. But when you pay only your minimum each month, it costs you a lot in interest over time. Apple Card is different. When you’re ready to make a payment, Apple Card estimates the interest you’ll wind up paying, based on any payment amount you choose. And it does that in real time, so you can make an informed decision about how much of your balance to pay down.
  • When you buy something using Apple Card, you get a percentage of your purchase back in Daily Cash — not a month from now, but every day. It’s real cash, so unlike rewards, it never expires or loses its value. You can choose to have it automatically deposited onto your Apple Cash card in the Wallet app, and it’s ready to send or spend however you’d like. Or you can open a Savings account with Apple Card and route your Daily Cash directly into the account, where it can earn interest. And there’s no limit to how much Daily Cash you can get. Use it to buy things in stores, on websites, and in apps. Make a payment on your Apple Card. Pay back a friend. Or save it up and watch it grow over time.
  • Apple Card gives you unlimited 3% Daily Cash back on everything you buy at Apple — whether it’s a new Mac, an iPhone case, games from the App Store, or even a service like Apple Music or Apple TV+. You also get 3% Daily Cash back on purchases you make at select merchants when you use Apple Card with Apple Pay.
  • With Apple Card Family, you can share Apple Card with a Co‑Owner and add up to four Participants to one easy-to-manage account.
  • If you’re an Owner or Co-Owner on an Apple Card account, you can now use your Daily Cash to help build a better long-term financial foundation. Simply open a Savings account to have your Daily Cash automatically routed into a high-yield savings account. You can set it up in just a few steps and manage it all right in Wallet. No minimum deposits, no fees, no balance requirements. You can even deposit additional money into your Savings account from your Apple Cash balance, from the bank account linked to your Apple Card, or from any other bank. You’re free to move money in and out as you see fit, and you can stop routing your Daily Cash to Savings at any time.
  • Balance transfer fee: N/A
  • Cash advance fee: N/A
  • Foreign transaction fee: N/A

Pros:

  • Daily automatic cash back instantly available.
  • No annual fee, late fee, or foreign transaction fee.
  • Apple Payment Plan lets you pay over time at a low interest rate (0% for Apple products).

Cons:

  • No welcome or sign-up bonus.
  • No purchase protection.
  • Apple Pay is not accepted everywhere.

Best for home renovations: Lowe’s Advantage Card

Home renovations
Lowes

Lowes Advantage Card

Home renovations

Lowes Advantage Card

Credit score needed
Good
Annual fees
$0
Welcome offer
20% discount

The no-annual-fee Lowe’s Advantage Card has a very generous return rate for in-store purchases that’ll interest anyone who does meaningful spending at Lowe’s. But the real winners are folks like contractors who are in charge of purchasing their own materials (though exclusions may apply based on your situation).

This card comes with an intro offer of 20% off (up to $100) on your first purchase. You’ll then earn a flat 5% back on eligible purchases on Lowes.com and in U.S. Lowe’s stores.

You can also opt to forego the 5% return for special six-month financing on qualifying purchases. Or, you can go with 84 fixed monthly payments at a reduced APR of 9.99%. This only applies to purchases totaling at least $2,000. It’s obviously never a good idea to carry a balance, but this gives you a reasonable interest rate if you need to.

  • 20% Off When You Open and Use a New Account Then Get 5% Off Every Day
  • 5% Off Every Day or 6 Months Special Financing or 84 Fixed Monthly Payments
  • Appliances, Installed Flooring and HVAC Special Financing
  • Balance transfer fee: N/A
  • Cash advance fee: N/A
  • Foreign transaction fee: N/A

Pros:

  • No annual fee.
  • 5% discount on eligible purchases at Lowes.
  • Periodic special 0% financing options.

Cons:

  • Can only be used at Lowe's stores and on Lowes.com.
  • No welcome offer or rewards program beyond the Lowe's store discount.
  • High standard APR.

Best for electronics purchases: My Best Buy® Visa® Card

Electronics purchases
Citi

My Best Buy® Visa® Card

Electronics purchases

My Best Buy® Visa® Card

Credit score needed
Good
Annual fees
$0 - $59
Welcome offer
10% back

The My Best Buy® Visa® Card is frustrating in that it’s got valuable benefits but can be downright predatory for anyone who fails to read the fine print carefully.

Let’s start with the good stuff. You’ll earn:

  • 5% back on Best Buy purchases
  • 3% back on gas purchases
  • 2% back on dining and grocery purchases
  • 1% back for everything else.

The rewards you earn can only be redeemed for items at Best Buy. You’ll also receive exclusive financing thanks to your card. This includes interest-free windows between 12 and 36 months, depending on what you’re buying.

Now for the ugly. If you take advantage of the card’s interest-free financing, but you fail to pay off the purchase in full before the 0% APR period ends, you’ll be retroactively charged all the interest you would have accrued. This is called “deferred interest,” and it’s very dangerous. Don’t opt for it if you aren’t absolutely certain that you can pay off your purchase in time.

To make matters worse, the My Best Buy Card charges a variable interest rate above 30%. Very few cards do this. It can spell huge trouble if you find yourself carrying a balance month-to-month.

It’s also worth mentioning that this card’s annual fee is between $0 and $59, based on your creditworthiness. You won’t know whether your card charges an annual fee until after you apply.

  • 10% back in rewards or flexible financing: Get 10% back in rewards on your first day of purchases at Best Buy® or choose flexible financing when you are approved for the Card. Plus, as a new Cardmember you’ll receive welcome offers with discounts, bonus rewards and more.
  • 5% back in rewards or flexible financing: Here's how it works. Choose rewards and get a $5 reward certificate for every $100 spent at Best Buy® with your Card or Choose financing and enjoy the flexibility of low monthly payments.
  • Earn up to 3% back in rewards: 3% back in rewards on gas purchases, 2% back in rewards on grocery, dining and takeout purchases 1% back in rewards on other purchases. Plus, limited-time bonus reward categories.
  • Cardmembers can choose rewards or flexible financing on purchases at Best Buy®.
  • Enjoy free shipping on qualifying purchases at Best Buy®.
  • Balance transfer fee: The greater of $15 or 5% of the amount of each transfer
  • Cash advance fee: The greater of $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance
  • Foreign transaction fee: $0

Pros:

  • Potential to earn considerable rewards points for use at Best Buy.
  • No annual fee for those approved for the Visa Platinum version of the card.
  • Special financing options on eligible Best Buy purchases.

Cons:

  • $59 annual fee for those approved only for the Visa Gold Version of the card.
  • Few additional benefits.
  • High standard APR.

Best store credit cards comparison chart

Card nameAnnual feesCredit scoreBonus rewards
$0
Good
$150 cash back
annual_fees
credit_score_needed
bonus_miles_full
annual_fees
credit_score_needed
bonus_miles_full
annual_fees
credit_score_needed
bonus_miles
annual_fees
credit_score_needed
bonus_miles
annual_fees (Rates & Fees)
credit_score_needed
bonus_miles
$0
Good
N/A
$0
Good
20% discount
$0 - $59
Good
10% back

Our Methodology

There are loads of store credit cards out there. Choosing the right one isn’t always easy—even if you know which store you want to shop at.

We examined the store credit cards that offered the most upside in terms of:

  • Return rate.
  • Complimentary memberships.
  • Special financing.
  • Welcome bonuses.
  • Annual fee.

We also considered the ubiquity of each store. In other words, if a credit card had excellent perks but has only a small footprint in the Midwest, we did not include it.

How to pick the best store credit cards

Identify your spending habits

Too often, customers get talked into opening a card at checkout just to receive a 15% discount on their $70 cart. Don’t acquiesce unless you shop at that particular store a lot—and you know that opening another credit card will be a net positive to your wallet.

And don’t let the cashier’s rousing spiel cause you to make any decisions you otherwise wouldn’t.

Weigh the benefits

Credit cards can sometimes become little more than an accessory. If you’re passionate about your favorite store, you may just want a credit card that signals to everyone else your enthusiasm about the retailer.

Make sure the benefits that come with the card are actually worth your application. If a card’s main feature is its ability to confer special financing for large purchases, and that’s something you’ll never use, a simple cash back card would likely be a bigger win for you.

Understand the fees

You can bet that whichever store card you’re considering has its share of nickel-and-dime terms and conditions buried in the mouse type. Whether its astonishingly high interest rates for balances carried month-to-month or big fees, read carefully before you sign up.

More on store credit cards

What is a store credit card?

A store credit card is not to be confused ​​with a “store card.” While both offer unique perks for a specific merchant, they’ve got one massive difference.

A store card can only be used at the issuing store. It can’t be used, for example, at the gas station on the way home. A store credit card can be used anywhere, just like any other credit card. Store credit cards are valuable for those who do a lot of shopping at the same place, but want the freedom to use the card elsewhere if they want.

Store credit cards: pros and cons

ProsCons
Statement credits and memberships for specific brands
Welcome bonuses much smaller than the best rewards credit cards
Rewards are focused on your favorite merchants
Limited value outside the cobranded store
Special financing occasionally offered for store purchases
High interest rates

When should you get a store credit card?

If you find yourself consistently shopping at the same merchant, it could be worthwhile to check out its credit card options. Even if you use a cash back credit card with a solid return on all spending as your daily driver, a store card could have an even higher earning rate, opportunities for 0% interest financing, and big discounts at checkout.

Tips to leverage a store credit card

Read the fine print. Store cards can come with less-than-friendly terms. You want to know where the booby traps are so you can avoid them. For example, when a card charges deferred interest, that means it won’t charge you interest for carrying a balance for a specific amount of time. If you fail to pay off your purchase within that window, you’ll receive one massive interest fee in the amount of all the APR that you would have accrued during the months you carried a balance.

Time the welcome bonus. Some store credit cards come with a welcome offer in the form of a rebate for your next purchase (or series of purchases). If the card you want has a similar time-sensitive bonus, be sure you open it at the right time to maximize its value.

Practice healthy credit card habits. Use your store credit card as you do your other credit cards. Pay your balances in full each month to avoid interest charges; keep your credit utilization low. If you're taking advantage of a 0% intro APR offer, pay your bill in full before it ends.

Alternatives to store credit cards

It’s often the case that a credit card not affiliated with a specific merchant can give you the biggest bang for your swipe. You’ll find many cash back and travel rewards cards have more generous purchase protection, higher welcome bonuses, and more versatile rewards.

For example, the no annual fee Citi Double Cash® Card earns 1% back when you make a purchase and 1% back when you pay off that purchase. An effective 2% everywhere is a solid return that may not outperform some store credit cards when shopping in-store, but it can make up for it by earning 2% on all your other expenses, as well. The card also offers an extremely generous balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration. Learn more from our full review.

Citi Double Cash® Card

Citi Double Cash® Card

Balance transfer intro apr
balance_transfer_intro_apr,balance_transfer_intro_duration
Regular APR
reg_apr,reg_apr_type
Annual fees
annual_fees (Rates & Fees)
Credit score needed
credit_score_needed
Bonus rewards
bonus_miles_full

TIME Stamp: Store credit cards are typically only valuable if you use them a lot

​​With a little bit of research, you’ll find rewards credit cards with welcome bonuses worth $1,000+ in cash. You’ll find travel credit cards that come with many hundreds of dollars in statement credits each year. These are things you won’t find on a store credit card.

For the most part, store credit cards are (understandably) the most competent when used at whichever store name is on the front of the card. Be sure you make enough purchases at that particular store to warrant an application.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

What is the easiest store credit card to get with no credit?

If you have no credit, you’ll likely have more luck applying for a closed-loop store card—that is, a “credit” card that only works at the store that issues it. In other words, you can’t use it as a regular credit card for purchases anywhere credit cards are accepted.

The Fingerhut Credit Card has been known to approve applicants with limited credit history.

Which store credit cards can I get with a 580 credit score?

If you have a credit score of 580, you shouldn’t be focused on rewards credit cards. It’s possible to get a store card, such as the Fingerhut Credit Card, but it’s better to work on improving your score to at least “good” (defined as 670 or above by FICO) before prioritizing rewards.

Which store credit cards are hard to get?

Store credit cards aren’t particularly hard to get. If you can qualify for any other rewards card, you can likely qualify for the store credit card you’ve got your eye on.

Which retail stores have their own credit card?

Dozens of stores around the country offer their own rewards card—from drugstores like CVS to furniture stores like IKEA to giants like Walmart to clothing stores like Banana Republic. If your favorite store is a nationwide chain, there’s a good chance it’s got some type of credit card.

The information presented here is created by TIME Stamped and overseen by TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About Us page.

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Total Visa Card Review

Total Visa Card Review 2024

The Total Visa credit card may be a necessary evil to overcome the messy credit history you’ve accumulated. Close it as soon as it’s served its purpose.

types of visa cards

What Is the Difference Between the 3 Types of Visa Credit Cards: Traditional, Signature, and Infinite?

The type of Visa credit card you have is meaningful. The higher the tier, the more valuable your benefits might be, such as travel insurance, discounts, and purchase protection.

United Club Infinite Card

United Club Infinite Card Review 2024

United’s premium credit card, the United Club Infinite, is jam-packed with features and benefits, but it may not hold enough value for infrequent travelers.

Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa Review

Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa Card Review 2024

The Upgrade Cash Rewards Visa Card offers the flexible financing and payments of a personal loan with the cash back earning of a credit card. Learn more in our full review.

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