Easy to Get Online Credit Cards for Stores
Best store cards for bad credit (also called closed-loop cards) are an excellent alternative if you're a regular customer at certain retailers. This is why, in this article, we're sharing our top choices of store cards for bad credit . After all, why should people with excellent credit get all the good deals?
We reviewed these cards based on things like:
- minimum credit score
- average APR
- annual fees
So, looking to find out more? Then be sure to check our concise table below!
Top 10 Store Cards for Bad Credit
We may earn a commission on sales made from partner links on this page. This doesn't affect our research and evaluation process. Read our full Affiliate Disclosure. 1. Amazon Visa Rewards Card
Best Overall
- No annual fee
- $50 gift card bonus
- 3% cashback at Amazon and Whole Foods
- Visa Signature card benefits
2. Capital One Walmart Store Card
Best for Walmart and Sam's Club Shoppers
- Easy to redeem rewards points
- No annual fee
- 5 cents per gallon savings
- Lucrative welcome bonus
3. Target RedCard
Best for Target Shoppers
- Relatively high discount
- No annual fee
- Extra 30 days for returns
- Free 2-day shipping
4. Macy's Credit Card
Best Department Store Credit Card for Bad Credit
- Spending reward tiers
- No annual fee
- Special offers on higher reward tiers
- Early access to some event tickets
5. Old Navy Credit Card
Best for Clothes Shopping
- Excellent rewards
- Great for seasonal clothes shopping
- No annual fee
- 20% off your first purchase
6. My Best Buy Visa Card
Best for Buying Electronics
- High rewards rate
- One application for four different cards
- Limited-time bonus categories
- 5% back on home improvement
7. TJX Rewards Card
Best Store Card for Home Goods
- Shop at all TJX stores
- Price protection
- Extended warranty protection
- Good rewards rate
8. Kohl's Charge Card
Best for Middle-Income Millennial Shoppers
- Exclusive discounts
- Birthday gifts
- Free shipping for MVCs
- Great welcome discount
9. Wayfair Credit Card
Best for Financing Furniture Purchases
- Superb financing option
- Perfect for large furniture
- Doesn't require a physical card to use
- Wide selection of stores
10. Lowe's Advantage Card
Best for Home Improvement and Appliances
- 84-month financing over $2,000
- Perfect for appliances
- 5% instant discount in stores
- Special financing for appliances
10 Detailed Reviews of Store Cards for Poor Credit
1. Amazon Visa Rewards Card
Best Overall
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 14.24%–22.24%
- Introductory bonus: $50 Amazon Gift Card Credit
- Cash advance fee: $10 or 5%, whichever is greater
- Recommended credit level: Fair
Overview — Amazon offers two credit cards in partnership with Chase. The standard rewards card doesn't have some of the high-end features of its Prime sister but more than makes up for it with sheer accessibility.
In fact, experts by and large (including us) agree that this is the ultimate store credit card for bad credit applicants. That said, definitely consider upgrading to the Amazon Prime Rewards card if you can meet the credit score requirement and love shopping and earning money on Amazon .
Perks and rewards —This card has a flat 3% cashback when you purchase from Amazon. And since Amazon now owns Whole Foods, that 3% extends to Whole Foods stores as well!
Additionally, this isn't a closed-loop card. In other words, you can use it to make purchases anywhere, and it earns 2% cashback when you use it to pay at restaurants, drugstores, and gas stations.
In essence, those are better cashback rewards than what you'd get from some dedicated cashback cards for bad credit .
Typical to good store credit cards for bad credit , the cashback you earn comes in the form of Amazon Rewards points. That doesn't impact the amount you earn, yet it does mean that you can only spend the cashback on Amazon purchases.
Introductory bonus — What we also liked about this card is that you'll get a $50 Amazon Gift Card when you get approved. You can even apply for the card when you're checking out online, and if you're approved, be sure to apply for that gift card right away.
We would have liked to have seen an introductory APR period. Still, as a savvy and responsible shopper, you can probably work around that.
Pros
- + No annual fee
- + $50 gift card bonus
- + 3% cashback at Amazon and Whole Foods
- + Visa Signature card benefits
2. Capital One Walmart Store Card
Best for Walmart and Sam's Club Shoppers
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 26.99%
- Introductory bonus: 5 points per dollar for 12 months
- Cash advance fee: Not available
- Recommended credit level: Any
Overview — Walmart is still the world's largest retailer , and most of us end up shopping there sooner rather than later. And if you're one of the many (many) Americans who shop there regularly, this card offers some pretty decent rewards to go with its low prices.
In fact, you can also use this card to shop at Sam's Club, albeit with a 10% service fee if you're not already a member. Moreover, you can use it to shop at Murphy USA gas stations, too.
Mind you, though, that this is a closed-loop card, so you can't use it for shopping at other points of sale.
And as far as easy store credit cards for bad credit go, it's one of the most flexible for rewards redemption.
Perks and rewards — Naturally, the best bonuses come from shopping at Walmart. Namely, at Walmart and Murphy USA locations, the card earns 5 points per dollar you spend in the first 12 months. After the first year, you'll earn 2 points per dollar.
What we liked, in particular, is that you can then redeem those points from your account page or the Capital One app to pay for purchases at Walmart.com. Alternatively, you can redeem the points to cover your card balance or even as a statement credit.
Introductory bonus — Apart from the initial point boost for the first year, there's no introductory bonus.
Nevertheless, it's easily the best among Capital One store cards even with this minor shortcoming.
Pros
- + Easy to redeem rewards points
- + No annual fee
- + 5 cents per gallon savings
- + Lucrative welcome bonus
3. Target RedCard
Best for Target Shoppers
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 25.15%
- Introductory bonus: $40 off a future Target purchase
- Cash advance fee: Not available
- Recommended credit level: Poor to fair
Overview — Target's RedCard comes in three varieties: a charge card, a credit card, and a Mastercard branded version. In this article, we're reviewing the non-Mastercard credit version. Given the breadth of Target's catalog, this is one of the top store credit cards for people with bad credit purely on versatility.
If you qualify for this RedCard, you may receive an offer for the Mastercard version, which is an open-loop card with top-notch features.
Perks and rewards — The main benefit you get from using this card is a 5% discount applied automatically to all qualifying purchases at Target's brick-and-mortar and online stores. You'll also get free two-day shipping on online orders and access to an extended return window for purchases.
Another neat bonus is that the 5% discount applies to all Starbucks inside Target stores. However, do note that this particular store card for bad credit does not apply the 5% discount for Target pharmacy purchases.
Introductory bonus — The sign-up bonus, although modest, is relatively decent as you'll receive a neat $40 discount on a future order from Target. Moreover, the order has to exceed $40, so it's not quite as convenient as the instant online store credit you get from the Amazon card.
That said, you can use the bonus as soon as you're approved for the card, which is great.
Pros
- + Relatively high discount
- + No annual fee
- + Extra 30 days for returns
- + Free 2-day shipping
Cons
- − No discount on pharmacy items
4. Macy's Credit Card
Best Department Store Credit Card for Bad Credit
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 26.74%
- Introductory bonus: 20% off over two days up to $100
- Cash advance fee: Not available
- Recommended credit level: Any
Overview — This credit card is perfect for Macy's regulars and will earn you substantial rewards. Better yet, it also has a loyalty system that rewards you based on your spending.
In a nutshell, you start at the lower reward tiers. After that, each calendar year, you have the chance to increase your reward status by climbing to a higher tier. It's a bit more involved than other, more typical department store credit cards for bad credit but well worth the effort.
Perks and rewards — If you spend up to $499 per year at Macy's, you fall into the Silver rewards category and earn 2% cashback in Star Money on purchases at Macy's.
Furthermore, spending $500–$1,199 places you in the Gold category and 3% cashback, and $1,200 or more puts you in the Platinum category and allows you to earn 5% cashback in Star Money.
What's more, you can use Star Money on Macy's purchases (excluding gift cards and service fees) for up to 30 days after you earn your bonus.
Best of all, you can apply with any credit level. Hence, if you want a card that's easy, store cards for bad credit don't get much better than this.
Introductory bonus — When you're approved for a Macy's card, you get the opportunity to receive 20% off over the next two days up to a maximum of $100 off.
Any downsides? We would have liked to see an introductory APR period in addition to these amazing rewards.
Pros
- + Spending reward tiers
- + No annual fee
- + Special offers on higher reward tiers
- + Early access to some event tickets
Cons
- − Poor customer service
5. Old Navy Credit Card
Best for Clothes Shopping
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 25.99%
- Introductory bonus: 20% off first purchase
- Cash advance fee: Not available
- Recommended credit level: Fair
Overview — Old Navy is part of the Gap Inc. family of brands, encompassing GAP, Old Navy, and Athleta stores. As such, it's a great clothing store credit card for bad credit applicants, seeing how you can use this card at any one of those stores.
Plus, it has no annual fee, making it an excellent choice even if you only use it once or twice a year for seasonal clothes shopping.
Perks and rewards — The main benefit of this card is earning rewards points. In other words, you'll earn five points for every dollar you spend at Gap Inc. brands. For every 500 points you earn, you'll get $5 to use towards future purchases at Gap Inc. brands.
Essentially, you'll earn five cents for every dollar you spend to pay for future purchases, which is quite decent.
Additionally, you'll get access to certain sales earlier than shoppers who don't have an Old Navy card, as well as special offers reserved only for cardholders. And a few more other perks available to Visa holders, such as zero fraud liability.
Overall, a generous rewards package compared to other store credit cards for people with bad credit .
Introductory bonus — When you sign up for the card, you'll receive 20% off the first purchase you make with the card. You can also claim a few more welcome bonuses when you sign up for email notifications and enroll in paperless statements.
Pros
- + Excellent rewards
- + Great for seasonal clothes shopping
- + No annual fee
- + 20% off your first purchase
Cons
- − Rewards are only good for purchasing at Gap brands
6. My Best Buy Visa Card
Best for Buying Electronics
- Annual fee: Up to $59
- APR: 25.24%
- Introductory bonus: 5% extra rewards on the first day
- Cash advance fee: 5%; $10 minimum
- Recommended credit level: Fair
Overview — Best Buy's store card offer takes some unpacking. In essence, when you apply for a card at Best Buy, you'll actually apply for four different cards in this order:
- My Best Buy Visa Platinum card
- My Best Buy Visa Gold card
- Two different My Best Buy closed-loop cards
And according to most store cards for bad credit reviews , you'll be approved for the My Best Buy Visa Gold — which is not a closed-loop card but has a $59 annual fee — if your credit is at least fair. However, you can easily make back the annual fee with some clever spending habits.
Perks and rewards — The rewards are just as confusing as the application. The marketing for the card puts the rewards in terms of percent back. Actually, you'll earn 2.5 Best Buy points for each dollar you spend at Best Buy; each point is worth two cents.
In a limited sense, that equates to 5% cashback on select purchases at Best Buy. That's relatively high.
You'll also earn points by using your credit card anywhere else at varying rates, and those points will be added to the Best Buy points. You can redeem the points in increments of 250 points for a $5 discount from Best Buy purchases.
Introductory bonus — If you're approved for a Best Buy Visa card, you'll get 5% back on home improvement purchases up to a maximum of $75 in value.
If you're trying to equip your home with new electronics and get some home upgrades at the same time, My Best Buy Visa Card is one of the most popular retail store credit cards for bad credit .
Pros
- + High rewards rate
- + One application for four different cards
- + Limited-time bonus categories
- + 5% back on home improvement
Cons
- − Confusing rewards language
- − Annual fee
7. TJX Rewards Card
Best Store Card for Home Goods
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 26.99%
- Introductory bonus: 10% discount on first purchase
- Cash advance fee: Not applicable
- Recommended credit level: Fair
Overview — The TJX rewards credit card mainly stands out for giving you access to many stores and product categories. T.J. Maxx is the flagship store of TJX, but you can also use this card to shop at Marshalls, Home Goods, and Sierra Trading Post.
In that sense, this is an excellent copycat of a retail store credit card for bad credit , except you'll have to make sure all the stores are within shopping distance. Plus, there's a much wider variety of price points that each store works around.
Perks and rewards — Although excellent, the rewards system is somewhat complicated. In short, you'll earn five reward points for every dollar you spend at TJX stores. Every 1,000 points entitle you to a $10 reward certificate, which you can use to pay for future purchases.
Some quick math tells us that there's a 5% discount for future purchases if you use the certificates. Note that it's a closed-loop card, so you can't use it outside of the TJX family of brands to earn reward points.
One minor perk: the price protection on qualifying purchases. Meaning, if the price drops after you buy something, you can ask to be reimbursed for the difference.
Introductory bonus — Compared to other closed-loop store credit cards , this one has a fairly modest sign-up bonus: 10% off your first in-store purchase.
Pros
- + Shop at all TJX stores
- + Price protection
- + Extended warranty protection
- + Good rewards rate
Cons
- − Lackluster welcome bonus
8. Kohl's Charge Card
Best for Middle-Income Millennial Shoppers
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 24.99%
- Introductory bonus: 35% discount on first purchase
- Cash advance fee: Not applicable
- Recommended credit level: Fair
Overview — The first thing to note about this card is that it's not a charge card. Yet, don't be thrown off by the staggeringly strange decision to name it a charge card when it is a typical credit card — it's well worth it.
There are two versions, but in these store cards for bad credit reviews , we'll focus primarily on the closed-loop version.
Moreover, Kohl's has recently made inroads to serve several different demographics better, and millennials are particularly likely to find excellent product selections at reasonable prices.
Perks and rewards — This card strays from the traditional reward model of most options on this list. For instance, owning a Kohl's card doesn't earn you points, nor does it provide a flat discount on shopping. Instead, you'll be eligible to participate in special promotions and exclusive discounts every month. You'll also be able to make returns without a receipt and become a Most Valued Customer (MVC) when you spend over $600 in a year.
MVCs receive free shipping on qualifying items and a surprise birthday gift.
Introductory bonus — The first purchase you make with this card will receive a 35% discount. All in all, a pretty significant bonus for department store cards for bad credit .
Last but not least, you'll get an additional 15% discount when the physical card arrives in the mail.
Pros
- + Exclusive discounts
- + Birthday gifts
- + Free shipping for MVCs
- + Great welcome discount
Cons
- − Relatively narrow selection of items at Kohl's
9. Wayfair Credit Card
Best for Financing Furniture Purchases
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 28.49%
- Introductory bonus: $40 off your first purchase
- Cash advance fee: Not applicable
- Recommended credit level: Any
Overview — You can use Wayfair's standard store card at Wayfair.com as well as any brick-and-mortar stores under the Wayfair umbrella. Those include Joss & Main, AllModern, Birch Lane, and Perigold .
On the whole, judging by the wide selection of these stores, Wayfair furniture credit cards for bad credit are nearly perfect. That said, it has a slightly higher APR, so you should aim to pay off the entire balance as soon as possible.
Perks and rewards — You can choose between two reward programs. One is a simple 5% back offer. It earns you Rewards Dollars you can spend on future purchases at Wayfair sites.
The other offers no-interest financing for up to 24 months on qualifying orders. If you're anticipating significant furniture expenses soon, this card can help you spread out the cost fairly effectively.
Introductory bonus — What we also liked about this card is that you'll receive a discount of $40 off your first order as long as that order is over $250.
All things considered, this card is a terrific alternative when you need to refurnish your home or furnish a new living space.
Pros
- + Superb financing option
- + Perfect for large furniture
- + Doesn't require a physical card to use
- + Wide selection of stores
Cons
- − Welcome offer requires at least a $250 order
10. Lowe's Advantage Card
Best for Home Improvement and Appliances
- Annual fee: $0
- APR: 26.99%
- Introductory bonus: 20% off your first purchase
- Cash advance fee: Not applicable
- Recommended credit level: Fair to good
Overview — If you're planning any kind of home improvements or you need to purchase new appliances, you're going to love this card. Just note that despite being one of the good store credit cards for bad credit , you'll need a credit score of at least 600.
Perks and rewards — The Lowe's Advantage Card has two major perks. The first is a flat 5% discount when you shop at Lowe's stores. Most items in stores qualify for the discount, and it's calculated automatically during checkout.
The other perk kicks in if you make a purchase of $2,000 or more because you can finance it over 84 months at a fairly low 7.99% APR. That's an incredibly long time, and you won't find that kind of deal with any other store card for bad credit at big-box home improvement retailers.
You can also receive deferred interest for six months on qualifying purchases of $299 or more.
Introductory bonus — As soon as you're approved, you'll get a coupon for 20% off your next order, up to a $100 discount.
Overall, this is an excellent option if you need to finance a large appliance purchase or you like to get your hands dirty with DIY home improvement projects.
Pros
- + 84-month financing over $2,000
- + Perfect for appliances
- + 5% instant discount in stores
- + Special financing for appliances
Cons
- − Poor welcome offer
- − Relatively high credit score requirement
How to Choose the Best Store Card for You
As a general rule, you can expect to be more easily approved for store credit cards for bad credit than regular credit cards. However, easier approval typically means higher interest rates and restricted shopping behavior.
This is why, in the following section, we'll show you how to find the ones you're most likely to get value from.
Let's start by clearing up a critical distinction.
Store Cards vs. Branded Credit Cards
Store cards come in two wide varieties — namely, some stores have up to four types of store cards. Though, the main difference you need to know is whether a store card can only be used in the respective store (closed-loop) or can be used anywhere (open-loop).
Most easy store credit cards for bad credit fall into the closed-loop category.
Open-loop store cards still provide benefits for shopping at the issuing retailer but tend to be more challenging to get approved for. Some, like the Costco Anywhere Visa Card, are outstanding credit cards in their own right.
Stores don't always make it evident in the card's marketing what kind it is, so take a moment to read the fine print before you apply.
Navigating Interest Rates on Store Cards
Closed-loop store cards almost always have higher interest rates than you'd receive with a comparable credit card. The rewards are often enough to offset the drawback of the interest rate. That said, you should still make an effort to pay off purchases on time.
In fact, we'd go as far as to say that getting the most value out of the department store credit cards for bad credit is directly tied to how well you can avoid the onerous APR .
The only exception is cards that offer reduced APR for qualifying purchases in their respective store. An excellent example of that is Lowe's Advantage Card.
Compare Benefits to Other Store Cards
Although the store cards for bad credit reviews on this list all offer great value, it's a good idea to compare the benefits that you'd get from a store card with benefits you could get from a traditional credit card you qualify for.
If the rewards you'd get from an open-loop card from a major card provider are similar to the store card, it's probably a good idea to choose the regular card. Whatever you may miss out on in terms of rewards you'll make up for in versatility and ease of use.
Store Cards Tips, Tricks, and Warnings
Now, let's go over some things you need to know when you're applying for some of these cards.
Look Out for Credit Checks
Store cards are essentially credit cards, and when you apply for one, you'll usually consent to a hard credit inquiry. The only exception is if you receive pre-approval for store cards , and that's never a reliable avenue.
The Shopping Cart Trick
When you start browsing through store cards, you'll probably come across a "trick" that can help you get approved without a hard credit check. It was demonstrably possible at some point, but we couldn't find a single retailer where this trick still works in 2022.
It involves using a store's online shop to add items to your cart. Then, when you're about to check out, you may receive a pre-approved offer for a card, and if you apply immediately, you skip the hard credit check.
Again, it's not a sure thing, but it takes a few minutes to try if you really want the store's card.
Don't Be Too Loyal
If you want the best store card for bad credit for yourself, don't rule out good options in favor of brand loyalty. For instance, if you're shopping for home improvement supplies or appliances, you may really like Home Depot as a brand.
However, Home Depot's consumer credit card is inferior to the Lowe's Advantage Card. It's often worth it to set aside brand loyalty in favor of a good deal.
Conclusion
If you got this far, you're armed with all the tools you need to pick an excellent store card that's easy to get and delivers superb value. All that's left is to go out and get one.
You'll notice that we prioritized cards on this list that give you access to the broadest shopping experience. When you're picking, try to think long-term and how you can use the card to its maximum potential by using it on the most extensive spectrum of products.
Now, go check your credit and start applying to cards!
FAQs
What store card is easiest to get?
Most department store cards aren't all that difficult to get approved for. If you want a card that's great for affordable clothes shopping, the Kohl's Charge Card is a great option.
For home goods and accessories, look into the TJX Rewards Credit Card. It has relatively easy approval and gives you access to all the TJX brands. If furniture is what you need, the Wayfair card is your best bet.
Do store cards build credit?
You bet they do. Closed-loop store cards are a particular type of credit card that can only be used to purchase at the respective store. But they're still credit cards and issued by financial organizations that report your credit activity to the major credit bureaus.
You can use them to build credit if you post timely payments. They can also be equally detrimental to your credit if you fail to make payments on time.
What stores approve bad credit?
Here's a list of a few department store credit cards that are relatively easy to get approved for:
- Kohl's Charge Card
- Walmart Rewards Card
- Target RedCard
- Wayfair Credit Card
- Macy's Credit Card
You should note, though, that stores aren't responsible for approving or rejecting cards. That's up to the issuing bank, and if you want to see specific card requirements, you might need to go to the bank's site for the card.
Can I get a store card with bad credit?
Yes, store cards are often designed to be a financing alternative for shoppers who don't have ideal credit scores. That's not to say store cards are your only option; numerous cards cater to people with poor credit.
But, the best store cards for bad credit applicants are easy to qualify for and have excellent rewards when you shop at associated stores. If you're a regular shopper are a store, it's a good idea to at least check what you could gain by having a store card.
Source: https://capitalcounselor.com/best-store-cards-for-bad-credit/
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