Best Retail Store Credit Cards of October 2021
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Is a retail store credit card right for you? Here’s a basic rule that applies to all store credit cards: If you really like Store X, you might get value from the Store X Credit Card. But maybe not. Check out our card picks to learn more.
- Target: Target REDcard™ Credit Card (Review)
- Walmart: Walmart Rewards Mastercard (Review)
- Amazon: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (Review)
- Best Buy: My Best Buy® Visa® (Review)
- Sam's Club: Sam’s Club® Mastercard®
- Costco: Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi (Review)
- Online Purchases: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (Review)
- Department Stores: JCPenney Credit Card (Review)
- Wholesale Clubs: BJ’s Perks Elite™ Mastercard
- Clothing: Express NEXT A-List Credit Card
- Home Improvement: Lowe’s Advantage Credit Card (Review)
- Furniture and Homegoods: Pottery Barn Credit Card
- Office Supplies: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (Review)
Credit Card Insider receives compensation from advertisers whose products may be mentioned on this page. Advertiser relationships do not affect card evaluations. Advertising partners do not edit or endorse our editorial content. Content is accurate to the best of our knowledge when it's published. Learn more in our Editorial Guidelines.
The information related to Walmart Rewards Mastercard, American Express Cash Magnet® Card, Walmart Rewards Card, Amazon Business Prime American Express Card, Amazon Business American Express Card, Kohl's Charge Card, Cabela's CLUB Mastercard, and SaksFirst Mastercard have been collected by Credit Card Insider and have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of these products.
- Target: Target REDcard™ Credit Card (Review)
- Walmart: Walmart Rewards Mastercard (Review)
- Amazon: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (Review)
- Best Buy: My Best Buy® Visa® (Review)
- Sam's Club: Sam’s Club® Mastercard®
- Costco: Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi (Review)
- Online Purchases: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (Review)
- Department Stores: JCPenney Credit Card (Review)
- Wholesale Clubs: BJ’s Perks Elite™ Mastercard
- Clothing: Express NEXT A-List Credit Card
- Home Improvement: Lowe’s Advantage Credit Card (Review)
- Furniture and Homegoods: Pottery Barn Credit Card
- Office Supplies: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (Review)
How We Picked These Cards
Store cards are relatively easy to get, but that doesn’t mean you should apply for them whenever you see an offer. Like other credit cards, they’re powerful financial tools that could have significant effects on your finances and your credit.
Consider the following points before applying.
- Fits your lifestyle: It should offer rewards and benefits with a merchant where you frequently shop.
- Spending rewards: The best store credit cards provide rewards every time you make a purchase, rather than just giving you a one-time discount.
- A relatively good offer: Does it offer more points or cash back rewards than you can get with a general-use rewards or cash back card?
- Valuable extra benefits: The better store cards offer merchant-specific benefits that shoppers will find useful over and over again, like free clothing alterations.
- Good customer support: Many store cards are known for having poor customer service, but some, like cards from the major issuers, are generally better than others.
- Easy way to build credit: Since store cards generally have lower credit requirements, you can use them to improve your credit if you can’t qualify for better cards.
A store card might be a good fit if you consistently spend a lot of money with a particular store — as long as the card offer is relatively good, of course.
When used responsibly, store cards will let you earn rewards, take advantage of benefits, and build your credit at the same time. Just be sure to never carry a balance and make all your monthly payments on time.
Is a Retail Store Card Right for You?
Some merchants provide their own co-branded store credit cards to entice shoppers with discounts when checking out, or with offers to pay over time. These cards are often instant approval, so you can use them immediately for that purchase. It can be tempting to save a few bucks, but are these cards really worth it?
Pros of Store Credit Cards
- Easy to get for people with poor or average credit scores, making them a decent option for building or rebuilding credit
- May provide the most value for shopping with the co-branded merchant, compared to other credit cards
- May offer unique perks or financing options with that merchant
- Open-loop cards can be used anywhere
Cons of Store Credit Cards
- Low credit limits
- High interest rates
- Poor customer support in some cases, especially for cards issued by Synchrony Bank and Comenity Bank
- Deferred-interest financing offers can end up costing you money if you don’t follow the terms (they’re different from most 0% intro APR offers)
- Closed-loop cards are limited to that single store
- The checkout lane is not a good place to make significant financial decisions that will affect your credit
Jump to section
More Retail Store Credit Cards
Best Pick For...
- 5% off every day at Target & Target.com.*
- Free 2 day shipping on hundreds of thousands of items at Target.com.*
- Early Access to products and promotions*
- Exclusive Extras including special items and offers*
- Starbucks discount on in-store locations – get everyday 5% savings when you pay with your REDcard*
- Cartwheel – save 5-50% on hundreds of items in store & get everyday 5% savings when you pay with your REDcard*
- Target Subscriptions – save 5% on everyday essentials delivered on your schedule when you subscribe, plus get everyday 5% savings when you pay with your REDcard*
- Get everyday 5% savings on specialty gift cards when you pay with your REDcard*
- Target Wallet, easy and fast checkout. Use Wallet in the Target app to save with Cartwheel and pay with REDcard by scanning your phone at check out in store.
- *Some restrictions apply. See Target.com/redcard for benefits and program rules
The Target REDcard™ Credit Card (Review) is a good card for everyday spending, as Target carries a little bit of almost everything.
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That 5% off also applies to Starbucks stores in Targets, which is a pretty good deal for Starbucks compared to other cards. But take note that certain products and services won’t be eligible for the discount, like gift cards, prescriptions, and eye exams.
- 10% off coupon: Every year on your cardmember anniversary
- Free shipping: For eligible items at Target.com
- 30 extra days for returns
- Early access: To special events, products, and promotions
- Exclusive offers: Cardholders get access to exclusive deals and special items.
- Stack discounts: The 5% cash back can be combined with other Cartwheel and Target Subscription discounts.
- Purchase APR: 24.40% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Issued by TD Bank: We don’t have much information about TD Bank, but we haven’t heard any complaints about the Target REDCard.
- Closed-loop card
Target REDcard™ Debit Card
- 5% discount at Target and Target.com
- 10% off coupon: Every year on your cardmember anniversary
- Free shipping: For eligible items at Target.com
- Extra time to decide: 30 extra days for returns
- Early access: To special events, products, and promotions
- Exclusive offers: Cardholders get access to exclusive deals and special items.
- Stack discounts: The 5% cash back can be combined with other Cartwheel and Target Subscription discounts.
- Annual fee: $0
- Closed-loop card
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
- 2% cash back for every purchase (1% for purchases, 1% for payments as long as you pay at least the minimum due on time)
- Perks: Free credit score; Citi Concierge; Citi Private Pass
- Purchase APR: 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers, then 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $0
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
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- Perks: Free FICO Score 9 credit score; Visa Signature Concierge; Luxury Hotel Collection
- Shopping and travel protections: Cellular Telephone Protection; Roadside Dispatch; Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
- Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99%, 19.99%, or 24.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99%, 19.99%, or 24.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer fee: 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5
- Annual fee: $0
PayPal Cashback Mastercard®
- 2% cash back for every purchase
- Perks: Shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: 22.24%, 26.24% or 29.24% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- 5% cash back on:
- Lyft rides (through March 2022)
- Travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3% cash back at:
- Restaurants
- Drugstores
- 1.5% cash back for all other purchases
- $200 bonus for spending $500 in the first 3 months
- Perks: Shop through Chase; Chase Offers; free credit score; shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99% - 24.74% Variable
- Balance Transfer APR: 14.99% - 24.74% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
American Express Cash Magnet® Card
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| Introductory Bonus |
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- Perks: Amex Offers; ShopRunner membership
- Travel protections: Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Global Assist Hotline
- Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 13.99% - 23.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.
American Express Cash Magnet® Card (Rates & Fees)
Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
- 1.5% cash back for all purchases
- $200 cash bonus for spending $500 within 3 months of account opening
- Perks: Free credit score; shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: 0% 15 months, then 14.99% - 24.99% Variable
- Balance transfer APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99% - 24.99% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
- 5% cash back for using Walmart Pay in stores for the first 12 months
- 5% cash back on all purchases at Walmart.com
- 2% cash back on Walmart purchases in stores (after the first 12 months), on restaurants, and on travel
- Redeem rewards at any time
- No foreign transaction fee
- No annual fee
The Walmart Rewards Mastercard (Review) is a solid option for frequent Walmart shoppers.
It provides the most cash back for online Walmart purchases, only giving 2% for in-store purchases. But if you plan out your spending a bit, and take advantage of Walmart’s free shipping offers, you can get a lot of mileage from this card.
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- Concierge service: Non-emergency assistance for help making travel or dining reservations, finding tickets, and more
- Travel protections: MasterRental Insurance, travel accident insurance, baggage delay insurance, trip cancellation/protection insurance, Master RoadAssist Service, and travel assistance services
- Shopping protections: Extended warranty and price protection
- No foreign transaction fee
- Open-loop card
Walmart Rewards Card
- 5% cash back at Walmart.com, including the Walmart App and Walmart Grocery Pickup and Delivery
- 2% cash back for:
- Walmart purchases in stores
- Walmart and Murphy USA Fuel Stations
- 5% cash back for using Walmart Pay in stores for the first 12 months; $50 cash back for spending $300 in the first 3 months
- Purchase APR: 26.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
| Spending Rewards |
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| Introductory Bonus |
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- Perks: Free FICO Score 9 credit score; Visa Signature Concierge; Luxury Hotel Collection
- Shopping and travel protections: Cellular Telephone Protection; Roadside Dispatch; Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
- Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99%, 19.99%, or 24.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99%, 19.99%, or 24.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer fee: 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5
- Annual fee: $0
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
- 2% cash back for every purchase (1% for purchases, 1% for payments)
- Perks: Free credit score; Citi Concierge; Citi Private Pass
- Purchase APR: 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers, then 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $0
PayPal Cashback Mastercard®
- 2% cash back for every purchase
- Perks: Shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: 22.24%, 26.24% or 29.24% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
American Express Cash Magnet® Card
| Spending Rewards |
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| Introductory Bonus |
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- Perks: Amex Offers; ShopRunner membership
- Travel protections: Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Global Assist Hotline
- Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 13.99% - 23.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.
American Express Cash Magnet® Card (Rates & Fees)
Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
- 1.5% cash back for all purchases
- $200 cash bonus for spending $500 within 3 months of account opening
- Perks: Free credit score; shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: 0% 15 months, then 14.99% - 24.99% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- 5% cash back on:
- Lyft rides (through March 2022)
- Travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3% cash back at:
- Restaurants
- Drugstores
- 1.5% cash back for all other purchases
- $200 bonus for spending $500 in the first 3 months
- Perks: Shop through Chase; Chase Offers; free credit score; shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99% - 24.74% Variable
- Balance Transfer APR: 14.99% - 24.74% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
Discover it® Cash Back
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| Introductory Bonus |
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- Perks: Free credit score; Social Security number alerts; Inquiry and new account alerts
- Purchase APR: See Terms for See Terms, then See Terms
- Balance Transfer APR: See Terms for See Terms, then See Terms
- Balance Transfer fee: See Terms
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
The information related to Walmart Rewards Mastercard has been collected by Credit Card Insider and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product.
- Requires active Prime membership
- Cash back can be redeemed for statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout
- Earn 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market
- Earn 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and drugstores
- Earn 1% back on all other purchases
- $100 Amazon.com Gift Card instantly upon approval
- $0 annual fee
No surprise: The best card for Amazon shopping is the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (Review).
With 5% back on everything you buy from the mega-retailer, plus categories for Whole Foods and some other common purchases, it’s hard to find a more rewarding offer.
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You’ll need an Amazon Prime membership to use this card; otherwise you can get the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card, which is slightly less rewarding.
- Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection: Perks at eligible hotels, including complimentary WiFi, room upgrades when available, a $25 food and beverage credit, and more
- Visa Signature Concierge: Call any time for non-emergency assistance.
- Shopping and travel protections: Including Purchase Protection, Extended Warranties, Baggage Delay Insurance, and more
- Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: 14.24% to 22.24% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Open-loop card
Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card
- 3% cash back at:
- Amazon
- Whole Foods
- 2% cash back at:
- Restaurants
- Gas stations
- Drugstores
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- $50 Amazon.com gift card instantly upon account approval
- Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: 15.74%–23.74% Variable
- Annual fee: $0 (Amazon Prime membership not required)
- Open-loop card
Amazon.com Store Card
- 5% back at Amazon for Prime members; no reward for non-Prime members
- $10 Amazon.com gift card upon approval
- Special financing options available for large purchases
- Purchase APR: 28.24% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Closed-loop card
Discover it® Cash Back
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| Introductory Bonus |
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- Perks: Free credit score; Social Security number alerts; Inquiry and new account alerts
- Purchase APR: See Terms for See Terms, then See Terms
- Balance Transfer APR: See Terms for See Terms, then See Terms
- Balance Transfer fee: See Terms
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card
- 3% cash back in your choice of one category every month:
- Gas
- Online shopping
- Dining
- Travel
- Drugstores
- Home improvement/furnishings stores
- 2% cash back at:
- Grocery stores
- Wholesale clubs
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- $200 cash rewards bonus for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
- Rewards limit: 3% and 2% rewards up to $2,500 in combined spending per quarter, then 1% cash back
- Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 billing cycles, then 13.99%–23.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
- 5% cash back (up to $120,000 spent per year) at:
- Amazon.com
- Amazon Business
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Whole Foods Market
- 2% cash back at:
- U.S. restaurants
- U.S. gas stations
- U.S. wireless telephone services
- 1% cash back for all other purchases
- $125 Amazon.com gift card upon account approval
- Purchase APR: 15.24%–23.24% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
Amazon Business American Express Card
- 3% cash back (up to $120,000 spent per year) at:
- Amazon.com
- Amazon Business
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Whole Foods Market
- 2% cash back at:
- U.S. restaurants
- U.S. gas stations
- U.S. wireless telephone services
- 1% cash back for all other purchases
- $100 Amazon.com gift card upon account approval
- Purchase APR: 15.24%–23.24% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
- 2% cash back for every purchase (1% for purchases, 1% for payments)
- Perks: Free credit score; Citi Concierge; Citi Private Pass
- Purchase APR: 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers, then 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $0
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
| Spending Rewards |
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| Introductory Bonus |
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- Perks: Free FICO Score 9 credit score; Visa Signature Concierge; Luxury Hotel Collection
- Shopping and travel protections: Cellular Telephone Protection; Roadside Dispatch; Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
- Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99%, 19.99%, or 24.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99%, 19.99%, or 24.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer fee: 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5
- Annual fee: $0
- Min. credit levelFair
- Annual Fee$0 or $59 (depending on creditworthiness)
- Purchase APR25.24% Variable (11.90% Fixed for select purchases)
- 5% back in rewards at Best Buy OR deferred financing on purchases of $199 and higher.
- Additional bonus categories for eligible purchases
- 1% back in rewards on all other purchases
- Points don’t expire as long as your account is active
- Spend $3,500 per year to reach Elite Plus status and earn 1.25 points per $1 spent at Best Buy
- Reward Certificates are emailed when you reach 250 points
- Choose between rewards or special financing offers
- Annual fee of $0 or $59, depending on creditworthiness
Electronics stores don’t get a lot of love in terms of credit card bonus categories, so the My Best Buy® Visa® (Review) will be one of your best options.
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We recommend going with the 5% (or 6%) reward rate, rather than taking the deferred financing offers, which can backfire if you don’t pay them off correctly. But if you really need extra time to pay for some electronics or furniture, they could be appealing; just be sure to follow the repayment terms.
- My Best Buy Elite status: Purchases will count toward your My Best Buy Elite status; higher status means extra rewards, free shipping, extended returns, and more
- Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: 25.24% Variable (11.90% Fixed for select purchases)
- Open-loop card
My Best Buy® Credit Card
- 5% back in rewards at Best Buy and BestBuy.com, or deferred financing for eligible purchases
- 6% back in rewards for Elite Plus members
- 10% back in rewards on your first day of purchases within 14 days of opening the account
- Purchase APR: 25.24% Variable (11.90% Fixed for select purchases)
- Annual fee: $0
U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card
- 5% cash back in your choice of two categories per quarter, up to $2,000 per quarter (then 1%)
- 2% cash back in one category of your choice per quarter
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- $200 cash bonus for spending $1,000 in the first 120 days after account opening
- Perks: Visa Signature Concierge; Luxury Hotel Collection; Free credit score; shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: 13.99% - 23.99%* Variable
- Balance Transfer APR: 0%* intro on BTs for 12 billing cycles on Balance Transfers*, then 13.99% - 23.99%* Variable
- Annual fee: $0*
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
- 2% cash back for every purchase (1% for purchases, 1% for payments)
- Perks: Free credit score; Citi Concierge; Citi Private Pass
- Purchase APR: 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers, then 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $0
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
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| Introductory Bonus |
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- Perks: Free FICO Score 9 credit score; Visa Signature Concierge; Luxury Hotel Collection
- Shopping and travel protections: Cellular Telephone Protection; Roadside Dispatch; Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
- Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99%, 19.99%, or 24.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99%, 19.99%, or 24.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer fee: 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5
- Annual fee: $0
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- 5% cash back on:
- Lyft rides (through March 2022)
- Travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3% cash back at:
- Restaurants
- Drugstores
- 1.5% cash back for all other purchases
- $200 bonus for spending $500 in the first 3 months
- Perks: Shop through Chase; Chase Offers; free credit score; shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99% - 24.74% Variable
- Balance Transfer APR: 14.99% - 24.74% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
American Express Cash Magnet® Card
| Spending Rewards |
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| Introductory Bonus |
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- Perks: Amex Offers; ShopRunner membership
- Travel protections: Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Global Assist Hotline
- Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 13.99% - 23.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.
American Express Cash Magnet® Card (Rates & Fees)
Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
- 1.5% cash back for all purchases
- $200 cash bonus for spending $500 within 3 months of account opening
- Perks: Free credit score; shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: 0% 15 months, then 14.99% - 24.99% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
Citi is a Credit Card Insider advertiser.
- 5% cash back for gas in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, including gas at Sam’s Club; only on the first $6,000 per year, then 1%
- 3% cash back for dining and travel expenses
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Get a $45 statement credit if you open your account online and make a $45 purchase at samsclub.com on the same day
- Cap of $5,000 in cash back rewards per year
Sam’s Club shoppers should consider the Sam’s Club® Mastercard® to get more back with every trip.
You’ll only earn 1% back at Sam’s Club, but there are excellent reward rates for gas, dining, and travel. The broad appeal makes it handy for more than just wholesale clubs, giving you a card to use for other common purchases.
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- No membership card required: Your credit card will be counted as your membership card when making Sam’s Club purchases.
- Purchase APR: 16.65%–24.65% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Must be a Sam’s Club member
- Open-loop card
Sam’s Club Business Mastercard
- 5% cash back for Gas in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, including gas at Sam’s Club (up to $6,000 spent per year)
- 3% cash back for:
- Dining
- Travel
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Purchase APR: 17.15% – 25.15% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card
- 3% cash back in one category of your choice:
- Gas
- Online shopping
- Dining
- Travel
- Drugstores
- Home improvement/furnishings stores
- 2% cash back at:
- Grocery stores
- Wholesale clubs
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Rewards limit: 3% and 2% rewards up to $2,500 in combined spending per quarter, then 1% cash back
- Perks: 25%–75% reward bonus for Preferred Rewards members; free credit score; shopping and travel protections
- Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 billing cycles, then 13.99%–23.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
- 2% cash back for every purchase (1% for purchases, 1% for payments)
- Perks: Free credit score; Citi Concierge; Citi Private Pass
- Purchase APR: 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers, then 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $0
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
| Spending Rewards |
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| Introductory Bonus |
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- Perks: Free FICO Score 9 credit score; Visa Signature Concierge; Luxury Hotel Collection
- Shopping and travel protections: Cellular Telephone Protection; Roadside Dispatch; Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
- Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99%, 19.99%, or 24.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99%, 19.99%, or 24.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer fee: 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5
- Annual fee: $0
PayPal Cashback Mastercard®
- 2% cash back for every purchase
- Perks: Shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: 22.24%, 26.24% or 29.24% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- 5% cash back on:
- Lyft rides (through March 2022)
- Travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3% cash back at:
- Restaurants
- Drugstores
- 1.5% cash back for all other purchases
- $200 bonus for spending $500 in the first 3 months
- Perks: Shop through Chase; Chase Offers; free credit score; shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99% - 24.74% Variable
- Balance Transfer APR: 14.99% - 24.74% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
American Express Cash Magnet® Card
| Spending Rewards |
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| Introductory Bonus |
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- Perks: Amex Offers; ShopRunner membership
- Travel protections: Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Global Assist Hotline
- Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 13.99% - 23.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.
American Express Cash Magnet® Card (Rates & Fees)
Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
- 1.5% cash back for all purchases
- $200 cash bonus for spending $500 within 3 months of account opening
- Perks: Free credit score; shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: 0% 15 months, then 14.99% - 24.99% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
Discover it® Cash Back
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- Perks: Free credit score; Social Security number alerts; Inquiry and new account alerts
- Purchase APR: See Terms for See Terms, then See Terms
- Balance Transfer APR: See Terms for See Terms, then See Terms
- Balance Transfer fee: See Terms
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
- Discover one of Citi’s best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
- 4% cash back on eligible gas 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
- The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 15.24%. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi’s discretion.
If you’re already shopping at Costco you should definitely consider getting the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi (Review). You’ll need a Costco membership to apply.
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The 2% back at Costco is not too bad, but not exceptional either. This store card might be as or more useful for the other bonus categories; it’s actually one of the better cards for earning rewards on gas.
- No membership card required: Your credit card will be counted as your membership card when making Costco purchases.
- Citi Entertainment: Preferred access and exclusive tickets to events, concerts, and more
- Shopping protections: Like Purchase Protection
- Must be a Costco member
- Issued by Citi: Citi is a major credit card issuer with relatively good customer support.
- Open-loop card
Costco Anywhere Visa® Business Card by Citi
- 4% cash back on eligible Gas worldwide, including gas at Costco (up to $7,000 spent annually)
- 3% cash back for:
- Restaurants
- Travel
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from:
- Costco
- Costco.com
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No foreign transaction fee
- Purchase APR: 15.24% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $0 (Costco membership required)
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card
- 3% cash back in one category of your choice:
- Gas
- Online shopping
- Dining
- Travel
- Drugstores
- Home improvement/furnishings stores
- 2% cash back at:
- Grocery stores
- Wholesale clubs
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Rewards limit: 3% and 2% rewards up to $2,500 in combined spending per quarter, then 1% cash back
- Perks: 25%–75% reward bonus for Preferred Rewards members; free credit score; shopping and travel protections
- Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 billing cycles, then 13.99%–23.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
- 2% cash back for every purchase (1% for purchases, 1% for payments)
- Perks: Free credit score; Citi Concierge; Citi Private Pass
- Purchase APR: 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers, then 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $0
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
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- Perks: Free FICO Score 9 credit score; Visa Signature Concierge; Luxury Hotel Collection
- Shopping and travel protections: Cellular Telephone Protection; Roadside Dispatch; Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
- Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99%, 19.99%, or 24.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99%, 19.99%, or 24.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer fee: 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5
- Annual fee: $0
PayPal Cashback Mastercard®
- 2% cash back for every purchase
- Perks: Shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: 22.24%, 26.24% or 29.24% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- 5% cash back on:
- Lyft rides (through March 2022)
- Travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3% cash back at:
- Restaurants
- Drugstores
- 1.5% cash back for all other purchases
- $200 bonus for spending $500 in the first 3 months
- Perks: Shop through Chase; Chase Offers; free credit score; shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99% - 24.74% Variable
- Balance Transfer APR: 14.99% - 24.74% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
American Express Cash Magnet® Card
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- Perks: Amex Offers; ShopRunner membership
- Travel protections: Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Global Assist Hotline
- Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 13.99% - 23.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.
American Express Cash Magnet® Card (Rates & Fees)
Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
- 1.5% cash back for all purchases
- $200 cash bonus for spending $500 within 3 months of account opening
- Perks: Free credit score; shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: 0% 15 months, then 14.99% - 24.99% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
Discover it® Cash Back
- 5% cash back in categories that rotate every three months, sometimes including Wholesale clubs (up to $1,500 spent per quarter; activation required)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Cashback Match: Get double cash back for the first year, provided at the end of the first year
- Perks: Free credit score; new account and credit inquiry alerts; SSN alerts
- Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: See Terms for See Terms, then See Terms
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
Citi is a Credit Card Insider advertiser.
- Requires active Prime membership
- Cash back can be redeemed for statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout
- Earn 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market
- Earn 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and drugstores
- Earn 1% back on all other purchases
- $100 Amazon.com Gift Card instantly upon approval
- $0 annual fee
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (Review) is an easy way to get 5% back for everything you buy on Amazon. Since Amazon has one of the broadest product ranges of any marketplace ever, this is probably the most versatile store card you can get.
It has no annual fee but requires an Amazon Prime membership, which currently costs $119 per year ($59 for an Amazon Prime Student membership). There are also a few interesting features you won’t usually get with store cards.
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- Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection: Perks at over 900 hotels around the world, like automatic room upgrades and complimentary WiFi
- Concierge Service: Call for non-emergency assistance at any time, like travel planning or making reservations.
- Shopping and travel protections: Including Travel Accident Insurance, Lost Luggage Reimbursement, and Purchase Protection
- No foreign transaction fee
- Issued by Chase: Chase is a major credit card issuer with relatively good customer support.
- Open-loop card
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card
- 3% cash back in your choice of one category every month:
- Gas
- Online shopping
- Dining
- Travel
- Drugstores
- Home improvement/furnishings stores
- 2% cash back at:
- Grocery stores
- Wholesale clubs
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- $200 cash rewards bonus for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days
- Spending limit: 3% and 2% categories are limited to the first $2,500 in combined spending per quarter (then 1%)
- Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 billing cycles, then 13.99%–23.99% Variable (for transfers made during the first 60 days)
- Annual fee: $0
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
- 2% cash back for every purchase (1% for purchases, 1% for payments)
- Perks: Free credit score; Citi Concierge; Citi Private Pass
- Purchase APR: 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers, then 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $0
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
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- Perks: Free FICO Score 9 credit score; Visa Signature Concierge; Luxury Hotel Collection
- Shopping and travel protections: Cellular Telephone Protection; Roadside Dispatch; Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
- Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99%, 19.99%, or 24.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99%, 19.99%, or 24.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer fee: 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5
- Annual fee: $0
Amazon Business Prime American Express Card
- 5% cash back (up to $120,000 spent per year) at:
- Amazon.com
- Amazon Business
- Amazon Web Services (AWS)
- Whole Foods Market
- 2% cash back at:
- U.S. restaurants
- U.S. gas stations
- U.S. wireless telephone services
- 1% cash back for all other purchases
- $125 Amazon.com gift card upon account approval
- Purchase APR: 15.24%–23.24% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
PayPal Cashback Mastercard®
- 2% cash back for every purchase
- Perks: Shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: 22.24%, 26.24% or 29.24% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
- 1.5% cash back for all purchases
- $200 cash bonus for spending $500 within 3 months of account opening
- Perks: Free credit score; shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: 0% 15 months, then 14.99% - 24.99% Variable
- Balance transfer APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99% - 24.99% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- 5% cash back on:
- Lyft rides (through March 2022)
- Travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards
- 3% cash back at:
- Restaurants
- Drugstores
- 1.5% cash back for all other purchases
- $200 bonus for spending $500 in the first 3 months
- Perks: Shop through Chase; Chase Offers; free credit score; shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99% - 24.74% Variable
- Balance Transfer APR: 14.99% - 24.74% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
American Express Cash Magnet® Card
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- Perks: Amex Offers; ShopRunner membership
- Travel protections: Car Rental Loss and Damage Insurance, Global Assist Hotline
- Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 13.99% - 23.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.
American Express Cash Magnet® Card (Rates & Fees)
Enrollment required for select benefits; terms and limitations apply.
- Earn $10 at JCPenney for every 200 points you earn
- 15% or 5% off select purchases on the day you open your card
- 1 point per $1 spent at JCPenney using your card, and 1 point per $2 spent using another form of payment
- Gold status after spending at least $500 in a year
- Platinum status after spending at least $100 in a year
- $10 or $15 birthday gift each year on your birthday
- Free shipping from JCPenney.com with Platinum status
- Earn up to 2,000 points on a single purchase
- No annual fee
- High APR of 27.99%
Department stores can be easy (but tempting) one-stop shopping trips. Most offer co-branded cards to help you get more out of every trip; JCPenney and the JCPenney Credit Card (Review) are no exception.
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Just 1X point per dollar, you might ask? Well, those points are worth 5 cents each, giving you a solid 5% cash back equivalent at JCPenney. And that could take a nice dent out of some clothes, pots and pans, or jewelry — whatever you might need.
- Birthday offer
- Bonus events: Extra earning opportunities
- Perks for Gold and Platinum status: Passbook of coupons, bonus point days, Platinum appreciation
- Purchase APR: 19.99% Variable
- Closed-loop card
TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®
- 5X points per dollar spent at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Sierra Trading Post
- 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- 10% off the first in-store purchase
- Perks: Invites to exclusive events; shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: 26.99% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
Macy’s American Express® Card
- 5% back in rewards at Macy’s (Macy’s Platinum members only)
- 3X points per dollar at Restaurants
- 2X points per dollar at:
- Gas stations
- Grocery stores
- 1X point per dollar for all other purchases
- 20% off Macy’s purchases on the day you’re approved and the day after, up to $100 in savings
- Perks: Annual Star Pass mailings; surprise savings at checkout; Star Money days; birthday surprise; free shipping for Gold and Platinum members
- Purchase APR: 25.24% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
Shop Your Way Mastercard®
- 5% in points on up to $10,000 in purchases per year at Gas stations
- 3% in points on up to $10,000 in purchases per year at:
- Grocery stores
- Restaurants
- 2% in points at Sears and Kmart
- 1% in points for every other purchase
- $40 statement credit when you apply online and spend $50 within the first 30 days
- Perks: Special financing offers;
- Purchase APR: 25.24% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
Kohl’s Charge Card
- Free shipping and 20% off your first purchase
- Perks: 15% discount; 12 annual discounts; exclusive sales and offers; receipt-free returns; spend $600 to earn Kohl’s MVP status
- Purchase APR: 25.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Closed-loop card
Belk Rewards Mastercard®️
- 3% back in rewards at Belk or Belk.com
- 2% back in rewards on:
- Groceries
- Fuel
- 1% back in rewards on every other purchase
- Up to 25% off at Belk; $10 in Belk rewards dollars after your first purchase
- Perks: 20 savings events per year; receipt-free returns; bonus reward events; monthly savings day; early access to sales and promotions
- Purchase APR: 25.49%
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
Nordstrom Visa Signature Card
- 3X points per dollar spent in stores or online at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, HauteLook and Trunk Club
- 2X points per dollar spent on:
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Travel
- 1X point per dollar everywhere else
- $40 bonus note after first purchase on day of approval
- Perks: Free basic alterations; 25% off red-tag clearance items; exclusive access to sales; Nordy Club member status; double point days
- Purchase APR: 10.90%–22.90% Variable at Nordstrom, 14.90%–22.90% Variable Elsewhere
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
Dillard’s American Express®️ Credit Card
- 2X points per dollar spent at:
- Dillard’s in-store, online, or by phone
- U.S. Gas stations
- Grocery stores
- 1X point per dollar on all other purchases
- Perks: Special financing; shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: Prime Rate + 6.74%–21.74% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
Bloomingdale’s American Express Card at the Top of the List
- 8X points per dollar spent at Bloomingdale’s in-store and online on:
- Cosmetics
- Fragrance
- Shoes
- 4X points per dollar spent on:
- All other purchases in-store and online at Bloomingdale’s
- All other purchases outside of Bloomingdale’s
- 20% off your purchases the day of and day after, up to $250.
- Perks: Free shipping; double and triple-point days; monthly offers; exclusive offers and savings
- Purchase APR: 25.24% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
- Earn 5% cash back on purchases at BJ’s and BJs.com
- Earn 2% cash back on gas and dining outside of BJ’s locations
- Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
- 10¢ off every gallon when buying fuel at BJ’s; purchases made at BJ’s Gas accrue rewards
- No annual fee
Most wholesale club credit cards don’t offer very high rewards for the club in question, but the BJ’s Perks Elite™ Mastercard breaks that mold in a powerful way.
Not only do you earn 5% back at BJ’s, a nice discount on top of prices that are already pretty good, you’ll also get a significant discount on gas at BJ’s — a rare feature you won’t usually get with credit cards.
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- Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: 16.74%–26.74% Variable
- Open-loop card
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
- 4% cash back on eligible Gas worldwide, including gas at Costco (up to $7,000 spent annually)
- 3% cash back for:
- Restaurants
- Travel
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from:
- Costco
- Costco.com
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No foreign transaction fee
- Purchase APR: 15.24% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $0 (Costco membership required)
Sam’s Club® Mastercard®
- 5% cash back for Gas in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, including gas at Sam’s Club (up to $6,000 spent per year)
- 3% cash back for:
- Dining
- Travel
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- $45 statement credit when you spend $45 or more at samsclub.com, the same day you open your account online
- Purchase APR: 16.65%–24.65% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: (must be a Sam’s Club member)
- Open-loop card
Discover it® Cash Back
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- Perks: Free credit score; Social Security number alerts; Inquiry and new account alerts
- Purchase APR: See Terms for See Terms, then See Terms
- Balance Transfer APR: See Terms for See Terms, then See Terms
- Balance Transfer fee: See Terms
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards Card
- 3% cash back in one category of your choice:
- Gas
- Online shopping
- Dining
- Travel
- Drugstores
- Home improvement/furnishings stores
- 2% cash back at:
- Grocery stores
- Wholesale clubs
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Rewards limit: 3% and 2% rewards up to $2,500 in combined spending per quarter, then 1% cash back
- Perks: 25%–75% reward bonus for Preferred Rewards members; free credit score; shopping and travel protections
- Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 billing cycles, then 13.99%–23.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer
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- Perks: Citi Concierge; ShopRunner membership; Free credit score
- Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers, then 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Balance Transfer fee: Intro fee 3% of each transfer ($5 min) completed within the first 4 months of account opening. After that, 5% of each transfer ($5 min).
- Annual fee: $0
Wells Fargo Active Cash Card
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- Perks: Free FICO Score 9 credit score; Visa Signature Concierge; Luxury Hotel Collection
- Shopping and travel protections: Cellular Telephone Protection; Roadside Dispatch; Travel and Emergency Assistance Services
- Purchase APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99%, 19.99%, or 24.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 15 months, then 14.99%, 19.99%, or 24.99% Variable
- Balance Transfer fee: 3% for 120 days from account opening, then up to 5%; min: $5
- Annual fee: $0
- Must earn at least 7,500 points in a calendar year to qualify for A-List status
- Earn 20 points for every $1 spent at Express, both in-store and online
- $15 reward certificate for every 2,500 points
- Complimentary birthday gift
- No annual fee
The Express NEXT A-List Credit Card blows most other reward cards out of the water.
You’ll earn 20X points per dollar at Express, which translates to an incredible 12% cash back equivalent for A-List credit cardholders. If you’re not on the A-List you’ll still wind up with an 8% cash back equivalent — still better than most competing clothing store cards.
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- Free standard shipping
- Birthday gift
- Exclusive offers
- Purchase APR: 23.74% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Closed-loop card
American Eagle Real Rewards Visa®
- 15X points per dollar spent at American Eagle and Aerie, in-store and online
- 5X points per dollar spent on all other purchases
- 20% off your first purchase in-store at American Eagle or Aerie
- Perks: Free standard shipping; 20% off birthday coupon; buy five bras or jeans, get one free; personal shopping day coupon; six cardholder events per year
- Purchase APR: 25.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
Gap Visa
- 5X points per dollar spent at the Gap and affiliated brands, both in-store and online
- 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- Free shipping and 20% off your first purchase
- Perks: 10% off at Gap and Gap Factory; special events and discounts; bonus point days; birthday gift; receipt-free returns
- Purchase APR: 25.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
Kohl’s Charge Card
- 35% discount on your first purchase
- Perks: 15% discount; 12 annual discounts; exclusive sales and offers; receipt-free returns; spend $600 to earn Kohl’s MVP status
- Purchase APR: 27.24% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
Victoria’s Secret Angel Card
- 3X Angel Reward points per dollar on bra purchases at Victoria’s Secret
- 2X Angel Reward points per dollar on non-bra purchases from Victoria’s Secret when making an in-store payment (only once per month)
- 1X Angel Reward point per dollar on all other purchases from Victoria’s Secret
- $15 off your first Victoria's Secret purchase; Little Book of Offers, containing $65 in savings
- Perks: Free shipping; perk of the month; birthday treat; anniversary gift; monthly triple-point days
- Purchase APR: 24.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Closed-loop card
Cabela’s CLUB Mastercard
- 2X CLUB points per dollar at Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, participating Cenex stores, and affiliated locations
- 3X CLUB points for CLUB Silver members
- 5X CLUB points for CLUB Black members
- 1X CLUB point per dollar for all other purchases
- $25 in CLUB points after approval; $10 in CLUB points after making 5 purchases in the first 30 days
- Perks: Earn CLUB Silver and Black status; shopping and travel protections
- Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: 9.99% at Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops; 17.49%, 20.49% or 26.49% Variable elsewhere
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
All Rewards Mastercard®
- 5X points per dollar spent at Loft and affiliated stores
- 2X points per dollar spent on:
- Gas
- Grocery
- 1X point per dollar spent elsewhere
- 15% discount after using the card the day you're approved; $20 Rewards Card for using your card outside of Loft and affiliates in the first 60 days
- Perks: 15% off on the first Tuesday each month; birthday gift; free standard shipping; double-point days
- Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: 27.24% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
Belk Rewards Mastercard®️
- 3% back in rewards at Belk or Belk.com
- 2% back in rewards on:
- Groceries
- Fuel
- 1% back in rewards on every other purchase
- Up to 25% off at Belk; $10 in Belk rewards dollars after your first purchase
- Perks: 20 savings events per year; receipt-free returns; bonus reward events; monthly savings day; early access to sales and promotions
- Purchase APR: 25.49%
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
SaksFirst Mastercard
- Rewards at Saks depending on how much you spend throughout the year:
- Premier status members: 2X points per dollar
- Elite status members: 4X points per dollar
- Platinum status members: 6X points per dollar
- Diamond status members: 6X points per dollar
- 3X points per dollar at Salons and Spas
- 2X points per dollar spent on:
- Dining
- Groceries
- Gas
- 1X point per dollar on all other purchases
- $25 Saks Welcome Gift Card after making your first purchase outside Saks
- Perks: Double and triple point days at Saks; advance notice of sales; exclusive event invitations; personal fashion consultant; personal concierge
- Purchase APR: 19.24%–21.24% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
Nordstrom Visa Signature Card
- 3X points per dollar spent in stores or online at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, HauteLook and Trunk Club
- 2X points per dollar spent on:
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Travel
- 1X point per dollar everywhere else
- $40 bonus note after first purchase on day of approval
- Perks: Free basic alterations; 25% off red-tag clearance items; exclusive access to sales; Nordy Club member status; double point days
- Purchase APR: 10.90%–22.90% Variable at Nordstrom, 14.90%–22.90% Variable Elsewhere
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
Neiman Marcus Credit Card
- 2X InCircle points per dollar spent on Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Last Call, and Horchow (online or in-store)
- 5,000 bonus points after making a purchase on the same day as account approval
- Perks: Earn perk cards; double point days; Incircle Concierge
- Purchase APR: 25.49% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Closed-loop card
- 5% off when you decline any special financing offers
- Special Financing: 6 months special financing for purchases of $299 or more, or up to 84 months special financing with a minimum purchase of $2,000
- No annual fee
Home improvement projects can be exciting, but they can also be cause for a headache. Get a little peace of mind with the Lowe’s Advantage Credit Card (Review), which can take a bite out of your project spending or give you some extra time to pay.
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Just be careful with the special financing offers. If you don’t pay off the balance in full by the end of the offer period, or miss a payment, you can be charged interest for the full balance. And that would be an extra headache you don’t need.
- Exclusive cardholder events
- Purchase APR: 26.99% Variable
- Closed-loop card
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
- 5% cash back at:
- Amazon
- Whole Foods
- 2% cash back at:
- Restaurants
- Gas stations
- Drugstores
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- $100 Amazon.com Gift Card instantly upon approval
- Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: 14.24% to 22.24% Variable
- Annual fee: $0 (Amazon Prime membership required)
- Open-loop card
The Home Depot Consumer Credit Card
- Special financing for eligible purchases
- Purchase APR: 17.99%, 21.99%, 25.99%, or 26.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
Walmart Rewards Mastercard
- 5% cash back at Walmart.com, including the Walmart App and Walmart Grocery Pickup and Delivery
- 2% cash back for:
- Walmart purchases in stores
- Walmart and Murphy USA Fuel Stations
- Restaurants
- Travel
- 1% cash back everywhere else
- 5% cash back for using Walmart Pay in stores for the first 12 months; $50 cash back for spending $300 in the first 3 months
- Purchase APR: 17.99%–26.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
- 4% cash back on eligible Gas worldwide, including gas at Costco (up to $7,000 spent annually)
- 3% cash back for:
- Restaurants
- Travel
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from:
- Costco
- Costco.com
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No foreign transaction fee
- Purchase APR: 15.24% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $0 (Costco membership required)
- Choose from 12 months special financing for purchases of $750 or choose 10% back in rewards
- Manage your account online
- Use card at Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, or PBTeen Store
- Double reward opportunities offered throughout the year
- No annual fee
Time for a new couch? You may be able to adjust your budget up a bit if you go with the Pottery Barn Credit Card, because you’ll get 10% back in rewards on your eligible purchases.
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You could also choose special deferred-interest financing for big purchases, if you need some extra time to pay. But watch out, because you could be charged interest for the full purchase if you don’t repay the balance correctly.
- Exclusive events and offers
- Purchase APR: 29.24% Variable
- Closed-loop card
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
- 5% cash back at:
- Amazon
- Whole Foods
- 2% cash back at:
- Restaurants
- Gas stations
- Drugstores
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- $100 Amazon.com Gift Card instantly upon approval
- Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: 14.24% to 22.24% Variable
- Annual fee: $0 (Amazon Prime membership required)
- Open-loop card
My Best Buy® Visa®
- 5% back in rewards at Best Buy and BestBuy.com, or deferred financing for purchases over $199
- 6% back in rewards for Elite Plus members
- 3% back in rewards at:
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- Gas Stations
- Grocery Stores (through December 2018)
- Home Furnishing Stores (through December 2018)
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- 2% back in rewards at Restaurants
- 1% back in rewards for all other purchases
- 10% back in rewards on your first day of purchases, within 14 days of opening the account
- Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: 25.24% Variable (11.90% Fixed for select purchases)
- Annual fee: $0 or $59 (depending on creditworthiness)
- Open-loop card
TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®
- 5X points per dollar spent at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Sierra Trading Post
- 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- 10% off the first in-store purchase
- Perks: Invites to exclusive events; shopping and travel protections
- Purchase APR: 26.99% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
Macy’s American Express® Card
- 5% back in rewards at Macy’s (Macy’s Platinum members only)
- 3X points per dollar at Restaurants
- 2X points per dollar at:
- Gas stations
- Grocery stores
- 1X point per dollar for all other purchases
- 20% off Macy’s purchases on the day you’re approved and the day after, up to $100 in savings
- Perks: Annual Star Pass mailings; surprise savings at checkout; Star Money days; birthday surprise; free shipping for Gold and Platinum members
- Purchase APR: 25.24% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
Belk Rewards Mastercard®️
- 3% back in rewards at Belk or Belk.com
- 2% back in rewards on:
- Groceries
- Fuel
- 1% back in rewards on every other purchase
- Up to 25% off at Belk; $10 in Belk rewards dollars after your first purchase
- Perks: 20 savings events per year; receipt-free returns; bonus reward events; monthly savings day; early access to sales and promotions
- Purchase APR: 25.49%
- Annual fee: $0
- Open-loop card
Wayfair Credit Card
- Either:
- 3% back in rewards OR
- Special financing on purchases over $60
- 15% back in rewards on your first order
- Perks: Free shipping
- Purchase APR: 28.49% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Closed-loop card
- Requires active Prime membership
- Cash back can be redeemed for statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout
- Earn 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market
- Earn 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and drugstores
- Earn 1% back on all other purchases
- $100 Amazon.com Gift Card instantly upon approval
- $0 annual fee
Solid rewards on office supplies? Check. Free, fast shipping on a wide selection of products? Check.
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (Review) can help you get the stationary and storage solutions you need, along with all those other little odds and ends. If you don’t have an Amazon Prime membership you can get the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card, which is just a bit less rewarding.
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Or, if you like to buy your supplies in person or from a local retailer, check out the runners up for other rewarding options.
- Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection: Perks at eligible hotels, including complimentary WiFi, room upgrades when available, a $25 food and beverage credit, and more
- Visa Signature Concierge: Call any time for non-emergency assistance.
- Shopping and travel protections: Including Purchase Protection, Extended Warranties, Baggage Delay Insurance, and more
- Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: 14.24% to 22.24% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Open-loop card
Staples More Account Personal Card
- 5% back in rewards in-store or online at Staples
- $50 statement credit for spending $150 within 45 days of account opening
- Perks: Free delivery for eligible purchases
- Purchase APR: 27.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Closed-loop card
Staples More Account Business Card
- 5% back in rewards in-store or online at Staples
- $50 statement credit for spending $150 within 45 days of account opening
- Perks: Free delivery for eligible purchases; special financing offers
- Purchase APR: 14.99%, 19.99% or 23.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
- Closed-loop card
Staples More Account Commercial Card
- 5% back in rewards in-store or online at Staples
- $50 statement credit for spending $150 within 45 days of account opening
- Perks: Free delivery for eligible purchases
- Purchase APR: Not Applicable - Paid in Full Monthly
- Annual fee: None
- Closed-loop card
Walmart Rewards Mastercard
- 5% cash back at Walmart.com, including the Walmart App and Walmart Grocery Pickup and Delivery
- 2% cash back for:
- Walmart purchases in stores
- Walmart and Murphy USA Fuel Stations
- Restaurants
- Travel
- 1% cash back everywhere else
- 5% cash back for using Walmart Pay in stores for the first 12 months; $50 cash back for spending $300 in the first 3 months
- Purchase APR: 17.99%–26.99% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
- 4% cash back on eligible Gas worldwide, including gas at Costco (up to $7,000 spent annually)
- 3% cash back for:
- Restaurants
- Travel
- 2% cash back on all other purchases from:
- Costco
- Costco.com
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- No foreign transaction fee
- Purchase APR: 15.24% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $0 (Costco membership required)
More Retail Store Credit Cards
There are hundreds of retail credit cards, and we’ve only listed our best card picks for certain categories. If your favorite store isn’t listed above, it might still offer a credit card — check out its website or call to find out.
Here are a couple big collections, from the largest issuers of store credit cards:
Store credit cards can provide valuable cash back and benefits, but for the most part they’re only useful at their co-branded stores. For some more flexible card options, offering rewards for a variety of different purchases, check out our picks for the Best Rewards Credit Cards and Best Cash Back Credit Cards.
What Are the Best Store Credit Cards?
There is no “best” retail store card, just like there is no “best” store. A better question might be: What’s your favorite store, and does it offer a credit card?
But here are some of our favorite store credit cards, co-branded with big names that just about anyone could find useful:
- Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (Review)
- Target REDcard™ Credit Card (Review)
- BJ’s Perks Elite™ Mastercard
- Lowe’s Advantage Credit Card (Review)
See more valuable store cards for department stores, wholesale clubs, clothing, home improvement, and more.
Where Can I Use Store Credit Cards?
Many store cards are limited in some ways, like where you can use them or how you can redeem rewards. And they typically have worse terms (like higher APRs) than the normal rewards cards you can get from big banks.
There are two basic types of store credit card, which are sometimes referred to as:
- Open-loop cards: These cards can be used anywhere, and have the Visa or Mastercard logo in the bottom-right (sometimes American Express or Discover).
- Closed-loop cards: These cards can only be used with the co-branded merchant, and sometimes with its affiliates. There is no Visa or Mastercard logo.
Open-loop cards are obviously more useful, because you can use them anywhere credit cards are accepted. But you might still find a closed-loop card useful if it has some features that you value highly.
Store credit cards are pretty much like any regular credit card, except for the open-loop and closed-loop distinction. You can usually apply for them either in-store or online. You don’t always need excellent credit scores— on the contrary, many store cards are attainable for people with average or even poor credit scores.
Retail store credit cards are actually a fairly good option for building your credit scores if you’re a huge fan of a certain store. But you should consider other options if you’re planning to carry a balance, as their interest rates can get pretty high.
If your card doesn’t provide good rewards at a particular store and you don’t have the store’s co-branded card, you may still be able to earn decent rewards in a less direct way. Use a credit card at a different store to buy a gift card for that first store, earning rewards on the gift card purchase instead. Then you can use that gift card to shop at the first store. But watch out, because some cards have terms that prevent you from earning rewards on gift cards.
Do Store Credit Cards Build Credit?
In most cases, yes — just like any other credit card, a store credit card can typically help you build up your credit and improve your credit scores.
That’s because store cards usually report your card activity to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
Many store cards are issued by Synchrony or Comenity, and both of those issuers report to all three major bureaus. If you’re not sure how a particular store card reports activity, you can contact the issuer to ask.
How Do I Apply for a Store Credit Card?
You can usually apply for store credit cards the same way you’d apply for any other credit card — just fill out the application online.
But in many cases, you can also apply for a store’s credit card in the store itself. Just ask an associate. Or, you might be offered (or pressured to get) a store card while you’re checking out, with the powerful lure of a one-time discount or coupon.
We typically recommend not applying for store credit cards as you check out, in large part because credit card decisions shouldn’t be made impulsively. Credit cards are significant financial tools, and you shouldn’t get one just to save a few bucks on a purchase.
Instead, take the time to consider your options, including general cash back cards and other store cards. Survey the vast selection of cards on the market, and consider getting one that works for you in a variety of ways — not just at one particular store.
What’s the Easiest Store Credit Card to Get?
The easiest store card to get might be the Fingerhut Advantage Credit Account (Review). It has a reputation for being available to people with bad or limited credit, as a way to help rebuild credit.
But store cards in general are known for being relatively easy to qualify for, compared to typical rewards cards. So you may find that you qualify for store cards when others have denied you.
If you’re trying to establish a solid credit history or improve low credit scores, store cards aren’t your only options. We recommend checking out secured credit cards, which can be used pretty much anywhere. There are also unsecured cards designed for bad credit that can help.
Expert Q&A
Answer by: Rob Simon, Associate Professor of Practice in Marketing, University of Nebraska-Lincoln
There are three reasons for getting a retail store credit card. The first is if they offer a no interest credit card. This is very infrequent, but Von Maur in the Midwest offers one. This is a no brainer to get one of these cards if you like their merchandise.
The second is if you are trying to build up your credit history. These cards can be easier to get than major credit cards like visa and help build up credit history if you are new to the credit market.
The third is if there is a very significant offering for opening a new account with a certain company. For most companies a Retail Store credit card is just a co-branded card with Visa, etc so I would only get one in this situation if it is a highly significant offering.
Answer by: Yiyuan Ava Liu, Associate Professor, Business, Accounting, & Economics, Otterbein University, Ohio
Most department stores only offer loyalty programs if a customer opens their branded credit card. However, the recent trend is that more high-end department stores (such as Bloomingdales, Nordstrom) changed their rewards programs to include anyone (who has signed up by an email). Therefore, for consumers, what are the key considerations of getting a retail store credit card?
You love shopping at this retail store! Either in store or online, you frequently buy from the store. In addition to the sign-up benefits such as introductory bonus offer, most rewards depend on how much you spend. For example, RedCard by Target offers card holders an 5% extra saving, free 2-day shipping, and 30 days extended return, while Walmart credit card offers an extra 3% saving and some related promotions. With other loyalty schemes such as consumer birthday gifts, direct cash back, instant coupons, free samples, merchant credit cards add value to the retail stores, especially for loyal and highly engaged customers. Customers who use store credit cards are more likely to shop in the same store than the alternative. Stores also tend to offer more special perks and discounts exclusively. Back to Bloomingdales example, store credit card holders still receive more points per dollar spent than non-credit card holders.
It is easy to get approved. Unlike other standard credit cards or premium credit cards with annual fees, store credit cards are used as a consumer sales promotion tool that encourages multiple purchases. That’s why they usually have lower credit rating requirements (with limited credits and higher interest rates too). Store cards may help you improve your credit scores if you use them appropriately.
It helps you shape your way of buying and saving. 2019 Experian Consumer Credit Review found that the average American has four credit card accounts. This indicates that it is wise to consider how each card can help you shape your spending habits. A mix of credit cards, such as travel rewards, cash back on select purchases, introductory 0% APR cards, and store card would be necessary to balance your spending and saving. Do some work before any financial decisions. Double check specific offerings such as sign-up benefits, ongoing discounts, special offers or perks, spending limitations, channel offerings (online and offline), and of course your own credit history.
Answer by: Rob Simon
Remember, you have to pay it back and these cards usually have very high interest rates. If possible, pay it back before any interest accrues. Also, each time you apply for or open a credit card it goes on to your credit report and opening numerous cards can lower your credit score.
Answer by: Yiyuan Ava Liu
More than 25% of rewards credit card holders carry a balance at least seven times each year, according to a 2018 survey from U.S. News. We advise not to carry a balance on your credit card so you can avoid interest charges. According to U.S. News card database, average APR of store credit cards range from 21% to 25%, and APR of rewards credit cards range from 16% to 23%. Good spending habits with specific attention to some key store or rewards credit card rules are essential to your personal finance management, including store reliability and trust, credit card management platforms such as websites and mobile apps, potential late payment fees, credit limits, interest rates, usage limits and rules (such as closed-loop or open-loop cards), frequent changes of offers and incentives, and resisting the temptation of one-time discount only.
Answer by: Rob Simon
Not very often. The only time you are offered one is at online or physical checkout. Again if it is a significant offering, you might consider applying for it, but read all the material on the application and apply after you have had time to review it.
Answer by: Rob Simon
I would not apply at checkout even though you might be offered a discount. I would take the time to review the material and if you like the offering I would apply at a later time. At checkout you are usually in a hurry and do not have time to really review the material.
Answer by: Yiyuan Ava Liu
Research from newmediaandmarketing.com shows that shoppers usually make impulse purchase decisions (such as getting a retail store credit card at checkout) when there was a sale or promotion (66%), they found a coupon (30%), or they simply wanted to pamper themselves (23%). When offered at checkout, consumers can get attracted by a good discount (e.g., 20% off for the purchases over the 2 days when opening a Macys’ credit card). Compared to impulse purchases, complex and expensive items are typically purchased only after the consumer has collected a large amount of information, which results in a planned purchase. Often, consumers will make a partially planned purchase when they know the product category and services they want to buy but wait until they get enough information. Again, be careful about the specific details mentioned above.
For rates and fees of the American Express Cash Magnet® Card, please click here.
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