Easiest online store credit cards to get

Best for Decorators

Key Rewards Visa *

Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn 5% back online and in stores across seven brands, 4% back at grocery stores and restaurants (excludes fast food)Read More

Regular APR

27.99% variable

Credit Score

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Why We Picked It

If you’re a frequent re-doer or you’re furnishing a home from top-to-bottom and want to only do it with items from this family of companies, you can find value in choosing the rewards or financing options with the card.

Pros & Cons

• 5% back online and in stores across seven brands, 4% back at grocery stores and restaurants (excludes fast food) and 1% back on everything else
• 10% back across seven brands for the first 30 days from account opening
• 12-month promotional financing on purchases of $750 or more
• No annual fee

Card Details

• Earn 10% back across seven brands for your first 30 days from account opening
• Earn 5% back online and in stores across seven brands, 4% back at grocery stores and restaurants (excludes fast food) and 1% back on everything else
• 27.99% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
• No annual fee

Best for the Outdoorsy

REI Co-op® Mastercard® *

Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 5% back in REI Co-op Mastercard Rewards per dollar spent on purchases at REI; Earn 1.5% back everywhere else

Welcome Bonus

$100 Gift Card

Regular APR

16.99%, 23.99%. or 27.99%

Credit Score

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Pros & Cons

• Easy to earn welcome offer
• 5% back on REI purchases

• Potentially high APR depending on credit qualification

Card Details

• 5% back in REI Co-op Mastercard Rewards for every dollar spent at REI, including on sale items, used gear, store services and REI gift cards
• 1.5% back in rewards on purchases everywhere else
• No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Card rewards never expire and members can redeem rewards as they earn them
• $100 REI gift card for new cardholder accounts, after the first out of store purchase, within the first 60 days of using the new card
• $50 REI Co-op annual statement credit when they use their card to book an REI Co-op Experience
• Ability to earn double rewards during an annual special event period
• Ability to choose to display their preferred name on their card
• Mastercard’s World Elite benefits

Best for BJ’s Wholesale Club Fans

My BJ’s Perks® Mastercard® *

Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn Up to 5% Cash Back on Most BJ’s Purchases (Earning will be based on your rewards tier - 5%Read More

Regular APR

17.24% - 27.24% variable

Credit Score

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Why We Picked It

Shoppers who frequent BJ's Wholesale Club will find this card offers a generous cash-back program for most purchases made at the warehouse store and a valuable discount on BJ's gas.

Pros & Cons

• 5% cash back on most BJ’s purchases
• 10 cents off per gallon at BJ’s Gas
• 2% cash back at restaurants and at non-BJ’s gas stations

• Earning rewards requires $110 BJ’s Perks Membership
• 3% foreign transaction fee

Card Details

• 17.24% – 27.24% Variable APR on purchases
• No annual fee
• Earn Up to 5% Cash Back on Most BJ’s Purchases (Earning will be based on your rewards tier – 5% for Perks Elite and 3% for Perks Plus)
• Earn 2% Cash Back Dining Out and at Non-BJ’s Gas Stations
• Earn 1% Cash Back Shopping Everywhere Else Mastercard is Accepted
• You can use your awards in-Club or on BJs.com in $10 increments
• 10¢ Off/Gal. at BJ’s Gas® Every Day
• Your credit card is also your Membership Card

Best Bargain Hunter’s Store Card

TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® *

5% Reward Rate

5% back in rewards when you shop at T.J.Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra and Homesense stores with a TJX Rewards creditRead More

Regular APR

29.99% variable

Credit Score

Fair to Good (650 - 699)

Why We Picked It

-

Pros & Cons

• 10% off your first purchase when you apply in-store
• Earn 5% on TJX store purchases

• Reward certificates cannot be exchanged for cash
• Lost or stolen rewards certificates will not be replaced
• Extremely high APR

Card Details

• 29.99% Variable APR on purchases
• No annual fee
• Earn 5% back in rewards when you shop at T.J.Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra and Homesense stores with a TJX Rewards credit card
• Earn a $10 rewards certificate for every 1,000 points earned

Best for DIYers

Lowe’s Advantage Card *

Up to 5X Reward Rate

5% discount on almost everything Lowe’s sells with an alternative option for special financing plans

Welcome Bonus

Up to 20% off

Credit Score

Fair (650 - 699)

Why We Picked It

If Lowe's is your go-to for home improvement needs, you'll probably appreciate this card's 5% discount on most purchases.

Pros & Cons

• 5% discount on almost everything Lowe’s sells with an alternative option for special financing plans
• Periodic promotional offers for cardholders.
• No annual fee

• Can only be used in Lowe’s stores
• High APR
• Financing options can be expensive if not careful
• No rewards program
• No benefits such as free shipping, extended return time

Card Details

• 26.99% fixed APR on purchases
• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fee
• Choose between everyday great financing options and exclusive discounts all in one card
• Get an additional 5% off every eligible purchase or order made with your Lowe’s Advantage Card
• Pay over time. Enjoy 6 months Special Financing on purchases of $299 or more made with your Lowe’s Advantage Card; or
• Enjoy 84 fixed monthly payments at 7.99% APR financing when you use your Lowe’s Advantage Card on purchases of $2,000 or more
• Pre-qualify for a Lowe’s Advantage card without impacting your credit score

Best for High-End Department Stores

Bloomingdale’s Credit Card *

Up to 3X Reward Rate

Earn 3 points per dollar spent at Bloomingdale's or anywhere American Express Cards are welcome. Earn 1 point for everyRead More

Welcome Bonus

20% off for two days after opening of account

Regular APR

29.74% variable

Credit Score

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Why We Picked It

Fans of the upscale department store can earn big rewards to redeem on more Bloomie’s stuff.

Pros & Cons

• No annual fee
• Earn extra points for shopping with the card
• Access to Amex offers

• Rewards can only be redeemed for more purchases with the store
• No intro APR offer

Card Details

• Open a Bloomingdale’s Credit Card and take 20% off today’s and tomorrow’s Bloomingdale’s purchases (up to total savings of $250 over the two days).
• Earn 3 points per dollar spent at Bloomingdale’s or anywhere American Express Cards are welcome.
• No annual fee.
• Receive a $25 award for every 5,000 points earned.

Best for Kohl’s Shoppers

Kohl’s Card *

Regular APR

27.49% variable APR on purchases

Credit Score

Fair (650 - 699)

Why We Picked It

Dedicated Kohl's shoppers will appreciate the opportunity to build credit with this no-annual-fee card while getting exclusive discount offers.

Pros & Cons

• 35% off one purchase after opening the card
• Boosted earning rate on Kohl’s Rewards
• Monthly discount offers

• Can’t be used outside of Kohl’s stores
• High APR

Card Details

• 27.49% variable APR on purchases
• No annual fee
• No foreign transaction fee
• Become a Kohl’s Card MVC. Spend $600 with your Kohl’s Card by the end of the year to become a Most Valued Customer (MVC)! That means you’ll receive additional offers throughout the year (like a birthday gift!) and enjoy monthly free shipping events
• Take advantage of mobile payment options like Kohl’s Pay, hassle–free returns, online and mobile bill payment and more
• Gain access to extra savings offers throughout the year
• Enjoy a special anniversary offer every year
• Combine your Kohl’s Card discounts with Kohl’s Cash and rewards

Best for Electronics Fans

My Best Buy® Visa® Card *

Regular APR

29.24% variable

Credit Score

Good to Excellent (700 - 749)

Pros & Cons

• No annual fee for those approved for the Visa Platinum version of the card
• Excellent reward earning on eligible Best Buy purchases
• Special financing options on eligible Best Buy purchases

• $59 annual fee for those approved only for the Visa Gold Version of the card
• Few extra benefits
• High standard APR
• Rewards can only be redeemed for Best Buy award certificates

Card Details

• 5% back in rewards (6% back in rewards for Elite Plus card members) on Best Buy purchases or flexible financing options starting on purchases $299 and up.
• 3% back in rewards on gas purchases, 2% back in rewards on grocery dining and takeout purchases, and 1% back in rewards on all other purchases
• 29.24% Variable APR on purchases
• $0 – $59 annual fee, based on creditworthiness

Best for Target Shoppers

Target RedCard™ Credit Card *

Up to 5X Reward Rate

5% discount on nearly all Target purchases

Regular APR

22.90% variable

Credit Score

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Why We Picked It

If you shop frequently at Target and pay off your balance every month, you can't beat getting a 5% discount on Target purchases with this $0 annual fee store card.

Pros & Cons

• 5% discount on nearly all Target purchases
• Free 2-day shipping on Target.com
• Extended returns for 30 extra days in-store or online

• Some items do not qualify for the 5% discount
• Very high APR
• Late payment fees and high APR can outweigh the 5% discount

Card Details

• 22.9% Variable APR on purchases
• No annual fee
• 5% off at Target in store or online

Best for JC Penney Shoppers

JCPenney Credit Card *

Up to 1X Reward Rate

Earn 1 point per $1 spent with your JCPenney Credit Card; Earn 1 point per $2 spent any other wayRead More

Welcome Bonus

Up to extra 15% off

Regular APR

22.74% variable APR on purchases

Credit Score

Fair (650 - 699)

Why We Picked It

-

Pros & Cons

• Increased earnings vs. non-cardholder rewards members
• Over 150 cardmember specific savings days
• Special coupons, bonus points and appreciation discounts based on your elite status

• Only usable at JCPenney stores and on JCPenney.com
• Earn better rewards with a variety of other credit cards

Card Details

• Get an extra 15% off select purchases made today when you open & use your JCPenney Credit Card
• 22.74% variable APR on purchases
• No annual fee
• Earn 1 point per $1 spent with your JCPenney Credit Card
• Earn 1 point per $2 spent any other way you pay
• Get a $10 reward for 200 points earned
• 150+ credit savings days just for JCPenney Credit Cardmembers
• Special financing offers available with your JCPenney Credit Card
• Manage your rewards and offers inside the JCPenney app

Methodology

The Best Store Credit Cards for bad credit were chosen based on welcome bonuses, fees, rewards and other perks. Keep in mind what may be best for some consumers might not be right for you. Conduct informed research before deciding which cards will best help you achieve your financial goals.

Best Store Credit Cards for Bad Credit

How to Pick a Best Store Credit Card for Bad Credit

Credit cards can have serious consequences to your credit and financial health.

The two most common types of store cards are open- and closed-loop cards, otherwise known as in-network and out-of-network cards. Open-loop cards, sometimes called in-network or co-branded, will usually have a Visa, Mastercard, American Express or other major card issuer logo stamped on them and can be used anywhere the issuer’s cards are accepted. An out-of-network card, also known as a closed-loop or store-only card can only be used at the store associated with it.

Our list features both in-network cards and closed-loop cards and it’s important to know what type of card you’re applying for. There may be times where you apply for an open-loop card, but are offered a closed-loop card instead.  This may happen because the bank does not feel that your credit qualifies for an open-loop card, but they do feel that you qualify for some credit.

Closed-loop cards normally impact credit and appear on credit reports in the same way in-network cards do. Many store cards behave the same way a credit card does, but not all do. Some cards offer “special financing” which involves fine print applicants should pay special attention to, as it often involves terms different from a standard credit card. No matter what the store card you want indicates about its interest, fees and other charges, be sure to read all the fine print until you fully understand what you’re getting yourself into.

To make the process easier, Forbes Advisor has created a number of guides to help consumers define terms, explore the inner workings of credit and understand how banks and other lenders advertise financial products:

• What Makes Up a Credit Score?
• What Is a Credit Report?
• Credit Utilization, Explained
• How to Build Better Credit

Store cards have long held a reputation for gouging consumers with high interest rates and hidden fees, but store cards can also offer a way to unlock special financing on large purchases or earn rewards or discounts at a favorite store. Choose carefully—especially if you’re starting to build credit, as you’ll want to keep your first credit card account open as long as possible for the benefit account longevity will have on your score.

If you’re not convinced a store card is the best option—and you likely shouldn’t be, since store cards often have much higher rates and less favorable terms—consider instead a secured card or a student card, which may help rebuild credit without the high rates and hidden fees many store cards are infamous for.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best store credit card?

There is no one perfect credit card for everyone. This is particularly true when it comes to store credit cards, since most store cards have special rewards or incentives associated with the co-branded store. You may find the cards offered by the stores you shop at are a good fit for you or not, depending on APRs, fees and other terms.

Will a store credit card help me build credit?

If the store card issuer reports account activity to the three major credit bureaus, the account will impact your credit. This can be a benefit if used responsibly or, have an adverse effect on your score if the account isn’t paid on time or if spending on the card causes too high a credit utilization ratio.

Will closing store credit cards hurt my credit score?

Your credit score is usually affected by closing any credit account. Closing accounts you’ve held for a long time could shorten the length of your longest-held account, which usually has a negative impact on credit. Closing accounts you don’t use could have other benefits, such as reducing the likelihood someone will steal your identity using an infrequently-monitored account.

Are store cards easier to receive approval for than other cards?

Not necessarily. Many store credit cards may have a reputation for being “easy” to receive approval for, but this doesn’t mean all are. Nor does “easy” mean “better.” When evaluating which cards to apply for, understand how your credit and financial position may change with a credit card. If you’re applying for a first credit card, check out our list of the best first credit cards.

Next Up in Credit Cards

Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.

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