Store Credit Cards That Are Easier To Get Approved For

Store credit cards are often easier to get approved for than bank credit cards because retailers set their own approval standards

A store credit card is a card issued by a retailer or the bank that handles their credit program. Unlike Visa or Mastercard, you can only use it at that store or its partner locations. Retailers approve store cards more readily than banks do because they benefit directly from the spending — they make money when you use the card at their checkout. This means their approval bar is typically lower than what you'd face applying for a general-purpose credit card.

Store cards also tend to have lower credit score requirements. While a bank card might want a score of 670 or higher, many store cards will consider applicants with scores in the 600 range or even lower. Some retailers focus less on your credit history and more on whether you have a steady income and no recent bankruptcies or collections accounts.

The trade-off is that store cards usually come with higher interest rates and lower credit limits than bank cards. You're getting easier approval, but at a cost if you carry a balance.

Key Takeaways

• Store credit cards have lower approval requirements than bank cards because retailers want to encourage spending at their locations.
• Many store cards will consider applicants with credit scores below 650, whereas bank cards typically require 670 or higher.
• Store cards charge higher interest rates — often 20% to 30% — so carrying a balance costs more than it would on a bank card.
• You can build credit history with a store card, but only if you make on-time payments and keep your balance low relative to your limit.

Which retailers offer store cards with easier approval

Retailers that cater to customers with lower or rebuilding credit tend to have the most lenient approval processes. Department stores like Kohl's, Macy's, and Lowe's are known for approving applicants with fair credit. Furniture and appliance retailers like Ashley Furniture and Best Buy also approve a wider range of credit profiles. Gas station cards from Chevron, Shell, and Speedway are often among the easiest to get.

Amazon and Target have store cards that are somewhat easier to get than bank cards, though their approval standards sit in the middle — easier than a Chase or Bank of America card, but stricter than a furniture store card. Amazon's card is issued by Synchrony Bank, as are many other retail cards, and Synchrony tends to have more flexible approval criteria than traditional banks.

The easiest cards to get are often from stores that specialize in credit-building or serve customers rebuilding their credit. Stores like Fingerhut and Aarons (a rent-to-own furniture retailer) have cards designed specifically for people with limited or poor credit history.

What happens during the approval process

When you apply for a store card, the issuer pulls your credit report and checks your credit score. They also verify your income — usually by asking for your annual salary on the application — and may contact your employer to confirm. They look at whether you have any active collections accounts or recent bankruptcies, which are bigger red flags than a low score alone.

The entire process usually takes minutes to a few hours. Many store cards offer instant approval at checkout or online, meaning you find out whether you're approved before you leave the store. If you're not approved instantly, the issuer will mail you a decision within a few days.

If you're denied, you have the right to know why. The issuer must send you a notice explaining the reason — for example, "insufficient credit history" or "recent delinquency." You can then dispute inaccurate information on your credit report or reapply after addressing the issue.

How store card interest rates and limits compare to bank cards

Store cards almost always charge higher interest rates than bank credit cards. A typical store card charges between 20% and 30% annual percentage rate (APR), while a bank card for someone with fair credit might charge 18% to 24%. If you carry a balance, that difference adds up quickly.

Credit limits on store cards are also usually lower. A first-time store cardholder might receive a limit of $300 to $1,000, whereas a bank card for the same person could offer $1,500 to $3,000. Some store cards, particularly those from furniture retailers, may offer higher limits because customers make larger purchases.

The one advantage store cards sometimes offer is a promotional period with 0% APR for a set number of months — often 6 to 24 months depending on the retailer. This can make a store card a smart choice if you're planning a large purchase and can pay it off before the promotional period ends.

Using a store card to build credit history

A store card can help you build credit if you use it responsibly. Credit bureaus track your payment history, how much of your available credit you use, and how long you've had the account. Making on-time payments on a store card demonstrates reliability, and keeping your balance below 30% of your limit shows you're not overextended.

The catch is that store cards report to credit bureaus only if the issuer chooses to. Most major retailers do report, but some smaller ones don't. Before you open a store card specifically to build credit, ask whether the issuer reports to all three bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.

If you're rebuilding credit, a store card can be a stepping stone. After six to twelve months of on-time payments, you may become may be able to access for a bank credit card with better terms. At that point, you can use the bank card for everyday purchases and let the store card sit unused, keeping the account open to maintain your credit history.

When a store card makes sense and when it doesn't

A store card makes sense if you shop at that retailer regularly and can pay off the balance in full each month. The higher interest rate doesn't hurt you if you never carry a balance, and you may get rewards like points toward discounts or exclusive sales access. It also makes sense if you're rebuilding credit and need an easier approval path than a bank card offers.

A store card is a poor choice if you plan to carry a balance. The 20% to 30% interest rate will cost you significantly more than a bank card or personal loan. It's also not a good fit if you only shop at that store occasionally — the card sits unused and doesn't help your credit as much as a card you use regularly.

Avoid opening multiple store cards at once, even if you're approved easily. Each application triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, and multiple inquiries in a short time can lower your score. Space applications out by at least a few months if you're opening more than one card.

Red flags and predatory practices in store credit

Some store cards, particularly from rent-to-own and furniture retailers, come with terms that can trap you in debt. Watch out for cards that charge application fees, annual fees, or require you to make purchases within a certain timeframe or lose the account. These fees add up and make the card more expensive than advertised.

Be cautious of promotional financing offers that sound too good to be true. A 0% APR offer might come with a catch — if you don't pay off the full balance by the end of the promotional period, you may owe interest on the entire original amount, not just the remaining balance. Read the fine print before you sign up.

Some retailers use store cards as a way to lock customers into their ecosystem. They may offer rewards only redeemable at their store, or make the card harder to use elsewhere. This isn't necessarily predatory, but it's worth understanding before you open the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a store card with no credit history?

Yes, many store cards will approve applicants with no credit history if you have a steady income and a Social Security number. Retailers like Kohl's and Lowe's specifically target first-time credit users. You may receive a lower credit limit, but approval is possible.

Will opening a store card hurt my credit score?

Opening a store card will cause a small, temporary dip in your score because of the hard inquiry. However, if you make on-time payments and keep your balance low, your score will recover and improve over time. The long-term benefit of building payment history outweighs the short-term dip.

What's the difference between a store card and a store-branded bank card?

A store card can only be used at that retailer. A store-branded bank card (like the Target Mastercard or Amazon Visa) works anywhere Mastercard or Visa is accepted, but offers extra rewards at the partnered store. Store-branded bank cards have stricter approval requirements than store-only cards.

Can I use a store card to pay bills or buy groceries elsewhere?

No, a store card only works at that retailer and its partner locations. If you need a card for everyday use, you need a bank credit card or debit card. Some retailers do offer co-branded cards that work everywhere, but those have higher approval standards.

What should I do if I'm denied for a store card?

Request the reason for denial from the issuer. Common reasons include low credit score, insufficient income, or negative marks on your credit report. You can check your credit report for errors, wait a few months for negative items to age, or try a different retailer with lower approval standards.