Which Department Store Credit Cards Are Easiest to Get Approved For
Department store cards are easier to get than most bank credit cards, but approval odds vary by store
Department store credit cards generally have lower approval thresholds than bank-issued cards like Visa or Mastercard. That means you have a better chance of getting approved even if your credit score is lower or your credit history is thin. However, "easier" does not mean automatic — stores still check your credit and income, and approval depends on which store you choose and your personal financial situation.
Stores that tend to approve more applicants include Kohl's, Macy's, and Walmart. These retailers use credit scoring models that weight factors differently than traditional banks do. A store might approve you if you have steady income and no recent missed payments, even if your credit score is in the 600s or low 700s. By contrast, bank cards often require scores in the 700s or higher.
The catch is that department store cards come with higher interest rates and lower credit limits than bank cards. You are trading easier approval for less favorable terms. That trade-off makes sense if you want to build credit or need a card quickly, but not if you plan to carry a balance.
Key Takeaways
- Kohl's, Macy's, and Walmart cards are among the easiest department store cards to get approved for, with approval possible at credit scores as low as 600.
- Department store cards check your credit and income just like bank cards do, but they use different scoring models that may work in your favor if your credit history is short or your score is lower.
- Approval is faster for store cards than bank cards — you often get a decision in minutes if you apply in person or online.
- Store card interest rates are typically higher than bank card rates, so carrying a balance will cost you more money over time.
- Using a store card responsibly and paying on time can help build your credit score, which makes it easier to get approved for bank cards later.
Why department store cards approve more applicants
Department stores make money when you shop with them, not just when you carry a balance. That changes how they think about risk. A bank card issuer wants to know you will pay interest reliably. A store card issuer wants to know you will shop at their store. That means they are willing to approve people with lower credit scores or shorter credit histories, because the goal is to get you spending, not to maximize interest income.
Store cards also use credit scoring models that weight recent payment history more heavily than older negative marks. If you missed payments three years ago but have paid on time since, a store card issuer may overlook the old damage. A bank card issuer might still count it against you. This works in your favor if you are rebuilding credit after a rough patch.
The approval process is also faster. When you apply for a Kohl's card at the register, you often get a decision before you leave the store. Online applications for store cards typically return a decision within minutes or hours. Bank cards usually take three to five business days.
Which department store cards have the highest approval rates
Kohl's is widely considered the easiest department store card to get. The card issuer (Synchrony Bank) approves applicants with credit scores in the 600s and accepts people with limited credit history. Kohl's also runs frequent promotions offering discounts to new cardholders, which signals they are actively looking to sign up new customers.
Macy's is the second most accessible option. The Macy's card (also issued by Synchrony) has similar approval standards to Kohl's. You can apply in store or online, and approval decisions come quickly. Macy's also offers welcome discounts and rewards on purchases, which makes the card more attractive to people who might otherwise be turned down.
Walmart issues its own card through Synchrony and has approval standards comparable to Kohl's and Macy's. The Walmart card comes in two versions — a store card that works only at Walmart, and a Walmart Mastercard that works anywhere. Both have relatively lenient approval criteria.
Target and Amazon cards are slightly harder to get than the three above, but still easier than most bank cards. Target's card (issued by Synchrony) typically requires a credit score in the 650 range. Amazon's card (issued by Chase) is harder to get because Chase has stricter standards than Synchrony, but it is still easier than most Chase bank cards.
What happens to your credit when you apply
Applying for a store card triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report. This is a real credit check that shows up on your credit history and can lower your score by a few points. The impact is temporary — the inquiry stops affecting your score after about three months and disappears from your report after two years.
If you get approved, the new card account also affects your credit in two ways. First, it lowers your average account age if you have other older cards. Second, it increases your total available credit, which can actually help your score if you do not use too much of it. The key is to keep your balance low relative to your credit limit — ideally below 30 percent of the limit.
Paying on time every month is the single biggest factor in building credit with a store card. Even a single missed payment can hurt your score significantly. If you are using a store card to build credit, treat it like a tool for that purpose: charge small purchases you would make anyway, then pay the full balance each month.
How store card terms compare to bank cards
Department store cards come with trade-offs. The approval is easier, but the terms are less favorable. Here is what you typically get:
Interest rates: Store cards usually charge 18 to 25 percent annual percentage rate (APR), compared to 15 to 22 percent for bank cards. That difference matters if you carry a balance. On a $1,000 balance, the extra interest could cost you $50 to $100 per year.
Credit limits: Store cards often start with limits between $300 and $1,500, depending on your credit score and income. Bank cards typically offer higher starting limits. As you use the store card responsibly, the issuer may raise your limit over time.
Rewards: Most store cards offer discounts on purchases or points that convert to store credit. These rewards are usually better than bank card rewards, but they only work at that one store. A bank card rewards program works everywhere.
Annual fees: Most department store cards have no annual fee. Some bank cards charge $95 or more per year, though many do not.
When a store card makes sense versus when it does not
A department store card is a good choice if you are building credit from scratch or rebuilding after damage. The easier approval means you can get a card when you might not may have access to for a bank card yet. Using it responsibly — charging small amounts and paying in full each month — builds a positive payment history that helps you get approved for better cards later.
A store card also makes sense if you shop at that store regularly and plan to use the rewards. If you spend $100 a month at Kohl's and the card gives you a $15 discount on your birthday plus 5 percent back on purchases, the rewards add up. The higher interest rate does not matter because you are paying the balance in full.
A store card is a bad choice if you plan to carry a balance. The interest rate is too high, and you will pay more in interest than you save in rewards. It is also unnecessary if you already have a bank card with a decent credit limit — there is no benefit to adding another card just because it is easier to get.
Steps to apply and what to expect
You can apply for a department store card in person at the register or online through the store's website. In-store applications are fastest — you fill out a short form, the cashier submits it, and you get a decision in minutes. Online applications take a few hours to a day.
You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and income information. Have a recent pay stub or tax return handy if you apply online. The store will run a credit check and verify your income.
If you are approved, you can use the card immediately in many cases — either right away in store or within 24 hours online. The physical card arrives in the mail within one to two weeks. If you are denied, ask why. Some stores will tell you what factor caused the denial, and you may be able to reapply after addressing it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a department store card with no credit history?
Yes, but it depends on the store. Kohl's and Walmart are most likely to approve someone with no credit history if you have a steady income and a Social Security number. Target and Macy's are slightly more selective. Having a co-signer with established credit can improve your chances if you are denied.
Does applying for a store card hurt my credit score?
The application itself causes a small temporary dip — usually three to five points — because of the hard inquiry. If you are approved, the new account may lower your score slightly at first because it reduces your average account age. These effects fade within a few months, and your score typically recovers within six months if you use the card responsibly.
What is the difference between a store card and a store-branded bank card?
A store card works only at that store. A store-branded bank card (like Walmart Mastercard or Amazon Visa) works anywhere that accepts that card type. Store-branded bank cards have stricter approval standards because they are issued by banks, not by the store itself. They also have lower interest rates and better rewards, but you need better credit to get approved.
Can I use a store card to build credit if I have bad credit?
Yes. Store cards are one of the best tools for rebuilding credit because approval is possible even with a low score. The key is to charge small amounts and pay the full balance every month. After six to twelve months of on-time payments, your score will improve enough to may have access to for better cards.
What happens if I am denied for a store card?
Ask the store or issuer why you were denied — they are required to tell you. Common reasons are a credit score that is too low, insufficient income, or too many recent hard inquiries. You can reapply after three to six months if you have improved your situation, or try a different store with more lenient standards.