The 14 Easiest Store Credit Cards to Get (& Which to Avoid)

Having a store credit card can be a great way to earn rewards at the places where you regularly shop. Below we provide a list of store credit cards that are the easiest to obtain, along with a list of cards that are harder to get. We’ve included information about each card, including its perks, fees, annual percentage rates (APR), approval times, and more.

What We Recommend

For credit card options that offer instant approval, low credit requirements, and a simple approval process, consider an Amazon credit card. Amazon offers the widest selection of products, and you can use the Prime Rewards Visa Card to get rewards anywhere you shop.

Other good options for easy-to-get store credit cards include Nordstrom, as well as Target and Walmart, which offer store cards that come with significant savings opportunities.

Comparison Table

You can use the table below to compare the cards we’ve listed. We’ve included information on whether the store offers a card that can be used anywhere (open loop) or a card that can only be used in that store (closed loop).

To sort the table, click the arrows at the top of each column. For more details on each card, you can click the store name or scroll down to our list below.

The List

While it will take some time to go through the application process, several of the companies on this list will provide instant approval while waiting for successful credit checks. Most of these companies also have relatively low thresholds for credit requirements, meaning that customers with less-than-stellar credit histories are still likely to be approved (unless noted otherwise).

Be aware, especially if you have a weak or minimal credit history, that using these cards can negatively impact your credit score. If you miss payments or default on the card, your creditor will likely report these issues to the major credit bureaus. To avoid this, be sure to note the APRs and fees we’ve listed here, so you can factor them into your budget when making purchases. In some instances, it makes more financial sense to save up for your purchase and buy it in full, rather than paying the full item price plus interest. We’ve ordered the list below starting with the best overall options.

Amazon

• Card information: Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card (use everywhere) and Amazon Prime Store Card (use for Amazon only)
• Credit requirement: Fair
• Other requirements: Must be at least 18 years old and provide Social Security number
• Approval process: Instant approval is possible in as little as 30 seconds, and the card can be used immediately, with a physical card coming in seven to 10 business days. If not instantly approved, approval may take two to four weeks based on credit checks.
• Perks:
  • Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card: 5% back at Amazon.com, 2% back at restaurants, drug stores, and gas stations, 1% back on all other purchases
  • Amazon Prime Store Card: 5% back on all Amazon.com purchases or promotional financing for the Amazon
• APR: About 25.99% for the Amazon Prime Store Card, about 14.24% to 22.24% for the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa
• Fees: Up to $35 for late and returned payments
• Find out more or apply

Nordstrom

• Card information: Both general use cards (Visa) and credit cards specifically for use at Nordstrom are available. Debit cards (drawn from a personal bank account) are available as well.
• Credit requirement: Good
• Other requirements: Must be at least 18 years old (19 in Alabama and Nebraska; 21 in Mississippi and Puerto Rico) and provide Social Security number, annual income, and ID number (for a driver’s license, state ID, passport, etc.)
• Approval process: Instant approval is possible if you have good to excellent credit.
• Perks: Earn $20 for $100 spent, future rewards points, enjoy early access to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale before it opens to the public.
• APR: About 22.90% for the Nordstrom Credit Card, about 10.90% to 22.90% for the Visa
• Fees: Up to $38 for late payments
• Find out more or apply

Target

• Card information: Debit or credit card, for use at Target only
• Credit requirement: Fair
• Other requirements: Must be at least 18 years old and provide Social Security number, driver’s license, military ID or state ID number, annual salary, and U.S. checking account and bank routing numbers
• Approval process: Instant approval is available for qualified customers, but final approval is contingent upon a credit check.
• Perks: 5% off every day, free shipping on most orders, 30 extra days for most returns
• APR: About 22.90%
• Fees: Up to $39 for late payments, up to $27 for returned payments
• Find out more or apply

Walmart

• Card information: The Capital One Walmart Rewards Card can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted; the Walmart Rewards Card can be used at Walmart stores and on Walmart.com.
• Credit requirement: Fair
• Other requirements: Must provide annual income, residential status, and social security number
• Approval process: Approval is contingent upon good credit. If opening the account in-store, a temporary card is provided for use for 24 hours only. The temporary card is only good at the store where the application is submitted.
• Perks:
  • Capital One Walmart Rewards Card: Earn 5% back on Walmart.com, 2% back at Walmart stores, 2% back at restaurants and on travel, 1% back on all other purchases
  • Walmart Rewards Card: Earn 5% back on Walmart.com and 2% back at Walmart stores
• APR: About 26.99% for the Walmart Rewards Card; about 17.99%, 23.24% or 26.99% (based on creditworthiness) for the Capital One Walmart Rewards Card
• Fees: Up to $38 for late payments
• Find out more or apply

Belk

• Card information: Belk credit card, for use at Belk only
• Credit requirement: Fair
• Other requirements: Must be at least 18 years old and provide phone number, annual net income, length of time at current address, and Social Security number
• Approval process: Instant approval is possible.
• Perks: 15% to 20% off purchases, 3 to 5% back in reward dollars for every purchase, future deals and coupons, receipt-free returns. Numerous tiers of rewards accounts are available.
• APR: About 25.49%
• Fees: Up to $38 for late payments
• Find out more or apply

Boscov’s

• Card information: Boscov’s credit card, for use at Boscov’s only
• Credit requirement: Fair
• Other requirements: Must be at least 18 years old and provide contact information, Social Security number, and income
• Approval process: Instant approval is possible.
• Perks: 15% off all purchases the day of activation, double points on cosmetics and fragrances, birthday rewards, future coupons, and rewards
• APR: About 25.99%
• Fees: Up to $38 for late payments and $25 for returned payments
• Find out more or apply

Kohl’s

• Card information: Store credit card for use at Kohl’s only
• Credit requirement: Fair
• Other requirements: Must be at least 18 years old and provide Social Security number and annual income
• Approval process: Contingent on credit history but bad credit is accepted
• Perks: 12 special offers every year, 18 offers if you spend $600 on your card and become a Most Valued Customer
• APR: About 24.99%
• Fees: Up to $37 for late and returned payments
• Find out more or apply

Macy’s

• Card information: Macy’s offers a store credit card and an American Express card that can be used anywhere.
• Credit requirement: Good
• Other requirements: Monthly mortgage payment, annual income, residential status, and social security number
• Approval process: Instant approval for those with good to excellent credit; a temporary card is given to you upon in-store application for use that day.
• Perks: Special savings days and additional percentage off in-store when using Macy’s card. Offers and payment options kept on account for easy access
• APR: About 25.24%
• Fees: Up to $38 for late and returned payments
• Find out more or apply

JCPenney

• Card information: Store credit card for use at JCPenney only
• Credit requirement: Good
• Other requirements: Must be at least 18 years old and provide your phone number, annual net income, length of time at current address, and social security number
• Approval process: Instant approval is possible.
• Perks: 15% off today, 5% off major appliances and Modern Bride Diamond Vault, future coupons, designated no-interest purchase periods
• APR: About 27.49%
  Fees: Up to $38 for late payments
• Find out more or apply

Sears (Includes Kmart)

• Card information: Both general use cards (Mastercard) and credit cards specifically for use at Sears are available
• Credit requirement: Good
• Other requirements: Must be at least 18 years old and provide social security number and annual income
• Approval process: Instant approval is possible if you have good to excellent credit.
• Perks: 10% earned in points on the card to spend on future purchases, sometimes no interest opportunities, future coupons and discounts
• APR: About 25.99%
• Fees: Up to $37 for late payments
• Find out more or apply

Overstock

• Card information: Store card for use on Overstock.com only
• Requirements: Must be at least 18 years old and provide social security number and annual income
• Approval process: Instant approval is possible, subject to credit approval.
• Perks: 10% off first purchase using the card, up to 24 months special financing available
• APR: About 26.99%
• Fees: Up to $38 for late and returned payments
• Find out more or apply

TJX (TJMaxx, Marshalls, Home Goods, & Sierra Trading Post)

• Card information: Both general use cards (Mastercard) and credit cards specifically for use at TJX stores are available
• Credit requirement: Good
• Other requirements: Must be at least 18 years old and provide phone number, annual net income, length of time at current address, and Social Security number
• Approval process: Instant approval is possible if you have good to excellent credit.
• Perks: 10% off first in-store purchase, $10 in rewards certificates when you spend $200, reward points
• APR: About 28.49%
• Fees: Up to $35 for late payments
• Find out more or apply

Lowe’s

• Card information: Consumer credit card for use at Lowe’s only
• Credit requirement: Fair
• Other requirements: Must be at least 18 years old and provide Social Security number annual net income, residential history
• Approval process: Instant approval is possible in as little as 30 seconds, and the card can be used immediately, with a physical card coming in 7-10 business days. If not instantly approved, approval may take 2-4 weeks based on credit checks.
• Perks: 5% off on all purchases or up to 12 months special financing on qualifying purchases
• APR: About 26.99%
• Fees: Up to $38 for late payments
• Find out more or apply

Kay Jewelers

• Card information: Store card for use at Kay Jewelers only
• Credit requirement: Fair
• Other requirements: Must be at least 18 years old and provide Social Security number, residential status, mortgage payment, annual income, personal references
• Approval process: Instant approval for qualified customers., and you will receive the card in the mail after 1-2 weeks. This card is geared toward customers with lower credit scores.
• Perks: 12-month special financing plans
• APR: About 29.99%
• Fees: Up to $37 for late and returned payments
• Find out more or apply

Hardest-to-Get Store Credit Cards

While the stores on the hardest-to-get list also offer online applications, these are credit cards that will not provide instant approval and instead wait for a credit report before approving customers. Oftentimes, these cards require a stronger credit history than the instant-approval credit cards.

If you don’t have a credit score that falls within the good to excellent range (roughly 680 or above), you may find it more difficult to obtain these credit cards. The process for applying is typically the same as the easy-to-get cards, but it will take a little longer before you can start shopping with the card. The same potential downsides of using store cards mentioned in the previous section apply here as well.

Best Buy

• Card information: Store card for use at Best Buy only
• Credit requirement: Good
• Other requirements: Must be at least 18 years old and provide residential status, annual income, and Social Security number
• Approval process: Contingent on creditworthiness and a credit bureau will be contacted before approval is issued
• APR: About 25.24%
• Perks: 5% back in rewards
• Fees: Up to $38 for late and returned payments
• Find out more or apply

The Home Depot

• Card information: Store card for use at Home Depot only
• Credit requirement: Fair
• Other requirements: Must be at least 18 years old and provide monthly mortgage payment, annual income, residential status, and social security number
• Approval process: Approval is contingent on creditworthiness, and a credit bureau will be contacted before approval is issued.
• Perks: Up to 24-month financing, one-year hassle-free returns
• APR: About 17.99% to 26.99%
• Fees: Up to $35 for late and returned payments
• Find out more or apply

Zales

• Card information: Consumer credit card, for use at Zales only
• Credit requirement: Fair
• Other requirements: Must be at least 18 years old and provide Social Security number and annual income
• Approval process: You’ll be contacted by mail about the status of your application within 7-10 business days of applying
• Perks: Exclusive coupons, jewelry inspection and cleaning notifications, $50 off a $200 purchase on cardholder’s birthday, 10% any repair service, free standard shipping, special financing options
• APR: About 29.99%
• Fees: Up to $38 for late and returned payments
• Find out more or apply

For more easy-approval credit cards options, see our list of instant approval credit cards.