William LipovskyA department store credit card can be a smart decision if you frequently shop at the store and you are looking to improve or repair your credit score. Major department store credit cards tend to offer discounts through regular coupons and special offers, and often times, they’re not that hard to get. Many provide approval decisions within minutes of you submitting your application.
Keep in mind that department store credit cards are notorious for high interest rates compared to other credit cards; if you don’t shop at the store offering the card frequently, you don’t think you’ll be able to pay off your purchases before they accrue interest, or you can get approved for a card with a better interest rate, you may want to consider a different credit card.
Stores will check your credit when you apply for a card. Be mindful that whenever a business does a “hard” credit check, it can lower your credit score by a few points. Most of the department stores listed below will issue a credit card to customers with a wide range of credit scores, but the credit limit will vary based on your score.
Finally, make sure you know whether you are applying for an open-loop or closed-loop credit card. Open-loop cards are credit cards that you can use anywhere. They are backed by Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, or another major credit card company. Most major department store credit cards are closed-loop, which means that you can only use the card at the store by which it was issued. Closed-loop cards are typically easier to get for people with bad credit as compared to open-loop cards.
Table of Contents
What We Recommend
For a store that offers instant approval for both closed-loop and open-loop credit card options, credit card rewards points, and a competitive APR, consider a Nordstrom credit card. If you have a slightly lower credit score, there are still several good options — both Belk and Boscov’s offer closed-loop credit cards that come with store discounts.
For another option that is not technically a department store but offers a wide variety of products and has multiple options for instant approval credit cards, you may also want to apply for an Amazon credit card.
Comparison Table
You can use the table below to compare the department stores with instant approval credit cards. Sort the table by clicking the arrows at the top of each column. You can click a store name or scroll down to our list of stores for more details.
| Store | Open or Closed Loop? | Credit Requirement | Incentives | APR | Annual Fee | Late Payment Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nordstrom | Both | Good | $20 for $100 spent, two points for each dollar spent, other perks | 24% | None | Up to $38 |
| Belk | Closed | Fair | 15% to 20% off purchases, reward dollars to spend, other perks | About 25% | None | $27 the first time; $38 after that |
| Boscov's | Closed | Fair | Double points on cosmetics and fragrances, future coupons, other rewards | About 27% | None | $38 |
| Saks Fifth Avenue | Both | Good | Up to six points per dollar spent, other rewards | About 25% | None | $35 |
| Bon-Ton | Closed | Fair | Coupons and discounts with double rewards, free shipping, future coupons | About 25% | None | Up to $37 |
| Kohl's | Closed | Fair | 12 discount offers per year, free shipping offers, other rewards | About 25% | None | Up to $37 |
| Macy's | Both | Good | Free shipping over $50, extra discounts in-store, other rewards | About 26% | None | Up to $38 |
| JCPenney | Closed | Good | 5% off major appliances and Modern Bride Diamond Vault, future coupons, other perks | About 27% | None | Up to $38 |
| Neiman Marcus | Closed | Good | Two points for each dollar spent, $100 gift cards every 10,000 points, other perks | About 25% | None | Up to $35 |
| Sears (Includes Kmart) | Both | Good | 10% earned in points on the card for future purchases, future coupons and discounts, other rewards | About 26% | None | Up to $37 |
| TJX | Both | Good | $10 in rewards certificates when you spend $200, rewards points, other rewards | 28% | None | Up to $35 |
| Dillard's | Open | Good | Every 1,500 points earned gets you 10% off a purchase or a $10 certificate | 7% to 22% | None | Up to $37 |
The List
Below, we list the department store credit cards that provide an approval decision immediately after you apply. We gathered this information by going through the initial phases of applying for each card and reading the applicable Terms and Conditions. If you decide to apply for any of these credit cards, be sure to read all of the information presented to you so that you won’t be caught unaware by unexpected fees. Note, as well, that all of these businesses will run a credit check as part of the application process. We’ve ordered the list starting with the best overall options.
Nordstrom
- Open or closed loop: Both — closed-loop store cards and an open-loop Visa card are available. Nordstrom also offers store debit cards.
- Credit requirement: Good
- Incentives: Earn $20 for $100 spent, two points for each dollar spent, and get early access to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale before it opens to the public.
- APR: About 24% (higher penalty APR applies if you’ve missed payments)
- Annual fee: None
- Late payment fee: Up to $38 (returned payment fee is $25)
- Find out more or apply
Belk
- Open or closed loop: Closed
- Credit requirement: Fair
- Incentives: 15% to 20% off purchases, reward dollars to spend, future deals and coupons, receipt-free returns
- APR: About 25%
- Annual fee: None
- Late payment fee: $27 the first time; $38 thereafter
- Find out more or apply
Boscov’s
- Open or closed loop: Closed
- Credit requirement: Fair
- Incentives: 15% off all purchases the day of activation, double points on cosmetics and fragrances, birthday rewards, future coupons, and other rewards
- APR: About 27%
- Annual fee: None
- Late payment fee: $38 (and $25 for returned payments)
- Find out more or apply
Saks Fifth Avenue
- Open or closed loop: Both — closed-loop store cards and an open-loop Mastercard are available; no foreign transaction fees on the open-loop card
- Credit requirement: Good
- Incentives: 10% off first day purchases; earn up to six points per dollar spent, 2,500 points gets you a $25 gift card; access to members-only events
- APR: About 25% (higher penalty APR applies if you miss payments)
- Annual fee: None
- Late payment fee: $35 (for returned payments, $25)
- Find out more or apply
Bon-Ton (includes Bergner’s, Boston Store, Carson’s, Elder-Beerman, Herberger’s, or Younkers)
- Open or closed loop: Closed
- Credit requirement: Fair
- Incentives: Varying discounts and coupons with double rewards, free shipping from online orders, future coupons
- APR: About 25%
- Annual fee: None
- Late payment fee: Up to $37
- Find out more or apply
Kohl’s
- Open or closed loop: Closed
- Credit requirement: Fair
- Incentives: 35% off your first purchase with the card, 12 discount offers throughout the year, free shipping offers, future coupons and discounts
- APR: About 25%
- Annual fee: None
- Late payment fee: Up to $37
- Find out more or apply
Macy’s
- Open or closed loop: Both — closed-loop store cards and an open-loop American Express card are available
- Credit requirement: Good
- Incentives: 20% off same-day and next-day purchases (up to $100), free shipping over $50, extra discounts in-store
- APR: About 26%
- Annual fee: None
- Late payment fee: Up to $38 (and up to $38 for returned payments)
- Find out more or apply
JCPenney
- Open or closed loop: Closed
- Credit requirement: Good
- Incentives: 15% off on the first purchase, 5% off major appliances and Modern Bride Diamond Vault, future coupons, designated no-interest purchase periods; in-store offers may differ
- APR: About 27%
- Annual fee: None
- Late payment fee: Up to $38
- Find out more or apply
For more information about getting a JCPenney Credit Card, see our related research.
Neiman Marcus (Includes Bergdorf Goodman)
- Open or closed loop: Closed
- Credit requirement: Good
- Incentives: 5,000 bonus points if you make a purchase the same day you sign up, two points for each dollar spent, $100 gift cards for every 10,000 points earned, free two-day shipping, occasional interest-free periods
- APR: About 25%
- Annual fee:Â None
- Late payment fee: Up to $35 (and $25 for returned payments)
- Find out more or apply
See our previous research for an explanation of your Neiman Marcus credit card approval odds.
Sears (Includes Kmart)
- Open or closed loop: Both — there are closed-loop cards (home improvement and regular store/online options) and an open-loop Mastercard available
- Credit requirement: Good
- Incentives: 30% off your first purchase on the same day you apply for the card; 10% earned in points on the card to spend on future purchases, occasional no interest opportunities, future coupons and discounts
- APR: About 26%
- Annual fee: None
- Late payment fee: Up to $37
- Find out more or apply
TJX (TJMaxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, & Sierra Trading Post)
- Open or closed loop: Both — there is a closed-loop store card and an open-loop Mastercard
- Credit requirement: Good
- Incentives: 10% off first in-store purchase, $10 in rewards certificates when you spend $200, rewards points
- APR: 28%
- Annual fee: None
- Late payment fee: Up to $35
- Find out more or apply
Dillard’s
- Open or closed loop: Open (backed by American Express)
- Credit requirement: Good
- Incentives: 10% off first statement after spending $100, for every 1,500 points earned get 10% off a purchase or a $10 certificate
- APR: Anywhere from 7% to 22%
- Annual fee: None
- Late payment fee: Up to $37 and other transaction fees possible
- Find out more or apply in-store or by mail
Other Stores That Offer Instant Approval Credit Cards
There are some other well-known stores that sell just about everything and offer instant approval credit cards. While they can look similar to department stores, these are warehouse clubs, wholesale distributors, and discount stores, and by most definitions, they’re not department stores.
Amazon
- Open or closed loop: Both — there is an open-loop Visa card and closed-loop store card and Prime store card
- Credit requirement: Fair
- Incentives: Free gift card after your application is approved, 5% off every transaction, promotional financing, future deals, and more incentives if you are already an Amazon Prime member; cash back;Â no foreign transaction fee on the Visa card
- APR: About 15% to 23%, depending on your credit score
- Annual fee: None
- Late payment fee: Up to $35
- Apply for an Amazon store card or an Amazon Signature Visa card
Cabela’s
- Open or closed loop: Open (backed by Visa)
- Credit requirement: Good
- Incentives: $25 in Cabela’s Points, two percentage points back on all Cabela’s purchases, free gear offers, two percentage points back on participating gas stations, one percentage point back on all other purchases, exclusive CLUB deals and events
- APR: About 10% for Cabela’s purchases and 16% to 25% for other purchases
- Annual fee: None
- Late payment fee: Up to $37
- Find out more or apply
Target
- Open or closed loop: Closed — both a debit and credit option are available
- Credit requirement: Fair
- Incentives: 5% off every day, free shipping on most items, extra 30 days to return items, future discounts
- APR: About 24%
- Annual fee: None
- Late payment fee: Up to $38 ($25 for returned payments)
- Find out more or apply
Walmart
- Open or closed loop: Both — there are closed-loop cards and an open-loop Mastercard
- Credit requirement: Fair
- Incentives: Discounts on your first purchase with a Walmart card, amount varies as promotional offers change; save 3% on Walmart.com purchases; save 2% on qualified gas purchases; save 1% at Walmart stores and other locations; free gift cards and future discounts
- APR: About 18% to 24%
- Annual fee: None
- Late payment fee: Up to $38
- Find out more or apply
For more about shopping with credit cards, we have information about getting and using a virtual credit card.
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Kait Scirri
I can wait just didn’t know they had beds I need a full size one we got two air mattress and both got holes in them fast and i have broke leg that has be amputated but I’ll try them
Hi Rebecca,
We have a couple articles about financing and rent to own options at furniture stores that you might find helpful. Here’s the 10 Best Rent to Own Furniture Stores and Furniture Financing: The 10 Most Popular Furniture Stores That Finance. Hopefully these can help you find a store near you with the bed you need. Good luck!
Could someone please help me I want apply for department credit card we are on disability and credit not that great we did get approved for loan but it not showing payment on credit yet and Fingerhut but ain’t used yet rather have local store we lost everything in flood and just can’t afford pay cash right out we don’t get but 800 month so I don’t know if any would approve us and don’t want run bunch hard credit reports it lowrts your score plzz any recommendations who to tty
Hi Rebecca,
Sorry to hear about the flood! If you have an address to send things too and can wait a couple days for shipping, it’s pretty easy to get approved for Amazon’s credit card. I would recommend taking a look at this article: The 13 Easiest Store Credit Cards to Get. We also list some of the toughest to get, so you know what to avoid. Several department stores made that list, so you should find something that can help.
You might also want to consider soft pull credit cards. A soft pull doesn’t affect your credit score, so you won’t have to worry as much about the risk of losing a few point only to not even be approved. We also have a list of those: Soft Pull Credit Cards and Store Cards.
I already have just about every card on the list but I applied for a Boscov’s which said your credit could be bad, mine is above average and I was denied! I never get denied credit.
Hi Dawn,
While I can’t say why Boscov’s denied you credit, now may be a good time to contact one or more of the credit reporting bureaus to check on the health of your credit. You’re entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies. You can find out how to order a copy of your credit report here.
I have a Walmart card what companies are these card with what banks can I still get another credit card
Use it like a credit card how long do you have to pay it back
Hi Donald,
You’ll have to make a payment once a month. If you chose the minimum payment, rather than to pay the balance, you’ll also be charged interest on the next month’s statement.
If you are looking for instant approval on a credit card Dillard’s does offer approval within seconds of applying. Only takes about 2 minutes to apply. I work for them and I process credit applications all the time.
Hi Trahan! Yes, you’re totally right. I called to confirm, and Dillard’s told me that yes, it’s almost always instant, unless there is some problem and they need to consult with their credit department. We’ve updated the article to reflect this correction! Thanks for helping us catch this error!
Hi I may be a little confused.
Are you saying Instant Approval meaning you will automatically be approved for their credit card or Instantly Approval meaning you will instantly get the results ( Approved/Not Approved)
Hi Booney,
Thanks for the question. Most credit cards take days (or even weeks) for you to hear back if you’ve been approved or not. In this article, when we say Instant Approval, we mean that you’ll get results back instantly about if you’ve been approved or not approved – (usually just after the department store does a quick phone call to check your credit. Hope this helps clear up the confusion!
Where can i go to apply for dillard
Hi there!
You can either go to your local Dillard’s and apply in-store, or you can call them at 1-800-643-8276 to receive an application by mail.
Dillard’s does have instant credit.
Dollar’s does have instant approval on their credit card. I don’t know where you got your info.
After reading this a few months ago i applied for everyone you said was an instant approval and got rejected by every single one.So I guess thungs have changed since this was written.
Hi there,
Unfortunately, instant approval doesn’t mean absolute approval. In other words, these companies still run your credit to determine your credit worthiness.