Best Store Credit Cards of 2024
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If you tend to spend at one particular place more than anywhere else, a store-branded credit card could benefit you more than a general-purpose card might.
Even with so-so credit, you can often get approved for store-branded cards from major retailers, and many such products have improved in recent years, offering better rewards and becoming more useful for everyday spending.
Make sure you know the difference between "closed-loop" cards and "open-loop" cards. Many store cards are closed-loop, meaning you can use them only at the issuing store, or perhaps at a group of stores under one company's umbrella. If you want a card you can use anywhere, look for one with a Visa or Mastercard label on the front. These are known as open-loop cards.
NerdWallet surveyed store credit cards from large outlets to find the most valuable picks. We also surveyed general-purpose bank credit cards that offered big rewards at department stores and other retailers. These offers topped our list.
BEST STORE CARDS
Amazon's Prime Visa
Earn an unlimited 5% back on Amazon.com purchases, plus other rewards. Annual fee of $0, but requires Amazon Prime membership.
Benefits of the Prime Visa
5% back on all Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases.
2% back at restaurants and gas stations.
2% back on local transit and commuting (including rideshare).
1% back on all other purchases.
$0 annual fee.
Open-loop card, which means you can use it anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted.
Drawbacks of the Prime Visa
High ongoing APR.
Available only to Amazon Prime members.
Verdict
If you shop heavily at Amazon.com and/or Whole Foods, and carry a $139-per-year Prime subscription, you might find that the Prime Visa offers more value than general credit cards. With your Prime membership, you can already buy just about anything at a low price with free two-day shipping on Amazon.com. But with this card — which is made of metal — you can also earn an unlimited 5% back on those purchases, plus an unlimited 5% back on purchases made at Whole Foods. (Most general credit cards that offer 5% rewards have quarterly spending caps.) You'll also earn extra rewards in a handful of other popular everyday categories when using your card at other merchants. Rewards are redeemable toward Amazon purchases, as well as for cash back, gift cards and travel.
The card's versatility and robust rewards make it a strong pick for loyal Amazon Prime customers and those who regularly spend a fair amount at Whole Foods. But if you hardly use your Prime subscription, you might be better off with another card.
Target Circle™ Credit Card
Get 5% off purchases, plus 30 extra days for returns and free shipping on most items at Target.com. $0 annual fee.
Benefits of the Target Circle™ Credit Card
5% discount on all eligible Target purchases.
10% discount coupon each year on your card anniversary.
30 extra days for returns.
Free shipping on most items at Target.com.
$0 annual fee.
Drawbacks of the Target Circle™ Credit Card
Closed-loop card; can be used only at Target and Target.com. Consider the open-loop Mastercard version if you want a card you can also use elsewhere.
High ongoing APR.
Verdict
The Target Circle™ Credit Card lets you save on your purchases upfront, without offering a complicated redemption program. If you're a frugal spender and do most of your shopping — clothes, food, furniture — at Target, this card's 5% discount could add up to hundreds of dollars in savings per year. Most general credit cards don't offer bonus rewards for shopping at discount outlets like Target. Cardholders also get free shipping on Target.com purchases and extra time for returns, valuable loyalty perks.
This card doesn't offer 0% financing and has high ongoing interest, so it's not a good deal if you're planning to carry a balance. But if you want to save on your Target purchases with a card that offers no-fuss discounts, it could suit you well.
MyLowe’s Rewards Credit Card
5% off, or promotional financing. $0 annual fee.
Benefits of the MyLowe’s Rewards Credit Card
$0 annual fee. Offers either:
An unlimited 5% off eligible Lowe's purchases, or
Promotional financing if you decide not to get 5% rewards; see website for full details.
Drawbacks of the MyLowe’s Rewards Credit Card
Closed-loop card; can only be used at Lowe's.
Deferred interest accrues if promotional balance isn't paid down in time.
High ongoing interest rate.
Verdict
The MyLowe’s Rewards Credit Card has better rewards than most home improvement credit cards. Offering an unlimited 5% off all purchases, or special financing on larger purchases, this card earns a higher rewards rate on home improvement purchases than even most general credit cards. And because the rewards come as a 5% discount, instead of points to cash in on later, you'll get your savings upfront. If you opt for the promotional financing offer instead, you could save a small fortune on interest charges, assuming the balance is paid down on time.
This card is an outstanding pick if you frequently shop at Lowe's and want to earn more rewards on your purchases. If you're looking for a one-time discount and don't shop for home-improvement supplies often, though, you might be better off with another card.
Comenity Bank and Synchrony Bank are two of the largest issuers of store credit cards, partnering with hundreds of well-known brands. The two companies issue both closed-loop and open-loop credit cards.
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Earn cash back on all purchases. Annual fee of $0, but requires Costco membership.
Benefits of the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
4% cash back on eligible gas and EV charging purchases, on up to $7,000 in spending annually, then 1%.
3% cash back on restaurants and travel.
2% cash back on all Costco purchases.
1% cash back on all other purchases.
Open-loop card; can be used anywhere Visa is accepted.
Drawbacks of the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Requires Costco membership, which is at least $65 a year.
Requires excellent credit.
Cash-back rewards are paid only once a year at the end of the February billing cycle.
Verdict
If you're already a Costco and Costco.com shopper, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is an excellent card. The rewards rate on gas is among the highest around. You'll exceed the $7,000 cap on bonus rewards in that category only if you spend at least $135 a week on gas. You'll also be rewarded well for spending on restaurants and travel.
Redemption, though, can be a pain. Rewards are issued just once a year in February in the form of a rewards certificate. The certificate may be redeemed for cash via an electronic transfer — but only if you have at least $300 in rewards, and you must submit a request online or in the Citi app. You can also put the certificate toward Costco merchandise purchased in-store — but not online.
Sam's Club® Mastercard®
Earn extra rewards on gas (anywhere, not just at Sam’s Club stations), Sam’s Club purchases and dining, plus 1% back on all other purchases. You must pay for a Sam’s Club membership to qualify.
Benefits of the Sam's Club® Mastercard®
5% back on gas anywhere on the first $6,000 spent per year (1% after that).
3% back on Sam’s Club purchases as a Plus member (1% for Club members).
3% back on dining, including takeout.
1% on all other purchases.
Can be used wherever Mastercard is accepted.
Drawbacks of the Sam's Club® Mastercard®
You must be a Sam’s Club member. Club membership costs $50 per year while a Plus membership costs $110 per year (as of this writing).
There are quite a few limitations on the ability to earn rewards. In addition to the $6,000 annual spending cap on earning 5% back on gas, you stop earning rewards entirely once you earn $5,000 worth of rewards in a year.
Verdict
If you have your choice of wholesale clubs in your area, joining Sam’s Club costs less than Costco, even if you pony up for the more expensive Plus level. Opting for Plus membership makes the Sam's Club® Mastercard® a potentially useful card. However, depending on your annual spending, you may reach the limit on earning rewards.
If you're looking for a good gas credit card — and you consider gas stations as "stores" — you could consider the BP credit card. It goes beyond most co-branded gas credit cards, offering not just cents off per gallon at BP stations, but also actual cash back on popular spending categories outside the BP brand.
Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard
Earn up to 5% cash back when you use a mobile wallet or the Kroger Pay app. $0 annual fee.
Benefits of the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard
5% cash back on Kroger Pay purchases up to $3,000 per year (then 2% back). This excludes purchases at Kroger fuel centers.
5% cash back on mobile wallet purchases on up to $3,000 per year (then 1% back).
2% cash back at Kroger-owned stores. This also excludes Kroger fuel centers.
1% cash back everywhere else.
Earn 2 fuel points per $1 spent (double the usual amount).
Get a free Next-Day Delivery Boost membership, which is a $59 value.
Drawbacks of the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard
Kroger fuel center purchases don’t earn rewards.
$3,000 annual limit on earning 5% cash back with Kroger Pay and mobile wallets.
Rewards expire after three years.
Verdict
The Kroger Co. is the largest grocery store chain in the U.S., so the Kroger Rewards World Elite Mastercard can be a useful card if you use Kroger Pay. Plus, 5% on any mobile wallet purchase is a generous cash-back rate, too. This won’t double as a good gas card, though, so its real value comes from those 5% spending categories.
The Kroger Co. owns not just Kroger stores, but also Ralphs, Dillons, Smith’s, King Soopers, Fry’s, QFC, City Market, Owen’s, Jay C, Pay Less, Baker’s, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market, Mariano’s, Fred Meyer and more.
Verizon Visa® Card
Earn 4% back on dining, groceries and gas; 4% back on Verizon purchases (excluding your monthly bill); and 1% back on all other purchases. $0 annual fee.
Benefits of the Verizon Visa® Card
4% back on grocery store purchases.
4% back on gas.
4% back on dining purchases, including takeout and delivery.
4% back on Verizon purchases (not including your monthly Verizon phone bill).
1% back on all other purchases.
Two free TravelPass days per calendar year (up to a $20 value).
First-time enrollees: Depending on plan, get a discount of up to $10 a month per eligible Verizon account or line (on up to 12 lines maximum) when you sign up for autopay and paperless billing.
Open-loop Visa, which means you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted.
Drawbacks of the Verizon Visa® Card
To get the Verizon Visa® Card, you must be a Verizon or Fios customer.
Poor rewards rate on your monthly Verizon phone bill.
High ongoing interest rate.
Verdict
The Verizon Visa® Card offers excellent reward rates on everyday spending that goes beyond Verizon store purchases.
Rewards, known as Verizon Dollars, don’t expire as long as you're a Verizon customer and you earn or redeem them at least once every 24 months. That’s enough time to save up for a new phone, if that’s your preference, or you can cash in rewards sooner to purchase gift cards, book travel, or offset the cost of your phone or Fios internet bill. (Because you'll have to pay your phone bill every month, you'll always have a use for your rewards.) You'll save even more by signing up for autopay and paperless billing, up to $10 a month per account or per line on up to 12 lines, depending on the plan. Terms apply.
The Shop Your Way Mastercard, formerly known as the Sears Card, is another popular store credit card, thanks to its frequently recurring — and highly valuable — limited-time cash-back bonuses for existing cardholders. Its ongoing rewards, however, aren't as impressive.
EXCELLENT GENERAL-PURPOSE CARDS FOR SHOPPING
Chase Freedom Flex®
Earn 5% cash back on rotating rewards categories on up to $1,500 in quarterly purchases (activation required); 5% back on travel purchased through Chase; 3% back on dining at restaurants; 3% back at drugstores; 1% back on bonus category spending above $1,500 and any other spending. Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening. The annual fee is $0.
Requires good credit (score of 690+).
Benefits of the Chase Freedom Flex®
5% cash back on rotating rewards categories on up to $1,500 in quarterly purchases (activation required).
5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase.
3% back at restaurants.
3% back at drugstores.
1% back on bonus category spending above $1,500 and any other spending.
Open-loop card; can be used wherever Visa is accepted.
Access to the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal, where you can earn extra rewards with major retailers.
Solid sign-up bonus: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
Annual fee of $0.
Introductory APR of 0% intro APR on purchases and Balance Transfers for 15 months, and then the ongoing APR of 19.99%-28.74%, Variable APR; Chase doesn't charge deferred interest on the balance if you're still paying it off after the promotional period ends.
Drawbacks of the Chase Freedom Flex®
Must opt in to the 5% bonus categories every quarter to earn bonus rewards, which can be a hassle; here's how it works.
Comes with a $1,500 quarterly spending limit on 5% bonus rewards (you'll earn 1% in these categories after hitting that limit).
No store loyalty benefits, like the kind you might get with a store credit card.
Keeping track of all rewards categories may get complicated.
Verdict
The Chase Freedom Flex® isn't a store card, but its store-specific bonus rewards make it worth considering. Historically, the card has featured big-name retailers in the rotating 5% bonus categories, including Walmart and Amazon.com. Other 5% categories have included restaurants, grocery stores and gas stations. When you shop at major online retailers through Chase’s bonus mall, you can also rack up additional rewards.
The Chase Freedom Flex® doesn't come with some of the loyalty benefits that many store-branded cards offer, such as free shipping on online purchases or unlimited 5% rewards. But compared with other store cards, its rewards are much more versatile.
Discover it® Cash Back
Earn 5% cash back on rotating rewards categories on up to $1,500 in quarterly purchases (must opt in), and 1% cash back on all other purchases. New cardmember bonus. The annual fee is $0. Introductory APR of 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 18.74%-27.74% Variable APR.
Requires good credit (score of 690+).
Benefits of the Discover it® Cash Back
5% cash back on rotating rewards categories on up to $1,500 in quarterly purchases (must opt in).
1% cash back on all other purchases.
Strong sign-up bonus: INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers – only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Solid 0% APR promotion: 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases and balance transfers, and then the ongoing APR of 18.74%-27.74% Variable APR; if you still have a balance after the 0% APR period ends, Discover won't charge you deferred interest.
Open-loop card; can be used wherever Discover is accepted.
Annual fee of $0.
Drawbacks of the Discover it® Cash Back
Must opt in to the bonus categories every quarter to earn 5% rewards; categories may not always align with your spending.
No store loyalty benefits, unlike some store cards.
Verdict
Like the Chase Freedom Flex®, the Discover it® Cash Back also offers 5% cash back on rotating categories, on up to $1,500 in purchases per quarter (opt-in required; all other purchases earn 1% back). In the past, these bonus categories have included gas stations, home improvement stores, department stores and restaurants.
If you want other loyalty benefits, like free online shipping or exclusive sales, you may be better off with another offer.
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