If you shop the bargain aisles often, the Ollie's credit card probably caught your eye at checkout. It promises rewards on the deals you already love, and unlike many store cards, it works anywhere Visa is accepted. But is it the right card for your wallet, especially if you are still working on your credit? Let us walk through what the Ollie's credit card offers, what it costs, and the alternatives worth a look before you apply.
What Is the Ollie's Credit Card?
The Ollie's credit card is the first-ever credit card from Ollie's Bargain Outlet, the discount retail chain. It is a Visa card, which means you can use it far beyond the store itself. As of June 2026, it is issued by Transportation Alliance Bank (TAB Bank) and ties into the Ollie's Army loyalty program.
Unlike a closed-loop store card that only works at one retailer, this is an open-loop Visa. That flexibility is a real plus if you want a single card for everyday spending while still earning rewards at Ollie's.
Rewards and Welcome Offer
The rewards here are modest but straightforward. As of June 2026, cardholders earn one Ollie's Army Loyalty Program Rewards Point for every $2 spent on the card. New cardholders also get $10 back as a statement credit on their first in-store Ollie's purchase.
This is not a high-octane cash-back card. If you want strong everyday rewards, a general cashback credit card will usually beat it. A member favorite is the Costco Anywhere Visa, which pays strong cash back on gas and dining for warehouse shoppers. The Ollie's credit card shines mainly for loyal Ollie's Army members who want to fold their shopping rewards into one card. Check Ollie's website for current rewards terms, since loyalty programs change.
Fees and APR: What to Watch
Here is where you need to read carefully. As of June 2026, the Ollie's credit card has no annual fee, which is good news. It also advertises no late fees, a rare and welcome feature.
The catch is the interest rate. As of June 2026, the variable APR ranges from 15.74% to 35.99%, with some state-specific caps. The top end of that range is steep. APRs vary by creditworthiness, so the rate you get depends on your credit profile.
The Golden Rule
If you pay your full balance by the due date each month, you will not be charged interest. Carrying a balance at a 35.99% APR can erase any rewards value fast. Treat this card as a tool for spending you can pay off in full, not as a way to finance purchases over time. Terms and conditions apply.
Will the Ollie's Credit Card Help Build Credit?
Like most major credit cards, the Ollie's credit card can help build your credit when used responsibly, since the issuer typically reports to the credit bureaus. On-time payments and low balances are what move your score in the right direction over time.
That said, a rewards Visa like this usually expects at least fair credit to get approved. If your credit is thin, new, or damaged, you may be declined, and a hard inquiry can ding your score slightly. Our breakdown of how a credit card inquiry affects your score shows just how small that ding usually is. So before you apply, it is worth knowing whether your profile is ready.
Better Starting Points If You Are Building Credit
If your main goal is to build or rebuild credit rather than chase store rewards, a dedicated credit builder card may serve you better. These are designed for people with no, low, or bad credit and are generally easier to qualify for than a rewards Visa. If a store-branded Visa feels out of reach, a secured credit card is often a more realistic starting point.
The Self Visa® Credit Card pairs a credit-builder account with a secured card, so you build savings and credit history at the same time. That makes it a strong fit if you want to grow a cushion of savings while establishing on-time payment history, rather than carrying a balance at a steep store-card APR.
The Current Build Card offers a secured-style card tied to a spending account, designed to report your good habits to the bureaus without the high APR risk of a rewards card. It fits well if you prefer banking and credit-building in one app and want your everyday debit-style spending to quietly build a positive payment record.
Current Build Card
Current Build Card
$0 annual fee. No minimum deposit required. No credit check required. 1 point per dollar on eligible categories. Reports to Experian, TransUnion, Equifax.
Fee
$0
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
1 point/dollar on eligible categories (with qualifying payroll deposit)
Benefit
No credit check, no deposit minimum
The Kikoff Secured Credit Card is another low-barrier option built around reporting positive activity to the bureaus. It fits budget-minded builders who want a simple, low-cost way to add on-time payments to their credit file without a big deposit or a high-interest rewards card.
For comparison, OpenSky offers a secured card that does not require a credit check to apply, and Chime offers a secured-style card tied to a spending account, both designed to report your good habits without the high APR risk of a rewards card.
Firstcard exists to help you compare these credit-building paths in plain English, whether you are after your first credit card or a fresh start with a card for bad credit. If you are weighing a deposit-based option, our guide on how to apply for a secured credit card walks through the steps.
Who Should Consider the Ollie's Credit Card?
The Ollie's credit card makes the most sense if you already shop Ollie's regularly, have at least fair credit, and pay your balance in full each month. The no-annual-fee and no-late-fee structure is genuinely friendly for a store-branded Visa. If you are comparing store-branded retail cards, our Meijer credit card review looks at another no-annual-fee option that adds fuel perks.
It is a weaker fit if you are early in your credit journey, expect to carry a balance, or want top-tier everyday rewards. In those cases, a credit-building card like the Self Visa® Credit Card or OpenSky often delivers more value for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ollie's credit card have an annual fee?
As of June 2026, the Ollie's credit card has no annual fee. It also advertises no late fees, which is uncommon for a retail card. Always confirm current terms on Ollie's website before applying, since fee structures can change.
What credit score do I need for the Ollie's credit card?
The issuer does not publish a strict minimum, but a rewards Visa like this generally favors applicants with at least fair credit. If your credit is limited or damaged, a secured card such as OpenSky or the Kikoff Secured Credit Card may be easier to get approved for.
Can I use the Ollie's credit card anywhere?
Yes. Because it is a Visa, you can use the Ollie's credit card anywhere Visa is accepted, both online and in stores. You earn Ollie's Army rewards points on all eligible purchases, not just those at Ollie's.
Will the Ollie's credit card help my credit score?
It can, when used responsibly. The issuer typically reports to the credit bureaus, so on-time payments and low balances can help your score over time. Missing payments or carrying high balances can hurt it instead. Terms and conditions apply.
