Love hunting for deals at Ross Dress for Less? You may have been offered the Ross credit card at checkout, with the promise of extra rewards on your bargain finds. Before you say yes, it pays to understand how the Ross credit card works, what it earns, and whether a lower-cost option could build your credit faster.
Firstcard is a credit-building app for people with no, low, or bad credit. We review store cards with one question in mind: does this card help you build credit without costing you more than it should? Here is an honest breakdown.
What Is the Ross Credit Card?
The Ross credit card is a store rewards program issued through Comenity Capital Bank, part of Bread Financial. There are two main versions: a store-only Ross card you can use at Ross, and a Ross Mastercard you can use anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
The store version ties you to Ross, while the Mastercard version works like a general card with extra rewards at Ross. Both can report to the credit bureaus, so responsible use may help your payment history. The right choice depends on how and where you shop.
Ross Credit Card Rewards and Fees
As of June 2026, the Ross Mastercard earns 5% back in rewards at Ross Dress for Less and 1% back on all other purchases where Mastercard is accepted. The store-only card focuses rewards on Ross purchases. Most store cards like this carry no annual fee, which is a point in its favor.
The trade-off is the APR. Store-card APRs are typically high and variable, so carrying a balance can quickly erase any rewards you earn. Check the Ross credit card terms on Comenity's site for the current APR that applies to you. Terms and conditions apply, and APRs vary by creditworthiness.
Who Should Consider It?
The Ross credit card may suit frequent Ross shoppers who pay in full every month. If you visit often, 5% back at Ross can add up, and the no-annual-fee structure keeps it low cost as long as you avoid interest.
But if you rarely shop at Ross, or if you tend to carry a balance, the value shrinks fast. A store card with a high APR is a poor place to keep debt. If your main goal is building credit you can use anywhere, a dedicated credit-builder card is usually the better tool.
Lower-Cost Credit-Building Alternatives
If building broad credit matters more than store rewards, look at cards designed for that job. The first is the Self Visa, which pairs a credit-builder account with a Visa you can use anywhere. See the Self Visa Credit Card below.
Another no-deposit option is the Aspire Mastercard, an unsecured card for people building or rebuilding credit. It gives you everyday spending power without locking you into one retailer. Review the Aspire Mastercard below.
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard. Prequalify* For Up To $1000 Credit Limit. No security deposit. Packed with great benefits, it’s designed to give you more flexibility—and purchasing power—along with up to 3% cash back rewards!** Good anywhere Mastercard is accepted, it’s the go-to card for any lifestyle.
Standout feature
Up to 3% cashback rewards
Fees
$49 to $175; after that $0 to $49 annually; - $60 to $159 annually billed at $5 to $12.50 per month after the first year.
Pros
No Deposit Required. Prequalify for up to $1000 credit limit
Cons
High APR. 25.74% to 36%, based on your creditworthiness.
If you prefer to build credit through your own spending without a deposit, the Current Build Card is worth a look. It uses your everyday purchases to help establish a track record. Take a look at the Current Build Card below.
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
How These Compare
The Ross credit card shines only when you shop at Ross and pay in full. The alternatives above are built to help you build credit you can use anywhere, often at lower cost. Self pairs saving with a Visa, Aspire skips the deposit, and Current builds credit from your own spending.
If you want a card that works beyond one store, an unsecured credit card or a credit-builder option usually offers more long-term value. You can also explore Firstcard's credit-building tools for a structured start.
Tips for Using a Store Card Wisely
If you open the Ross card, pay your full statement balance every month so the high APR never touches you. The 5% rewards only help if you avoid interest.
Keep your balance low compared with your limit, and always pay on time, since payment history is the biggest factor in your score. A monitoring tool like Creditship.ai can help you track progress. If you are new to credit, our guide to the best credit cards for beginners is a helpful next step.
Is the Ross Credit Card Worth It?
The Ross credit card can be worth it for loyal Ross shoppers who pay in full and want extra rewards. For everyone else, the limited use and high APR make it a weak credit-building tool. A dedicated credit-builder card usually delivers more value and flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Ross credit card have an annual fee?
As of June 2026, the Ross credit card and Ross Mastercard typically have no annual fee. The standard purchase APR is high and variable, though, so carrying a balance can be costly. Confirm current terms with Comenity before applying.
What credit score do I need for the Ross credit card?
Store cards like the Ross credit card often accept fair credit, so approval may be easier than for premium rewards cards. Requirements vary and are set by Comenity Capital Bank. If your credit is limited, a credit-builder card can be a smoother place to start.
What is the difference between the Ross card and the Ross Mastercard?
The store-only Ross card works at Ross, while the Ross Mastercard works anywhere Mastercard is accepted and earns rewards beyond Ross. The Mastercard version offers more flexibility. Both can report to the credit bureaus when used responsibly.
Does the Ross credit card help build credit?
Yes, Comenity may report your payments to the credit bureaus, so paying on time and keeping balances low typically supports credit growth. Results vary by person. Because the store card only works at Ross, a general credit-builder card may help your score more broadly.
