What Are Store Credit Cards?
Store credit cards are credit cards issued by retailers — think Target, Amazon, or Walmart. They usually only work at that specific store (or chain), though some come as Visa or Mastercard co-branded versions you can use anywhere.
For people rebuilding their credit, store cards have one big advantage: they tend to have lower approval requirements than traditional bank credit cards. This makes them one of the more accessible entry points into the credit system. For shoppers eyeing the big-box retailers specifically, our breakdown of Walmart credit card approval odds with bad credit walks through the exact score ranges and what to do if you get denied. Warehouse-club shoppers can follow our step-by-step guide to applying for the Sam's Club credit card, which is issued by the same Capital One underwriting team and follows a similar pre-approval process. For a roundup of retail cards that don't put up many barriers, see the easiest store credit cards to get with bad credit.
Best Store Credit Cards for Bad Credit
If you have a low credit score, here are the types of store cards worth considering:
Retail-only cards with easier approval Many department stores and specialty retailers (Fingerhut, Blair, Gettington) offer in-store credit that is designed for people with limited or damaged credit. These cards typically report to one or more of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — which helps you build your credit history over time. Apparel retailers can be a good entry point too — see our walkthrough on how to apply for the Old Navy credit card for one popular example. Department-store shoppers should also check our guide on how to apply for the Kohl's credit card, which approves a lot of fair-credit applicants. If tools and hardware are your thing, our guide on how to apply for the Harbor Freight credit card covers a retailer card geared toward DIYers and contractors.
Gas station cards Gas station credit cards (like the BP Visa or Shell Fuel Rewards) are often easier to get than general-purpose cards. If you drive regularly, using one for fuel purchases and paying the balance off monthly can steadily improve your credit.
Secured store cards Some retailers offer secured versions of their cards, which require a small deposit. The deposit acts as your credit limit, lowering the risk for the issuer and increasing your chances of approval.
Co-branded cards with bank backing A few large retailers partner with major banks to offer co-branded Visa or Mastercard options. Cards like the Target REDcard or Amazon Store Card may be accessible to people with fair credit (scores in the 580–669 range). If you like off-price retailers, our guide on how to apply for the TJ Maxx credit card breaks down the TJX Rewards card, which is another relatively easy approval for fair-credit shoppers.
For card-by-card reviews of other apparel and specialty store cards worth comparing before you apply, read our Old Navy Credit Card review covering rewards across Gap brands, our Talbots Credit Card review which walks through the Classic Awards loyalty program, our Woman Within Credit Card review aimed at plus-size apparel shoppers, and our Eddie Bauer Credit Card review for outdoor and workwear buyers.
How Store Cards Help You Rebuild Credit
Every on-time payment you make gets reported to the credit bureaus. Over time, this builds your payment history — which is the single biggest factor in your credit score, accounting for about 35% of your FICO score.
Store cards also help your credit mix. Having a revolving credit account (like a credit card) alongside any installment loans you have shows lenders you can manage different types of credit.
Keep your balance low relative to your credit limit. If your store card has a $300 limit, try to keep your balance under $90 at all times. That keeps your credit utilization ratio below 30%, which is good for your score.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
Store credit cards aren't all upside. A few things to be aware of:
- High APRs: Most store cards carry interest rates of 25–30% or higher. Always pay your balance in full to avoid these charges.
- Limited usefulness: A card that only works at one store isn't very flexible. As your score improves, upgrade to a general-purpose card.
- Temptation to overspend: In-store promotions and deferred interest offers can lead to debt if you're not careful.
A Smarter Path: Credit-Builder Cards
If you want a card that works everywhere and is specifically designed to help you build credit, a credit-builder card like Firstcard may be a better fit. Unlike store cards, Firstcard reports to all three major bureaus, has no hard credit pull to apply, and gives you the flexibility of a general-purpose card.
Another popular beginner-friendly option is the Self Visa Credit Card, which is designed for people rebuilding credit from scratch and reports to all three major credit bureaus. If you'd rather try a general-purpose unsecured card with high approval odds, see our walkthrough on how to apply for a First Premier credit card for what to expect in the unsecured-bad-credit segment.
Learn more about building credit with Firstcard at https://www.firstcard.app/learn/how-to-build-credit-fast.
The Bottom Line
Store credit cards can be a useful first step when you have bad or no credit — as long as you use them responsibly, pay on time, and avoid carrying a balance. Think of them as a stepping stone, not a destination. Once your score improves, you'll have access to better cards with lower interest rates and more rewards.
Building credit takes time, but every on-time payment brings you closer to your goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What store credit cards are easiest to get with bad credit? Retailers like Fingerhut, Blair, and some department stores are known for accepting applicants with limited or damaged credit. Gas station cards are also often accessible. These cards typically have low credit limits but help build payment history that improves your score over time.
Do store credit cards help build credit? Yes, as long as the card reports to the credit bureaus (most do). Every on-time payment adds positive history to your credit report. Just keep your balance low and pay it in full each month to avoid the high interest rates that store cards typically carry.
What is deferred interest on a store credit card? Deferred interest means interest accumulates during a promotional period but is waived if you pay the full balance before the period ends. If you don't pay in full by the deadline, you owe all the accumulated interest retroactively from day one. This is very different from a true 0% APR offer. Always read the fine print.
What credit score do you need for a store credit card? Many store cards accept applicants with fair credit (580+) or even lower. Some retail cards designed for credit building have no minimum score requirement. The tradeoff is typically a low credit limit and a high APR.
When should I upgrade from a store card to a regular credit card? Once your credit score reaches 670+, you'll qualify for most general-purpose credit cards with better rewards, lower APRs, and more flexibility. At that point, it's worth applying for a no-annual-fee cash back card and keeping the store card open (for credit history length) but using it less frequently.
