If Walgreens is your go-to for prescriptions, vitamins, and the random stuff you grab on the way home, a store credit card that pays you back can sound appealing. The myWalgreens credit card is built to reward those regular trips.
But a store card is not always the best fit, especially if your main goal is building credit. Let's break down how the Walgreens credit card works, what it costs, and a few alternatives that let you earn and build no matter where you shop.
How the myWalgreens Credit Card Works
Walgreens offers its card in two versions through its bank partner. One is a store-only card that works at Walgreens and Duane Reade. The other is a myWalgreens Mastercard you can use anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Both connect to the free myWalgreens rewards program.
The rewards lean toward the pharmacy. As of June 2026, the card earns 10% Walgreens Cash on Walgreens-branded products and 5% Walgreens Cash on other brands and pharmacy purchases. The Mastercard version also earns a small percentage on spending outside the store. Your rewards land as Walgreens Cash, which you redeem on future Walgreens purchases.
Fees and APR
The good news is there is no annual fee, as of June 2026. The less good news is the interest rate. The store card carries a high APR, often around 31% or more, and the Mastercard's APR also runs high and varies by applicant. APRs vary by creditworthiness, and terms and conditions apply.
That high rate is the main reason store cards work best when you pay the full balance every month and avoid carrying debt.
Who the Card Fits, and Who It Does Not
The Walgreens card makes the most sense for loyal Walgreens shoppers who pay in full each month and want cash back on purchases they were going to make anyway. If that is you, the rewards can add up nicely over a year.
It makes less sense if you are trying to build credit from scratch or repair a rough history. The rewards are tied to one retailer, and the store-only version cannot be used elsewhere. For credit building, you want a card you can use every day, with a payment history that grows with each purchase.
There is also the matter of approval. Store cards can be easier to qualify for than premium cards, but approval still depends on your profile, and nothing is guaranteed.
Alternatives That Build Credit Anywhere
If building or rebuilding credit is the real goal, an everyday card usually beats a store card. These options are made for people with no credit, low credit, or past bumps, and they work far beyond one chain.
The Aspire Mastercard is unsecured, so there is no security deposit to fund before you begin. Because it works anywhere Mastercard is accepted, you can use it at Walgreens and everywhere else while you build a steady payment record.
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.
The Perpay Credit Card is another no-deposit option. It is built around regular, predictable payments, which can make managing a balance simpler while your on-time history grows.
Perpay Credit Card
Perpay Credit Card
Meet the only card powered by your paycheck. With automatic transfers from your paycheck, you can manage payments stress-free and build credit with ease.
Fee
$9/month plus $9 account opening fee
APR
Marketplace: 0% / Credit Card: 27.74% to 29.99% depending on your creditworthiness.
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
2% reward on purchases made in Perpay Marketplace
Benefit
2% rewards, no security deposit
If you want to build savings alongside credit, the Self Visa® Credit Card pairs a credit-builder account with a card, so part of what you pay is set aside for you.
No card is risk-free, and approval and terms depend on your profile. But an everyday card gives you more ways to build than a pharmacy card can.
Smart Habits With Any Card
Whatever card you choose, a few habits do the heavy lifting. Pay on time every month, since payment history is the biggest factor in your score. Keep your balance low compared with your limit, because lower credit utilization tends to help. And avoid opening too many cards at once.
Keeping an eye on your progress helps you stay motivated. A free tool like Creditship.ai lets you track your credit so you can watch your good habits add up.
Next Steps
First, decide whether your goal is rewards on Walgreens trips or building credit you can use anywhere. If it is rewards and you always pay in full, the myWalgreens card can fit. If it is credit building, choose an everyday card, set up autopay, and pay on time every single month. Either way, check your credit first so you know where you stand before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do I need for the Walgreens credit card?
Walgreens does not publish a hard cutoff. Store cards are often more accessible than premium cards, but approval depends on your full credit profile and income. Checking your score before applying gives you a realistic sense of your odds, and knowing what counts as a good credit score helps you set expectations.
What is the difference between the store card and the Mastercard?
The store card works only at Walgreens and Duane Reade. The myWalgreens Mastercard works anywhere Mastercard is accepted and earns a small reward on outside spending. Both connect to the same myWalgreens rewards program.
Does the Walgreens credit card have an annual fee?
No. As of June 2026, both versions of the card have no annual fee. The bigger cost to watch is the high APR, so paying your balance in full each month is the best way to avoid interest. Terms and conditions apply.
Is the Walgreens card good for building credit?
It can report your payments, which helps if you pay on time. But because rewards and use are tied to one retailer, an everyday card you can use anywhere usually builds credit faster and gives you more flexibility. Applying does add a hard inquiry to your report, so it pays to apply only when you are ready.
