The Ultimate Guide to Credit Cards
Wednesday, October 4, 2023

Bealls Credit Card Review

Bealls Credit Card Review
Brittney Mayer

Written by: Brittney Mayer

Brittney Mayer
Brittney Mayer

Brittney is a Credit Strategist and Finance Expert who has spent years honing her knowledge of the credit industry both personally and professionally. Brittney applies her more than a decade of research experience to crafting in-depth consumer guides designed to help CardRates readers make better, more informed financial decisions.

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Edited by: Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro
Lillian Guevara-Castro

Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has written and edited for major news organizations, including The Atlanta Journal-Constitution and the New York Times, and she previously served as an adjunct journalism instructor at the University of Florida. Today, Lillian edits all CardRates content for clarity, accuracy, and reader engagement.

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Reviewed by: Ashley Fricker

Ashley Fricker
Ashley Fricker

Ashley has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Her credit card commentary is often featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others.

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Advertiser Disclosure

While today comprised of Bealls Florida and Bealls Outlet, the Bealls, Inc. company began in 1915 as a dry goods store in Bradenton, Florida. Dedicated to affordability, Robert Beall's original store was called The Dollar Limit and sold all of its merchandise for $1 or less. Today's Bealls department stores maintain the original spirit of thrift by offering discount and budget fashion to customers from its 500 nationwide locations.

Similar to other multi-faceted brands, Bealls has two distinct credit card products for each of its main brands. The Bealls Florida Credit Card, which earns Coast2Coast Rewards, is usable at Bealls Florida locations. The Bealls Outlet Credit Card, which operates on the One Card loyalty program, can be used in Bealls Outlets nationwide.

Bealls Card Overall Rating: 3.0/5.0

Although some reviewers indicate the cards can be used to make purchases in either store type, the card's fine print does not state that this is the case, so your experience may vary. Whether they're interchangeable or not, however, the cards are extremely similar when it comes to both rates and rewards, starting with the matching high 26.24% APRs.

And while each card earns rewards for a different loyalty program, they earn those rewards at the same rates, namely double the regular non-cardholder loyalty program rate. The Bealls Florida Credit Card earn 2X Coast2Coast points per $1 spent on eligible Bealls Florida purchases, while the Bealls Outlet Credit Card earns 2X One Card points per $1 spent on qualifying Bealls Outlet purchases.

Bealls Credit Card

  • APR: 26.24% as of Oct 2023
  • Annual Fee: $0
  • Rewards: Earn 2X points per $1
★★★ 3.0/5.0

Both types of cardholders also redeem their points at the same rate, earning a $5 Reward Coupon for every 200 points they redeem, which equates to a 5% return at the 2X points per $1 rate. Reward Coupons can only be used for purchases at the associated brand (i.e., Bealls Florida coupons can only be used at Bealls Florida stores or at BeallsFlorida.com).

The main differences between the two cards will be in the fringe benefits and discounts. For example, the Bealls Outlet Credit Card provides 15% off of your entire purchase one day a week (Monday for those age 50 and over or Friday for those age 49 and under), while the Bealls Florida Credit Card merely provides 15% off your first card purchase.

On the other hand, Bealls Florida Credit Card members have the opportunity to earn Gold status by spending $500 or more in a calendar year. Gold status members will receive free standard shipping on BeallsFlorida.com orders (to the continental US only).

Approval Requirements & Application

Although not necessarily an option for those with bad credit, reviews indicate those with fair credit have a good shot of qualifying for the Bealls Florida Credit Card or the Bealls Outlet Credit Card. You can apply for either card in-store, or head online to the appropriate brand site to fill out a digital application.

Better Cards to Use at Bealls

While the rewards rates offered by the Bealls Florida Credit Card and Bealls Outlet Credit Card are decently competitive, the fact that the cards can't be used anywhere but their associated stores and websites means those rewards are of limited use, as well. In addition, the high APRs charged by both cards mean carrying a balance from your Bealls purchases can mean big interest fees if you're not careful.

Instead of limiting yourself to a potentially expensive card you'll only use in one store, you're likely better off with an open-loop rewards card that can be used to make purchases — and, almost more importantly, to earn rewards — anywhere.

Cash Back

Although you'll be hard-pressed to find a general rewards credit card that offers the same 5% rewards rate on Bealls purchases as the company's own cards, you can pair your non-cardholder Bealls loyalty points with a regular rewards card to earn both Bealls rewards as well as more all-purpose rewards. Plus, some rewards cards will offer bonus rewards for department store purchases, increasing your savings.

Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card Review

at Bank Of America'ssecure website

CASH BACK RATING

★★★★★

4.9

OVERALL RATING

  • $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
  • Earn 3% cash back in the category of your choice - now with expanded categories, automatic 2% at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined choice category/grocery store/wholesale club quarterly purchases) and unlimited 1% on all other purchases.
  • Newly expanded categories based on Bank of America customer feedback! 3% cash back on Gas (to now include Electric Vehicle Charging (EVC) Stations) and Online Shopping (to now include Cable, Streaming, Internet and Phone Services).
  • If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 3.75%-5.25% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
  • No annual fee and no expiration on rewards.
  • 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
  • Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
  • This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good

Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.

0% APR

Other than their limited usability, the other main thing dragging down the Bealls credit cards is their high APRs. Even a small balance can balloon quickly when left to accrue interest month after month. With a good intro-APR credit card, however, you can enjoy interest-free purchasing for 12 months or more, and you won't be limited to Bealls purchases alone.

0% INTRO APR RATING

★★★★★

4.9

OVERALL RATING

  • Start off strong with 0% Intro APR for 18 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers. A variable APR of 20.49% - 29.24% on balance transfers and purchases after the introductory period ends.
  • Lower your interest rate by 2% each year. Automatically be considered for an APR reduction when you pay on time, and spend at least $1000 on your card by your next account anniversary.
  • Raise your credit limit. Get an automatic, one-time review for a higher credit limit when you pay on time, and spend $500 in your first six months.
  • All for no annual fee - You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Slate Edge℠ card
  • Keep tabs on your credit health - Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, real-time alerts, and more
  • Member FDIC
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR on Purchases 18 months
0% Intro APR on Balance Transfers 18 months
20.49% - 29.24% Variable
$0
Good/Excellent

Travel Rewards

With a brand new Bealls wardrobe in your closet, the next obvious step is to head on vacation to show off your new duds. No? Well, had you used a quality travel rewards credit card to make those Bealls purchases, you could've earned points or miles good for free flights and hotel stays, putting you that much closer to your next dream vacation.

Discover it® Miles Review

at Discover Card'ssecure website

AIR MILES RATING

★★★★★

4.9

OVERALL RATING

  • UNLIMITED BONUS: Only Discover gives you an unlimited match of all the Miles you’ve earned at the end of your first year. For example, if you earn 35,000 Miles, you get 70,000 Miles. There’s no signing up, no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a Miles-for-Miles match.
  • Automatically earn unlimited 1.5x Miles on every dollar of every purchase.
  • No Annual fee
  • Turn Miles into cash in any amount, any time. Or redeem as a statement credit for travel purchases like airfare, hotels, rideshares, gas stations, restaurants and more.
  • 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 17.24% - 28.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR will apply.
  • Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
Intro (Purchases)
Intro (Transfers)
Regular APR
Annual Fee
Credit Needed
0% Intro APR for 15 months
0% Intro APR for 15 months
17.24% - 28.24% Variable APR
$0
Excellent/Good

If the decision to obtain a credit card solely came down to the rewards it earns, then the Bealls Florida Credit Card and Bealls Outlet Credit Card would be decent contenders. However, many other factors come into play when choosing a card, not the least of which are its APR and overall utility — two areas where the Bealls credit cards definitely fall short of the competition.

What Others Say About the Bealls Credit Card

According to reviewers, customer service for the Bealls Florida Credit Card is hit or miss, with some reviewers reporting difficulties getting someone on the phone. Many reviewers also report being unhappy about the card's late fees, while others bemoan the high interest rate.

CreditLoan.com
A review from CreditLoan.com says:

Bealls isn't a one-stop destination, like retail giants Target and Walmart, but the store is a favorite of many Florida residents who enjoy their range of clothing, shoes, and household goods. If you're one of those Floridians who shops at Bealls often, you may be considering its credit card to take advantage of the many rewards offered. Bealls Florida card is good for loyal shoppers looking to rebuild credit responsibly. But while store credit cards can be a very good way to establish a credit history and build up your credit score, they often come with a punishingly high APR — and the Bealls Florida credit card, issued by Comenity Bank, is no exception. Frequent shoppers may find value with the Bealls Florida credit card by pairing it with the Coast2Coast Rewards program. But unless you want to rebuild your credit and you also plan on paying off the balance in full every month to avoid the interest rate, you may be better off using another kind of rewards card for your Bealls purchases. — CreditLoan.com

★★★ 3.0/5.0
WalletHub.com
A review from WalletHub.com says:

Love love love Bealls in Florida! My favorite day to shop is Monday, Seniors Day, 15% off and always use my card to rack up my points. The only place in town to find discounted TERVIS cups and Green produce bags :) I only wish the interest rate was lower, so I try to pay it off every month. — WalletHub.com

★★★★ 4.0/5.0
TrustPilot.com
A review from TrustPilot.com says:

If you value your credit rating, don’t get a credit card from this company. I opened a credit card in December. A bill arrived the last week of January. On 2/2, I opened the bill to discover it was due on 2/1. I immediately called to inform them that I had just received the bill and I paid it in full over the phone. Today 3/13, I get my second bill expecting a zero balance but to my surprise I owe $58.48. Again, I call immediately to inquire about the balance since I haven’t charged anything. They informed me that I was charged $27.00 late fee on 2/2 plus 3.48 interest. Then they stated that I missed another payment (for a bill I still haven’t received) so another 28.00 was charged to my account bringing my total to 58.48 in late charges in less than 3 months. As a person whose credit rating is 800+ I was completely dumbfounded by the unscrupulous charges and shared that information with their customer service rep just moments before I told her to close my account. Of course, she stated that the late charges won’t be reported. Then to add insult to injury, she offered me a $10 coupon and 15% off my next purchase if I would keep my account open. Unbelievable!!! — TrustPilot.com

★★ 2.0/5.0

Is the Bealls Card Right for You?

For regular Bealls Florida or Bealls Outlet shoppers, the branded store credit cards can be an easy way to earn extra loyalty points and earn the occasional discount. Those savings are less impressive, however, when compared to what you could potentially earn simply by joining the store's loyalty program and using an all-purpose rewards card.

Plus, each card is severely limited in its use; not only can't you use them outside of Bealls, but each card may be limited to the specific type of Bealls for which its issued. The limited use paired with the super high APRs mean these cards are unlikely to be worthwhile to your average shopper — and only of moderate use to dedicated Bealls believers.

Final Word on the Bealls Credit Card

We rated the Bealls Credit Card a 3.0/5.0, with it’s 26.24% APR on purchases being a major factor in that rating. We generally recommend using credit cards with a lower APR and better set of rewards, whether you’re shopping at Bealls Credit Card or elsewhere.

For better options than the Bealls Credit Card, see our top picks for 2023:

If you decide the Bealls Credit Card or another card is right for you, be sure to know all the terms and details before applying. Happy shopping!

Advertiser Disclosure

CardRates.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation for referrals for many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear across CardRates.com (including, for example, the order in which they appear). CardRates.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.