Store Credit Cards | Credit Card Topics

What is a Store Card? A Look at Brand-Specific Credit Cards and Their Limitations

By: Jon McDonald, 10/3/2024

We’ve all been standing in the checkout line at a retail store when an associate asks: “Do you want to sign up for our store card?” No matter what your answer is (mine is always “No, thanks”), no one has time to read and understand the terms of the card while getting the death stare from all the other customers in line. So I’ll save you some time. A store card is a brand-specific credit card that offers incentives (like discounts and rewards) for shopping with the... read more »

What is a Closed-Loop Credit Card?

By: Jon McDonald, 11/19/2024

Everyone has a favorite store (I know I do) — the one I would choose over all the other competitors no matter where I was in the world. Maybe it’s the shop’s nifty layout that keeps me coming for more. Or maybe it’s because it’s conveniently located near my home for quick drop-ins. While the in-store vibes can make a shopping experience stand out, we can all agree that saving money is a strong reason for choosing one store over another. Getting a store-branded credit... read more »

7 Costco Credit Card Benefits & Alternatives (March 2025)

By: Eric Bank, 3/5/2025

The Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi offers a range of rewards for purchases inside and outside of Costco stores, which may create a sense of loyalty among cardholders. This card encourages shopping at Costco, where I frequently purchase 24-packs of my favorite beverages and bulk paper products. Citibank issues Costco credit cards in the United States and Puerto Rico. In March 2022, the CIBC Costco Mastercard® replaced the Capital One Costco Mastercard® in Canada. The Canadian... read more »

13 Easy-to-Get Store Credit Cards for Bad Credit (March 2025)

By: Brittney Mayer, 3/6/2025

As someone who has been on both sides of the retail exchange, I know cashiers are often required by the company to spout that litany of offers at the checkout line. But knowing they have to ask me doesn't always reduce my level of annoyance when I'm in a hurry. Making matters worse, I know the average store credit card simply isn't that great of a deal, despite the tempting spiel memorized by the cashier. This is thanks, in part, to the high APR store cards tend to charge,... read more »

10 Pros and Cons of Store Credit Cards

By: Andrea Woroch, 7/19/2021

Consumers love credit cards. In fact, this popular payment method accounted for 38% of point-of-sale transactions in 2020, compared to 29% made with debit cards and just 12% made with cash, according to a report from Statista. Among those shoppers who prefer to pay by plastic, store credit cards are often included in the mix. Retail credit cards are hard for consumers to pass up, especially when store associates tempt them with a bonus discount on the first purchase just for signing... read more »

9 Comenity Bank Store Card Alternatives (March 2025)

By: Adam West, 3/5/2025

If you’ve ever had a store-branded credit card, you’ve likely dealt with Comenity Bank. Most people haven’t heard of the Delaware-based bank, but there’s a reason why many people often search for Comenity Bank store card alternatives. That’s because Comenity’s cards often come with high interest rates and little, or no, rewards. The bank also has a history of false marketing for its payment protection programs that netted the company a $61.5 million penalty from the... read more »

Kohl’s Card vs. Target Card: Which Is Better? (March 2025)

By: Brittney Mayer, 3/5/2025

Look at any list of the top retailers in the United States and you’re practically guaranteed to see Kohl’s and Target appear in the rankings. While each store has its unique style and product offerings, both attract budget-conscious shoppers who seek value and reasonable prices on clothing, housewares, and other everyday essentials. Since Kohl’s and Target share the mission of helping consumers save, it’s no surprise that both retailers have store credit cards to make... read more »

5 Facts About the Shopping Cart Trick for Credit Cards (2024)

By: Brittney Mayer, 1/25/2024

Have you ever heard of the shopping cart trick for credit cards? Although it's a little counter-intuitive to some, applying for new credit can cause your credit score to drop by several points. That's because of the hard credit inquiry added to your credit reports when lenders check your credit. While a single hard inquiry has only a small impact, multiple hard inquiries within a short period of time can cause more significant damage. As a result, it's always best to minimize the... read more »

7 Best Credit Cards Accepted at Costco (2023)

By: Ashley Fricker, 11/28/2023

Although often mocked for the super-sized supplies stocked on pallets instead of shelves, warehouse clubs and their voluminous products can be a huge blessing to the budgets of large families and small businesses alike. One of the most popular warehouse chains is Costco, which sports over 740 locations around the world, more than 500 of which are in the U.S. But while consumers may love the store's copious quantities and cost-per-ounce prices, when it comes to the credit cards... read more »

Can I Use My Walmart Credit Card Anywhere? 3 FAQs (2022)

By: Ashley Fricker, 1/14/2022

If you're wondering if you can use your Walmart credit card anywhere, the short answer is -- well, it depends. It may not be the tidy answer you're looking for, but read on as we explain. Walmart is the largest retail company in the world and has remained in the top position among other American retail chains since 2002. Known for its "Everyday Low Prices," people love the convenience and affordability Walmart brings to the (dinner) table. With everything from clothing and furniture... read more »

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All articles tagged Store Credit Cards (10)