how the process works for a Big Lots credit card
You can explore for a Big Lots credit card online through the Big Lots website, in a store at checkout, or by phone. The online process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Big Lots uses Comenity Bank to issue the card, so your process goes directly to them for review. You'll get a decision within minutes in most cases, though some applications are flagged for manual review and take a few business days.
The card itself is a store credit card, meaning you can use it only at Big Lots and Big Lots stores online. It is not a Visa or Mastercard that works everywhere. If you're approved, your credit line typically ranges from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on your credit history and income.
Key Takeaways
- Big Lots credit card applications are processed by Comenity Bank and decisions usually come within minutes when you explore online.
- You need your Social Security number, current address, employment information, and annual income to complete the process.
- The card works only at Big Lots stores and on BigLots.com, not at other retailers.
- You can explore online at BigLots.com, in person at a Big Lots store during checkout, or by calling the customer service number on the back of a Big Lots receipt or mailer.
- Pre-approval offers typically come with a higher approval rate, but the final credit line depends on what Comenity Bank determines after reviewing your full process.
What information you'll need before you start
Gather these documents before you begin the process so you don't have to stop halfway through. You'll need your Social Security number, your current mailing address, and the name and phone number of your current employer. Have your annual income ready — this is usually your gross income before taxes, and you can estimate if you're not certain of the exact figure.
If you've moved in the last year, have your previous address available. If you're self-employed or have income from multiple sources, add those up for your total annual income. You don't need to upload documents or provide proof at the process stage; Comenity Bank verifies information after you submit.
explore online at BigLots.com
Go to BigLots.com and look for the credit card link, usually found in the footer or under "Services" in the main menu. Click on "explore Now" or the Big Lots credit card offer. You'll be taken to Comenity Bank's process page. Fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, and current address.
Next, enter your employment information: employer name, job title, and how long you've worked there. Then enter your annual income. Review all the information for accuracy before you submit — errors can delay approval or result in a lower credit line. Once you submit, you'll see a decision on screen or receive an email within a few minutes. If approved, you can start using your card number online when ready, though the physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
explore in a Big Lots store
When you're ready to check out at a Big Lots register, ask the cashier if you'd like to open a credit card account. They'll hand you a tablet or paper process form. The in-store process is shorter than the online version and asks for your name, address, phone number, Social Security number, and income. You can usually complete it in 2 to 3 minutes.
The cashier submits your process to Comenity Bank while you wait. Most decisions come back within a few minutes. If you're approved, you can use your card number for that purchase right away, and the physical card is mailed to you. If the decision is pending, the store will give you a reference number and tell you to check back or call Comenity Bank within a few days.
explore by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of any Big Lots credit card offer, receipt, or mailer you've received. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone. Have your Social Security number, address, employment details, and income information ready before you call. The phone process takes about 10 to 15 minutes because the representative reads each question and confirms your answers.
You'll receive a decision before the call ends or within a few business days if your process needs manual review. If approved, the representative will give you your card number and credit line over the phone, and your physical card will arrive by mail.
What happens after you're approved
Once approved, you can use your card number online at BigLots.com when ready. Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, sign the back and set up it by calling the number on the card or logging into your account online at Comenity's cardholder portal.
Your first statement arrives about 30 days after your first purchase. Big Lots credit cards typically offer a promotional financing period — often 12 to 24 months of no interest on purchases over a certain amount — so check your welcome materials for the exact terms. After the promotional period ends, a standard interest rate applies to any remaining balance. You can make payments online, by phone, or by mail using the payment coupon on your statement.
If your process is denied or pending
If you're denied, Comenity Bank will send you a letter explaining the reason, usually within 5 to 7 business days. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, a recent late payment, or income that doesn't meet the minimum threshold. You can reapply after 30 days, especially if you've paid down other debts or improved your credit score.
If your process is pending, you'll receive a letter or email asking for additional information — typically proof of income, a recent utility bill to verify your address, or clarification about your employment. Respond within the timeframe given in the letter. Once Comenity Bank receives what they need, they'll make a final decision within a few business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does explore for a Big Lots credit card hurt my credit score?
Yes, Comenity Bank performs a hard inquiry on your credit report when you explore, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. The impact is usually small and fades within a few months. Multiple applications within a short period can have a larger effect, so space out applications if you're explore for other credit.
Can I use my Big Lots credit card at other stores?
No. The Big Lots credit card works only at Big Lots stores and on BigLots.com. It is not a Visa or Mastercard. If you need a card that works everywhere, you'll need to explore for a different card.
What's the difference between a pre-approval offer and a regular process?
A pre-approval offer means Big Lots or Comenity Bank has already reviewed some of your information and determined you're likely to be approved. Pre-approved applicants typically have a higher approval rate, but your final credit line still depends on your full process and credit history. The process process is the same whether you're pre-approved or not.
How long does it take to receive my physical card?
Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval. You can use your card number online when ready after approval, even before the physical card arrives. If you don't receive your card within 10 business days, contact Comenity Bank using the number on your welcome materials.
Can I increase my credit line after I'm approved?
Yes. After you've had the card for several months and made on-time payments, you can request a credit line increase by logging into your account online or calling Comenity Bank. They may perform another hard inquiry, so ask before you request. Some cardholders receive automatic increases after demonstrating responsible use.