What the Big Lots Credit Card Is
The Big Lots Credit Card is a store card issued by Comenity Bank that you can use to make purchases at Big Lots locations and online. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, it works only at Big Lots — you cannot use it at other retailers. The card comes with rewards in the form of points you earn on purchases, which you can redeem for discounts on future Big Lots shopping.
Store cards are different from standard credit cards in one important way: they typically have higher interest rates and lower credit limits. This matters because if you carry a balance from month to month, the cost of borrowing is steeper. The Big Lots card is designed for people who shop there regularly and want to earn rewards, not for building general credit or making purchases everywhere.
Key Takeaways
- The Big Lots Credit Card works only at Big Lots stores and Big Lots online, not at other retailers.
- You earn rewards points on purchases that you can redeem for Big Lots discounts, but the card carries a higher interest rate than most general credit cards.
- The card is issued by Comenity Bank, and you manage your account through their online portal or by phone.
- Carrying a balance on a store card costs more in interest than carrying the same balance on a lower-rate credit card, so paying in full each month matters more with this card.
How Rewards Work on the Big Lots Card
When you use the Big Lots Credit Card to buy something, you earn points based on the purchase amount. The exact earning rate varies — Big Lots periodically runs promotions that offer bonus points on certain purchases or during specific periods. You accumulate these points in your account, and once you reach a threshold, you can redeem them as a discount on a future purchase.
The redemption process is straightforward: you log into your Comenity account online or call the customer service number on the back of your card, and you can see your available points and current promotions. When you are ready to redeem, you typically receive a code or discount that applies at checkout. The value of each point depends on how Big Lots structures the redemption at that time — sometimes 100 points might equal $5 off, other times the ratio changes.
One thing to watch: rewards only matter if you are not paying interest on a balance. If you carry a balance and pay 20% or more in annual interest, the rewards discount will not offset the cost of borrowing. This is why store cards work best for people who pay their full statement balance every month.
Interest Rates and Fees
Store credit cards, including the Big Lots card, typically carry higher interest rates than general-purpose credit cards. The exact rate you receive depends on your credit history — someone with excellent credit might receive a lower rate than someone rebuilding credit. Comenity Bank does not publish a single rate; instead, rates are determined at the time you open the account based on your credit report.
The card may also carry an annual fee, though Big Lots periodically waives this for new cardholders or existing customers. Check your account terms or call Comenity to confirm whether you are being charged an annual fee and whether you can have it waived. Late payment fees and over-limit fees may also explore if you miss a payment or exceed your credit limit.
Because the interest rate is high, the math on carrying a balance is harsh. If you charge $500 and pay it off over three months at a 24% annual rate, you will pay roughly $30 in interest alone. That $30 wipes out most store card rewards for typical purchase amounts.
Who Should Consider This Card
The Big Lots Credit Card makes sense for a specific type of shopper: someone who shops at Big Lots regularly, has the discipline to pay the full balance every month, and wants to earn rewards on those purchases. If you visit Big Lots multiple times a month or spend $100 or more there regularly, the points add up faster and the rewards become meaningful.
The card is less useful if you shop at Big Lots only occasionally, if you tend to carry a balance on credit cards, or if you are trying to build credit with a card that reports to all three credit bureaus. Store cards do report to credit bureaus, but lenders view them differently than general-purpose cards — having only a store card does less for your credit profile than having a Visa or Mastercard.
If you are recovering from past credit problems and rebuilding, a store card can be a stepping stone, but only if you use it responsibly. One missed payment or high balance will damage your credit score more than it helps.
How to Manage Your Account
Once you open the Big Lots Credit Card, you manage it through Comenity Bank's website or mobile app. You can log in to check your balance, view your points, make payments, and see your transaction history. Comenity also sends you a monthly statement by mail or email, depending on your preference.
Payments can be made online, by phone, or by mail. The due date is listed on your statement, and paying before that date keeps you in good standing. If you set up automatic payments for the full balance each month, you remove the risk of forgetting and incurring interest charges and late fees.
If you have questions about your account, rewards, or a transaction, you can call the customer service number on the back of your card. Comenity's phone line is available during business hours, and wait times vary depending on call volume.
Comparing the Big Lots Card to Other Options
If you are deciding whether a store card is right for you, it helps to compare it to a general-purpose rewards card. A standard cash-back card from a major issuer typically charges 15% to 22% interest (lower than most store cards), has no annual fee or a low one, and works everywhere. The cash-back rate is usually 1% to 2% on all purchases, which is comparable to or better than store card rewards.
The trade-off is that a general-purpose card requires better credit to get approved. If your credit score is below 650, you may not be approved for a standard rewards card, but you might be approved for a store card. In that case, the store card serves as a tool to build credit while earning rewards at a place you shop anyway.
Another option is to skip the credit card altogether and use a Big Lots loyalty program if one exists. Some retailers offer free loyalty programs that earn points without requiring a credit card. Check Big Lots' website to see whether they have a non-credit loyalty option before opening a card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Big Lots Credit Card anywhere besides Big Lots?
No. The Big Lots Credit Card works only at Big Lots stores and on the Big Lots website. It cannot be used at other retailers, online marketplaces, or gas stations. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express instead.
What happens if I miss a payment on the Big Lots card?
A missed payment will be reported to the credit bureaus and will lower your credit score. You will also be charged a late fee and will start accruing interest on your balance at the card's annual rate. If you miss a payment, contact Comenity as soon as possible to bring your account current and discuss your options.
How do I redeem my Big Lots rewards points?
Log into your Comenity account online or call the number on the back of your card to view your available points and current redemption offers. Once you choose a redemption, you will receive a discount code or coupon that you use at checkout. The value per point varies depending on Big Lots' current promotions.
Is there an annual fee for the Big Lots Credit Card?
Big Lots sometimes waives the annual fee for new cardholders or existing customers, but the fee structure can change. Check your account terms or call Comenity to confirm whether you are being charged an annual fee and whether you can have it removed.
Does the Big Lots card help build credit?
Yes, the Big Lots card reports to the credit bureaus, so using it responsibly — paying on time and keeping your balance low — will help build your credit history. However, a store card alone does less for your credit profile than a general-purpose card, because lenders view store cards as higher-risk accounts.