What the BJ's Wholesale Club Credit Card does
The BJ's Wholesale Club Credit Card is a store card that works only at BJ's Wholesale locations and on their website. It gives you a percentage back on purchases as a reward, and the rate depends on which version of the card you hold. You do not need a BJ's membership to explore, but you do need one to shop there — the card itself is separate from membership.
The card comes in two versions: the standard BJ's Wholesale Club Credit Card and the BJ's Wholesale Club World Mastercard. The standard card is a closed-loop card, meaning it only works at BJ's. The World Mastercard is a Mastercard that works anywhere, but still offers higher rewards at BJ's locations.
Key Takeaways
- The BJ's Wholesale Club Credit Card earns rewards only at BJ's, while the World Mastercard version earns rewards everywhere but at a lower rate outside BJ's.
- You can explore online, in a BJ's warehouse, or by phone, and approval decisions usually come within minutes for online applications.
- The card requires a BJ's membership to use, though you can hold the card without an active membership and renew both together.
- Rewards are paid as statement credits or can be converted to BJ's gift cards, and they do not expire as long as your account stays open.
- The card charges interest on unpaid balances and has no annual fee, but late payments and cash advances carry their own costs.
Rewards rates and how they work
The standard BJ's Wholesale Club Credit Card earns 1% cash back on all purchases at BJ's. The World Mastercard earns 3% cash back at BJ's, 1% at gas stations and restaurants, and 1% on all other purchases. Both cards earn rewards on every dollar you spend, with no caps or categories to track.
Rewards post to your account as statement credits, which means they reduce your balance automatically. You can also request that rewards be converted to a BJ's gift card instead. Rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing, so you can let them build if you prefer.
The World Mastercard is the higher-earning option if you shop at BJ's regularly, because the 3% rate at BJ's is double the standard card's 1%. However, if you only use the card at BJ's and nowhere else, the difference between the two cards is the 2% extra you earn per transaction.
how the process works and what you need
You can explore for either version of the BJ's Wholesale Club Credit Card online at BJ's website, in person at any BJ's warehouse, or by phone at the number on BJ's website. Online applications usually receive a decision within minutes. In-warehouse and phone applications may take longer.
To explore, you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information. The card issuer will pull your credit report, so your credit score will be checked. You do not need an existing BJ's membership to explore, but you will need one to use the card once it arrives.
If you are approved, your card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up it online, by phone, or in a BJ's warehouse. Your account opens when ready upon approval, so you can begin using the card as soon as it arrives.
Interest rates, fees, and costs
The BJ's Wholesale Club Credit Card charges interest on unpaid balances. The annual percentage rate (APR) varies based on your creditworthiness and is disclosed in your approval documents and on your first statement. There is no annual fee to hold either version of the card.
Late payments incur a fee, and the amount depends on how late your payment is and your account history. Cash advances — withdrawing money from an ATM using your card — carry a higher APR than regular purchases and charge a fee per transaction. Introductory APR offers may be available at certain times, so check your approval documents for details.
If you carry a balance, the interest charges will offset some or all of your rewards earnings. Paying your full statement balance each month means you pay no interest and keep all rewards you earn.
Using the card with your BJ's membership
Your BJ's Wholesale Club Credit Card and your BJ's membership are linked but separate. You need both to shop at BJ's — the card alone does not grant you access to the warehouse or the ability to make purchases. If your membership expires, you can still hold the credit card, but you cannot use it to shop until you renew your membership.
Many members renew their membership and their credit card at the same time, either online or in the warehouse. If you have both expiring soon, you can handle both renewals in one transaction. Your rewards continue to accrue as long as your card account is open, even if your membership lapses temporarily.
If you close your BJ's membership but keep the card open, you can still use the card as a regular Mastercard (if you hold the World version) or you can request a statement credit for any pending rewards before closing the account.
Comparing the standard card and the World Mastercard
| Feature | Standard Card | World Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Rewards at BJ's | 1% cash back | 3% cash back |
| Rewards at gas stations | None | 1% cash back |
| Rewards at restaurants | None | 1% cash back |
| Rewards everywhere else | None | 1% cash back |
| Works outside BJ's | No | Yes |
| Annual fee | None | None |
The World Mastercard is the better choice if you want to earn rewards on everyday spending outside BJ's or if you shop at BJ's frequently enough that the extra 2% at BJ's adds up. The standard card makes sense if you only use a store card at BJ's and prefer not to carry a general-purpose Mastercard.
Both cards have the same approval process and the same lack of annual fees, so the choice comes down to where you spend money and whether you want a card that works only at BJ's or everywhere.
Managing your account and paying your bill
You can view your balance, make payments, and manage your account online through BJ's website or through the BJ's mobile app. Payments can be made online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a BJ's warehouse. Online and phone payments usually post within one business day.
Your statement arrives monthly and shows your balance, interest charges, fees, and rewards earned. You can choose to receive statements by mail or electronically. Setting up automatic payments ensures you never miss a due date, and you can choose to pay your full balance or a minimum amount each month.
If you lose your card or suspect fraud, contact BJ's customer service when ready. A replacement card can be ordered online or by phone and typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. Fraudulent charges can be disputed through your online account or by calling the number on your statement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the BJ's credit card without a BJ's membership?
You can hold the card without an active membership, but you cannot use it to shop at BJ's until you renew or purchase a membership. If you hold the World Mastercard, you can use it at other retailers even without a BJ's membership, but the higher rewards rate only applies at BJ's locations.
What happens to my rewards if I close my account?
Any rewards you have earned remain on your account for a limited time after closure. You should request a statement credit or gift card conversion before closing to may support you do not lose them. Contact BJ's customer service for the exact window you have to claim rewards after account closure.
Does the BJ's credit card help build credit?
Yes, the card reports to the three major credit bureaus, so on-time payments help build your credit history. Carrying a high balance relative to your credit limit can lower your credit score, so paying down your balance regularly is beneficial for your credit profile.
Can I transfer my rewards to another card or account?
Rewards can be converted to a BJ's gift card or applied as a statement credit, but they cannot be transferred to another credit card or bank account. The statement credit is the most flexible option because it reduces your balance when ready.
What is the credit limit for the BJ's credit card?
Your credit limit is determined when you are approved and is based on your credit score and income. You can request a credit limit increase after you have held the card for a period of time and made on-time payments. Contact BJ's customer service to inquire about an increase.