What makes a store card easier to get than a bank card
Store credit cards approve applicants with lower credit scores and shorter credit histories than major bank cards do. A bank card like Visa or Mastercard typically wants a credit score of 670 or higher; many store cards approve people in the 600–650 range, and some have no stated minimum. Store issuers also weigh employment and income more heavily than credit history, which helps people early in their financial life or those rebuilding after past problems.
The trade-off is real: store cards carry higher interest rates (often 20–29% APR versus 15–25% for bank cards), smaller credit limits, and work only at one retailer or a small chain. But if you cannot get approved for a general-purpose card, a store card can be a stepping stone—and if you pay the balance in full each month, the interest rate does not matter.
The approval process is also faster. Many store cards give you an answer in seconds at checkout or within hours online, whereas bank cards may take days. Some retailers will give you a temporary discount on your first purchase even before the physical card arrives.
Key Takeaways
- Store cards approve people with credit scores as low as 600 and weight current income more than credit history, making them accessible when bank cards are not.
- Interest rates on store cards run 20–29% APR, so carrying a balance costs significantly more than on a bank card—pay in full each month if possible.
- Each store card works only at that retailer or its partner stores, so you cannot use it as a general-purpose card for other purchases.
- Approval happens in seconds at checkout or within hours online, and many retailers offer an when ready discount on your first purchase.
- A store card can help build credit history if you use it responsibly, making you a stronger candidate for a bank card later.
Retailers with the most accessible store card programs
Target, Walmart, Kohl's, and Amazon all have store cards known for approving applicants with limited or damaged credit. Target's RedCard and Walmart's Capital One card both approve people with scores in the 600s. Kohl's card, issued by Capital One, has a reputation for approving first-time cardholders. Amazon's store card (also Capital One) focuses on current income and employment rather than credit history alone.
Department stores like Macy's, Nordstrom, and Kohl's historically approved a wider range of applicants than bank cards, though approval standards have tightened in recent years. Furniture and appliance retailers like Ashley Furniture, Rooms to Go, and Best Buy also offer store cards with lower barriers, partly because they serve customers who may not may have access to elsewhere.
Gas station cards from Shell, Chevron, and Speedway are often easier to get than retail cards and can help build credit with minimal spending. Grocery store cards from Kroger and Safeway typically have low approval thresholds but offer limited credit-building benefit since they function more like loyalty programs than true credit lines.
What the approval process actually looks like
At checkout, you provide your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number. The issuer pulls a soft credit inquiry (which does not lower your credit score) and sometimes a hard inquiry (which does). You get an answer in seconds to a few minutes. If approved, you can use the card when ready—either a temporary number or a physical card, depending on the retailer.
Online applications follow the same pattern but take a few hours to a full business day. You fill out a form with personal and income information, the issuer reviews it, and you receive an email with the decision. Some retailers let you check your status by logging in or calling a number provided at process.
If you are denied, you have the right to a written explanation. Common reasons include insufficient income, too many recent credit inquiries, or a very low credit score. A denial does not prevent you from trying again at a different retailer or waiting a few months before reapplying at the same one.
How store cards affect your credit score
Opening a store card creates a hard inquiry, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. The new account itself also lowers your average account age. But if you use the card responsibly—keeping the balance low and paying on time—it builds positive payment history, which is the largest factor in your score.
Store cards report to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so responsible use shows up on your credit report. After six to twelve months of on-time payments, you will likely see your score rise. This is the main reason to open a store card even if you do not shop there regularly: it is a tool for building credit history.
The risk is carrying a balance. High interest rates mean debt grows quickly, and high utilization (using most of your credit limit) damages your score. If you open a store card, use it for small purchases you can pay off in full each month.
Store cards versus secured cards for building credit
A secured card requires a cash deposit (usually $200–$2,500) that becomes your credit limit. You use it like a regular card, and after six to eighteen months of on-time payments, the issuer converts it to an unsecured card and returns your deposit. Secured cards report to all three bureaus and build credit just as effectively as store cards.
Store cards are easier to get because they require no deposit, but secured cards are often better for building credit because they have lower interest rates (typically 15–20% APR) and work anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted. If you can afford the deposit, a secured card from a bank like Capital One or Discover is usually the stronger choice.
The decision depends on your situation. If you have almost no credit history and want to start building when ready with minimal friction, a store card is faster and requires nothing upfront. If you have some savings and want a card that works everywhere, a secured card is worth the deposit.
Mistakes to avoid when using a store card
The biggest mistake is carrying a balance. Store card interest rates are high enough that a $500 balance costs you $100+ per year in interest alone. If you cannot pay the full balance each month, do not open the card. The second mistake is opening multiple store cards in a short time. Each process creates a hard inquiry, and multiple inquiries signal risk to lenders and lower your score.
A third mistake is ignoring the card after opening it. If you never use it, the issuer may close the account for inactivity, which removes a positive account from your credit report and lowers your score. Use the card for one small purchase every few months and pay it off to keep the account active.
Finally, do not assume a store card will lead to a higher credit limit or a bank card offer. Some issuers never increase limits, and approval for a store card does not may provide approval for a bank card. Treat the store card as a tool for building credit, not as a path to something else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a store card with no credit history?
Yes. Many store cards approve first-time applicants based on income and employment. Target, Walmart, and Kohl's are known for approving people with no credit history. You will need a Social Security number, proof of income (recent pay stub or tax return), and a current address.
What credit score do I need for a store card?
Most store cards approve applicants with scores of 600 or higher, though some have no stated minimum. If your score is below 600, you may still be approved based on income. The only way to know is to explore; a single process creates a hard inquiry that lowers your score by a few points but does not disqualify you.
Will a store card hurt my credit score?
Opening a store card temporarily lowers your score by a few points due to the hard inquiry and new account. But if you use it responsibly and pay on time, your score will rise over six to twelve months. Carrying a balance or missing payments will hurt your score significantly.
Can I use a store card at other stores?
No. A store card works only at that retailer and sometimes its partner stores. Target's card works at Target and Target.com; Walmart's works at Walmart and Sam's Club. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need a bank card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) or a secured card.
What happens if I am denied for a store card?
You will receive a written explanation of the denial. You can wait a few months and reapply, or try a different retailer with lower approval standards. If your score is very low, a secured card from a bank may be a better starting point than another store card.