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 on their website. It is not a general-purpose card — you cannot use it anywhere except Big Lots. The card offers a rewards program that gives you points on purchases, which you can redeem for discounts on future shopping trips.
Store cards like this one typically come with lower credit limits than traditional credit cards, higher interest rates, and rewards that only work at that single retailer. Whether it makes sense for you depends on how often you shop at Big Lots and whether the rewards offset the cost of carrying the card.
Key Takeaways
- The Big Lots Credit Card earns rewards points only on purchases made at Big Lots, and those points can only be redeemed for Big Lots discounts.
- Store cards typically charge higher interest rates than general credit cards, so carrying a balance will cost you significantly more than paying in full each month.
- You need to check your credit report and credit score before you open any new card, because the process triggers a hard inquiry that temporarily lowers your score.
- The card's value depends entirely on your shopping habits — if you rarely shop at Big Lots, the rewards will not offset the risk of overspending.
How the Rewards Program Works
Big Lots advertises that cardholders earn points on every purchase. The exact earning rate and redemption value change periodically, so you should check the current terms on the Big Lots website or by calling the customer service number on the back of the card before you decide to open one.
Points are typically redeemed as discounts applied to your account or as coupons you can use in-store. Unlike some rewards programs, Big Lots points do not convert to cash back — they only reduce the price of things you buy there. This means the rewards are only valuable if you plan to keep shopping at Big Lots anyway.
Promotional offers for cardholders — such as bonus points during certain months or special discounts on specific product categories — are common. These rotate, so the card's value in any given month depends on what promotion is running at the time.
Interest Rates and Fees
The Big Lots Credit Card charges a variable interest rate, which means the rate can change over time. Comenity Bank sets the rate based on your creditworthiness, so two people approved for the card may receive different rates. Store cards typically carry rates between 18% and 25%, though your actual rate depends on your credit score and history.
If you carry a balance — meaning you do not pay the full statement balance by the due date — you will owe interest on the unpaid amount. A $500 balance at 22% interest costs you roughly $110 per year in interest alone, on top of the principal you still owe. This is why store cards are only worthwhile if you pay the balance in full each month.
Big Lots does not charge an annual fee for the card itself, which is standard for store cards. However, late payments trigger late fees, and if you miss a payment by 30 days or more, the card issuer will report it to the credit bureaus and your credit score will drop.
Credit Score Impact of Opening the Card
When you submit an process for the Big Lots Credit Card, Comenity Bank performs a hard inquiry on your credit report. This inquiry is visible to other lenders and typically lowers your credit score by a few points for a few months. If you are planning to explore for a mortgage, car loan, or other major credit in the next few months, opening a store card now could make those loans more expensive.
If you are approved, the new card also lowers your average age of accounts — a factor that credit scoring models use. However, opening one card usually has a smaller impact than opening multiple cards in a short time.
The bigger long-term effect comes from how you use the card. If you carry a balance or miss payments, your credit score will drop significantly and stay low. If you pay in full every month, the card will have a small positive effect on your score over time because it adds to your available credit and shows responsible use.
When a Store Card Makes Financial Sense
A store card is worth opening only if you meet two conditions: you shop at that retailer regularly, and you will pay the balance in full every month. If you shop at Big Lots once or twice a year, the rewards will not add up to anything meaningful. If you tend to carry a balance on other cards, opening another card will only increase your debt.
The card may make sense if you are a regular Big Lots shopper who buys furniture, seasonal items, or household goods in bulk. In that case, the points accumulate faster and the promotional offers may align with things you were already planning to buy. But if you open the card and then spend more than you normally would just to earn points, you have lost money — the rewards do not cover the extra spending.
Compare the card's rewards rate to what you would pay in interest if you ever carried a balance. If the rewards are 2% back but the interest rate is 22%, you would need to pay off the card within the first month to come out ahead. For most people, that is not realistic.
Alternatives to the Big Lots Store Card
A general-purpose rewards credit card — such as a card that earns cash back at any retailer — is usually a better choice than a store card. These cards typically charge lower interest rates and let you use the rewards anywhere, not just at one store. If you have good credit, you can find cards with no annual fee and rewards rates of 1% to 2% on all purchases.
If you have fair or poor credit and cannot get approved for a general rewards card, a store card may be your only option. In that case, use it only for planned purchases you can pay off when ready, and do not let it become a way to spend more than you budgeted.
Another option is to straightforward pay cash or use a debit card at Big Lots and skip the rewards program altogether. The interest you avoid by not carrying a balance will almost always exceed the value of the points you earn.
How to Manage the Card Responsibly
If you decide to open the Big Lots Credit Card, set a clear rule: only use it for purchases you would make anyway, and pay the full balance every month. Set a calendar reminder for the due date so you do not miss a payment. Missing even one payment will trigger interest charges and damage your credit score.
Monitor your statement each month to catch fraud or errors. Comenity Bank's customer service number is on your statement and on the Big Lots website. If you see a charge you did not make, report it within 60 days to protect yourself under federal law.
Do not increase your spending just because you have a new card or because you are earning points. The points are only valuable if they represent a discount on purchases you were already planning to make. If the card tempts you to overspend, close it and use a different payment method.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Big Lots card anywhere besides Big Lots?
No. The Big Lots Credit Card works only at Big Lots stores and on the Big Lots website. You cannot use it at other retailers. If you need a card for general shopping, you would need a separate credit card.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment triggers a late fee and interest charges on your balance. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, Comenity Bank will report it to the credit bureaus and your credit score will drop. The damage to your score can last for years, making other credit more expensive.
Is the Big Lots card better than using a cash-back rewards card?
Usually not. A general cash-back card works anywhere, typically charges lower interest rates, and lets you use the rewards for anything. A store card only works at one retailer and charges higher interest. The store card only wins if you shop at Big Lots frequently and pay the balance in full every month.
Does opening the card hurt my credit score?
The process triggers a hard inquiry that lowers your score by a few points temporarily. If you are approved, the new account also lowers your average account age. However, if you use the card responsibly and pay in full each month, the long-term effect is small and positive.
What is the credit limit for the Big Lots card?
Credit limits vary based on your credit score, income, and credit history. Comenity Bank will tell you your limit when you are approved. Store cards typically offer lower limits than general credit cards — often between $300 and $2,000 depending on your creditworthiness.