Which store credit cards have the lowest approval barriers

Store credit cards are generally easier to get than bank credit cards because retailers want to encourage spending in their stores. Most major retailers approve applicants with fair credit (scores around 600–669) or sometimes lower, whereas bank cards typically want good credit (700+). The easiest approvals tend to come from department stores and discount chains that process applications in-store or online in minutes.

Retailers like Kohl's, Macy's, and Amazon have reputations for approving people with limited credit history or past credit problems. These cards often come with when ready approval decisions and when ready use in-store, even if your credit score is below 650. The trade-off is higher interest rates and lower credit limits than you would get from a bank card, but the barrier to entry is genuinely lower.

The actual ease of approval depends on three things: your credit score, your income, and whether you have any recent delinquencies. A store card issuer will pull a hard inquiry on your credit report, so they will see late payments, collections, or charge-offs. But they weight these factors less heavily than a bank would, and some will still approve you if the negative items are older than two years.

Key Takeaways

  • Department stores and discount retailers approve applicants with fair credit scores (600–669) that would likely be rejected for bank cards.
  • In-store applications often give you an when ready decision and let you use the card the same day, whereas online applications take one to three business days.
  • Store cards come with higher interest rates (typically 18–27%) than bank cards, so carrying a balance costs significantly more.
  • Your credit score matters, but retailers also look at income and recent payment history, so a low score does not automatically disqualify you if you have stable income.

Retailers known for approving lower credit scores

Kohl's and Macy's are the most commonly approved store cards for people with fair or poor credit. Both have a history of approving applicants in the 600–680 score range, and both offer when ready approval decisions when you explore in-store. Kohl's in particular has a reputation for approving people with limited credit history or past missed payments.

Amazon's store card (through Chase) is slightly harder to get than Kohl's or Macy's but still easier than most bank cards. Amazon approves people with fair credit, though the exact threshold varies. The card offers 0% financing on purchases over $100 if you pay within a promotional period, which makes it valuable even with a lower credit limit.

Target, Walmart, and Best Buy store cards are also known for approving fair-credit applicants, though approval rates vary by individual circumstances. Target's card is often approved for people with scores in the 620–680 range. All three offer when ready or same-day decisions when you explore in-store.

Bed Bath & Beyond, Lowe's, and Home Depot cards are easier to get than bank cards but typically require a score closer to 650. These are worth trying if you shop there regularly, but they are not the absolute easiest options if your score is below 620.

How in-store applications differ from online ones

In-store applications are faster and often result in when ready approval. You fill out a form at the register or customer service desk, the retailer pulls your credit report when ready, and you get a yes or no decision within minutes. If approved, you can use the card the same day, sometimes even for the purchase you just made.

Online applications take longer but are more convenient if you do not want to visit a store. Most retailers give you a decision within one to three business days. Some online applications are processed by the card issuer (like Chase or Synchrony) rather than the retailer itself, which can add a day or two to the timeline.

The approval standards are usually the same whether you explore in-store or online, but in-store staff sometimes have discretion to approve borderline applications that an automated system might decline. If you are on the edge of approval, explore in-store gives you a slightly better chance.

What credit score you actually need

The easiest store cards to get approve people with credit scores as low as 580–620, though most require at least 600. Kohl's and Macy's have approved applicants with scores in the 600–650 range consistently. Target and Walmart typically want 620 or higher, though exceptions exist.

Your score is not the only factor. Retailers also look at your income, employment history, and recent payment behavior. Someone with a 620 score but stable income and no recent late payments has a better chance than someone with a 650 score and a recent missed payment. If you have been late on payments in the past six months, approval becomes much harder regardless of your score.

If your score is below 600, you have fewer options. Kohl's is still worth trying, and some regional department stores may approve you. But you may need to wait six months to a year for negative items to age before explore, or focus on building credit with a secured card first.

Interest rates and fees on store cards

Store credit cards charge higher interest rates than bank cards because they are riskier for the retailer. Most store cards carry APRs between 18% and 27%, compared to 15%–25% for bank cards. The exact rate depends on your credit score — a 650 score might get you 24% APR, while a 700 score might get 19%.

Annual fees are rare on store cards. Most have no annual fee, which is one advantage over some premium bank cards. However, some store cards charge a fee if you do not use the card for a certain period (usually 12 months), though this is uncommon.

Late fees typically run $25–$35 for the first late payment and $35 for subsequent ones. Some retailers waive the first late fee if you have been a good customer. Over-limit fees have largely disappeared across the industry, but check your card agreement to be sure.

How to improve your chances of approval

explore in-store rather than online if possible. In-store applications give you an when ready decision and let you speak to staff who may have some discretion. If you are borderline, this makes a real difference.

Have your Social Security number, current address, and income information ready before you explore. Retailers need these to pull your credit report and verify your identity. If you are self-employed, have recent tax returns or profit-and-loss statements available to show income.

explore for a card from a retailer where you shop regularly and have a purchase history. Some retailers weight your customer history in their approval decision. If you have bought from Kohl's before, you have a better chance of approval than if you are explore as a complete stranger.

Do not explore for multiple store cards in a short period. Each process triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, and multiple inquiries in a few weeks can lower your score and make you look like a credit-seeking risk. Space applications out by at least 30 days.

When a store card makes sense versus when it does not

A store card makes sense if you shop at that retailer regularly and can pay the balance in full each month. The promotional financing offers (like 0% for 12 months on purchases over $100) can save you real money if you use them strategically and pay off the balance before the promotional period ends.

A store card does not make sense if you carry a balance. The 18–27% APR means you will pay significantly more in interest than you would on a bank card. If you are rebuilding credit and need to carry a balance, a secured bank card or a credit-builder loan is a better choice than a store card.

Store cards are also not a good choice if you only shop at that retailer occasionally. A card you use once or twice a year will not justify the annual fee (if there is one) or the temptation to overspend just to use the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a store card if I have no credit history?

Yes, but it is harder than if you have fair credit. Retailers want to see some credit history to assess risk. If you have never had a credit card or loan, try Kohl's or a department store first, as they are most likely to approve thin-file applicants. You may also need to provide proof of income and have a co-signer.

What happens if I get rejected for a store card?

You will receive a rejection letter explaining the reason — usually credit score, income, or recent delinquencies. You can ask the retailer to reconsider or wait six months and reapply. Do not explore again when ready, as multiple rejections in a short time can lower your score further.

Does getting a store card hurt my credit score?

The hard inquiry will lower your score by a few points temporarily. Opening a new account will also lower your average account age. But if you use the card responsibly and pay on time, your score will recover and improve within a few months as you build positive payment history.

Can I use a store card at other stores?

No. Store cards work only at that retailer and its affiliated stores. A Kohl's card cannot be used at Target or Macy's. Some store cards (like Amazon) can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, but these are exceptions.

What is the difference between a store card and a co-branded card?

A store card works only at that retailer. A co-branded card (like Amazon's Visa card) works anywhere Visa is accepted. Co-branded cards are harder to get but more useful because you can use them everywhere. Store cards are easier to get but less flexible.