Free, helpful information about Store Cards and related Total Select Visa topics.
Get clear and easy-to-understand details about Total Select Visa topics and resources.
Answer a few optional questions to receive offers or information related to Store Cards. The survey is optional and not required to access your free guide.
The Total Select Visa is a department store credit card issued by Synchrony Bank for select retailers in the apparel and fashion space. Like other store cards, it's a closed-loop or co-branded card tied to a specific retailer (or group of retailers), designed to offer rewards and incentives to frequent shoppers—but with different terms, benefits, and approval requirements than a standard general-purpose credit card.
Store cards operate under a distinct model from Visa or Mastercard you might use anywhere. The key differences:
Acceptance & Use A store card typically works only at the issuing retailer or affiliated locations. While co-branded versions (like the Total Select Visa) may carry the Visa logo, their primary value is unlocked at partner stores, not across all merchants.
Rewards Structure Store cards often emphasize in-store rewards—percentage discounts on purchases, bonus point multipliers, or special member-only promotions—rather than cash back or transferable points. The rewards are usually redeemable only as statement credits or discounts at that retailer.
Approval Standards Store card issuers may approve applicants with lower credit scores than banks issuing general-purpose cards. This makes them more accessible to some shoppers, but the trade-off is typically higher interest rates and lower credit limits.
Interest Rates Store card APRs tend to run higher than competitive general-purpose cards, often in the double-digit range. This matters only if you carry a balance; if you pay in full monthly, interest doesn't apply.
Several factors determine whether a store card makes sense for your wallet:
Your Shopping Habits If you shop frequently at the retailer, the rewards (discounts, points, exclusive offers) can offset the card's higher APR. Occasional shoppers may never recoup the value.
Your Credit Profile Store cards may approve you when traditional cards won't, but approval isn't guaranteed—it still depends on your credit history, income, and current debt. Approval also affects which benefits tier you receive.
How You Pay Carrying a balance on a high-APR store card is expensive. The card makes the most financial sense if you pay your statement in full each month and use it strategically for the rewards.
Promotional Offers Many store cards offer limited-time incentives—deferred interest on large purchases, bonus points on first purchases, or percentage discounts—that shift the value calculation temporarily. These expire.
Credit Inquiry Impact Applying triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your credit score. Multiple applications in a short period compounds this effect.
Credit Limit Constraints Store cards often come with lower limits than general-purpose cards. If you max out the card, it can hurt your credit utilization ratio (how much of your available credit you're using), which affects your credit score.
Terms You Need to Verify Before applying, check the card's specific APR, annual fee (if any), rewards structure, promotional terms, and redemption rules. These vary by retailer and issuer.
Debt Risk A high-APR card can become expensive debt quickly if unexpected expenses force you to carry a balance. Only apply if you're confident you'll pay in full regularly.
A store card can be a smart tool for shoppers who spend consistently at that retailer and pay their balance monthly. For occasional shoppers or those who carry balances, a general-purpose card with lower APR and broader acceptance typically serves you better. Your decision depends on your actual spending patterns, credit profile, and ability to use the rewards before promotional periods expire.
