What the BJ's Wholesale Club Credit Card is and who can get one

The BJ's Wholesale Club Credit Card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use at BJ's Warehouse Club locations and online. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, it works only at BJ's and gives you rewards on purchases there. You do not need to be a BJ's member to open the card, though most cardholders are members because the rewards work better when combined with a membership.

Synchrony Bank reviews your credit history when you request the card. They do not publish a minimum credit score requirement, but approval typically goes to people with fair credit or better. You can request the card online at BJ's.com, in person at a BJ's location, or by phone.

The card comes with no annual fee. You receive a physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval, and you can use it online when ready after approval.

Key Takeaways

  • The BJ's credit card earns rewards only at BJ's Warehouse Club, not at other retailers, and the rewards rate depends on whether you hold a BJ's membership.
  • Members earn 2% cash back on most purchases and 5% on gas and EV charging; non-members earn 1% cash back on most purchases.
  • Rewards post to your account monthly and can be redeemed as a statement credit or used to pay your balance.
  • The card carries no annual fee, but Synchrony charges a standard APR on unpaid balances, which varies based on your creditworthiness.
  • You can request the card online, by phone, or in person at a BJ's location.

Rewards rates and how they work

The rewards you earn depend on your BJ's membership status. If you hold a BJ's Plus or BJ's Plus Junior membership, you earn 2% cash back on most purchases at BJ's and 5% cash back on gas and EV charging. If you hold a BJ's Perks membership, you earn 1% cash back on most purchases. If you are not a BJ's member, you earn 1% cash back on most purchases.

Rewards are calculated on the full purchase amount, including tax. They post to your account once per month, usually between the 15th and the end of the month. You do not have to wait until your statement closes to see rewards accumulate.

You can redeem rewards in two ways: as a statement credit (which reduces what you owe on the card) or applied directly to your balance. There is no minimum redemption amount, and rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.

Interest rates and fees

The BJ's credit card has no annual fee. Synchrony charges a variable APR on purchases and balance transfers, meaning the rate changes based on market conditions and your creditworthiness. The actual APR you receive depends on your credit score and credit history at the time of approval.

If you carry a balance month to month, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount. You can avoid interest by paying your full statement balance by the due date each month. Synchrony also charges standard fees for late payments, returned checks, and cash advances; these fees vary and are disclosed in your cardholder agreement.

Synchrony offers promotional financing offers from time to time, such as 0% APR for a set number of months on purchases or balance transfers. These promotions appear during checkout online or are mailed to existing cardholders.

How to request the card

You can request the BJ's credit card through three channels. Online: Go to BJ's.com, navigate to the credit card page, and complete the online form. You will receive an when ready decision in most cases. By phone: Call the number on the back of a BJ's membership card or the number listed on BJ's.com. A representative will walk you through the request process. In person: Visit a BJ's location and ask a cashier or customer service representative for a card request form.

You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, address, income, and employment information. Synchrony performs a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may lower your credit score slightly. The inquiry remains on your report for about two years but stops affecting your score after 12 months.

After approval, your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can use the card online when ready after approval by adding it to your BJ's.com account.

Using the card online and in stores

At BJ's warehouse locations, swipe or insert your card at checkout like any other credit card. The cashier will ask whether you want to use your BJ's membership number; make sure they scan your membership card or enter your membership number so your rewards post correctly. Rewards earned with your membership rate (2% or 5% for members, 1% for non-members) only if your membership is linked to the transaction.

Online at BJ's.com, add the card to your account under "Payment Methods" and select it at checkout. Rewards post the same way as in-store purchases. You can also use the card to pay your BJ's membership renewal fee.

The card works only at BJ's Warehouse Club locations and BJ's.com. It cannot be used at other retailers, gas stations outside BJ's, or online merchants.

Managing your account and paying your bill

You can view your balance, make payments, and manage your account through the Synchrony website or mobile app. Create an online account at Synchrony.com after your card arrives, or read the Synchrony app from the App Store or Google Play. You will need your card number and Social Security number to log in.

Payments can be made online, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments. To set up automatic payments, log into your account and choose a payment date and amount. You can pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a custom amount. Payments made online or by phone typically post within one business day.

Your statement closes on the same date each month, and your payment is due 21 days later. The due date appears on your statement and in your online account. If you miss a payment, Synchrony charges a late fee and reports the late payment to credit bureaus after 30 days.

Comparing the BJ's card to other warehouse credit cards

The main competitor is the Costco Anywhere Visa Card, which earns 2% cash back on Costco purchases and gas, 1% on other purchases, and has a $60 annual fee. The BJ's card has no annual fee but requires a BJ's membership to earn the higher 2% and 5% rates. If you shop at BJ's regularly and hold a membership, the BJ's card saves you the annual fee and offers comparable rewards.

Sam's Club offers a Sam's Club Mastercard that earns 2% cash back on gas and EV charging and 1% on other purchases, with no annual fee. Like the BJ's card, it works only at Sam's Club. The choice between them depends on which warehouse you shop at and how often you buy gas.

If you want rewards at multiple retailers, a general-purpose cash back card (like a Chase Freedom or Capital One SavorOne) may be better. These cards earn cash back everywhere, not just one warehouse, but typically offer lower rates (1% to 2%) than warehouse cards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a BJ's member to use the credit card?

No. You can request and use the card without a membership. However, non-members earn only 1% cash back on purchases, while members earn 2% or 5% depending on their membership tier. Most cardholders combine the card with a membership to maximize rewards.

What happens to my rewards if I cancel my BJ's membership?

Your rewards do not disappear, but your future rewards rate drops to 1% cash back on purchases. Any rewards you have already earned remain in your account and can be redeemed at any time.

Can I transfer my BJ's credit card balance to another card?

Yes. Synchrony allows balance transfers from other cards to your BJ's card. Balance transfers typically carry a fee (usually 3% to 5% of the amount transferred) and may have a different APR than purchases. Contact Synchrony to request a balance transfer.

What should I do if my card is lost or stolen?

Call Synchrony when ready at the number on the back of your card or on your statement. Synchrony will freeze your account and mail a replacement card. You are not responsible for unauthorized charges if you report the loss before the card is used fraudulently.

How long does it take to receive my card after approval?

Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. You can use the card online when ready after approval by logging into your BJ's.com account and adding the card to your payment methods.