Easy Department Store Credit Cards for Bad Credit
Methodology
The Best Store Credit Cards for bad credit were chosen based on welcome bonuses, fees, rewards and other perks. Keep in mind what may be best for some consumers might not be right for you. Conduct informed research before deciding which cards will best help you achieve your financial goals.
Best Store Credit Cards for Bad Credit
How to Pick a Best Store Credit Card for Bad Credit
Credit cards can have serious consequences to your credit and financial health.
The two most common types of store cards are open- and closed-loop cards, otherwise known as in-network and out-of-network cards. Open-loop cards, sometimes called in-network or co-branded, will usually have a Visa, Mastercard, American Express or other major card issuer logo stamped on them and can be used anywhere the issuer's cards are accepted. An out-of-network card, also known as a closed-loop or store-only card can only be used at the store associated with it.
Our list features both in-network cards and closed-loop cards and it's important to know what type of card you're applying for. There may be times where you apply for an open-loop card, but are offered a closed-loop card instead. This may happen because the bank does not feel that your credit qualifies for an open-loop card, but they do feel that you qualify for some credit.
Closed-loop cards normally impact credit and appear on credit reports in the same way in-network cards do. Many store cards behave the same way a credit card does, but not all do. Some cards offer "special financing" which involves fine print applicants should pay special attention to, as it often involves terms different from a standard credit card. No matter what the store card you want indicates about its interest, fees and other charges, be sure to read all the fine print until you fully understand what you're getting yourself into.
To make the process easier, Forbes Advisor has created a number of guides to help consumers define terms, explore the inner workings of credit and understand how banks and other lenders advertise financial products:
- What Makes Up a Credit Score?
- What Is a Credit Report?
- Credit Utilization, Explained
- How to Build Better Credit
Store cards have long held a reputation for gouging consumers with high interest rates and hidden fees, but store cards can also offer a way to unlock special financing on large purchases or earn rewards or discounts at a favorite store. Choose carefully—especially if you're starting to build credit, as you'll want to keep your first credit card account open as long as possible for the benefit account longevity will have on your score.
If you're not convinced a store card is the best option—and you likely shouldn't be, since store cards often have much higher rates and less favorable terms—consider instead a secured card or a student card, which may help rebuild credit without the high rates and hidden fees many store cards are infamous for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best store credit card?
There is no one perfect credit card for everyone. This is particularly true when it comes to store credit cards, since most store cards have special rewards or incentives associated with the co-branded store. You may find the cards offered by the stores you shop at are a good fit for you or not, depending on APRs, fees and other terms.
Will a store credit card help me build credit?
If the store card issuer reports account activity to the three major credit bureaus, the account will impact your credit. This can be a benefit if used responsibly or, have an adverse effect on your score if the account isn't paid on time or if spending on the card causes too high a credit utilization ratio.
Will closing store credit cards hurt my credit score?
Your credit score is usually affected by closing any credit account. Closing accounts you've held for a long time could shorten the length of your longest-held account, which usually has a negative impact on credit. Closing accounts you don't use could have other benefits, such as reducing the likelihood someone will steal your identity using an infrequently-monitored account.
Are store cards easier to receive approval for than other cards?
Not necessarily. Many store credit cards may have a reputation for being "easy" to receive approval for, but this doesn't mean all are. Nor does "easy" mean "better." When evaluating which cards to apply for, understand how your credit and financial position may change with a credit card. If you're applying for a first credit card, check out our list of the best first credit cards.
Next Up in Credit Cards
Information provided on Forbes Advisor is for educational purposes only. Your financial situation is unique and the products and services we review may not be right for your circumstances. We do not offer financial advice, advisory or brokerage services, nor do we recommend or advise individuals or to buy or sell particular stocks or securities. Performance information may have changed since the time of publication. Past performance is not indicative of future results.
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Source: https://www.forbes.com/advisor/credit-cards/best/store-credit-cards-for-bad-credit/
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