Compare store credit cards for bad credit

How to choose a store credit card for bad credit

Consider these factors when choosing a store credit card:

• The affiliated retailer.
  Most likely, your store credit card will be valid only at its affiliated retailer. If you’re opening a card purely to improve your credit score, see whether there are small purchases you can make at the retailer.
• Annual fee.
  Many store credit cards don’t have annual fees. Before applying for a card, however, check its pricing table to confirm its cost.
• Interest rate.
  Interest is the charge you pay for borrowing money from your credit card provider. Store credit cards typically have very high APRs, especially for applicants with bad credit. Consider paying off your balance in full each month to avoid interest.
• Repayment terms.
  Some bad-credit products have unusual repayment terms. Before applying for a product, check its terms and conditions to see how you can pay off the purchases you make.
• Extra fees.
  Some providers may tack on extra fees you didn’t expect. To get a handle on what you might pay, dig into the card’s terms and pricing information. Know what you’re getting into before applying.

Compare store credit cards for bad credit

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Name	Product	Filter values	Rewards	Purchase APR	Annual fee
Seventh Avenue Credit			N/A	5.75% to 25.99% fixed	$0	Apply now View details	Buy now, pay later with payments as low as $20 a month.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Montgomery Ward Credit			N/A	5.75% to 25.99% fixed	$0	Apply now View details	This no-annual-fee store card offers a potentially low APR and low minimum payments for purchases made at the Montgomery Ward online store.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...
Country Door Credit			N/A	5.75% to 25.99% fixed	$0	Apply now View details	Decorate now, pay later with monthly payments as low as $20, easy account set-up, no annual fees and zero fraud liability.	Compare	loading Fetching your data...

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Pros and cons of store credit cards for bad credit

Store credit cards may be a great option if you have bad credit, but you might want to hit the brakes before applying. Weigh these pros and cons before settling on a store card.

Is a store credit card for bad credit right for me?

A store credit card might be ideal if you already spend at the retailer that issues the card. Open a card only if you can make payments on time. Otherwise, you’ll take hits to your credit score.

If you’re not sure about a store credit card, consider these other methods to improve your credit score:

• Open a secured credit card with no credit check.
  This can be superior to a store card in part because you can use it almost anywhere, instead of only at a specific retailer. On the downside, you must submit an upfront security deposit before you can open an account. For a no-credit check secured card, consider the OpenSky® Secured Visa® Credit Card, which consistently garners great reviews.
• Take out a credit-builder loan.
  When you take out a credit-builder loan, the bank will put the money into a savings account. To access the money, make regular payments over 12 to 24 months and eventually pay off the entire loan.

Bottom line

Store credit cards may be an option if you have poor credit. However, many of them require at least fair credit scores of 580 and above. If you have bad credit, consider applying for one of the products we’ve listed in this article. Also, consider a no-credit-check secured credit card, which may be a superior option.

Frequently asked questions

• Will I know in advance what credit score I need to get approved for a card?

  Unfortunately, issuers will rarely tell you what credit scores you need for approval. Your best bet is knowing in advance which cards you have a decent chance of being approved for.

• Why should I be selective about the cards I apply for?

  Each time you apply for a card, the issuer will likely initiate a hard pull on your credit. This means it’s checking your credit report to decide whether to accept you as a customer. Hard pulls typically lower your credit score temporarily by a few points, which can be bad news if you want to apply for other cards.

• How long will it take to improve my credit score?

  It’s best to allow for at least several months before seeing an improvement in your credit score. A big mistake people often make is expecting their scores to shoot up right away. Be patient and aim for the long term. With consistent, on-time payments, you’ll steadily see your credit score improve.