With the holidays right around the corner, you’re probably already working on your annual gift list. As you make your list and check it twice, you’ll also want to cut costs where possible. One way to do that is with store credit credits.
Store credit cards are a type of branded card that you use at select retailers or partnered merchants. They usually have no annual fee and are generally easier to get when you have less-than-perfect credit, making them an affordable way to improve your credit.
Companies that offer store credit cards know which rewards loyal customers want. The Balance reviewed how much value different store cards offer in popular categories to find the best ones. Additionally, they researched welcome offers, discounts, and other perks. If you’re looking to save this holiday season, check out the best store credit cards for December 2020.
Best All-Around Card And Clothing
Gap Visa Credit Card
Credit score requirements: Poor to Excellent
Regular APR: 25.99% (variable)
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Earn 5 points to the dollar when you shop at Gap stores, plus one point for every dollar on everything else
The Gap Visa card offers a lot for a store credit card. Unlike other cards, you can earn rewards no matter where you shop. You can also enjoy a 20% discount and free shipping on your first purchase with your Gap Visa, plus exclusive events and a birthday bonus.
The Balance ranked this store card as the best for clothing because you can receive 5% off any purchase from Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta. That’s money right back in your pocket! And if you spend a minimum of $1,000 with your card, you can become a Silver cardholder, which means you can enjoy even more perks and discounts.
Best Card for Department Stores, Electronics, Furniture, And Home Improvement
Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card
Credit score requirements: Good to Excellent
Regular APR: 14.24% – 22.24% (variable)
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Earn 3% back when you shop at Amazon and Whole Foods Market, 2% on dining, gas stations, and drugstores, and an additional 1% on everything else
You don’t have to be an Amazon Prime member to enjoy the benefits that the Amazon Rewards Visa Signature card offers. Since you can purchase almost everything you need on Amazon, this is the best card for electronics, furniture, home improvement, and more. You can earn 3% points on all Amazon transactions and extra points when you use your card at your favorite restaurant, gas station, or drugstore. Plus, these points never expire, which is something you won’t find with many store cards.
Runner-Up For Department Store And Furniture
Macy’s Credit Card
Credit score requirements: Poor to Excellent
Regular APR: 25.24% (variable)
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: Get up to 5% in rewards when you shop at Macy’s
If you frequently shop at Macy’s, this card is perfect for you. When you spend $1,200 in your first year, you’ll be eligible for 5% back in rewards on everything, plus free shipping and exclusive offers. Macy’s also gives new account holders an extra 20% off their purchase in the first two days after opening an account (or up to $100).
Runner-Up For Home Improvement
Home Depot Consumer Credit Card
Credit score requirements: Poor to Excellent
Regular APR: 17.99% – 26.99% (variable)
Annual fee: $0
Rewards: None
Do your New Years’ resolutions consist of home improvement projects you’ve been putting off? If so, you should consider the Home Depot Consumer Credit Card. With it, you can enjoy 0% APR for six months on purchases valued at $299 or more. Additionally, you can save $100 on your first purchase of $1,000 or more.
This card is excellent for people with okay credit who may not be eligible for other affordable interest cards. However, keep in mind that if you don’t pay your balance before the end of the promotional period, you’ll get stuck with retroactive interest payments!
Runner-Up For Electronics
My Best Buy Visa Card
Credit score requirements: Good to Excellent
Regular APR: 25.24% (variable)
Annual fee: Up to $59
Rewards: Get 5% back when you shop at Best Buy (Elite Plus members can earn 6%) plus 3% on gas, 2% on dining, and 1% on everything else
The My Best Buy Visa card is one of the top store credit cards because of its versatility. Not only can you qualify for 5% back when you shop at Best Buy (or 6% if you spend at least $3,500), but you can also earn points for everyday purchases such as gas and dining.
You can also receive 10% back the day you open an account or deferred interest on transactions of $299 or more. If you have tech-lovers in your life, this card can help you save big on their gifts.
Source
- Luthi, Ben. “Best Store Credit Cards.” The Balance, 30 Nov. 2020, www.thebalance.com/best-store-credit-cards-4767785.
- “Store Credit Cards: 2020’s Best Store Credit Cards.” WalletHub, 1 Dec. 2020, wallethub.com/credit-cards/store/.