What are the best department store credit cards for bad credit with instant approval?

One of the best department store credit cards for bad credit with instant approval is the Montgomery Ward Credit Account because it has a $0 annual fee and is available to people with bad credit scores. Montgomery Ward even advertises that your application will be reviewed "instantly."

Plus, if you are not approved for a credit account initially, Montgomery Ward provides flexible down payment options, and you might qualify for the credit by making just a small down payment on your first order. However, it is important to know that Montgomery Ward is an online retailer, and not a conventional department store with physical locations.

It’s worth noting that most department store credit cards require at least fair credit for approval. So, if you are looking for a credit card for bad credit that offers instant approval, you’d better consider traditional credit cards, too.

Best Instant Approval Credit Cards for Bad Credit

You can apply online and get instantly approved for a card if you’re obviously qualified, but it can take 7-10 days to get approved in some cases. Similarly, many store cards can be used instantly if you’re shopping online, though you may have to wait for the card in the mail if you plan on shopping inside the store.

In addition, it’s important to remember that instant approval isn’t guaranteed. You will need to meet the minimum requirements set in the card’s terms in order to qualify.

Finally, people looking for more versatility in where they shop might want to consider applying for a general-purpose credit card with instant use instead. Secured credit cards are also great for building credit and they can be used anywhere, while store cards can only be used at specific merchants.

The best department store credit card for bad credit with instant approval is the Fingerhut Credit Account because it’s available to people with any credit score. Fingerhut’s website even says “When you apply for a Fingerhut Credit Account issued by WebBank, you will get an answer instantly.” The Fingerhut Credit Account doesn’t offer rewards or special financing. But it does have a $0 annual fee. It can only be used at Fingerhut. Fingerhut is an online retailer that sells a wide variety of products from clothes to kitchenware to electronics.

And even if the instant decision on your Fingerhut Credit Account application is “No,” you still have a chance. Fingerhut will offer to put you into their FreshStart program. With FreshStart, you purchase something from the website as an installment loan. If you demonstrate responsibility by making all your payments on time, Fingerhut will then graduate you to a credit account instead.

Aside from Fingerhut, there aren’t really any other department store credit cards for bad credit with instant approval, unfortunately. But you can look into general secured cards, which will probably offer you better terms and which will have a good chance of instant approval if you apply online. And you can use a secured card anywhere, while you can only use store cards at one merchant.