The variety of things you can buy on these stores is almost endless. With instant credit catalogs you have the possibility to enjoy your purchases right away and pay for them later. Plus, you can apply and get a credit decision in a matter of seconds.
However, don't forget to pay your off your purchases quickly in order to avoid high interest rates.
Some of the best instant approval department store cards include those from big-name retailers like TJX Store Card, Kohl's Credit Card and Amazon.com Store Card. Aside from potentially offering instant approval, they also offer rewards at the retailers they're affiliated with.
Most store cards, including the ones affiliated with department stores, can offer instant approval. When you apply online, there’s always a chance you will be instantly approved (or denied). Many stores also allow customers to apply in-store and receive a decision right away. Sometimes, the retailer will even let the new cardholder use the card immediately to pay for that day’s purchase. The cashier at your favorite retailer should be able to give you more information.… read full answer
Best instant approval department store credit cards:
Most department store cards require fair credit or better (a credit score of 640+) for good odds of approval. In case you don’t know where you stand, you can check your credit score or free, right here on WalletHub.
There are loads more department store credit cards to check out. But while it’s common to receive an instant decision for a store card, it’s not guaranteed. Your application might take longer to process if you’re right on the edge of meeting the card’s requirements, or if you make a mistake and accidentally give incorrect information on the application.
The best catalog credit cards for bad credit are the Fingerhut Credit Card, Group One Platinum Card, and the Montgomery Ward Credit Account. Catalog cards, also known as Merchandise cards, are targeted to people with bad credit and have minimal requirements in order to qualify. Applicants generally need to have an active checking or savings account and proof of income. In most cases, they don’t require credit checks.… read full answer
Catalog cards are not affiliated with a card network such as Visa or Mastercard. They’re store cards that you can use only for purchases within their affiliated catalog. Some catalog cards come with numerous fees that will eat up a huge chunk of your credit limit.
Here are the best catalog credit cards for bad credit:
The Fingerhut Credit Card purchases are limited to the fingerhut.com catalog. Credit limit varies based on creditworthiness and monthly account activity (purchases and bill payments). The card’s annual fee is $0. The monthly and one-time fees are also $0. The card reports to all 3 major credit bureaus. It has a 29.99% regular APR.
The Group One Platinum Card can only be used for purchases through the Horizon Outlet website. $750 merchandise credit limit upon approval. There is a $0 annual and one-time fee. However, the card charges a monthly fee of $14.77. The card reports to at least one of the 3 major credit bureaus. There is no employment and credit check.
The Montgomery Ward Credit can be used for purchases through the Montgomery Ward website. Variable credit limits, depending on creditworthiness, purchases and payments. The card has a $0 annual fee. It doesn’t charge monthly or one-time fees either. The card reports to at least one of the 3 major credit bureaus.
Catalog cards for bad credit are good only if you’re a frequent shopper on the card’s online store. If you’re serious about building credit, you’re better off with a secured credit card such as the Bank of America Custom Cash Secured Card or the Capital One Platinum Secured. You’ll have to pay a refundable security deposit upfront, but you can use the card practically anywhere. Plus, you won’t be saddled with excessive monthly fees.
The easiest department store credit card to get approved for is the Fingerhut Credit Account, but that’s only if you count an online retailer / mail catalog as a department store. It’s the only store card you can get with bad credit. Pretty much all other store credit cards require fair credit (640+ score) for approval. But that still means most department store credit cards are easy to get for most people. It also means you should choose your card based on where you shop the most and which offers the most rewards, since there isn’t much of a difference in their approval requirements. Let’s take a look at a few good options.… read full answer
Here are some of the easiest department store credit cards to get:
Target Credit Card: For people with fair credit. 5% discount at Target and Target.com. Returns extended by 30 days. Free shipping. $0 annual fee.
Walmart® Store Card: For people with fair credit. 2 - 5 points per $1 on Walmart purchases and Walmart & Murphy USA Fuel Stations. $0 annual fee.
Kohl's Credit Card: For people with fair credit. 35% discount on your fist purchase. 5% cash back on every qualifying purchase made at Kohl. $0 annual fee.
JCPenney Credit Card: For people with fair credit. 1 point / $1 on qualifying purchases. Discounts on select items. Annual fee: $0.
Fingerhut Credit Account: For people with bad credit. Easiest store card to be approved for. No rewards. $0 annual fee.
Amazon.com Store Card: For people with fair credit. 5% back in rewards cash back at Amazon.com if you have a Prime account. $10 gift card after approval. $0 annual fee.
There are plenty of other department store cards with great deals too. For example, TJX, Saks Fifth Avenue and Sears all give savings and perks that are worth looking at. Just remember that department store credit cards can only be used at the store that issued them (and sometimes affiliates), so apply for a card from somewhere you know you’ll shop on a regular basis.
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