What are the best store credit cards for bad credit?

The best store credit cards for bad credit are the Montgomery Ward Credit Account and the Amazon Secured Credit Card. Both of these store credit cards accept applicants with bad credit scores, have $0 annual fees, and report to the major credit bureaus.

They don’t have a whole lot of competition, however. There are very few store credit cards for bad credit available right now. Nearly all store cards require at least fair credit for approval, according to WalletHub’s database of 1,500+ credit card offers. But there are exceptions from time to time. You can check out our top picks below.

Best Store-Affiliated Credit Cards for Bad Credit

Overall, the best store credit card for bad credit is the Amazon Secured Credit Card because you can get it with a poor credit score and there’s no annual fee. Plus, the Amazon Secured Credit Card reports to the credit bureaus every month, which will allow you to build credit if you pay your bills on time. You can buy pretty much anything on Amazon, too.

You don’t want to limit yourself unnecessarily, however. There are plenty of other credit cards for bad credit that could provide even better perks with popular retailers. So, make sure to keep the following pointers in mind when shopping for the best credit card for your needs.

4 Things to Remember When Looking for Store Credit Cards with Bad Credit

1. Store credit cards don’t give the highest approval odds.

Nearly all store credit cards require at least fair credit for approval.

2. Store credit cards and co-branded credit cards are different.

A store credit card works at no more than a few retailers, but usually just one. A co-branded credit card is affiliated with a retailer or other company but can be used anywhere Visa, Mastercard, Discover or American Express is accepted.

3. Secured cards are best for credit repair.

Store credit cards for poor credit are barely a thing. Secured credit cards, on the other hand, were made to help people with bad credit rebuild. Some even offer rewards and are affiliated with a popular brand. In other words, they’re like store credit cards for bad credit, but you can use them anywhere.

4. Store cards affect your credit just like regular credit cards.

Like any other credit card, a store card can positively or negatively impact your credit depending on how you use it. If you pay your bill on time every month and avoid maxing out your credit limit, a store credit card can certainly help you improve your credit score. Store cards are just usually better suited to improving a fair credit score to good territory than rescuing a bad score. So, you’ll have more options if you consider regular credit cards for bad credit as well.

If you’re interested in more advice, sign up for a free WalletHub account. You can check your credit score for free, with daily updates, and receive personalized credit-improvement tips and recommendations for credit cards with high approval odds.

If you must get a store card with bad credit, here’s the shortlist:

• Fingerhut Credit Account - Reports to bureaus, easy approval.
• Montgomery Ward - Similar to Fingerhut. 
• Amazon Secured Card (if you shop there a lot) - Works like a secured card but only for Amazon.

Also, Comenity Bank backs a ton of store cards (Victoria’s Secret, Overstock, etc.), and some let you check pre-approval with no hard pull.

I’m definitely team Amazon here. I wouldn’t want to be stuck buying from Fingerhut/Montgomery Ward!

Most stores require fair credit, so this is a tough one. The Amazon Secured Card is technically an option if you’re desperate enough to shop at Amazon (I prefer boutique retailers). It requires a deposit, but it might help you inch toward fair credit.

Wait until you have fair credit to get a store card.

There are no "best" store cards when it comes to bad credit score. The Fingerhut Credit Account is a pretty good one, but in my opinion, you should always just get a secured card and go up to "fair".

Fingerhut and Montgomery Ward are basically the only ones that’ll maybe work. But the APRs are brutal, and the limits are tiny. Secured cards are better for bad credit.