What are the best store credit cards for no credit?

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.

The best store credit card with no credit check is the Horizon Outlets Group One Platinum Card, which is meant to help customers with low credit scores access a line of credit. The Group One Platinum Card has a $750 credit limit and a $0 annual fee, but it does not report to the major credit bureaus. This means the Group One Platinum Card won’t help you build credit. It also has a high APR and a monthly fee, so it can be pretty costly.... read full answer

Very few store cards do not require a credit check, and the best store cards overall are typically not ideal for completely rebuilding credit. In general, store cards are best for people with fair credit or better who can make use of discounts and rewards at a specific store. The Group One Platinum Card by comparison has no rewards.

If you want a credit card to rebuild your credit, you might be better off considering a secured credit card. Although they require a refundable deposit to open the account, secured cards can help you build credit and even earn rewards. They also tend to be cheaper than unsecured credit cards for bad credit. Both secured and unsecured cards for bad credit can be used almost anywhere, though, unlike store cards.

The best department store credit card for bad credit with instant approval is the Fingerhut Credit Account because it has a $0 annual fee and is available to people with bad credit scores. Fingerhut even advertises that your application will be reviewed “instantly.”

Plus, if you are not approved for a credit account, Fingerhut will automatically check your application for a spot in their FreshStart installment program. If you’re in FreshStart, you can purchase items from Fingerhut with an installment loan to build your credit. However, it is important to know that Fingerhut is an online retailer, and not a conventional department store with physical locations.... read full answer

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.