What are the best store credit cards that can be used anywhere?

One of the best store credit cards that can be used anywhere is the Amazon Credit Card because it offers 1 - 5 points per $1 spent, plus a $50 Amazon gift card upon approval ($150 for Prime members). The Amazon Credit Card can be used anywhere Visa is accepted.

Some of the Best Store Cards That Can Be Used Anywhere

Initial Bonus: $50 Amazon gift card upon approval ($150 for Prime members)

Ongoing Rewards: 3 points per $1 spent at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases, 2 points per $1 spent at gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and commuting, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

Annual Fee: $0

Minimum Credit Recommended: Good credit

Ongoing Rewards: 5% cash back rewards on gas at Costco and 4% cash back on other eligible gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging purchases for the first $7,000 combined spend per year, and then 1% thereafter, 3% back on restaurant and eligible travel purchases, 2% back on all other Costco and Costco.com purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases.

Annual Fee: $0, with a paid Costco membership.

Minimum Credit Recommended: Excellent credit

Initial Bonus: N/A

Ongoing Rewards: 50¢ off per gallon for the first 60 days at BP and Amoco stations, 15¢ off per gallon thereafter, plus 5 points per $1 spent on non-fuel purchases at BP and Amoco, 3 points per $1 spent on groceries, dining and food delivery purchases, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases

Annual Fee: $0

Minimum Credit Recommended: Good credit

Initial Bonus: $150 Amazon gift card instantly upon approval.

Ongoing Rewards: 1 - 5% Cash Rewards

Annual Fee: $0

Minimum Credit Recommended: Good credit

Ongoing Rewards: 2.5 points per $1 spent on Best Buy purchases, 1.5 points per $1 spent at gas stations, 1 point per $1 spent at restaurants (including takeout), bars and grocery stores, and 0.5 points per $1 spent on all other purchases

Annual Fee: $0

Minimum Credit Recommended: Good credit

Ongoing Rewards: 4% cash back on DoorDash and Caviar orders, 3% cash back on dining directly from a restaurant, 2% cash back on grocery store purchases, as well as 1% back on all other purchases

Annual Fee: $0

Minimum Credit Recommended: Good credit

What to Know Before Applying for a Store Credit Card

Store credit cards that can be used anywhere belong to a credit card network, such as Visa or Mastercard. Usually, the traditional store cards can only be used for store-related purchases.

The store cards belonging to a credit card network tend to have stricter requirements for approval than the store cards that can only be used at certain retailers. You'll typically need good credit or better to qualify for these cards. Plus, this type of store cards can also earn significant benefits when used outside of the store. At the same time, they still enjoy all the perks and discounts that come with in-store and online purchases.

Alternative Credit Card Options

Store credit cards that can be used anywhere offer more flexibility than traditional store credit cards. However, unless you want supplemented rewards at a specific store, you may still find more value with a general rewards card.

With the Citi Double Cash® Card, for instance, you can earn 2% cash back on every purchase (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay for those purchases), plus 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel. Alternatively, the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card gives 6% cash back in a category of your choice during the first year, then 3% cash back, 2% back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs (up to $2,500 in combined quarterly spending across the choice category, grocery stores, and wholesale clubs), and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. In addition, it offers $200 for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.