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

No, you usually can’t use store credit cards everywhere, unless they’re linked to a credit card network, such as Visa or Mastercard. But the store cards that are not on a network only work at the merchants they’re affiliated with.

Note that store cards with limited acceptance are easier to get, generally requiring just ... read full answerfair credit for approval. However, the cards affiliated with a retailer that are linked to a specific network tend to have stricter requirements for approval.

Here’s how store credit card acceptance works:

• Store credit cards affiliated with one retailer: This type of store cards only work at one particular store. For example, the Target Credit Card, is solely for Target purchases.
• Store credit cards affiliated with more than one merchant: If multiple brands are owned by the same parent company, you should be able to use any one of their store cards for purchases from all of the brands.
  
  For instance, you can use the Old Navy Store Card at Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta, in addition to Old Navy. And you can use the Amazon.com Store Card at Audible.com, Comixology.com, and merchants who use Amazon Pay, along with other Amazon products and services.
• Store credit cards linked to a network: There are some credit cards affiliated with specific retailers which also belong to a card network, such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. These cards can be used anywhere that network is accepted.

Many retailers actually offer two versions of their cards: one connected with a network and another for store-only purchases. And there’s often just one application. The issuing bank decides which one you get (if any) based on your credit standing. You’ll generally need good credit or better to get a store card belonging to a network.

For example, the Best Buy® Credit Card requires good credit or better (700+). However, those with at least fair credit (640+) may qualify for the Best Buy® Store Card. You can check your latest credit score for free, right here on WalletHub.

Visa and Mastercard are the most widely accepted credit card networks. Visa credit cards can be used at 44 million merchant locations in more than 200 countries and territories. Mastercard credit cards are accepted at 37 million merchant locations in more than 210 countries and territories.

Mastercard is accepted in more countries than Visa, yet roughly 7 million more merchants worldwide take Visa. Both have a claim to the title of most widely accepted credit card as a result. Visa is also the most widely used type of credit card. There isn’t a single credit card that’s most widely accepted, though. That’s because there are hundreds of Mastercard and Visa credit card offers available.... read full answer

Most Widely Accepted Credit Cards:

• Most Widely Accepted Internationally: Mastercard (210+ countries and territories); Visa (200+).
• Most Widely Accepted in the U.S.: Visa and Mastercard are both accepted at almost 11 million U.S. merchant locations.
• Least Widely Accepted Internationally: American Express (160+ countries and territories); Discover (200+).
• Least Widely Accepted in the U.S.: American Express and Discover (10.6 million locations).
• Most Widely Used: Visa has the most credit cards in circulation (about 838 million). American Express has the highest purchase volume, at $15,904 per cardholder annually.
• Best Worldwide Credit Cards: Visa or Mastercard credit cards with no foreign transaction fee.

The difference between Visa and Mastercard acceptance is slight. Either network should suit your needs almost anywhere in the world. But if you plan on traveling internationally, be sure your Mastercard or Visa credit card doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee. That will save you up to 3% on every purchase you make abroad.

Finally, it’s worth pointing out that store cards are the least widely accepted credit cards. They don’t belong to any of the four major card networks. So, they can only be used at their affiliated retailers.

Yes, you can use the Best Buy® Credit Card anywhere that accepts cards on the Visa network. That means you can use the Best Buy® Credit Card at 10.7 million U.S. merchant locations, plus at millions of other merchants across 200 countries and territories worldwide.

The Best Buy Store Card, on the other hand, can only be used for purchases at Best Buy.... read full answer

Other things to know about the Best Buy® Credit Card:

The Best Buy® Credit Card has a 0% foreign transaction fee, which means you won’t incur extra charges for international purchases. The card also comes with an annual fee of $0 and offers 0.5 - 2.5 points / $1 spent on purchases. So, it’s a good option for people who spend a lot on their card each month.