Retail Credit Cards - Reviews
For many retailers, a store-branded credit card is a great way to lure in repeat shoppers as well as ensnare customers in a load of debt due to high interest rates and the temptation to spend more than they can afford.
But retail cards arenât all bad. When used responsibly, they can be a good introduction to credit for consumers with a limited credit history. And there are a few stand-outs in this category that offer great rewards programs that allow you to earn a large amount of cash back on your regular spending.
Weâve reviewed the most popular store cards, looking at their rewards programs, special financing deals, APRs and other perks, as well as their potential pitfalls.
Walmart Mastercard
Last reviewed: June 13, 2017
Bargain shoppers who spend a lot on Walmart.com could potentially earn a sizable amount of cash back with the Walmart Mastercard, but its limited rewards categories might be a deal breaker for those who aren’t already devoted to the big-box store.
Costco Anywhere Visa Card by Citi
Last reviewed: June 20, 2017
The value of the Costco card extends beyond Costco purchases, including a generous amount of cash back on gas, travel and restaurant purchases and some great purchase benefits, though you’re limited to redeeming your cash back once a year.
Barclaycard Visa with Apple Rewards
Last reviewed: June 12, 2017
Apple fanatics can finance high-cost purchases using the Barclaycard Visa, but a high APR for some cardholders means they should also be vigilant about paying balances in full before the promotional period runs out.
My Best Buy Visa card from Citi
Last reviewed: June 7, 2017
The My Best Buy Visa credit card makes sense for fans of the latest and greatest electronics, but casual shoppers and techies alike should beware of the card’s high interest rate, which could negate their rewards and benefits.
Macy's American Express card
Last reviewed: June 14, 2017
Savvy shoppers who never miss a Macy’s One-Day Sale have the potential to win big with the department store’s co-branded American Express card, but an unsurprisingly high APR means less disciplined cardholders could find themselves in trouble when carrying a balance from month to month.
Target Redcard
Last reviewed: June 14, 2017
The Target Redcard is a no-brainer for loyal customers of the discount retailer, but its typically high APR means cardholders who don’t pay their monthly balance in full might end up negating the store card’s savings and other benefits.
Sears Mastercard with Shop Your Way
Last reviewed: June 2, 2017
Cardholders on the search for a retail card with a great gas bonus may appreciate the 5 percent rate that the Sears Shop Your Way MasterCard offers on gas purchases for the first 12 months, though the regular rewards rate is less than spectacular and the APR is very high.
Chase Amazon.com Rewards Visa card
Last reviewed: June 5, 2017
The Amazon.com Rewards Visa card is one of the top cards in our retail card category, offering a double rewards rate on restaurant, gas and Amazon.com purchases without requiring an annual Amazon membership fee.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card
Last reviewed: June 2, 2017
For Amazon Prime members, the chance to earn 5 percent cash back on Amazon purchases and seamlessly redeem those rewards at checkout seems like a good bet, though others will have to figure in the $99 price of Amazon Prime membership when comparing the card against other retail cards.
Lowe's Consumer credit card
Last reviewed: June 13, 2017
Frequent Lowe’s shoppers will love the card’s automatic discount and special financing offers, but those who rarely visit the home improvement store would be far better served by a general-purpose rewards card with a much lower APR.
Kohl's Charge credit card
Last reviewed: June 19, 2017
Despite a paltry points system, regular Kohl’s customers can still save a considerable amount of money with the Kohl’s Charge card – but a steep APR puts cardholders at risk of having interest charges eat into their rewards and discounts.
TJX Rewards Platinum MasterCard
Last reviewed: June 19, 2017
If discount department stores are your happy place and you love the idea of uncomplicated rewards and automatic redemption, the TJX Rewards Platinum MasterCard could be a good choice – but the card’s high APR and low overall rewards rate could be a reason to pass on it.
