
If you're looking to build credit from scratch, store cards can be a great place to start. The TJ Maxx/XMART Visa Card, for example, offers a credit limit of $200-$1,000 with no annual fee.
For those with poor credit, the Kohl's Credit Card is a good option, offering a credit limit of $500-$1,000 with a $19.99 annual fee.
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Benefits of Store Cards
Store cards can be a great way to build credit, especially for those who are new to credit or have limited credit history. Some store cards offer higher credit limits than traditional credit cards.
Having a store card can help you establish a positive credit history by making on-time payments, which can lead to better credit scores. This can also make it easier to qualify for other credit products in the future.
Some store cards, like those from TJ Maxx and Marshalls, offer rewards programs that can help you earn points or cash back on your purchases. This can be a great way to save money on items you already buy.
Using a store card responsibly can also help you develop good credit habits, such as paying your balance in full each month and avoiding high interest rates.
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Qualifying for Store Cards
To qualify for store cards, you'll typically need a fair to good credit score, which is around 580 or higher. This is a relatively achievable goal, especially if you're just starting to build your credit history.
You'll also need to provide proof of income, which can be done with a recent pay stub or tax return. Additionally, you'll need a valid U.S. Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, and be at least 18 years old.
Some store cards are more accessible than others, and may be a good option if you're struggling to get approved for traditional credit cards. These cards can help you build credit and establish a positive payment history.
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Qualifying Score
A fair credit score is typically required to qualify for a store card, but the exact score needed varies by product. For example, U.S. Bank credit score requirements vary by product.
If you're looking to build or rebuild your credit, you'll want to consider a store card with a fair credit score range. Customers with low or no credit, who want to build or repair their credit history, can benefit from a Secured Card.
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To give you a better idea, here are some specific credit score requirements for store cards:
Keep in mind that these requirements are subject to change, and you should always check the terms and conditions of the card before applying.
Tillful
If you're new to building business credit, it's worth exploring the Tillful Card. It's a secured business credit card designed for business credit building, reporting to Experian (with Equifax and Dun & Bradstreet coming soon).
The Tillful Card has a minimum deposit of $500, which creates your credit line, and there are no fees. This makes it an ideal option for new businesses.
One of the advantages of the Tillful Card is that it's easy to get approved, even for new businesses or those with no business credit. The card also offers 1.5% rewards.
Here are some key benefits of the Tillful Card at a glance:
- No minimum business requirement and no bank account balance minimums
- Easy for new businesses and those with no business credit to get approved
- 1.5% rewards
- Reports to Experian, with Equifax and Dun & Bradstreet coming soon
The Tillful
The Tillful is a secured business credit card designed for new businesses or those with no business credit. It reports to Experian, with Equifax and Dun & Bradstreet coming soon.
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To get approved for the Tillful Card, you'll need to meet the basic qualifications, which include having a U.S. Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, being at least 18 years old, and being a U.S. resident with a valid address.
One of the benefits of the Tillful Card is that it has no minimum business requirement and no bank account balance minimums. This makes it easier for new businesses to get approved.
Here are some of the key pros of the Tillful Card:
- No minimum business requirement and no bank account balance minimums
- Easy for new businesses and those with no business credit to get approved
- 1.5% rewards
- Reports to Experian, with Equifax and Dun & Bradstreet coming soon
If you're looking to build business credit, the Tillful Card is a great option.
Synchrony Store Cards
Synchrony store cards are a great option for building credit. There are numerous cards to choose from, with over 20 different store cards to consider.
Some popular store cards include ABC Warehouse, American Eagle Outfitters, and At Home Store Card. These cards can be a great way to start building credit, especially if you're new to credit or have a limited credit history.
To increase your chances of approval, make sure to take care of your credit score by paying off your credit card bill and keeping your credit utilization ratio below 60%.
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How Works
Synchrony Store Cards are designed to make shopping more convenient and rewarding.
To get started, you'll need to apply for a Synchrony Store Card, which can be done online or in-store.
These cards are issued by Synchrony Bank, a leading provider of private-label credit cards.
Once approved, you can begin using your Synchrony Store Card to make purchases at participating retailers.
Synchrony Store Cards often come with a variety of rewards and benefits, such as exclusive discounts and special financing offers.
Some Synchrony Store Cards also offer cashback rewards, which can be redeemed for statement credits or other rewards.
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Synchrony's List
Synchrony Bank offers a wide range of store cards for various retailers. You can find a list of all Synchrony store cards in the article section, which includes over 50 different cards.
Some popular store cards offered by Synchrony include the American Eagle Outfitters Store Card, the At Home Store Card, and the Belk Store Card. These cards are designed to provide customers with a convenient way to make purchases and earn rewards.
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If you're looking for a store card from a specific retailer, you can check the list in the article section to see if Synchrony offers a card for that store. For example, you can find cards for ABC Warehouse, ABT, and Amazon.
Synchrony's store cards can be a great way to earn rewards and build credit, but it's essential to use them responsibly and pay off your balance in full each month.
Here is a list of some of the most popular Synchrony store cards:
- American Eagle Outfitters Store Card
- At Home Store Card
- Belk Store Card
- Gap brands store cards (including Athleta, Banana Republic, Gap, and Old Navy)
- Home Depot Store Card
- Sam's Club Store Card
- TJX Store Card
By choosing a Synchrony store card from a retailer you frequent, you can earn rewards and make your purchases more convenient.
Other Store Cards
Many store cards offer lower credit limits than regular credit cards, but some can be a good starting point for building credit.
The Target RedCard, for example, offers a credit limit of $500 to $2,000, depending on creditworthiness.
Some store cards also have no annual fees, making them a more affordable option for those just starting to build credit.
Additional reading: Wells Fargo Store Credit Cards
Capital One Spark Classic Card
The Capital One Spark Classic Card is a great option for those who want a business credit card with no introductory APR. It offers unlimited 1% cash back rewards on purchases.
This card can be applied by those with an average credit score, making it a good choice for businesses that may not have an excellent credit history. You can also get free employee cards with spending limits.
One of the best features of this card is that it has no charges for balance transfer, which can be a huge relief for businesses that need to transfer funds.
Here are some key benefits of the Capital One Spark Classic Card:
- No introductory APR
- Unlimited 1% cash back rewards on purchases
- Can be applied by those with average credit score
- Free employee cards with spending limits
- No charges for balance transfer
Unlimited Master
The Capital One Quicksilver Card has a variable APR of 19.99%-29.99% and requires a good to excellent credit rating, typically 690 or higher. This card offers a simple cash back program on all purchases and no foreign transaction fees.
The Barclaycard Rewards MasterCard also has a good to excellent credit score requirement, typically 700 or higher. It has an attractive rewards rate and no foreign transaction fees, but it has an annual fee and a higher than average APR.
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If you're looking for a business credit card with a generous sign-up bonus, the Chase Ink Business Unlimited Card offers a $750 bonus if you spend $7,500 in the first three months. It also has unlimited fixed rate 1.5% cash back rewards on all business purchases.
The Bank of America Business Advantage Unlimited Cash Rewards Mastercard Secured Credit Card is a good starter card for building business credit, reporting to all three major bureaus and allowing you to carry a balance with an APR of 24.49%. It requires a minimum deposit of $1,000 to secure the credit line.
Here are the requirements for the Capital One Quicksilver Card and the Barclaycard Rewards MasterCard:
- Capital One Quicksilver Card: Good to excellent credit score (typically 690 or higher), proof of income, U.S. Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, 18 years of age or older, and a U.S. resident with a valid address.
- Barclaycard Rewards MasterCard: Good to excellent credit score (typically 700 or higher), proof of income, U.S. Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number, 18 years of age or older, and a U.S. resident with a valid address.
Discover It Student Chrome
The Discover It Student Chrome is a credit card designed for students with limited credit history. It's also suitable for immigrants starting to build their credit history in the U.S. who need assistance navigating their credit card terms.
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This card offers cash back on gas and dining out, which can be beneficial for those who are commuting to work or school. You'll also get U.S.-based customer service, which can be a significant advantage.
To be eligible for the Discover It Student Chrome, you'll need a minimum credit score of 630. The variable APR ranges from 18.24% to 27.24%.
Here are the key requirements to qualify for this card:
- Minimum Credit Score: 630
- Variable APR: 18.24%-27.24%
- Designed for students with limited credit history
- Proof of income may be required
- Must be a college or university student
- U.S. Social Security Number
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- U.S. resident with a valid address
One of the perks of this card is that there's no yearly fee. You'll also get an intro APR period and be eligible for those with average credit.
American Express Blue
The American Express Blue is a great option for businesses with no credit history or those looking to establish a business credit profile. It's also a good choice for those who need to spend above their credit limit.
This card offers a 2% cash back reward on all eligible purchases up to $50,000 per calendar year, then 1% cash back. This is a great incentive for businesses that make a lot of purchases.
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One of the unique features of this card is its Expanded Buying Power feature, which allows you to spend above your credit limit. However, keep in mind that high credit usage can lower your credit score.
To qualify for this card, you typically need a good to excellent credit score, proof of income, and a valid U.S. address.
Sam's Club
Sam's Club offers a range of store cards and credit cards that can be a great option for businesses and individuals.
The Sam's Club Mastercard is a popular choice, offering 5% cash-back on purchases at gas stations and 3% cash-back at restaurants.
All other purchases earn 1% cash-back, but the 5% cash-back at gas stations is limited to your first $6,000 spent.
A maximum of $5,000 in cash-back may be earned in total per calendar year.
Sam's Club also offers store card versions, but they can only be used at Sam's Club locations.
The Sam's Club Mastercard, on the other hand, can be used at any merchant that accepts Mastercard.
Neither version of the Sam's Club Mastercard has an annual fee, but they do require a Sam's Club membership.
The store card for Sam's Club is a great choice for new business owners, as Sam's Club carries a wide array of products.
Many new businesses have luck getting approved for the Sam's Club card, making it a popular option among small business owners.
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Circle K
Circle K is a popular choice for small business owners who need to establish a tradeline to build business credit. Having a gas card can help you qualify for a traditional business credit card later on.
Most gas station companies offer business credit cards, and Circle K is one of them. You can also look into opening an account with Shell, Chevron, or other stations in your area.
Getting a gas card won't let you buy as many different types of things as a Sam's Club card, but it's a good starting point for building business credit.
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Capital on Tap
Capital on Tap is a store card that offers a range of benefits to its users.
One of the key advantages of Capital on Tap is its monthly billing period, which provides a 15-day grace period before the next payment is due.
The card also offers 1.5% unlimited cash back on purchases, which can add up quickly over time.
There is no annual fee to worry about, at least for now, as it's currently free (for a limited time).
The card reports to Experian and SBFE, which can help improve your credit score over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best store credit card to build credit?
For building credit, consider the Amazon Store Card or Kohl's Credit Card, both offering rewards and requiring fair credit for approval.
Can you build credit with store cards?
Yes, you can build credit with store cards, but it requires making timely payments and keeping your credit utilization below 30%. Building credit with store cards is possible with responsible payment habits.
Do store cards increase credit score?
Yes, store credit cards can help increase your credit score by reporting payment activity to the credit bureaus, but only if you make on-time payments. Building good credit habits with store cards can be a great way to start or improve your credit score.
Sources
- https://www.usbank.com/credit-cards/secured-visa-credit-card.html
- https://upgradedpoints.com/credit-cards/synchrony-bank-store-credit-cards/
- https://stilt.com/credit-cards/get-credit-card-immigrant-usa/
- https://www.tillful.com/business-credit-cards/
- https://www.dcu.org/financial-education-center/credit-cards/should-i-open-a-store-credit-card.html
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