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Advertiser Disclosure Updated: Apr 24, 2024, 10:40am

Best Store Credit Cards Of April 2024

Chauncey CrailContributor

Chauncey grew up on a farm in rural northern California. At 18 he ran away and saw the world with a backpack and a credit card, discovering that the true value of any point or mile is the experience it facilitates. He remains most at home on a tractor, but has learned that opportunity is where he finds it and discomfort is more interesting than complacency.

Chauncey Crail

Chauncey CrailContributor

Contributor

Clint ProctorLead Editor, Credit Cards & Travel Rewards

Clint Proctor is a lead editor with the credit cards and travel rewards team at Forbes Advisor. He has five years of experience in personal finance journalism and has contributed to a variety of leading national publishers including Business Insider and MyFICO. Clint has redeemed millions of credit card points and miles to book budget-friendly travel and is passionate about helping others do the same.

Reviewed

Clint Proctor

Clint ProctorLead Editor, Credit Cards & Travel Rewards

Lead Editor, Credit Cards & Travel Rewards

Reviewed

Updated: Apr 24, 2024, 10:40am

Editorial Note: We earn a commission from partner links on Forbes Advisor. Commissions do not affect our editors' opinions or evaluations.

A store card can be tempting, especially with deep discount offers on first purchases or special financing on large purchases. But before you sign up for a store card, make sure you read the fine print and understand what you’re getting yourself into. While credit card brochures are often advertised near checkout, getting a credit card as an impulse could lead to some significant shopper’s remorse.

Show Summary

Best Store and Co-Branded Credit Cards

Prime Visa: Best for Amazon Shoppers
Amazon Visa Credit Card *: Best for Amazon Without a Prime Membership
My GM Rewards® Mastercard®: Best for GM
Disney® Premier Visa® Card *: Best for Disney
Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® *: Best for Walmart Shoppers
Disney® Visa® Card *: Best for Disney With No Annual Fee
REI Co-op® Mastercard® *: Best for the Outdoorsy
AOPA World Mastercard® *: Best for Plane Owners
Harley-Davidson™ Visa Signature® card *: Best for Harley Davidson
BMW Precision Card *: Best for BMW
Instacart Mastercard®: Best for Instacart
Apple Card *: Best for iPhone Users

Find the Best Credit Card

Featured Partner Offer

Instacart Mastercard®

Apply Now

On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Click Here To Apply Now

Up to 5% Cash Back

Earn 5% cash back on Instacart app and Instacart.com purchases; earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through the ChaseRead More

Welcome Bonus

Instacart credit + 1 free year of Instacart+

Annual Fee

Regular APR

20.24% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Editorial Review

No annual fee, numerous rewards categories and even some built-in travel and purchase benefits make the Instacart Mastercard worth a look—especially if you often order from the service. You can do well in the first year with the included free year of Instacart+ delivery.

Pros & Cons

Generous cash-back rate on Instacart orders
Free year of Instacart+ membership
Redeem cash back for any amount
No annual fee or foreign transaction fee

Rate on gas, groceries and streaming is just OK
No elevated earnings on non-Instacart groceries, beyond Chase Travel purchases
Doesn’t offer a 0% introductory APR period

Card Details

Get a free year of Instacart+ and a $100 Instacart credit automatically upon approval. Membership auto-renews. Terms apply.
Earn 5% cash back on Instacart app and Instacart.com purchases
Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through the Chase Travel Center, including flights, hotels and more
Earn 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations and on select streaming services
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
No annual card fee

Best Store and Co-Branded Credit Cards of 2024

Best for Amazon Shoppers

Prime Visa

Apply Now

On Amazon's Website

Click Here To Apply Now

Up to 5% back

Earn 5% back on purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligibleRead More

Welcome Bonus

Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card

Annual Fee

Regular APR

19.49% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Editor's Take

For existing Prime members who frequently shop at Amazon and Whole Foods, the 5% rewards rate is stellar. To further sweeten the deal, the Prime Visa card offers a 2% rewards category plus Visa Signature benefits.

Pros & Cons

5% cash back on Amazon and Whole Foods purchases
No spending required for the welcome bonus
No foreign transaction fees
Travel and shopping protections

Requires an Amazon Prime membership
No 0% introductory APR
Low cash back for purchases outside of bonus categories

Card Details

Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership
Earn unlimited 5% back on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
Earn unlimited 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare)
Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases
No annual credit card fee
No more waiting. Redeem daily rewards at Amazon.com as soon as the next day
Member FDIC

Best for Amazon Without a Prime Membership

Amazon Visa Credit Card *

Welcome Bonus

Amazon Gift Card

Annual Fee

Regular APR

19.49% to 27.49% variable

Credit Score

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Editor's Take

The Amazon Visa Card offers fantastic value for frequent shoppers at Amazon.com and Whole Foods stores. An additional bonus cash back category, Visa Signature benefits, plus no annual fee further sweeten the deal.

Pros & Cons

No annual fee
Strong rewards rate for Amazon purchases
No foreign transaction fees
Travel benefits
Option for “Equal Pay” 0% APR payments

Limited welcome bonus
No intro APR offer
Equal Pay not available on small purchases

Card Details

Get an Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval
Earn unlimited 3% back on your Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods Market purchases or 5% back with an eligible Prime membership
Earn unlimited 3% back on Chase Travel purchases or 5% back with an eligible Prime membership
Earn unlimited 2% back on local transit and commuting, including rideshare
Earn unlimited 1% back on all other purchases anywhere Visa is accepted

Best for GM

My GM Rewards® Mastercard®

Welcome Bonus

15,000 points

Annual Fee

Regular APR

20.24% to 29.99% variable purchase APR based on creditworthiness. Rates as of 8/1/2023

Credit Score

Good, Excellent

Pros & Cons

No annual fee
Introductory APR period
No foreign transaction fees

Limited reward categories
Limited reward redemption options
Difficult-to-redeem rewards
Maximum yearly redemption amount for some redemptions

Card Details

Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months of account opening
Earn 4 points per dollar spent on all purchases and 7 points for every $1 spent on GM purchases
Points don’t expire as long as your account remains open
Redeem points towards the purchase or lease of a new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac
No annual fee, no foreign transaction fees or cash advance fees
Intro APR offer on purchases

Best for Disney

Disney® Premier Visa® Card *

Up to 5% Reward Rate

Earn 5% in Disney Rewards Dollars on card purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or ESPNPlus.com; Earn 2% on cardRead More

Welcome Bonus

$300 statement credit

Annual Fee

$49

Regular APR

19.24% - 28.24% variable

Credit Score

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Editor's Take

Much like a glass slipper, The Disney® Premier Visa® Card is not a good fit for everyone. It’s a fantastic fit for true Disney fans who will use the myriad discounts and perks offered at Disney properties and Shopdisney.com. For casual Disney fans, other rewards cards with a similar annual fee would offer better earnings potential and redemption options.

Pros & Cons

Choose from 10 different card designs.
Reasonable ongoing APR for purchases and balance transfers.
Enticing perks and discounts to satisfy your Disney needs.

Special APR offer period is short and only applies to Disney vacation purchases
No balance transfer intro APR offer
Foreign transaction fee
Limited redemption options

Card Details

Earn $300 Statement Credit after you spend $1000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Annual fee: $49
Earn 5% in Disney Rewards Dollars on card purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or ESPNPlus.com
Earn 2% in Disney Rewards Dollars on card purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and most Disney locations
Plus, earn 1% on all your other card purchases
Redeem Rewards Dollars for a statement credit toward airline travel
Redeem Rewards Dollars toward most anything Disney and Star Wars at most Disney locations, including Theme Park tickets, Resort stays, shopping, dining and more
Save 10% on select Disney purchases at shopDisney.com
10% off select merchandise credit card purchases of $50 or more at select locations at the Disneyland® and Walt Disney World® Resorts and aboard Disney Cruise Line ships

Best for Walmart Shoppers

Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard® *

Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 5% cash back on purchases made at Walmart.com and the Walmart app, including grocery pickup and delivery; 2% cashRead More

Welcome Bonus

5% cash back for the first 12 months

Annual Fee

Regular APR

19.48% or 29.99% variable

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Editor's Take

The card offers excellent rewards for those who frequently shop at Walmart, particularly online. With no annual fee, it’s a sweet deal to earn up to 5% cash back.

Pros & Cons

Up to 5% cash back at Walmart.com
2% cash back at restaurants and travel
No annual fee or foreign transaction fee

Base reward rate of 1% could be better
High to very high APR, depending on creditworthiness
No intro APR offer

Card Details

Earn 5% cash back on purchases made in Walmart stores for the first 12 months of account opening when you use your Capital One Walmart Rewards Card with Walmart Pay
No annual fee
Earn 5% cash back on purchases made at Walmart.com and the Walmart app, including grocery pickup and delivery
Earn 2% cash back on restaurants and travel purchases, and at Walmart stores
Earn 1% cash back everywhere else Mastercard is accepted
$0 fraud liability for unauthorized charges

Best for Disney With No Annual Fee

Disney® Visa® Card *

1X Reward Rate

Earn 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars on all your card purchases

Welcome Bonus

$250 statement credit

Annual Fee

Regular APR

19.24% - 28.24% variable

Credit Score

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Editor's Take

This card features unique perks that are valuable to die-hard fans who cruise, resort, park-hop, and shop everything that’s Disney. However, the rewards program falls short when compared with other no-annual-fee rewards cards.

Pros & Cons

Exclusive photo opportunities with Disney or Star Wars Characters
Discounts at Disney properties and cruises, Disney stores, and shopdisney.com

Foreign transaction fee
Low welcome offer
Rewards rate is only 1%
No bonus rewards categories

Card Details

Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
No annual fee
Earn unlimited 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars on all purchases
Redeem rewards towards theme park tickets, resort stays, shopping, dining and more Disney and Star Wars experiences at most Disney locations
10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at select locations at the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts
Save 10% on select Disney and Star Wars purchases at Disney store and shopDisney.com

Best for the Outdoorsy

REI Co-op® Mastercard® *

Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 5% back in REI Co-op Mastercard Rewards per dollar spent on purchases at REI; Earn 1.5% back everywhere else

Welcome Bonus

$100 Gift Card

Annual Fee

Regular APR

19.24%, 26.24%, or 30.24% variable

Credit Score

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Editor's Take

If your adventures lead you to the Great Outdoors, the REI Mastercard will reward you where you spend the most.

Pros & Cons

Easy to earn welcome offer
5% back on REI purchases

Potentially high APR depending on credit qualification

Card Details

Earn 5% back in REI Co-op Mastercard Rewards for every dollar spent at REI
Earn 1.5% back in rewards on purchases everywhere else
No annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
Card rewards never expire and members can redeem rewards as they earn them
Earn a $100 REI gift card for new cardholder accounts, after the first out of store purchase, within the first 60 days of using the new card
$50 REI Co-op annual statement credit when they use their card to book an REI Co-op Experience
Ability to earn double rewards during an annual special event period
Ability to choose to display their preferred name on their card
Mastercard’s World Elite benefits

Best for Plane Owners

AOPA World Mastercard® *

Up to 4% Reward Rate

Earn 4% on select AOPA purchases, 3% with select AOPA partners, 2% on FBO's, flight schools, and fuel and 1%Read More

Welcome Bonus

N/A

Annual Fee

Regular APR

15.49% - 25.49% variable

Credit Score

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Pros & Cons

No annual fee
Earns cash-back rewards at flight schools, FBOs and on both aviation and automobile gas
World Mastercard perks

Foreign transaction fee
High balance transfer and cash advance fees
Quarterly bonus cap of 2,500 points
Few additional perks

Card Details

Earn 4% cash back on select AOPA purchases, 3% back on select AOPA partner purchases, 2% back on FBO’s flight schools and fuel and 1% back on all other purchases
Mastercard^® Identity Theft Protection
No annual fee

Best for Harley Davidson

Harley-Davidson™ Visa Signature® card *

Up to 3X Reward Rate

3 points per dollar at H-D® dealerships 3, h-d.com, gas stations and EV charging stations. 2 points per dollar at restaurants, bars and lodging.Read More

Welcome Bonus

$100 in H-D gift cards

Annual Fee

None

Regular APR

19.24% - 29.99% variable

Credit Score

Good/Excellent (700 - 749)

Pros & Cons

No annual fee
Earns generous rewards on Harley-Davidson-related purchases and gas stations
Potential to earn points just for riding on your motorcycle with card ownership and free opt-in program

Points expire after three years
Earnings can only be redeemed for Harley-Davidson merchandise or for statement credits for Harley-Davidson merchandise
Limited categories for bonus rewards

Card Details

Cruise to $100 in H-D gift cards after spending $500 on your H-D™ Visa® in the first 60 days of account opening
Earn 3 points per dollar at H-D® dealerships, h-d.com, the H-D Museum, gas stations and EV charging stations
Earn 2 points per dollar at restaurants, bars and lodging
Earn 1 point per dollar everywhere else
Every 2,500 points earns you $25 at H-D dealerships and h-d.com/store.

Best for BMW

BMW Precision Card *

Up to 5X Reward Rate

Earn 5X points per $1 spent on eligible BMW purchases; Earn 3X points per $1 spent on eligible gas stationRead More

Welcome Bonus

7,500 bonus points

Annual Fee

$99

Regular APR

20.49% - 29.49% variable APR

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Card Details

Earn 7,500 bonus BMW reward points after you spend $1,000 in net purchases within the first 90 days of account opening
5X points per $1 spent on eligible BMW purchases, 3X points per $1 spent on eligible gas station purchases, 2X points per $1 spent on eligible restaurant purchases and 1.5X points per $1 spent on all other purchases
$99 annual fee

Best for Instacart

Instacart Mastercard®

Apply Now

On Chase Bank USA, NA's Website

Click Here To Apply Now

Up to 5% Cash Back

Earn 5% cash back on Instacart app and Instacart.com purchases; earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through the ChaseRead More

Welcome Bonus

Instacart credit + 1 free year of Instacart+

Annual Fee

Regular APR

20.24% - 28.99% Variable

Credit Score

Good, Excellent (700 - 749)

Editor's Take

Pros & Cons

Generous cash-back rate on Instacart orders
Free year of Instacart+ membership
Redeem cash back for any amount
No annual fee or foreign transaction fee

Rate on gas, groceries and streaming is just OK
No elevated earnings on non-Instacart groceries, beyond Chase Travel purchases
Doesn’t offer a 0% introductory APR period

Card Details

Get a free year of Instacart+ and a $100 Instacart credit automatically upon approval. Membership auto-renews. Terms apply.
Earn 5% cash back on Instacart app and Instacart.com purchases
Earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through the Chase Travel Center, including flights, hotels and more
Earn 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations and on select streaming services
Earn 1% cash back on all other purchases
No annual card fee

Best for iPhone Users

Apple Card *

Up to 3X Reward Rate

Earn 3% back on eligible purchases from Apple including the Apple Store, apple.com, the App Store and iTunes; 2% backRead More

Welcome Bonus

N/A

Annual Fee

Regular APR

19.24% to 29.49% variable

Credit Score

Excellent/Good (700 - 749)

Editor's Take

Here is the must-have card for Apple fans, especially those who spend heavily with Apple Pay. The innovative security and debt management features and lack of the usual despised fees make this a fresh and unique addition to your financial toolkit. Android users and those looking for a sign-up bonus or travel rewards program should look elsewhere.

Pros & Cons

Cash back can be accessed each day
Innovative security features
No annual fee
Unique numberless titanium card

Low 1% cash back rate on purchases made outside of Apple or Apple Pay
Requires Apple hardware and Apple Pay
No welcome bonus
Physical card must be requested

Card Details

Earn 3% back on eligible purchases from Apple including the Apple Store, apple.com, the App Store and iTunes
Earn 2% back on purchases when using Apple Pay
Earn 1% back on all other purchases
No annual, late, foreign transaction, penalty or maintenance fees

Summary of the Best Store Credit Cards

Credit Card

Prime Visa

Amazon Visa Credit Card

My GM Rewards® Mastercard®

Disney® Premier Visa® Card

Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®

Disney® Visa® Card

REI Co-op® Mastercard®

AOPA World Mastercard®

Harley-Davidson™ Visa Signature® card

BMW Precision Card

Instacart Mastercard®

Apple Card

Credit Card

Best For

Credit Score

Annual Fee

Welcome Bonus

Prime Visa

Best for Amazon Shoppers

Good, Excellent

Get a $100 Amazon Gift Card

Amazon Visa Credit Card

Best for Amazon Without a Prime Membership

Good/Excellent

Amazon Gift Card

My GM Rewards® Mastercard®

Best for GM

Good, Excellent

15,000 points

Disney® Premier Visa® Card

Best for Disney

Good/Excellent

$49

$300 statement credit

Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®

Best for Walmart Shoppers

Good, Excellent

5% cash back for the first 12 months

Disney® Visa® Card

Best for Disney With No Annual Fee

Good/Excellent

$250 statement credit

REI Co-op® Mastercard®

Best for the Outdoorsy

Good/Excellent

$100 Gift Card

AOPA World Mastercard®

Best for Plane Owners

Good/Excellent

N/A

Harley-Davidson™ Visa Signature® card

Best for Harley Davidson

Good/Excellent

None

$100 in H-D gift cards

BMW Precision Card

Best for BMW

Good, Excellent

$99

7,500 bonus points

Instacart Mastercard®

Best for Instacart

Good, Excellent

Instacart credit + 1 free year of Instacart+

Apple Card

Best for iPhone Users

Excellent/Good

N/A

More About the Best Store Cards

Those who enjoy shopping without actually going to a physical store can benefit from the Prime Visa. With benefits at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market, this card earns hefty rewards online and on groceries.

Rewards: Earn 5% back on purchases at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership, 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare), and 1% back on other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn a $100 Amazon gift card upon approval with an eligible Prime membership.

Annual fee: $0 but cardholders must have an Amazon Prime membership

Other benefits and drawbacks: With travel and emergency assistance, lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, travel accident insurance, roadside dispatch, auto rental collision damage waiver, purchase protection and extended warranty protection, the Prime Visa comes loaded with extras. In lieu of rewards, cardholders can receive 6 to 12 months of 0% APR on purchases of $50 or more followed by a 19.49% - 27.49% variable APR thereafter.

Those who shop at Amazon but prefer not to have an Amazon Prime membership can still benefit from the Amazon Visa Credit Card*.

Rewards: Earn 3% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases. Earn 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and on local transit and commuting (including rideshare). Earn 1% back on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn an Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: The welcome bonus on this card is half of the Amazon Prime Visa. However, this card offers the same excellent travel protections as well as the same 6-12 month 0% APR option for purchases of $50 or more followed by a 19.49% to 27.49% variable APR thereafter. With no foreign transaction fees, this card makes a decent card for travelers as well.

Those who expect to be in the market for a new GM vehicle or who use a GM Certified Service provider may benefit from the My GM Rewards® Mastercard®*.

Rewards: Earn 7 points per dollar spent at GM and 4 points per dollar elsewhere.

Welcome offer: Earn 15,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months of account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: The My GM Rewards® Mastercard®* offers an introductory 0% intro APR on purchases for the first 9 months, then a variable APR of 20.24% to 29.99% applies. Cardholders also get automatic Gold Tier status, which means your points don’t expire. You’ll also earn a $100 statement credit each year when you spend $1,500 on fuel or charge six electrical bills if you own a GM electric vehicle and get a $50 annual detailing allowance when you get your vehicle detailed at a GM dealer.

The Disney® Premier Visa® Card* is worth considering for anyone who loves Disney. Cardholders get three months of complimentary access to qualifying Disney Bundle subscriptions. Cardholders also get complimentary Disney Parks photo opportunities and other limited-time offers.

Rewards: Earn 5% in Disney Rewards Dollars on card purchases made directly at DisneyPlus.com, Hulu.com or ESPNPlus.com, 2% on card purchases at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants and most Disney locations. Plus, earn 1% on all other card purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn a $300 Statement Credit after you spend $1000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee: $49

Other benefits and drawbacks: The card offers a 0% intro APR on purchases for 6 months on select Disney vacation packages, followed by a regular 19.24% - 28.24% variable APR on purchases and balance transfers. A balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, applies. That could help you pay off your vacation before you owe any interest.

The Capital One Walmart Rewards® Mastercard®* card offers its highest earning potential on Walmart purchases, so if you don’t shop there regularly, this card won’t be for you.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on purchases made at Walmart.com and the Walmart app, including grocery pickup and delivery, 2% cash back on restaurants and travel, and at Walmart Stores, Walmart & Murphy USA fuel stations and 1% back everywhere else.

Welcome offer: Earn 5% cash back on purchases made in Walmart stores for the first 12 months of account opening when using the Capital One Walmart Rewards card with Walmart Pay.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: There are few benefits beyond the card’s rewards, but this could be an option if you’re looking to turn your day to day purchases into cash back, travel, or gift cards. You’ll earn the most at Walmart.com, so if you’re a committed in-person shopper, other cards will work better.

Those who want access to some Disney perks like complimentary Disney Parks photo opportunities, but who don’t want to pay an annual fee, should consider the Disney® Visa® Card*.

Rewards: Earn 1% in Disney Rewards Dollars on all card purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn a $250 statement credit after spending $500 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: This card is fairly bare-bones and doesn’t offer additional benefits. You’ll sacrifice any substantial reward earning just 1% on all your purchases, so you may do better to select a 2% cash-back credit card.

With solid rewards on REI and 1.5% everywhere else, the outdoor gear-heads of the world can sleep soundly in technical tents and featherlite hammocks knowing the REI Co-op® Mastercard®* supports their outdoor adventure lifestyle.

Rewards: Earn 5% back on purchases at REI, 1.5% back on all other eligible purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn a $100 REI gift card for new cardholder accounts after the first out of store purchase within 60 days of account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: Cardholders also earn one $50 credit per year when they book REI experiences on their card, plus 5% on any donations made to the REI Cooperative Action fund. The REI Co-op® Mastercard®* charges no foreign transaction fees, making it a solid card for international travel, as well.

Those who own a plane or are aviation enthusiasts may be able to earn reasonable cash back on the expensive hobby with the AOPA World Mastercard®*.

Rewards: Earn 4% on select AOPA purchases, 3% with select AOPA partners, 2% on FBO's, flight schools, and fuel and 1% back on all other eligible purchases.

Welcome offer: This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: Cardholders receive World Mastercard luxury travel benefits and unique cardholder gifts from AOPA. You’ll earn minimal benefits on purchases that aren’t flight-related, so this probably won’t serve as a standalone card. Cardholders get a 1.99% introductory APR for 6 monthly billing cycles after account opening on purchases and balance transfers, followed by a regular variable APR of 15.49% - 25.49%. A balance transfer fee of either $10 or 5% of the amount of each balance transfer, whichever is greater, applies.

The Harley-Davidson™ Visa Signature® card* may be for you if you’re a big fan of Harley Davidson merch.

Rewards: Earn 3 points per dollar at H-D® dealerships 3, h-d.com, gas stations and EV charging stations, 2 points per dollar at restaurants, bars and lodging and 1 point per dollar everywhere else.

Welcome offer: Earn $100 in H-D gift cards after spending $500 in the first 60 days of account opening.

Annual fee: None

Other benefits and drawbacks: Every purchase you make with your card enters you into the Harley Davidson Visa Free Ride Sweepstakes for a chance to win a motorcycle every month. This card also comes equipped with Visa’s travel benefits including emergency travel assistance and auto rental collision damage coverage.

The BMW Precision Card* offers a $70 annual dealership credit for BMW owners who take their car to the dealership for repairs and check ups.

Rewards: Earn 5 points per dollar spent on eligible BMW purchases, 3 points per dollar spent on eligible gas station purchases, 2 points per dollar spent on eligible restaurant purchases and 1.5 points per dollar spent on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn 7,500 bonus BMW reward points after spending $1,000 in net purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.

Annual fee: $99

Other benefits and drawbacks: The BMW Precision Card* offers access to Priority Pass lounges, a $5 Lyft credit every month when you take three rides and a complimentary Shoprunner membership. This card also doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.

Those who shop through Instacart can benefit from the elevated cash back offered by the Instacart Mastercard®.

Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on Instacart app and Instacart.com purchases, and on travel purchased through the Chase Travel Center, 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations and on select streaming services and 1% cash back on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: Earn a $100 Instacart credit plus 1 free year of Instacart+ automatically upon approval.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: The Instacart Mastercard® offers various travel and consumer benefits including an auto rental collision damage waiver, baggage delay insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, extended warranty, purchase protection and more. Unfortunately, there’s no bonus grocery category, so if you choose to shop on your own your rewards will be minimal.

Those who regularly shop at Apple or use Apple Pay can enjoy the ability to earn cash back across many categories with the Apple Card*.

Rewards: Earn 3% back on eligible purchases from Apple including the Apple Store, apple.com, the App Store and iTunes, 2% back on purchases when using Apple Pay and 1% back on all other purchases.

Welcome offer: This card does not offer a welcome bonus.

Annual fee: $0

Other benefits and drawbacks: In order to earn higher rates of cash back, you’ll need to use Apple Pay which requires having Apple hardware. Cardholders have the option to grow their Daily Cash in a high-yield savings account. The physical Apple Card is made out of titanium.

Methodology

Forbes Advisor looked at dozens of offers to find and rank the best store cards. Factors considered include.

Store-specific benefits and rewards
Non-store rewards earning
Introductory APR offers on purchases and/or balance transfers
Welcome bonus
Fees
Statement credits
Rewards redemption options
Other ongoing card benefits

Forbes Advisor rates cards both as stand-alone products (the card rating on the review) and compared to others in a specific use case. Sometimes, cards with average stand-alone ratings may still rank highly on a particular list according to how a person looking for a card in that category may value certain card features.

For instance, a card that might be considered mediocre overall could be the top card on a list of rewards cards with no annual fee. That’s because the card might offer limited features compared to other rewards cards, but after we remove cards that charge an annual fee, it’s the best card that remains.

Forbes Advisor uses data from multiple government agencies to determine how much a typical cardholder might spend. We use the same numbers for cards in the same category to make sure we are comparing cards the same way. The bonus categories for spending included with each card are factored into our determination of how many rewards a cardholder could expect to earn if they use the card as a consumer normally would.

How Do Store Cards Work?

Each store credit card works differently. But as a general rule, store credit cards offer exclusive perks and discounts that may not be available to regular customers and often offer the ability to earn rewards. If the card is not co-branded with one of the large providers like Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or American Express, the card can likely only be used at that merchant.

When considering whether to apply for a store credit card, it’s essential to read the terms and conditions carefully. Make sure you understand the interest rate, fees and rewards program before you sign up. You should also consider whether you shop at the store frequently enough to make the card worthwhile. If the card charges an annual fee, evaluate how much that will cut into your rewards.

Pros and Cons of Store Credit Cards

Before you consider getting a store credit card, it’s essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. Store credit cards are credit cards that are issued by a particular retailer or store. However, like any other financial product, store credit cards have their pros and cons.

Pros of Store Credit Cards

The pros of store cards will vary depending on the exact card, but here are some advantages you can get out of store cards.

Exclusive discounts and offers. One of the most significant advantages of store credit cards is the exclusive deals available to cardholders. Retailers offer these discounts to encourage customers to use their credit cards to make purchases at their stores. These discounts can range from a percentage off the total purchase to free shipping or free gifts.
Rewards for store purchases. Store credit cards also offer rewards for purchases made at the store. These rewards can be in the form of cash back, points, or other incentives that can be redeemed for future purchases. The rewards can be a great way to save money on purchases you would have made anyway.
Easier to receive approval. Some store credit cards are easier to gain approval for than traditional credit cards. This is because merchants hope giving you a credit card will generate revenue.

Cons of Store Credit Cards

Similarly, the cons of store credit cards will vary depending on the specific card, but may include:

High interest rates. The interest rate on store cards can be much higher than other credit cards, which can make it challenging to pay off your balance if you carry one.
Low credit limits. Store credit cards often have lower credit limits than bank credit cards. This can make it challenging to make larger purchases or to use the card as your primary credit card.
Can tempt you to overspend. Store credit cards can be tempting to use, especially if you are offered exclusive discounts or rewards. However, if you overspend and cannot pay off your balance, you could end up paying high-interest charges and if you fall behind in payments it could damage your credit score.
Potential credit impact. Store credit cards, like any credit cards, can be damaging to your credit score if not managed responsibly. Late payments, high balances and maxing out your credit limit can all negatively impact your credit score.

How To Get Approved for Store Credit Cards

If you decide that a store credit card is right for you, here are some tips to help you get approved:

Maintain a good credit score
Apply for a store credit card that matches your credit profile
Shop around and compare different store credit cards
Apply in-store or online once you’ve completed your research

How To Pick the Best Store Credit Cards

Before you choose a store credit card, consider the following.

Do your research before applying. Don’t make a hasty decision at the checkout counter. Compare the benefits and drawbacks of different store cards online and read the fine print carefully.
Know the difference between open- and closed-loop cards. Open-loop cards can be used anywhere the network’s payment method is accepted, while closed-loop cards can only be used at the store associated with them. Open-loop cards may offer more flexibility, but closed-loop cards may have more exclusive perks.
Understand how store cards affect your credit. Opening a store card will impact your credit score and report. You may face fees if you miss a payment or high interest rates if you carry a balance. Some store cards also have deferred financing, which means you’ll pay retroactive interest if you don’t pay off the balance in full by a certain date.
Choose a store card that matches your spending habits and goals. Store cards can offer rewards, discounts or special financing on purchases at your favorite store. However, these benefits may not be worth it if you don’t shop there often or if you can find better deals elsewhere.

Are Store Credit Cards Worth It?

Whether or not a store credit card is worth it depends on your spending habits, lifestyle and goals. If you’re a frequent shopper at a particular store, the exclusive discounts and rewards could save you money in the long run. However, if you’re prone to overspending or carrying a balance on your credit card, the high interest rates quickly outweigh any benefits. Ultimately, you need to determine whether the perks of a store credit card outweigh the risks for your financial situation.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the best store credit card?

As with any credit card, no option is the best fit for everyone. This is most especially true when it comes to store cards. The cards for the stores you shop in may be a good fit for you if you’ll use the rewards, and you already spend a significant amount there. Evaluate the annual fee and look for other options if you need to carry a balance.

Will a store credit card help me build credit?

If the store card issuer reports account activity to the major credit bureaus, the account will affect your credit—this can be a benefit if used responsibly or a detriment if the account isn’t paid on time or the line of credit is misused.

Will closing store credit cards hurt my credit score?

Closing accounts you’ve maintained for a long time could shorten the length of your longest-held account, which usually has a negative impact on credit. Closing accounts you don’t use could have other benefits, such as reducing the number of accounts you have to manage and account for.

Are store cards easier to receive approval for than other cards?

Not necessarily. Many store credit cards may have a reputation of “easy” approval, and some definitely are. Merchants plan to benefit from your card usage and since many retailers control approval, you could qualify for a store card when you may not receive a traditional card. But this doesn’t mean all store cards are easier to get. Nor does “easy” mean “better.”

When evaluating which cards to apply for, understand that the store cards with the best benefits or highest rewards earning may have more stringent qualifications. If you’re applying for a first credit card, check out our guide to finding a good first fit.

What store credit cards are easy to get with bad credit?

If you have bad credit, getting approved for any credit card might be challenging. However, some store credit cards are more accessible to get than others, even for those with poor credit. Check the recommended credit requirements for a card before you apply. And consider these store cards for bad credit.

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Chauncey Crail

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