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Store credit cards have some advantages over general-purpose credit cards. They’re often easier to qualify for, which is handy if you’re working to establish your credit. You can also earn extra rewards and benefits at the places you shop at the most.
The downside is that store credit cards often charge higher interest rates, but you can avoid interest entirely if you pay off your card in full each month. Another big drawback is you can often only use store credit cards at that store. For example, the Gap Good Rewards Credit Card can only be used at Gap, Inc. stores. You couldn’t use this card to, say, buy groceries.
That’s not the case with every store credit card, though. We’ve identified the top store credit cards that earn extra rewards at your favorite merchants and also allow you to swipe wherever else you want. That can go a long way towards simplifying your finances and earning more in-store rewards from your everyday spending.
Top store credit cards you can use anywhere
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Amazon is one of the most convenient ways to shop online, and it’s even more convenient with Amazon Prime because you’ll have reduced shipping costs and faster delivery. Plus, if you pay for Prime, you should definitely consider getting the Prime Visa card. You’ll earn a high rewards rate for Amazon and Whole Foods purchases.
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Pros
- It has a high unlimited rewards rate for Amazon.com and Whole Foods purchases.
- This card comes with an Amazon gift card upon approval.
Cons
- Getting top rewards requires an eligible Amazon Prime membership, which can be costly.
- It doesn’t earn much outside of Amazon and Whole Foods, reducing its flexibility.
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The Apple Card* offers 3 percent cash back on various Apple products, including purchases from the App and iTunes stores and hardware like phones or earbuds. You’ll also earn the same percentage of cash back at select merchant partners when you use Apple Pay.
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Pros
- It earns a high cash back rate for Apple purchases and at select retailers.
- You can boost your rewards with your digital wallet to make paying a fast, convenient practice.
Cons
- You only earn cash back at Apple and select merchants.
- It officially doesn’t allow balance transfers to or from this card.
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Verizon customers can access a high cash back rate in several common spending categories with the Verizon Visa Card*. There are no caps or limits to your rewards, making it a great card if you only want to hold one credit card. Very few alternatives include three or more categories in the card’s highest rewards tier, making this a standout pick for just about anyone.
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Pros
- It has boosted cash back rewards in everyday spending categories.
- There are no rewards cap or spending limits.
Cons
- It’s only available to Verizon customers.
- You can’t redeem your cash back for cash.
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Costco has somewhat of a cult following, and if you’re a devoted member (which you’ll need to be in order to get this members-only card), the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi* is a great option. Although the high cash-back rate on gas is rather limited after a point, it’s still a well-rounded credit card that balances the major expenses in most families’ lives rather well, especially considering the items available.
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Pros
- No annual fee or foreign transaction fees make it a cost-effective option.
- It earns one of the highest cash back rates for gas.
Cons
- You can only redeem cash back in-store at Costco for a rewards certificate that expires in one year.
- You must pay for a Costco membership to qualify.
Comparing the best store cards
| Card Name | Best for | Annual fee | Rewards highlight | Recommended credit score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prime Visa | Online shopping | $0 (($139/year or $14.99/month Amazon Prime membership required) |
|
670-850 |
| Apple Card | Apple fans | $0 |
|
N/A |
| Verizon Visa® Card | Food | $0 |
|
N/A |
| Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi | Gas | $0 ($60 Costco Membership required) |
|
740-850 |
How to choose a store credit card
Picking a store credit card may seem easy, and it’s easy to get convinced to apply for one at the checkout line, but you should be wary of the features and downsides of any credit card before applying. Just because you shop somewhere often doesn’t mean the credit card that location offers is a worthwhile product.
Here are some considerations to make before applying to ensure you don’t get stuck with a card that doesn’t match your spending.
- Rates and fees: Store and loyalty credit cards typically have high APRs and other fees associated with them that can eat into your earnings if you aren’t responsible. Choose a card with fees you can afford, but be wary of carrying a balance. Interest charges will quickly outpace any rewards you earn.
- Rewards rates: Only apply for a store credit card that offers boosted rewards for purchases you’re already likely to make. You don’t want to get stuck with a card that rewards you poorly for your most frequent purchases.
- Membership restrictions: If applying for a card that requires a membership, make sure it’s a membership you plan to keep indefinitely. If you cancel your membership, the issuer may close your card account.
Know your card’s issuer
It can sometimes be unclear which bank is issuing your credit card if it’s a branded store card. If you’re hoping to avoid certain banks, or are insistent about beginning a relationship with a particular bank, you should consider what organization is issuing any card you’re interested in.
For instance, Chase Bank issues the Prime Visa and Synchrony Bank issues the Verizon Visa. If you’re already familiar with Chase and want to consolidate your card with your other Chase accounts, it could be worth considering sticking with the bank you already trust.
While it might be nice to keep your cards and accounts organized by sticking with one bank, this shouldn’t carry much weight in your decision. The most important details are the card’s rates, fees, rewards and accessibility.
What’s next?
The bottom line
The right card for you will depend on what you buy and where you shop. If you shop a lot on Amazon, the Prime Visa may be a clear winner. If you shop regularly at Costco, then the Costco Anywhere Visa might be a better fit. It will be worth evaluating your spending to see where you spend the most money.
Overall, if you want a card you can use everywhere, it might pay to explore the top flat-rate cash back cards. These cards offer a generous flat-rate for every purchase you make, which means they earn the same rewards rate no matter where you shop.
Frequently asked questions
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Some store cards can only be used at the affiliated brand. Alternatively, these cards can be used anywhere, but you won’t get the generous rewards rates that make them a good store credit. Many of the cards on this page can be used anywhere.
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The best store credit card will depend on where you shop and what you buy. However, the best store credit card worth considering is the one that enables you to buy the widest variety of products while earning the card’s best rewards rate. In this case, the Prime Visa might be a great option because there are thousands of different products available on Amazon.
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If a card earns more in rewards than you pay to hold it, it’s worth it. But if you care about maximizing features and benefits, there are better options available than store credit cards.
*The information about the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, Apple Card and Verizon Visa® Card have been collected independently by Bankrate.com. Each card’s details have not been reviewed or approved by the card issuers.
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