March 2023: Best Shopping Credit Cards

Many big brands like Old Navy, JCPenney®, Costco, or Walmart offer their own co-branded store credit cards. Retailers and department stores may offer credit cards that can be used at their store only and may have Visa or Mastercard versions of their store cards. The last can be used almost anywhere and not only at one retailer or store.

Store credit cards are usually easy to get, and it's even possible to find instant approval store credit cards. People with bad credit can qualify for a store-only credit card and get access to a line of credit on the day of approval, meaning they can start shopping right away.

Best retail credit cards come with benefits and member perks. The cards may offer special financing on qualifying purchases, rewards, discounts, free shipping, access to secret sales, or other benefits. Apart from benefits, you have an opportunity to build or improve your credit score when using a store credit card. Most store cards report credit account activity to at least one credit bureau. That's why many consumers start building their credit with a department store credit card.

However, store cards also have disadvantages. As a rule, they come with a bit higher interest rates - even if your credit is good you may still be given a high interest rate. Also, credit limits may not be big enough, so you will need to always keep an eye on them to make sure you do not overspend.