The 9 Best Store Credit Cards in 2026: Which Retail Cards Are Actually Worth Having?

Store credit cards can offer a quick way to unlock extra discounts, welcome offers, or financing offers on big purchases, but they aren’t equally valuable.

This guide goes beyond listing the credit cards that stores offer. We’re digging into which store cards are actually worth your attention, including how they work and how to pick the right one for your shopping habits.

Below, you’ll find a quick comparison, followed by in-depth profiles of the best options for store credit cards, including the cards we don’t recommend adding to your wallet.

Overview of the Best Store Credit Cards

There are many more store cards available, such as those from Macy’s, JCPenney, and Home Depot’s store financing options. Many of these cards offer little more than store-only financing with heavy deferred-interest traps and weak ongoing rewards.

What’s Special About Store Credit Cards?

Store cards fall into 2 broad types:

• Store-branded cards that are network cards (usually Visa or Mastercard): These are fully functional credit cards that you can use anywhere the card network is accepted. They combine store perks with the wider utility of a general-purpose credit card. Examples of this type include Citi’s Costco Anywhere card and Chase’s Prime Visa card.
• Private-label or store-only cards: These can only be used at the issuing retailer (the classic “store card”). They sometimes offer substantial discounts and special financing, but are restricted in use. Best Buy and Ulta both offer store-only and network credit card options, so be sure to understand the differences when making a choice.

Pros of Store Credit Cards

• Extra discounts or higher earning rates on store purchases.
• Welcome discounts or instant-use offers (e.g., $50 off $50) if you apply and are approved at the cashier.
• Retail financing promos can be helpful for planned large purchases (like 0% APR offers for a limited time).

Cons of Store Credit Cards

• Many store cards carry very high APRs (the rate of interest you’ll pay if you carry a balance) — especially private-label cards. If you plan to carry a balance, interest costs often wipe out any rewards. These cards’ deferred-interest promotions can become costly if you don’t pay your entire balance before the promotion ends.
• Private-label cards are store-only, so their utility outside the retailer is nil.
• Rewards and perks can change quickly. Always check current terms before applying.

Do Store Credit Cards Build Credit?

Yes, most store cards report to at least 1 credit bureau and can help you build credit when used responsibly. However, late payments can damage your credit score faster than the card helps it. Always check whether the issuer reports to any of the 3 major credit bureaus.

The Best Store Credit Cards

Below are our picks, listed in alphabetical order. Each card profile includes earning rates, fees, notable perks, and both the positives and negatives to help you choose.

Prime Visa

Amazon’s Prime-linked card — issued by Chase — is one of the most useful store cards if you’re a frequent Amazon or Whole Foods shopper. It functions as a Visa and brings a high Amazon-specific return.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Prime Visa

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A strong rewards card if you shop regularly at Amazon.com and Whole Foods.

Apply Now(at Amazon.com)

Prime Visa

A strong rewards card if you shop regularly at Amazon.com and Whole Foods.

Welcome Offer

Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members.

$150 Amazon Gift Card

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$150

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.74% - 27.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

We all do our fair share of shopping on Amazon, some of us more than others, and when we shop with Amazon, we obviously want to get the best deal possible. Now, with the Prime Visa card, you can add a credit card to your wallet that will help you do just that.

You’ll not only earn rewards on all of your Amazon and Whole Foods purchases, but on 4 other bonus categories as well, along with flexible redemption options, all for no annual fee!

When you consider everything that the Prime Visa card offers, it is basically a no-brainer for those who frequently shop with Amazon. Let’s dig a little deeper to see just how much the card can save you.

Pros & Cons

Pros

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

Cons

• Amazon Prime membership required

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Get a $150 Amazon Gift Card instantly upon approval exclusively for Prime members
• Earn unlimited 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market and on Chase Travel purchases with an eligible Prime membership
• Prime Card Bonus: Earn 10% back or more on a rotating selection of items and categories on Amazon.com 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

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.74% - 27.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

The Prime Visa card earns:

• 5% back at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods (with an eligible Prime membership)
• 2% back at restaurants, gas stations, and transit
• 1% back on other purchases

The Prime Visa card has a $0 annual fee but requires an active Prime membership — which isn’t free.

Key benefits of this card include Visa travel protections and an instant-use Amazon gift card on account approval. Plus, the 5% cash-back rate is hard to beat among store credit cards, and being backed by Visa means you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted. However, the Prime Visa card isn’t without its negatives, which include the requirement for a Prime membership and its limited substantive perks outside the Amazon-Whole Foods ecosystem.

Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi

The Costco Anywhere card — and its small-business-focused sibling, the Costco Anywhere Visa^® Business Card by Citi — is a top pick for Costco members who spend on gas, electric vehicle charging, and travel. Surprisingly, its best earnings aren’t on Costco purchases.

Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi

Welcome Offer

None

Annual Fee

$0

APR

18.74% to 26.74% Variable

Why We Like This Card

The Costco Anywhere Visa^® Card by Citi is a great Citi’s cash-back rewards card designed specifically for Costco Members.

Card Highlights

• Discover one of Citi’s best cash back rewards cards designed exclusively for Costco members
• 5% cash back on gas at Costco and 4% cash back on other eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter
• 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases
• 2% cash back on all other purchases from Costco and Costco.com
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No annual fee with your paid Costco membership and enjoy no foreign transaction fees on purchases
• Receive an annual credit card reward certificate, which is redeemable for cash or merchandise at U.S. Costco warehouses, including Puerto Rico

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 18.74% to 26.74% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Cardholders earn cash-back as follows:

• 5% cash-back on gas at Costco and 4% cash-back on non-Costco gas and EV charging (up to a combined $7,000 per year, 1% thereafter)
• 3% cash-back at restaurants and travel
• 2% cash-back on Costco purchases
• 1% cash-back on other purchases

While the card has a $0 annual fee, you need an active, paid Costco membership to carry this card.

Key benefits include the absence of foreign transaction fees, competitive earning rates on gas and travel, and a straightforward way to redeem rewards using your Costco account. We also appreciate that this is a Visa card, allowing you to use it outside the Costco warehouse. However, the requirement for a paid Costco membership and Citi’s underwhelming travel and shopping protections for cardholders are negatives.

Kroger REWARDS World Elite Mastercard^®

The Kroger Mastercard is ideal for frequent Kroger shoppers who want to earn bonuses on both groceries and fuel.

Kroger REWARDS World Elite Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Kroger Mastercard helps you earn more cash-back with up to 5% back rewards on your purchases with Kroger Pay and Mobile Wallet with no annual fee.

Apply Now(at Kroger's secure site)

Kroger REWARDS World Elite Mastercard^®

The Kroger Mastercard helps you earn more cash-back with up to 5% back rewards on your purchases with Kroger Pay and Mobile Wallet with no annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn a $100 statement credit when you spend $500 with your card in the first 90 days.

$100 statement credit

Annual Fee

$0

Why We Like This Card

The information regarding the Kroger REWARDS World Elite Mastercard^® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and was not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

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The Kroger Mastercard is a compelling option for Kroger fans who choose Kroger Pay or other mobile wallet platforms as their payment method. It allows you to earn up to 5% back on these purchases with no annual fee.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5% back on Kroger Pay nonfuel transactions (on the first $3,000 in purchases each calendar year and 2% on amounts above that)
• 5% back on mobile wallet transactions (on the first $3,000 in purchases each calendar year and 1% on amounts above that)
• 2% back at Kroger stores

Cons

• Each 5% back category on Kroger Pay and Mobile Wallet purchases is limited to up to $3,000 in annual spend
• Kroger fuel centers are excluded from boosted rewards

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• 5% back on Kroger Pay nonfuel transactions (on the first $3,000 in purchases each calendar year and 2% on amounts above that)
• 5% back on mobile wallet transactions (on the first $3,000 in purchases each calendar year and 1% on amounts above that)
• 2% cash-back on purchases inside Kroger stores
• 1% cash-back everywhere else
• Save an additional 55¢ per gallon of fuel each time you redeem at least 100 Fuel Points at Kroger Fuel Centers for the first year
• Earn 2x Fuel Points and $59 toward a free Next-Day Delivery Boost membership after you apply and are approved for the credit card, and complete your Boost enrollment
• No annual fee

Financial Snapshot

• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

Cardholders earn the following cash-back rates:

• 5% cash-back on Kroger Pay purchases (except for fuel), up to $3,000 in purchases annually, then 2% back
• 5% cash-back on mobile wallet purchases, up to $3,000 annually, then 1% back
• 2% cash-back at Kroger stores (except fuel centers)
• 1% cash-back on other purchases
• Kroger Pay purchases at fuel centers don’t earn rewards

This is one of the best credit cards for mobile wallet purchases, offering handsome rewards at Kroger brands and elsewhere, although there are caps on these earning rates. That makes for a combination of positives and negatives. The value of this card depends on how much you shop at Kroger and whether your rewards fall off if you pass the earning caps quickly. The annual fee is $0.

My Best Buy^® Visa^® Card and My Best Buy Credit Card

Best Buy offers both a store-only card from Synchrony and a Visa co-branded card issued by Citi (see our full comparison here). The Visa is more flexible for everyday spending.

The store-only card from Synchrony offers reward certificates for Best Buy purchases, such as a $5 reward certificate per $100 spent. The Visa card provides several options, allowing you to choose between Best Buy rewards or flexible financing. However, the Visa card also earns 3% back on gas, 2% back on groceries, dining, and takeout, and 1% back on other purchases. These are earned as Best Buy rewards.

Neither card has an annual fee. If you regularly spend at Best Buy, the rewards and financing options can be valuable, but be sure to check the interest rates for any purchases you might not pay off before the promotional period ends.

MyLowe’s Rewards™ Credit Card

MyLowe’s Rewards™ Credit Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

MyLowe’s Rewards™ Credit Card

Welcome Offer

Earn a 20% discount on your first purchase (up to $100 discount) when you open the card.

20% Discount

Annual Fee

$0

APR

31.99%

Why We Like This Card

The MyLowes Rewards card offers flexible savings on home improvement purchases, whether you choose 5% off eligible purchases or financing offers. There’s no annual fee, and cardholders get elevated MyLowe’s Rewards status and Lowe’s shopping benefits.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Flexible promotional offers
• No annual fee
• Automatic MyLowe’s Rewards Silver status

Cons

• Offers can’t be combined
• High APR if you carry a balance

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Receive a 20% discount on your first purchase (up to $100 discount) when you open your card
• Flexible promotional offers
• No annual fee
• Automatic MyLowe’s Rewards Silver status

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 31.99%
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

The MyLowe’s Rewards card isn’t a traditional credit card, meaning you can’t use it outside Lowe’s. However, it can offer some good benefits inside the store.

Cardholders enjoy a choice of one of the following with their card:

• 5% off purchases at U.S. stores and Lowes.com
• 6 months special financing on purchases of $299 or more
• Up to 84 fixed monthly payments

Members choosing the 6-month option don’t pay interest if they pay their balance in full within that period. Otherwise, interest will be applied retroactively to the date of purchase. For the fixed monthly payments, interest applies, and the number of payments you can choose depends on the purchase price.

The simple 5% discount is easy to use, and financing options are interesting. However, the rates on these can be punitive, and you can’t use this card outside Lowe’s.

Sam’s Club^® Mastercard^®

Sam’s Club^® Mastercard^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Learn More

Sam’s Club^® Mastercard^®

Welcome Offer

Get a $30 statement credit when you open a Sam’s Club credit card account and use it to make $30 in eligible Sam’s Club purchases within 30 days.

$30

Annual Fee

$0

Why We Like This Card

The Sam’s Club card is best suited for Sam’s Club members who tend to spend a lot on gas, as you’ll earn 5% back at gas stations. Sam’s Club Plus members can make the most of this credit card, as they can earn more rewards than a standard Sam’s Club member for Sam’s Club purchases.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Get a $30 statement credit after making $30 in eligible Sam’s Club purchases within 1 month of account opening
• $0 annual fee (though you must be a Sam’s Club member, which costs $50 annually)
• 1% back in Sam’s Cash on Sam’s Club purchases (up to 5% if you’re a Plus member)
• 5% back in Sam’s Cash on gas anywhere (on first $6,000 per year, then 1%)
• 3% back in Sam’s Cash on dining and takeout
• 1% back in Sam’s Cash on other purchases
• Zero fraud liability
• Doubles as your membership card
• You can redeem Sam’s Cash for in-store and online purchases, membership fees, or cash-back

Cons

• Must be a Sam’s Club member to get the card
• Can have very high APR

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Get a $30 statement credit when you open a Sam’s Club credit card account and use it to make $30 in eligible Sam’s Club purchases within 30 days
• $0 annual fee (though you must be a Sam’s Club member, which costs $50 annually)
• 1% back in Sam’s Cash on Sam’s Club purchases (up to 5% if you’re a Plus member)
• 5% back in Sam’s Cash on gas anywhere (on first $6,000 per year, then 1%)
• 3% back in Sam’s Cash on dining and takeout
• 1% back in Sam’s Cash on other purchases
• Zero fraud liability
• Doubles as your membership card
• You can redeem Sam’s Cash for in-store and online purchases, membership fees, or cash-back

Financial Snapshot

• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

The Sam’s Club card has no annual fee and is accepted anywhere a Mastercard is accepted.

Cardholders earn 5% back in Sam’s Cash on fuel purchases (up to $6,000 of purchases annually, then 1% back), 3% on dining, and 1% on other purchases. Sam’s Cash posts to your membership account.

Cardholders must have an active Sam’s Club membership, and the card offers Scan & Go for shopping convenience. For those who shop at Sam’s Club frequently but want a card that can also be used outside the warehouse, this is a good option. However, the rewards are pinned to your Sam’s Club account and are not redeemable as cash.

Target™ Mastercard, Target Circle™ Card, and Target Circle™ Debit Card

Target offers 3 cards for its frequent shoppers. All of them offer an extra 5% off at checkout, although some items, including prescriptions and alcohol, are excluded from this discount. None of these cards has an annual fee.

The Target Circle Debit card is linked to your checking account and can only be used at Target. The Target Circle card also can’t be used elsewhere; however, the Target Mastercard can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

Along with the 5% discount, the cards offer many of the same benefits, such as free 2-day shipping on many items, no annual fees, and discounts on a Target Circle 360 membership.

The Target Mastercard also earns 2% back on dining and gas purchases, and 1% back on other purchases — something the store-only credit and debit cards don’t offer.

Hot Tip:

Check out our guide to the best credit cards for shopping at Target, including non-store card options!

Ulta Beauty Rewards^® Mastercard^®

Ulta’s program is specifically designed for beauty shoppers. The Mastercard variant expands usability outside Ulta stores, but there’s also a store-only option called the Ulta Beauty Rewards^® Credit Card. Neither card has an annual fee.

Whichever card you choose, you’ll get 2 points per $1 spent at Ulta Beauty; the Mastercard option also earns 1 point per $3 spent elsewhere. Cardholders get exclusive offers from the brand.

Verizon Visa^® Card

Verizon Visa^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Verizon Visa card is a good option if you frequently purchase new products from Verizon, want to lower your monthly bill, or get access to 0% financing options.

Apply Now(at Verizon's secure site)

Verizon Visa^® Card

The Verizon Visa card is a good option if you frequently purchase new products from Verizon, want to lower your monthly bill, or get access to 0% financing options.

Welcome Offer

Get a $50 statement credit when you open an account and make a purchase in the first 90 days. Get an additional $150 statement credit when you spend $1,500 using your card in the first 90 days. Limited time offer.

Up to $200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

22.99%, 27.99%, or 33.99% variable

Why We Like This Card

The information regarding the Verizon Visa^® Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. 

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If you’re a Verizon customer, regularly purchase new products from Verizon, and want to lower your monthly Verizon bill, adding the Verizon Visa card to your wallet could be a great choice.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 4% back on groceries, gas, EV charging stations, restaurants, and Verizon purchases
• Lower your monthly bill by $10 with auto-pay
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees

Cons

• Reward redemptions are limited to lowering your Verizon bill or new products
• 4% rewards on Verizon purchases don’t apply to your monthly phone bill

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Get a $50 statement credit when you open an account and make a purchase in the first 90 days. Get an additional $150 statement credit when you spend $1,500 using your card in the first 90 days. Limited time offer
• Earn 4% on grocery stores, gas, and EV purchases
• Earn 4% on dining purchases, including takeout and delivery
• Earn 4% on Verizon purchases
• Earn 1% on all other purchases everywhere Visa^® Credit Cards are accepted
• ​New enrollees to Verizon’s Auto Pay can get up to $10 per month off each eligible wireless phone line, up to 12 lines max (depending on plan), and/or $10 per month off each eligible Fios service
• Verizon Wireless customers get 0% financing with 12 equal monthly payments on accessory purchases, each totaling $100 or more, exclusively with a Verizon Visa^® Card
• No foreign transaction fees
• $0 annual fees

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 22.99%, 27.99%, or 33.99% variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

A retailer card aimed at Verizon customers, the Verizon Visa card is issued by Synchrony and structured around Verizon Dollars that you can apply to your Verizon bill or tech purchases.

You’ll earn up to 4% at grocery stores, gas stations, EV charging stations, dining establishments, and Verizon purchases — but not on bill payments.

There’s no annual fee, and rewards can be applied not just to your bill but also to device and accessory purchases. While this is a good card for regular Verizon customers, it won’t offer any value for those who aren’t loyal to the brand. That’s because the rewards can’t be redeemed outside Verizon’s ecosystem.

Store Cards We Recommend Skipping (Plus the Reasons Why)

Not all popular store cards are a good choice. Here’s why we don’t recommend them:

• Macy’s and JCPenney store cards (store-only): These cards typically offer store discounts but charge high APRs and have limited usefulness outside the store. Unless you’re a heavy, disciplined shopper at the chain, these cards are rarely a good choice.
• Many promotional financing store cards: Some retailers push deferred-interest plans that can be costly if you don’t fully repay your balance by the promotional deadline. We avoided recommending cards where deferred interest and punitive APRs outweighed ongoing rewards.

How To Choose the Right Store Credit Card

Everyone’s situation is different. To choose the right card for your wallet, consider the following:

• Start with where you actually shop. For example, if you purchase most household staples at Kroger, the Kroger Mastercard can outperform a generic 1.5% cash-back card due to its grocery and fuel bonuses.
• Decide between store-only and networked cards. If you want flexibility, consider using the Visa and Mastercard versions of store cards, as they can be used outside the store. If you want the best in-store discount and rarely shop outside the chain, a store-only card can make sense, but only if you pay your bill in full each month to avoid interest on your balance.
• Watch the fine print on promotional financing. Deferred interest and high penalty APRs can negate any savings. If you’re financing a purchase over time, set calendar reminders to pay the promotional balance before it ends.
• Check cardholder benefits beyond rewards. Travel protections, no foreign transaction fees (like you’ll find on the Costco Anywhere card), purchase protection, and return protection can tip the balance.
• Compare alternatives. Sometimes, a solid credit card with rewards on everyday spending plus a seasonal store discount will beat a store credit card overall. Do the math before you apply.

Final Thoughts

Store credit cards are valuable tools when used for targeted spending. After all, they can deliver meaningful savings at the places you shop most. For Amazon and Costco members, the co-branded network cards (Prime Visa card and Costco Anywhere card) are especially compelling because they combine elevated store returns with the broad utility of the Visa network.

Other cards, such as those from Sam’s Club, Kroger, Best Buy, and Target, have a clear customer fit. They can make sense for brand loyalists but fall short for the general public.

While you may find an offer for these store credit cards at the cash register, remember to evaluate offers clearly — especially those that come with deferred interest. The instant discount or introductory offer may come with high interest rates if you don’t pay off the full balance before the welcome period ends.

If you want both flexibility and rewards, prioritize networked versions of store cards (those backed by Visa and Mastercard) or pair a general-purpose cash-back card with selective store promos to get a winning combination of rewards and discounts.