The Lowe’s Advantage Credit Card Review — Everything You Need to Know
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Everyone knows home improvements can be costly. And hiring a contractor? Even more so. That’s why many people choose the do-it-yourself option.
This likely means you’re spending a lot of time (and money) at places like Lowe’s. So should you be using their store-branded credit card?
To answer that question, we’re taking an in-depth look at the Lowe’s Advantage Card by Synchrony Bank.
Table of contents
- The Lowe’s Advantage Credit Card at a Glance
- Lowe’s Advantage Card Rewards
- Additional Card Features
- Fees & Drawbacks of the Lowe’s Advantage Card
- Additional Lowe’s Credit Options
- Alternative Rewards Credit Cards (Our Recommendations)
- Applying for the Lowe’s Advantage Card
- Lowes Credit Card Login & Online Account Management
- Final Thoughts
Table of Contents
- The Lowe’s Advantage Credit Card at a Glance
- Lowe’s Advantage Card Rewards
- Additional Card Features
- Fees & Drawbacks of the Lowe’s Advantage Card
- Additional Lowe’s Credit Options
- Alternative Rewards Credit Cards (Our Recommendations)
- Applying for the Lowe’s Advantage Card
- Lowes Credit Card Login & Online Account Management
- Final Thoughts
The Lowe’s Advantage Credit Card at a Glance
| Main Benefits* |
|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| APR** | 26.99% (fixed) |
| Late Fees | up to $38 |
*See additional explanation below (rules/restrictions apply to all main benefits)
**Special financing/intro APR rates may apply
This credit card is best for consumers who shop at Lowe’s often and are responsible cardholders. This means you pay off your balance on time and in full each month. If you don’t, the high APR on this card can get you into some trouble.
If you don’t shop at Lowe’s often, there are likely a number of other rewards-based credit cards that are worth your while.
Lowe’s Advantage Card Rewards
An important point to note right away is that the Lowe’s Advantage card offers either/or benefits: these are not cumulative! Keep this in mind, and we’ll explain more below.
5% off every day: Cardholders who pay with their Lowe’s Advantage card can earn 5% off their eligible purchase or order. This discount will be taken after all other relevant discounts have been applied.
HOWEVER, the offer cannot be used with any coupon, Lowe’s low-price guarantee, Lowe’s volume or special discount programs, military discount, employee discount, and in some other specific cases.
Additionally, the 5% off benefit does NOT apply to gift cards, extended protection/replacement (warranty) plans, shipping/delivery/assembly charges, or fees and taxes. Furthermore, some specific brands are excluded from this discount, so check carefully before you apply for the card to justify a big appliance/brand purchase.
6 months special financing: On Lowe’s Advantage Card purchases over $299, cardholders are given the option of applying 0% APR to the purchase if the balance is paid in full within the first 6 months. (The 5% off benefit will not apply if this option is selected.)
If and 6 months are the key words here. If the cardholder is not able to comply, the introductory 0% APR is void and the standard APR of 26.99% will be applied to the balance all the way back to the purchase date — this is called “deferred interest.”
Bottom Line: This option should only be chosen if a cardholder is confident they can pay off the full balance within the first 6 months. Otherwise, the 26.99% APR applied retroactively can result in some seriously hefty interest fees.
Hot Tip: In general, the minimum monthly payment due is usually NOT ENOUGH to pay off your balance by the end of the promotional period. This is extremely sneaky – so be sure you’ve calculated your payments correctly and pay more than the minimum when needed.
Project financing: Lowe’s offers this option to customers because they feel big projects should have more payment options. For Lowe’s Advantage Card purchases over $2,000, cardholders may ask for a special financing option.
May ask for are the key words here. This special project financing is not automatically applied; it must be requested at the time of purchase. (The 5% off benefit will not apply if this option is requested.)
Cardholders have the following options:
- 36 fixed monthly payments at 3.99% APR (until paid in full)
- 60 fixed monthly payments at 5.99% APR (until paid in full)
- 84 fixed monthly payments at 7.99% APR (until paid in full)
Lowe’s states: Each fixed monthly payment will be approximately 2.9520% for 36 months; 1.9328% for 60 months; 1.5581% for 84 months of the initial promo purchase amount and will not be adjusted for merchandise returns, which may result in paying the promo purchase in less than 36, 60 or 84 months. The fixed monthly payment calculated may be higher than the minimum monthly payment that would be required if the purchase was a non-promotional purchase.
Additionally, this benefit is not applicable to purchases made at Lowes.com.
The either/or stipulation: Generally, cardholders receive 5% off purchases every day (within restrictions) until they reach a certain purchase amount. When cardholders reach $299 (the minimum purchase amount for 6-month special financing option), they are given a choice between the 5% off OR the special financing option.
Which is the better choice? That depends. Let’s look at an example.
Say you want to purchase a new Maytag high-efficiency washer for $600.
- The 5% off option would yield $30 off your purchase.
- If you choose the 6-month 0% APR and pay it off in full — congratulations, you’ve stretched out your payments successfully.
- If you choose the 6-month 0% APR and do not pay it off — your clothes may be clean, but you’ll be in a sticky situation financially.
| Special Financing, Delinquent Account (26.99% APR deferred interest) | ||
| Payments | Balance | Interest Applied |
| Month 1: $50 | $550 | $12.38 |
| Month 2: $75 | $475 | $10.69 |
| Month 3: $75 | $400 | $9.00 |
| Month 4: $50 | $350 | $7.88 |
| Month 5: $75 | $275 | $6.19 |
| Month 6: $100 | $175 | $3.94 |
| Total Interest Fees Accrued | $50.08 | |
In the final example above, you did not pay your balance in full for your new washing machine, so deferred interest was initiated. This means the standard 26.99% APR was applied to the balance for each month, all the way back to the purchase date.
This adds up to a total of ~$50 in interest fees, or about 12% of the initial cost of your washer. This $50 in accrued interest will then be added to your remaining balance. So what happens next?
If you do not pay this new remaining balance in full, the standard APR of 26.99% will be applied moving forward since you are now out of the promotional period.
Bottom Line:Only choose the special financing options if you’re 100% certain you can pay the balance off in full within your 6-month period. Ideally, you’d pay more than the monthly minimum if possible since this amount usually isn’t enough to pay off your balance in full by the end of the promotional period!
Either/or continued: Again, remember that cardholders who request the special project financing will not receive the 5% off on their >$2,000 purchase.
Additional Card Features
The Lowe’s Advantage Card comes with a couple of additional features:
- $0 annual fee
- Special promotions
- Fraud prevention
Fees & Drawbacks of the Lowe’s Advantage Card
There are a couple of BIG drawbacks to the Lowe’s Advantage Card.
As we discussed earlier, the Lowe’s Advantage card has a ridiculously high standard APR (26.99%), and shoppers can get into some serious trouble if they choose special financing options and are not able to pay them off in the allotted time frame.
Additionally, the Lowe’s card cannot be used anywhere other than Lowe’s and Lowes.com.
Other notable fees/drawbacks:
- Late fees can cost up to $38
- No cash advance option
- Lack of perks found with other retail credit cards (no free shipping, extended returns, extended warranties, etc.)
Additional Lowe’s Credit Options
Lowe’s does have a couple of other credit options specific to businesses, and while we aren’t reviewing them here, you can find more information online.
- Lowe’s Business Account
- Lowe’s Accounts Receivable
- Lowe’s Business Rewards Card from American Express
Alternative Rewards Credit Cards (Our Recommendations)
In comparison to the Lowe’s card, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® Card is very easy to understand and doesn’t have complicated fee’s, rules and conditions.
| Credit Card | Benefits & Info |
|---|---|
Chase Freedom Unlimited® Learn More (at Chase's secure site) |
Must Reads: For more info on the Chase Freedom Unlimited, see our thoughts on its benefits and our full review. |
Alternatively, if you love to travel (or want to travel more) consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card which is one of the best (if not the best) travel rewards cards.
You will earn 1pt/$1 spent at Lowes stores — and 2pts/$1 spent on ALL dining and travel purchases (and up to $1,000 in monthly grocery store purchases from November 1, 2020, to April 30, 2021).
| Credit Card | Benefits & Info |
|---|---|
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card Apply Now (at Chase's secure site) |
Must Reads: For more info on the Chase Sapphire Preferred, see our thoughts on its benefits, travel insurance coverage, and credit score requirements. Take a look at our full review to see why it's one of our favorite Chase credit cards. |
These Chase points are extremely valuable when used correctly!
Applying for the Lowe’s Advantage Card
You can apply for the Lowe’s Advantage Credit Card in-store or online.
In general, you’ll likely need a fair credit score to be approved, although those with a slightly lower score have noted approval in the past.
Upon credit review, some applicants will be approved instantly (this isn’t the only instant approval credit card). However, some applications may need further review resulting in a 7-10 day waiting period. Additionally, applicants should note that the age requirement is 18 years+ to apply.
Sign-up bonuses/promotions: Lowe’s may offer certain sign-up bonuses when you apply for the Lowe’s Advantage Card. For example, cardholders can currently receive $30.00 off their first in-store purchase. Of course, restrictions apply. In this case, the shopper must apply in-store and utilize the coupon within a certain period or the coupon is forfeited.
Lowes Credit Card Login & Online Account Management
If you are a Lowe’s Advantage cardholder, you can sign up/log in here to manage your credit card account. Here are a few options you have within the platform:
- Pay your bill
- Monitor your account activity
- Enroll in e-billing
- Learn about special offers and promotions
Final Thoughts
The Lowe’s Advantage Credit Card could certainly be a money saver if you shop at Lowe’s often and you’re a responsible cardholder. The 5% off every day benefit can come in handy, but pay attention to the fine print as there are some exclusions. As a cardholder, be sure to make wise decisions when you’re presented with the 5% off vs. special financing option.
If you’re not a frequent shopper at Lowe’s or you have difficulty paying your balance on time, you’re much better off opting for an alternative rewards credit card. Most of these can be used virtually anywhere and offer good benefits with a lower (or 0% in some cases) APR.
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I did not get the 5% that Lowes said customers get, total was $2.800, $500 was put on Lowes card. No discount. Cheated out of $25. Would be better off charging the whole amount on Discover, they give great rewards. Thank you.
Hi Olga – we feel your pain! While we can’t address your complaint directly (as we aren’t Lowes), we can say we’re sorry this happened! Unfortunately, like many other credit cards on the market, there are some caveats where the standard rewards don’t apply. You have to be very careful about the terms and conditions! In this case, the 5% back every day doesn’t apply to every single purchase.
In the T&C for this card it states: “Offer can’t be used with: any coupon; Lowe’s military discount; Lowe’s employee discount; Lowe’s low price guarantee; Lowe’s volume or special discount programs; manager discretion price adjustments; Contractor Packs™; or any other offer that expressly states it cannot be combined with any other discount credit offer. Cannot be used with the following products and/or services: extended protection/replacement plans; shipping, delivery or assembly charges; fees or taxes; gift cards; Dacor, ICON, Fisher & Paykel, Monogram, Smeg or Liebherr appliances (some brands not available in all markets/stores); Weber or Kichler products.”
Is it possible your purchase was under one of these conditions? If so, that’s likely why you didn’t get your 5% back. If it was on an everyday purchase outside of these conditions, I would call Lowe’s and inquire about it! Their customer service phone number is 1-800-445-6937.
Wishing you luck!
Can I get a monthly paper invoice sent to my house itemizing purchases and total to be paid that month?
Yes, you are able to request a paper statement instead of paperless. You can select this option in your Lowes credit card account.
Why was my account closed? It was paid on time with extra every month. Why would they need to close my account?
Hi MJ, please be advised we are not Lowe’s, nor are we Synchrony Bank. We are Upgraded Points, a website providing educational content on points and miles related topics which includes credit card reviews.
Therefore, we cannot answer your question as to why your account was closed. We suggest calling the 800 number on the back of your card to speak with customer service. Hope this helps…
Here is another way Lowes can get you – their interest-free special promotion if a large purchase paid off in 12 months. I bought a dryer and was paying $80 per month. 3 months into it I bought $400 of other items. The next month I paid $480, thinking I would pay off the $400 and still pay $80 on the dryer. No, the full $480 was applied to the interest-free dryer portion and I got charged interest on the $400 purchases. So, if you make an interest-free purchase you can not make any other purchases during that promo period unless you want to pay 27% interest on it.
I was told I could call EVERY month and have them reapply how my payment would be credited. Not a user-friendly way of doing business.
You can actually call the credit center directly and make requests for how your payments are allotted. I worked there several years and did it frequently when customers had an interest free balance and were carrying a regular balance as well.
I tried to use my card on the Lowe’s Custom Blinds and Shades and it won’t let you. I called for help online and they said I couldn’t use it. I called the store to see if I came in and ordered there if I could use card. They seem to think I can, and don’t know why I wouldn’t be able too but didn’t know for sure. Seems dumb you can’t use your Lowe’s card on their site and worse that employees don’t know.
My name is Doris and this is my problem. I have two accounts with Synchrony Bank. One is for Lowes account # XXXXXX and one is Carecredit #XXXXXXX. Last week I got a check for $100.00. I don’t know for which account. I lost the check and I cant find it. They said I overpaid. Could you send me another one? Hope you can help me out. Thank you, Doris.
Hi Doris. Sorry, you’re having problems regarding your lost check. Please be advised that we are not Synchrony Bank. We are Upgraded Points, a blog that specializes in travel and credit card related resources. You can call the number on the back of either of your credit cards and they can help you.
Can I not use my card for online purchases? I have a Lowes advantage card. It doesn’t have an expiration date or CVV code, please help.
Hi Mark,
For assistance with your Lowe’s card, I suggest dialing the number on the back of your card. Their customer service team should be able to tell you if online purchases are possible with your card.
Thanks for reading!
Canceling my Lowes card. It’s a bunch of BS 5% off. 3 times I got ripped off. The online and in-store order shows the 5% discount but the statement will not show it. Called customer service. They don’t know why and they don’t know how to fix it. This happened to a friend of mine as well as a few others. Lowes is scamming.
I applied for a Lowe’s card. I was rejected. I have a job, excellent credit rating, and paid cash for the house. If you can’t give me a Lowe’s card, no problem. I can go to Home Depot. Inconvenient, but not impossible. I just like the people at this Lowe’s. What can you do for me?
Thanks, Debra
Hi Debra. Please understand that we are not affiliated with Lowe’s. We are Upgraded Points, a blog specializing in credit card and travel-related resources. You should receive a letter from Lowe’s stating the reason you were declined for the card. Once you know the reason, you can call for reconsideration or clarification.
Can you scan and go at lowes with your mobile phone to buy things like at Walmart?
Hi Amy,
Lowe’s does not offer a scan and go feature. Thanks for reading!
Do they have an app where you can manage and pay on your lowes credit card account?
Hi Tom,
Yes, you can manage your Lowes credit card through the Synchrony Bank mobile app.
Thanks for reading!
Your phone system is not working today. I have tried 6 times and cannot get through to the Lowe’s advantage credit card system. Thanks Louis Robinson Hamilton Ohio.
Louis,
We are not Lowe’s or American Express. We are a third-party website that writes content about credit cards and travel. Please refer to the number at the back of your card to contact Lowe’s. Thanks.
I have a balance on my Lowe’s card and called to see if they would lower my interest rate they said they don’t do that. I have been a cardholder since 2003. I will pay it in full at once and start shopping at home Depot from now on. They don’t care about their customers. Nice way to do business.
Lowe’s provider for credit, Synchrony Band, has allowed someone to “Steal my Identity”. I have had NO luck contacting Synchrony Bank. Therefore I am reaching out to LOWE’S for help in this matter. This had had a negative impact on my credit score.
Please contact me ASAP. I am requesting a DIRECT email, preferably a direct phone number to immediately resolve this issue.
Hi Alan,
I’m sorry to hear about this issue that you’re dealing with, but we do not represent Lowe’s or Synchrony Bank. We are Upgraded Points, a website that provides educational travel information.
If you wish to speak to someone at Lowe’s I recommend you contact their customer service line at 1 (800) 445-6937.
Have I lost my military discount?
Hi Ralph,
There does not appear to be anything mentioned on the Lowe’s website that states this. I suggest you call the number on the back of your Lowe’s credit card and speak with one of their customer service agents.
What is actually happening with online purchases during covid? I ordered things last week and had no problems. Tried to place a large order of instock items with no contact $59.00 delivery fee with my Lowe’s card. Plenty of available credit. Said use alternate payment method. I would lose my veteran discount & 12 months interest free. So I would purchase elsewhere, if that is the answer. I spent an hour on hold yesterday to speak with a very nice young man, who really did not have an answer, other than it’s an IT problem with the Lowes card & they are trying to get it fixed. ANY information on why it’s taking so long to get this fixed or when, would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Brian. Sorry you’re having a problem ordering from Lowes. Unfortunately, we are not affiliated with Lowes or Synchrony Bank. We are Upgraded Points, a blog specializing in providing information on credit card rewards and travel. We do not have any further information about the IT problem, however here is the number to their technical support team 888-840-7651.
Why can’t we order online with the lowes card? It keeps asking for an expiration date and our card doesn’t have one.
Hi Herman,
We are not affiliated with Lowe’s or their credit card, so I cannot say for certain. It might just be an error with their website. I recommend you call the phone number on the back of your Lowe’s card for assistance.
Thanks for reading!
Can I get a monthly paper invoice sent to my house itemizing purchases and total to be paid that month?
Hi Connie,
Yes, you should be able to. But you will need to contact the Lowe’s card customer service team for assistance with that. I recommend you call the number on the back of your card.
Thanks for reading!
If I apply online and get approved can I immediately go to the store and use my card and get my new customer deal?
Hi Megan,
You will need to wait for your Lowe’s card to arrive in the mail.
Don’t take out a Lowes Synchrony bank credit card. The poor reviews are accurate. They do randomly lower your available credit if they decide you are less than “worthy” —but not sure how or why!!! Pay bill on time and never went over my line and make more money than I did before. When they look at your credit and decide that maybe your credits is maxed out and they determine it’s in your best interest to lower your credit limit, they are actually running your credit more because they have just increased your utilization and your Worsened your debt ratio. It’s just ridiculous. It would be like a slumlord looking at your bills and deciding oh well maybe it’s a little hard for you to make your rent, so I think what I’ll do Is raise your rent payment for you!! Irony! Terrible!!! I have had a lot of credit for 25 years and I’ve never had my credit limit lowered!! If you like shopping at Lowes, maybe make a purchase with a different credit card backed by a different bank. I would literally never suggest Synchrony bank in that case!! ( or US Bank).
Is 5% given by the salesperson at the time of purchase or shown on the Lowe’s statement?
Hi Irina,
You will receive the 5% back as a statement credit.