Ace Hardware's Credit Card Offering
Yes, Ace Hardware offers a store credit card called the Ace Rewards credit card. It is a closed-loop card, meaning you can use it only at Ace Hardware stores and on their website — not at other retailers. The card is issued through Comenity Bank, which handles the account management and billing.
The card is designed for people who shop at Ace regularly and want to earn rewards on those purchases. Unlike a general-purpose credit card from Visa or Mastercard, this card builds a credit history with Comenity Bank specifically, though the account may be reported to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).
Key Takeaways
- The Ace Rewards credit card works only at Ace Hardware locations and Acehardware.com, not at other stores.
- The card earns rewards points on purchases, with the exact rate and redemption structure set by Ace and subject to change.
- Opening a store card can help build credit history if you pay on time, but it also means a hard inquiry on your credit report and a new account that temporarily lowers your credit score.
- Store cards typically carry higher interest rates than general-purpose credit cards, so carrying a balance is more expensive.
- You can request the card in-store or online through Ace Hardware's website, and approval decisions usually come within minutes to a few days.
How the Rewards Program Works
When you use the Ace Rewards card, you earn points on your purchases. The exact earning rate — how many points per dollar spent — varies and can change, so you should check Ace Hardware's current terms before opening the card. Points typically accumulate in your account and can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases or sometimes for gift cards.
Ace occasionally runs promotional offers for cardholders, such as bonus points during certain months or special discounts on specific product categories. These promotions are advertised in-store and online, and cardholders may receive notifications by email or mail. The value of these promotions depends on how much you actually spend at Ace and whether the promotions align with items you were already planning to buy.
Interest Rates and Fees
Store credit cards, including the Ace card, typically carry higher interest rates than general-purpose cards from major issuers. The exact rate you receive depends on your credit score and credit history — the stronger your credit, the lower your rate will be. Ace does not publicly list a single interest rate because it varies by applicant.
Most store cards charge no annual fee, and Ace's card follows this pattern. However, if you carry a balance from month to month, you will pay interest on that balance at your card's annual percentage rate (APR). If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you will not pay interest, and the card costs you nothing to use.
Impact on Your Credit Report
Applying for the Ace card triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report. This inquiry is visible to lenders and may lower your credit score by a few points temporarily. The inquiry stays on your report for about two years but has the strongest impact in the first few months.
Once approved, the card becomes a new account on your credit report. A new account also lowers your score slightly because it reduces your average account age. However, if you use the card responsibly — making on-time payments and keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit — the account will build positive payment history, which helps your credit score over time.
The card reports to the major credit bureaus, so your payment activity (on-time or late) becomes part of your credit history. This is useful if you are building credit from scratch or rebuilding after past problems, because it shows lenders you can manage credit responsibly.
When a Store Card Makes Sense
A store card is worth opening if you shop at that store regularly and will use the rewards. If you visit Ace Hardware several times a month for supplies or materials, the points add up and can translate to real savings. The card is also useful if you are trying to build or rebuild credit, because store cards are often easier to get approved for than general-purpose cards, especially if your credit score is below 650.
The card does not make sense if you rarely shop at Ace or if you cannot commit to paying the full balance each month. Carrying a balance on a store card is expensive because of the higher interest rate, and the rewards you earn will not offset the interest you pay. A general-purpose card with a lower APR is a better choice if you need to carry a balance.
How to Open an Ace Rewards Card
You can request the card in two ways: in-store at any Ace Hardware location or online through Acehardware.com. In-store, you can ask a cashier or customer service associate, and they will direct you to the application. Online, you can find the card offer on the Ace website and complete the application there.
The application asks for basic information: your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income, and employment status. You will also authorize Comenity Bank to pull your credit report. The approval decision usually comes within minutes if you apply online, or within a few days if you apply in-store. If approved, you can use the card immediately in many cases, either in-store or online.
Alternatives to the Ace Card
If you do not want to open a store card, you can still shop at Ace with a general-purpose credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover). You will not earn Ace-specific rewards, but you may earn rewards through your primary card's program. Some general-purpose cards offer cash back or points on all purchases, which can be more valuable than a store card if you use them everywhere.
Another option is to use Ace's loyalty program without a credit card. Ace offers a free rewards program that you can join with just your phone number or email address. You earn points on purchases made with any payment method — cash, debit, or credit card. This approach gives you rewards without the credit inquiry or the temptation to carry a balance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will applying for the Ace card hurt my credit score?
Yes, but only temporarily. The hard inquiry and new account will lower your score by a few points for a few months. If you make on-time payments, the score recovers and then improves as the account builds positive history. The long-term benefit of responsible use usually outweighs the short-term dip.
Can I use the Ace card at other stores?
No. The Ace Rewards card works only at Ace Hardware stores and on Acehardware.com. It is not a Visa or Mastercard, so it cannot be used at other retailers. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need a general-purpose credit card instead.
What happens if I miss a payment on the Ace card?
A missed payment will be reported to the credit bureaus and will damage your credit score. It may also trigger late fees and a higher interest rate on your balance. If you miss a payment, contact Comenity Bank as soon as possible to bring the account current and discuss your options.
Is the Ace card worth it if I only shop there once or twice a year?
Probably not. The rewards you earn from occasional purchases will be small, and the hard inquiry on your credit report is not worth the minimal benefit. The card makes sense only if you shop at Ace regularly enough that the points add up to meaningful savings.
Can I transfer my Ace rewards points to another program?
Typically, no. Ace rewards points are usually redeemable only for discounts on Ace purchases or occasionally for Ace gift cards. Check Ace's current rewards terms to confirm what redemption options are available, as these can change.