Department store cards are easier to get than bank cards, but approval still depends on your credit score

Department store credit cards have lower approval thresholds than Visa or Mastercard issued by banks. Most department store issuers—Macy's, Kohl's, Target, Nordstrom, and others—approve people with fair credit (scores around 600–669) where a bank card might decline you. But "easier" does not mean automatic. Your credit history, income, and existing debt all factor into the decision.

The reason department store cards are more accessible: they make money from in-store purchases and loyalty, not just interest. A customer with a 620 credit score who shops at Macy's regularly is valuable to them. A bank issuing a general-purpose card takes more risk and sets higher bars.

That said, if your score is below 580 or you have recent collections, charge-offs, or an active bankruptcy, even department store issuers will likely decline you. The easiest cards to get are not the same as cards anyone can get.

Key Takeaways

  • Department store cards typically approve people with credit scores in the 600–669 range, while bank cards usually require 670 or higher.
  • Store-specific cards (Macy's, Kohl's, Target) are generally easier to get than co-branded cards (like a Macy's American Express), which follow bank approval standards.
  • Your approval odds improve if you already shop at that store or have an existing relationship with the retailer.
  • Even with a lower approval bar, recent negative marks like collections, charge-offs, or active bankruptcy will disqualify you from most department store cards.

Store-specific cards versus co-branded cards: which are easier

A store-specific card (like the Macy's Star Rewards card or Kohl's Charge) is issued by the retailer's own financing company or a smaller issuer they partner with. These cards work only at that store. Approval standards are lower because the issuer has less exposure—you can only run up debt at one place.

A co-branded card (like the Macy's American Express or Target Mastercard) is issued by a major bank and works anywhere that brand is accepted. These follow bank approval standards and are harder to get. If you see a major bank name on the card, expect approval requirements closer to a standard bank card.

If you are comparing options, start with the store-specific version. The Macy's Star Rewards card is easier to get than the Macy's American Express. The Kohl's Charge is easier than a Kohl's Visa. Target's store card is easier than a Target Mastercard.

Which department store cards have the lowest approval bar

No retailer publishes their minimum credit score, but based on cardholder reports and industry patterns, these store-specific cards tend to approve people with fair credit:

  • Kohl's Charge: Frequently approves scores in the 600–650 range; known for approving people with limited credit history.
  • Macy's Star Rewards: Typically approves 620 and above; less forgiving than Kohl's but still accessible.
  • Target RedCard (store version): Approves scores around 650–670; Target is stricter than Kohl's or Macy's.
  • Nordstrom Card: Approves scores around 650–680; Nordstrom's bar is higher than mid-market stores.
  • Lowe's Advantage Card: Approves scores in the 600–640 range; home improvement retailers tend to be lenient.

Kohl's and Lowe's are consistently reported as the easiest department and home improvement cards to get. Nordstrom and Target are stricter. Macy's falls in the middle.

These ranges are based on user reports and are not guarantees. Your actual approval depends on your full credit file, not just your score.

What happens to your credit when you apply

Applying for a department store card triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report. This lowers your score by a few points (usually 5–10 points) and stays on your report for 12 months. Multiple applications in a short time compound the damage.

If you are considering several store cards, space your applications out by at least two weeks. This gives each inquiry time to age slightly and shows lenders you are not desperately seeking credit.

Once approved and the account opens, the card issuer reports it to the credit bureaus. A new account temporarily lowers your average account age, which can dip your score another few points. After six months of on-time payments, the account begins to help your score by adding positive payment history and lowering your credit utilization ratio.

How to improve your odds before you apply

If your score is borderline (580–620), take these steps before submitting an application:

Pay down existing balances. Credit utilization—the percentage of your available credit you are using—is the second-largest factor in your score. If you have a credit card with a $2,000 limit and a $1,800 balance, you are at 90% utilization. Paying that down to $400 (20% utilization) can raise your score 20–50 points in one or two billing cycles.

Dispute errors on your credit report. Pull your report from AnnualCreditReport.com (the official free source). If you see accounts you do not recognize, late payments you do not remember, or duplicate entries, file a dispute with the bureau. Removing errors can raise your score significantly.

Become an authorized user on someone else's account. If a family member or partner has a card with a long, clean payment history and low balance, ask them to add you as an authorized user. Their account history may appear on your report and boost your score.

Wait before applying if you have recent negative marks. A late payment from three months ago hurts more than one from two years ago. If you have a recent collection or charge-off, waiting six months to a year before applying gives the mark time to age.

What to expect after approval

If approved, your credit limit will likely be modest—often $300 to $1,000 for a first store card. This is normal. Use the card for small purchases you would make anyway, then pay the full balance each month. After six to twelve months of perfect payment history, many issuers will increase your limit without a hard inquiry.

Store cards typically carry high interest rates (18–25% APR is common). The approval is easier because the risk to the issuer is higher. If you carry a balance, interest accrues quickly. Treat the card as a tool for building credit or earning store rewards, not as a source of credit for large purchases.

If you are declined, ask the issuer why. Some will tell you: too many recent inquiries, insufficient credit history, or a specific negative mark. This feedback helps you decide whether to wait, improve something specific, or try a different store.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a department store card with no credit history?

Yes, but it depends on the store. Kohl's and Lowe's are known for approving people with limited or no credit history. You may need to provide proof of income and a checking account. Start with one of these two if you are building credit from scratch.

What is the difference between a store card and a secured card?

A store card is unsecured—you do not put down a deposit. A secured card requires you to deposit cash (usually $200–$2,500) as collateral. Secured cards are for people with very poor credit or no credit history. If you can get approved for a store card, that is the better option because you keep your cash.

Will applying for a store card hurt my chances of getting a bank card later?

One hard inquiry will not disqualify you from a bank card. However, multiple inquiries in a short time signal desperation and can lower your score enough to trigger a decline. Space applications out and focus on building payment history with the store card first.

Do I have to shop at the store to get their card?

No, but having an existing relationship with the store (a customer account, purchase history, or even a mailing address near a location) can improve your odds slightly. It is not required, but it helps.

What if I am declined for a store card?

Ask the issuer for the reason. If it is a low score, focus on paying down balances and waiting for negative marks to age. If it is insufficient credit history, become an authorized user or get a secured card first. If it is a recent collection or bankruptcy, you may need to wait 12–24 months before reapplying.