Getting approved for a department store credit card can feel like unlocking a door with a half-bent key. If you have fair or bad credit, you’re probably searching for something simple—no trick questions, no hurdles. Picking an easy-approval store card can help you build credit and grab quick savings on your shopping trips. Not all cards are created equal, though. Some welcome people with spotty credit more than others.
Why Department Store Credit Cards Are Easier to Get
Department store credit cards generally have lower requirements than regular credit cards. Many stores want you to shop with them, so they’re more forgiving of low or limited credit. Compared to the tight approval standards of major bank cards, store cards can feel like a friendly handshake.
But there's a catch. These cards often come with higher interest rates and lower credit limits. They’re not meant for carrying big balances. The best approach is to use them for discounts and rewards, pay off the balance every month, and let them help you build a stronger credit history.
How “Easy Approval” Works
Photo by RDNE Stock project
Cards fall into three buckets when it comes to approval:
- No Credit Check: These are rare but golden for people with no credit.
- Soft Inquiry Pre-Approval: You find out if you’ll get approved, without hurting your credit score.
- Inclusive Criteria: Some cards are simply more forgiving of bad credit.
The easiest department store cards are often those that check your application with a soft inquiry, offer prequalification, and have broad acceptance for folks rebuilding credit.
The Easiest Department Store Credit Cards to Get
Montgomery Ward Credit Account
Montgomery Ward’s card is often named as the easiest to get (if you count online retailers). Approval rates hover near the top even for bad credit. You can only use this card at Montgomery Ward, but it reports to major credit bureaus. If credit building is the goal, this helps.
Target Circle™ Card
The Target Circle Card stands out for people with average credit. It’s a closed-loop card, meaning you can only use it at Target and Target.com. Approval rates are higher than most retailers, and cardholders get 5% off almost every purchase.
Macy’s Credit Card
Macy’s store card is another easy-approval option. It’s accessible to those in the "fair" credit range (scores in the mid-600s). While not as lenient as some, it offers regular discounts and reports to all major bureaus—good news for anyone looking to rebuild.
Kohl’s Card
Kohl’s has a reputation for high approval odds if your credit isn’t great. Frequent shoppers can stack discounts with special offers. Like most store cards, you’ll want to pay in full every month because the APR is high.
Other Options for Bad Credit
If your credit needs serious repair, you might look at secured cards (which require a deposit) or open-loop credit-builder cards that work at more than one store:
- Amazon Secured Credit Card: Backed by a deposit, but easier approval for those without a strong score.
- OpenSky® Secured Visa®: No credit check and open-loop, so you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted.
Pros and Cons of Store Credit Cards
Pros
- Easier approval for people with low or limited credit history.
- Store-specific rewards that give instant savings.
- Reports to major bureaus (most cards), helping improve your credit.
Cons
- High interest rates—some cards hover around 25% or higher.
- Low spending limits, sometimes just a few hundred dollars.
- Limited use—most “store” cards can’t be used anywhere else.
Paying off your balance every month keeps interest out of the picture and maximizes the benefit.
How to Boost Your Approval Odds
- Check your score before you apply. Some sites offer free credit reports.
- Opt for prequalification: See if you’re likely to be approved with a soft inquiry.
- Limit recent applications: Too many can hurt your score.
- Fix errors on your credit report. Mistakes can drag your score down.
A smart tip: Apply for a card where your credit score falls within or above the advertised minimum. Read reviews and check the issuer’s site for clues about who gets approved.
Using Your Department Store Card to Build Credit
Store cards can be a first step on the credit-building ladder. Use the card for small purchases—think socks, not sofas. Pay your balance in full. Over time, consistent payments show you can handle credit, making it easier to qualify for better cards with bigger perks and wider acceptance.
Some store cards promise automatic credit line increases if you use them responsibly. This can also boost your credit score by lowering your credit utilization rate.
When a Store Card Makes Sense—And When It Doesn’t
A store card is a tool. It can either build your credit or bury you in interest. If you shop at a particular store often, plan to pay in full, and want an easy way to boost your credit, these cards are worth a look.
But if you’re tempted to overspend or carry a balance, the high APR can wipe out any savings on discounts. Use these cards the same way you’d use a hammer: with purpose and care.
Conclusion
The easiest department store credit card to get in 2025 depends on your needs and credit profile, but cards from Montgomery Ward, Target, Macy’s, and Kohl’s often top the list for high approval rates. Online and secured card options can fill the gap for those with bad credit. Use these cards wisely, pay the balance off each month, and let them work for you—not against you. Your future self (and your credit score) will thank you.