The best store credit cards of October 2026

While experts warn against opening store credit cards due to high interest rates, it's OK as long as you're responsible about paying your bill on time and in full. Many retailers offer an intro discount on their store cards, typically 15% to 25%. Some come with free shipping, discounts, special financing and other perks, too.

Before we dive into our picks for the best store credit cards, it's important to know that there are two types:

• "Closed-loop" cards can only be used at the specific retailer that issued it or at related properties listed on the card. The Target Circle™Card, for example, is a closed-loop store card that can only be used at Target.
• "Open-loop" cards have a major card network logo (like Visa or Mastercard) and can be used anywhere that network is accepted. For example, the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi is a co-branded card backed by the Visa network. While there are special rewards when shopping at Costco, you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted.

CNBC Select compared store credit cards to find the best among a variety of online merchants, big-box retailers, warehouse clubs and home improvement stores. (All of the cards on our list are closed-loop cards, except for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi.) For details on how we made our selections, read our methodology.

Who's this for? If you love going on Target runs, the Target Circle™ Card offers 5% off on most purchases, from groceries to clothing. This discount is unique because you receive it instantly at checkout, not as cash back or points that need to be redeemed later. Other perks include free two-day shipping from Target.com, an additional 30 days for returns and exchanges, 50% off Circle 360 membership and more.

Who's this for? The OnePay CashRewards Card earns an unlimited 3% cash back at Walmart (in-store and online) or 5% back as a Walmart+ member. Plus, you'll earn a flat 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

A nice feature about this card is its welcome bonus. While it's a little lower at just $35 in cash back, it doesn't require any spending to earn; if you're approved, you get the bonus. You can redeem your OnePay points for a statement credit, a digital gift card or a deposit into a OnePay deposit account (with this option, you can also buy cryptocurrency or invest in stocks and ETFs).

Who's this for? Amazon aficionados with a Prime membership should consider opening the Amazon Prime Store Card. You can earn a high 5% cash back on Amazon.com purchases and at Whole Foods Market as well. Those who are approved for the card will get an $80 Amazon gift card as a welcome bonus.

This card also features equal monthly payment plans that can provide interest-free financing for six, 12 or 24 months (29.99% variable APR thereafter). Amazon store cards charge deferred interest, which means you'll incur a charge for all the interest you accrued since you made the purchase. You also have to choose between earning 5% cash back or using the promotional financing period; you can't use both perks together.

If you don't have a Prime membership, you can apply for the Amazon Store Card, which provides the same special financing offers but no rewards. And if you want a card that can be used virtually anywhere, check out the Prime Visa (see rates and fees) and the Amazon Visa.

Who's this for? While a Costco membership is required for the Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi, the card earns 5% cash back on gas at Costco and 4% on other eligible gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging purchases for the first $7,000 in combined spend per year (then 1% thereafter). You'll also earn 3% cash back on restaurants and eligible travel purchases, 2% back on eligible purchases from Costco and Costco.com and 1% on all other purchases.

You earn an annual reward certificate after your February billing cycle ends, redeemable at U.S. Costco Warehouses. Learn more about how to redeem Costco credit card rewards. Costco memberships currently cost $65 (Gold Star) or $130 (Executive) per year.

Who's this for? If you plan on doing home renovations or shop frequently at a home improvement store, you should consider the MyLowe's Rewards™ Credit Card. You can benefit from special financing offers and 5% off eligible purchases.

Take advantage of no interest on purchases of $299 or more that are paid in full within six months. There are also occasional project financing offers at fixed rates all the way up to 84 months on purchases of $2,000 or greater. Similar to the Amazon Prime Store Card, you can't combine the 5% discount with a special financing offer. And if you don't pay your balance before the no-interest period ends, you'll incur deferred interest.

Who's this for? The Home Depot Consumer Credit Card primarily makes sense for people who are looking to take advantage of the special financing offers it unlocks. Additionally, new cardholders can earn up to $100 off their qualifying purchases when they open a card, valid now through Jan. 27, 2027.

Similarly to the Lowe's card, it offers no interest on purchases of $299 or more when you pay them in full within six months.

To determine which cards offer the best value for intro APR offers, CNBC Select analyzed over 250 major credit cards issued by FDIC-insured banks and NCUA-insured credit unions.

We compared each card on a range of features, including rewards (e.g., cash back, points and miles), annual fees, welcome bonuses, introductory and standard APRs, balance transfer fees and foreign transaction fees.

We also considered additional perks (e.g., ongoing travel or merchant statement credits), cardholder protections (e.g., purchase protection, $0 liability protection and travel insurance), the application process when available (e.g., is there a credit pull or required credit score) and how easy it is to redeem points (e.g., are rewards are tied to a specific brand; if transferable, to how many/which partners, can you redeem for straight cash back).

When choosing the best store credit cards, we focused on the rewards the cards offer on store-related purchases, any special financial offers provided, annual fees or membership costs, access to exclusive deals, free shipping costs and any additional perks accompanying the cards.

We also considered CNBC Select audience data when available, such as general demographics and engagement with our content and tools.

*Information about the Target Circle™ Card, OnePay CashRewards Card, and Lowe's Advantage Card has been collected independently by CNBC Select and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuers of the cards prior to publication.

We may earn commissions from qualifying purchases made through Amazon links.