Retail Store Cards With the Lowest Credit Requirements: Your Path to Building Credit

Retail store cards have long served as an accessible entry point for credit building. Unlike traditional bank cards, these options tend to be more attainable, making them ideal for those starting their credit journey or working to improve their scores. By consistently paying your balance on time, you can gradually build your creditworthiness and potentially qualify for more premium credit products down the road.

But what credit threshold do you actually need to land one of these easiest store credit cards to get? The answer varies significantly across retailers—and understanding these requirements could save you from unnecessary hard inquiries that damage your score.

Understanding FICO Score Categories

Before targeting specific retailers, it helps to know where you stand. According to Experian, credit ratings break down as follows:

• Exceptional: 800-850
• Very Good: 740-799
• Good: 670-739
• Fair: 580-669
• Poor: 300-579

Your position within these ranges directly impacts both approval odds and the credit terms you’ll receive. Lower scores mean higher interest rates, reduced credit limits, and more stringent approval conditions.

The Retail Store Card Landscape: Credit Thresholds Across Major Retailers

The Accessible Tier (580+)

Several major retailers have made store cards available to those with fair credit:

Home Depot Store Card requires just 580+. With no annual fee, it offers promotional financing on select purchases—a genuine advantage for those planning home improvement projects.

Amazon’s store card options follow a similar pattern. While their Prime Visa and standard Amazon Visa require 670+, the Amazon Store Card is accessible at 580+, giving Prime members and general shoppers different pathways.

Best Buy takes a strategic approach: their premium Best Buy Credit Card needs 670+, but applicants who don’t qualify are automatically considered for the Best Buy Store Card at 580+. This two-tier system means you’re not automatically rejected—you may still access their store card.

Target’s Credit Card starts at 580+, though their Target Mastercard requires 670+. This dual offering lets consumers choose based on their score range.

The Mid-Tier Requirements (640+)

Kohl’s, Lowe’s, and Walmart cluster around the 640+ mark, sitting between the most accessible options and premium tier cards. Kohl’s notably offers a pre-qualification tool to check your likelihood without triggering a hard inquiry—a useful feature since multiple hard inquiries can further damage your score.

The Lowe’s Advantage Card appeals to frequent shoppers with its rewards structure, while Walmart’s online application process provides convenience for quick applicants.

Why Hard Inquiries Matter

One critical consideration before applying: most store card applications trigger hard inquiries. Multiple inquiries in a short timeframe can temporarily lower your score. Research which cards match your credit profile before submitting applications. Know your score beforehand—this single step prevents wasted applications and unnecessary credit damage.

The Strategy for Building Credit

The reasoning behind using easiest store credit cards to get as a credit-building tool is straightforward: responsible payment history is the foundation of creditworthiness. As you demonstrate reliability, creditors typically increase your available credit. Over time, this positive history becomes your ticket to qualifying for better terms on larger loans and apartment applications.

For those with fair or poor credit, starting with a card requiring upfront deposits may be necessary to prove reliability. However, the pathway remains the same: consistent on-time payments eventually lead to better credit terms and expanded opportunities.