What Credit Score Requirements Apply to Retail Store Credit Cards in 2026?

Building credit through retail store cards has long been a strategic entry point for consumers looking to establish creditworthiness. These cards are typically easier to obtain than traditional credit cards, and responsible payment patterns can lead to increased credit limits over time. However, qualifying for a retail store credit card requires understanding your credit score and the specific requirements set by each retailer. The question that many applicants face is straightforward: What credit score do I actually need?

Understanding FICO Credit Score Ranges and What They Mean

According to Experian, one of the major credit reporting agencies, FICO scores are categorized into distinct ranges that define your creditworthiness:

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

Each range tells lenders something different about your financial history. Your position within these ranges directly influences whether you’ll be approved for a retail store credit card and what terms you’ll receive. Understanding where your score falls is the first step toward knowing which cards are within reach.

How a Lower Credit Score Impacts Your Credit Card Prospects

A lower credit score doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t get approved for a retail store card, but it does create barriers. As your score decreases, lenders perceive higher risk, which manifests in several ways. First, approval becomes less certain. Second, if you are approved, the credit limit extended to you will likely be smaller. Third, and perhaps most importantly, interest rates climb significantly for those with lower scores compared to applicants with higher ratings.

Experian notes that numerous factors influence your FICO score, including payment history, credit utilization, length of credit history, credit mix, and new inquiries. If you currently sit in the fair or poor range, you may benefit from taking time to improve your standing before applying. Alternatively, you might need to start with a card that requires an upfront deposit or prepayment to prove your creditworthiness before accessing unsecured credit.

Critical Steps Before Submitting Your Credit Card Application

One essential concept to grasp before applying is the difference between soft and hard inquiries. A hard inquiry—which occurs when a lender checks your credit to make an approval decision—can actually lower your score slightly. Multiple hard inquiries within a short timeframe compound this damage, potentially dropping your score by several points. This is why it’s crucial to research your current score before clicking “apply” on any retailer’s application.

Many retailers allow you to check if you pre-qualify for their cards without triggering a hard inquiry. This soft inquiry process gives you valuable insight into your likelihood of approval without the credit hit. While pre-qualification doesn’t guarantee approval, it significantly improves your odds and protects your score from unnecessary damage.

Minimum Credit Score Requirements by Retailer

Different retailers set different credit score thresholds for their store cards. Here’s what you’re typically up against:

Amazon

• Prime Visa: 670+
• Amazon Visa: 670+
• Store Card: 580+

Amazon offers flexibility across its card portfolio, with the Store Card being the most accessible option for those rebuilding credit.

Best Buy

• Credit Card: 670+
• Store Card: 580+

Best Buy’s two-tier system means if you don’t qualify for the main credit card, you’re automatically considered for their store card at a lower threshold.

Home Depot

• Store Card: 580+

Home Depot’s store card features no annual fee and includes deferred interest on qualifying purchases, making it attractive for those with fair credit.

Kohl’s

• Card: 640+

Kohl’s sits in the middle range, requiring a slightly higher score than some competitors but still accessible to those with fair credit.

Lowe’s

• Advantage Card: 640+

The Lowe’s Advantage Card provides perks for frequent shoppers and requires a similar score to Kohl’s.

Target

• Circle Card Credit Card: 580+
• Circle Card Mastercard: 670+

Target gives applicants options depending on their score range, with the regular credit card being accessible to those with fair credit.

Walmart

• Credit Card: 640+

Walmart’s online application process is straightforward, though you’ll need a credit score in the 640+ range for approval consideration.

Strategic Tips for Boosting Your Approval Odds

If your current credit score falls below what a retailer requires, don’t rush into applications. Instead, take proactive steps to strengthen your position. Pay down existing balances to lower your credit utilization ratio. Make all payments on time for several months to demonstrate reliability. Dispute any errors on your credit report that might be dragging down your score.

When you feel ready to apply, start with retailers that have lower thresholds—typically those in the 580+ range. Success with a low-threshold card and consistent, responsible usage can lead to credit limit increases and improved eligibility for higher-tier cards down the road. Remember that each application is a hard inquiry, so space out your applications by at least a few months to minimize the cumulative impact on your score.

Your journey toward building or rebuilding credit through retail store cards is entirely possible with the right approach and realistic expectations about where your credit score currently stands.