Instant Approval Department Store Credit Cards (Easiest Ones to Get)

Mannequins on display inside a department store

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If you frequently shop at a particular department store and are looking to improve or repair your credit score, a department store credit card is an option to consider.

Department store credit cards tend to have low approval requirements and offer discounts through cardholder coupons and special offers. Many provide approval decisions within minutes of submitting your application.

Below, we list the department store credit cards that offer instant approval.

What We Recommend

The overall best department store credit card with instant approval is the TJX Rewards Credit Card.

While other cards like Saks Fifth Avenue have slightly lower APRs, the TJX Rewards Credit Card has some of the lowest late payment fees and charges no annual fee.

Additionally, TJX Rewards offers both a Mastercard you can use anywhere and a closed-loop card valid at all five of its stores (T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Homesense, or Sierra Trading Post).

Comparison Table

Use the table below to compare the department stores with instant approval credit cards.

You can sort the table using the arrows at the top of any column. Select each store name or scroll down to the list for more details.

Department Store Credit requirement APR (approx.)
NordstromGood 28%
BelkFair 26%
Boscov'sFair 27%
Saks Fifth AvenueGood 24%
Kohl'sFair 27%
Macy'sGood 29%
JCPenneyGood 27%
Neiman MarcusGood 27%
SearsGood 27%
TJXGood 28%
Dillard'sGood 27%

The List

Below, we list the department store credit cards that provide an approval decision immediately after you apply. We’ve ordered the list starting with the best overall options.

Keep in mind that these cards do require credit checks, and whenever a business does a “hard” credit check, it can lower your credit score by a few points.

Additionally, department store credit cards often have high interest rates compared to other credit cards.

If you don’t shop at department stores frequently, don’t think you’ll be able to pay off your purchases before they accrue interest, or you can get approved for a card with a better interest rate, you might want to consider a different credit card.

See our list of the best credit cards to consider.

TJX Rewards logo

TJX Rewards Credit Card

  • Open or closed loop: Both — there’s a closed-loop store card (valid at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Homesense, and Sierra Trading Post) and a Mastercard[1][2]
  • Credit requirement: Good[3]
  • Incentives:
    • 5% back in rewards at  TJX stores[1]
    • Access to private shopping events[1]
  • APR: About 28%[2]
  • Annual fee: None[2]
  • Late payment fee: Up to $38[2]
  • Apply

Saks logo

Saks Fifth Avenue SaksFirst Card

  • Open or closed loop: Both; offers a closed-loop store card and an open-loop Mastercard[4]
  • Credit requirement: Good[5]
  • Incentives:
    • Earn up to six points per dollar you spend with your SaksFirst rewards membership[4]
    • Earn a $25 gift card for every 2,500 rewards points[4]
    • Exclusive access to collection previews, events, and private sales[4]
  • APR: About 24%[6]
  • Annual fee: None[6]
  • Late payment fee: Up to $35[6]
  • Apply

Dillards logo

Dillard’s Card

  • Open or closed loop: Both; offers a closed-loop store card and an American Express card[7]
  • Credit requirement: Good[8]
  • Incentives:
    • Earn one to two rewards points for every dollar you spend[7]
    • Receive a 10% off or $10 rewards certificate each time you earn 1,500 points[7]
  • APR: Around 27% for both cards[9][10]
  • Annual fee: None[9][10]
  • Late payment fee: Up to $40[9][10]
  • Apply

Nordstrom logo

Nordstrom Credit Card

  • Open or closed loop: Both; offers a retail credit card and a Visa card[11]
  • Credit requirement: Good[12]
  • Incentives:
    • Earn one to three points per dollar you spend[11]
    • Insider status in The Nordy Club[11]
  • APR: About 28%[13]
  • Annual fee: None[11]
  • Late payment fee: Up to $40[13]
  • Apply

Belk logo

Belk Credit Card

  • Open or closed loop: Both; offers a store card and a Mastercard[14]
  • Credit requirement: Fair[15]
  • Incentives:
    • 20% off most purchases at Belk[14]
    • 3% to 5% back in rewards on Belk purchases and 1% to 2% back on other purchases[14]
    • $10 Belk Reward Dollars bonus[14]
  • APR: About 26%[16]
  • Annual fee: None[16]
  • Late payment fee: Up to $40[16]
  • Apply

Neiman Marcus logo

Neiman Marcus Credit Card

  • Open or closed loop: Closed; valid at Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, Last Call, and Horchow[17]
  • Credit requirement: Good; see our previous research for more information on your Neiman Marcus credit card approval odds.
  • Incentives:
    • Earn up to five points for every dollar you spend[17]
    • Earn a $100 gift card for every 10,000 points you earn[17]
    • Get 5,000 bonus points if you make a purchase within 30 days of opening the card[17]
  • APR: About 27%[18]
  • Annual fee: None[18]
  • Late payment fee: Up to $40[18]
  • Apply

Sears logo

Sears Card

  • Open or closed loop: Both; offers a store card and a Mastercard[19]
  • Credit requirement: Good[20]
  • Incentives:
    • Exclusive events for cardholders[19]
    • Special financing promotions[19]
    • Mastercard members can earn points on purchases at gas stations, restaurants, and stores[19]
  • APR: About 27%[21]
  • Annual fee: None[21]
  • Late payment fee: Up to $40[21]
  • Apply

Kohls logo

Kohl’s Card

  • Open or closed loop: Closed[22]
  • Credit requirement: Fair[23]
  • Incentives:
    • 35% off your first purchase with the Kohl’s Card[22]
    • Cardholder anniversary and birthday offers[22]
    • Free shipping opportunities[22]
  • APR: About 27%[24]
  • Annual fee: None[24]
  • Late payment fee: Up to $40[24]
  • Apply

JCPenney logo

JCPenney Credit Card

  • Open or closed loop: Closed[25]
  • Credit requirement: Fair[25]
  • Incentives:
    • Savings of 5% to 15% off on purchases like electronics, apparel, jewelry, and home goods[25]
    • Special financing offers on furniture, mattresses, jewelry, and other high-value items[25]
    • Earn one reward point for every dollar you spend[25]
  • APR: About 27%[26]
  • Annual fee: None[26]
  • Late payment fee: Up to $41[26]
  • Apply

Macys logo

Macy’s Card

  • Open or closed loop: Both; offers a closed-loop store card and an American Express card[27]
  • Credit requirement: Good[28]
  • Incentives:
    • 20% off same-day and next-day purchases after opening your card (with a maximum savings of $100)[27]
    • 1% to 5% back in rewards[29]
  • APR: About 29%[30][31]
  • Annual fee: None[30][31]
  • Late payment fee: Up to $41[30][31]
  • Apply

Boscovs logo

Boscov’s Credit Card

  • Open or closed loop: Closed[32]
  • Credit requirement: Fair[33]
  • Incentives:
    • Two points for every $1 spent (four points per $1 for cosmetic and fragrance purchases)[32]
    • Exclusive cardholder savings events[32]
    • Birthday and holiday savings certificate[32]
    • Bonus rewards points for your cardholder anniversary[32]
    • Special financing offers in some departments[32]
  • APR: About 27%[34]
  • Annual fee: None[34]
  • Late payment fee: Up to $41[34]
  • Apply

See our related research for more instant approval credit card options (including other retailers like Amazon).

  1. https://tjmaxx.tjx.com/store/jump/topic/TJX-Rewards-Credit-Card/2400012[][][]
  2. https://apply.syf.com/cs/groups/public/documents/et_tcdoc/e044647.pdf[][][][]
  3. T.J. Maxx customer service (800) 926-6299[]
  4. https://www.saksfifthavenue.com/saks-first[][][][]
  5. Saks Fifth Avenue customer service (877) 551-7257[]
  6. https://www.capitalone.com/media/doc/credit-cards/Credit-Card-Agreement-for-Saks-Retail-Cards-in-Capital-One-N.A-q3.pdf[][][]
  7. https://www.dillards.com/c/CardApply[][][]
  8. Dillard’s customer service (800) 345-5273[]
  9. https://retailservices.wellsfargo.com/pdf/ccra/dillards-credit-card.pdf[][][]
  10. https://retailservices.wellsfargo.com/pdf/ccra/dillards-american-express-card.pdf[][][]
  11. https://www.nordstrom.com/creditcard/entry?cc=AA1006[][][][]
  12. Nordstrom customer service (888) 246-8720[]
  13. https://www.nordstrom.com/creditcard/static/terms/Nordstrom_Credit_Card_Agreement.pdf[][]
  14. https://www.belk.com/belk-credit-card-rewards-benefits.html?sitecode=BEECFL7D0[][][][]
  15. Belk Rewards Credit Card customer service (800) 669-6550[]
  16. https://apply.syf.com/cs/groups/public/documents/et_tcdoc/e048194.pdf[][][]
  17. https://www.neimanmarcus.com/c/NM/NM-Credit-Card-cat18480743[][][][]
  18. https://www.neimanmarcus.com/c/nm-nm-credit-card-cat18480743[][][]
  19. https://www.sears.com/universalprofile/ApplyCitiSearsCard?upid=3[][][][]
  20. Sears Card customer service (800) 917-7700[]
  21. https://citiretailservices.citibankonline.com/CRS/acq/apply/fetchPdf.action?sc=4162&langId=EN[][][]
  22. https://www.kohls.com/sale-event/my-kohls-charge.jsp?icid=benefitskccfooter[][][][]
  23. Kohl’s customer service (855) 564-5748[]
  24. https://corporate.kohls.com/Legal/CardmemberAgreement.pdf[][][]
  25. https://www.jcpenney.com/m/plcc-benefits[][][][][]
  26. https://apply.syf.com/cs/groups/public/documents/et_tcdoc/e042839.pdf[][][]
  27. https://www.macys.com/my-credit/gateway/guest[][]
  28. Macy’s credit customer service (888) 257-6757[]
  29. https://www.macys.com/p/credit-service/benefits/?acquisitionOrigin=GlbNavFooterBenefits&cm_sp=navigation-_-bottom_nav-_-cardholder_benefits&lid=glbbtmnav_cardholder_benefits-us[]
  30. https://www.macys.com/dyn_img/banners/Macys_Credit_Card_Agreement.pdf[][][]
  31. https://www.macys.com/dyn_img/banners/Macys_American_Express_Card_Agreement.pdf[][][]
  32. https://www.boscovs.com/boscovs-credit-card[][][][][][]
  33. Boscov’s Credit Card customer service (844) 271-2778[]
  34. https://www.boscovs.com/boscovs-credit-card-apply[][][]

Suggested

19 comments - Comments are closed.


  • Rebecca Powell

    I can wait just didn’t know they had beds I need a full size one we got two air mattress and both got holes in them fast and i have broke leg that has be amputated but I’ll try them

  • Rebecca

    Could someone please help me I want apply for department credit card we are on disability and credit not that great we did get approved for loan but it not showing payment on credit yet and Fingerhut but ain’t used yet rather have local store we lost everything in flood and just can’t afford pay cash right out we don’t get but 800 month so I don’t know if any would approve us and don’t want run bunch hard credit reports it lowrts your score plzz any recommendations who to tty

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Rebecca,

      Sorry to hear about the flood! If you have an address to send things too and can wait a couple days for shipping, it’s pretty easy to get approved for Amazon’s credit card. I would recommend taking a look at this article: The 13 Easiest Store Credit Cards to Get. We also list some of the toughest to get, so you know what to avoid. Several department stores made that list, so you should find something that can help.

      You might also want to consider soft pull credit cards. A soft pull doesn’t affect your credit score, so you won’t have to worry as much about the risk of losing a few point only to not even be approved. We also have a list of those: Soft Pull Credit Cards and Store Cards.

  • Dawn Sciarrino

    I already have just about every card on the list but I applied for a Boscov’s which said your credit could be bad, mine is above average and I was denied! I never get denied credit.

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

      Hi Dawn,

      While I can’t say why Boscov’s denied you credit, now may be a good time to contact one or more of the credit reporting bureaus to check on the health of your credit. You’re entitled to a free credit report every 12 months from each of the three nationwide credit reporting agencies. You can find out how to order a copy of your credit report here.

      • Name* (displayed publicly)

        I have a Walmart card what companies are these card with what banks can I still get another credit card

  • Donald J Roberts

    Use it like a credit card how long do you have to pay it back

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Donald,

      You’ll have to make a payment once a month. If you chose the minimum payment, rather than to pay the balance, you’ll also be charged interest on the next month’s statement.

  • S. Trahan

    If you are looking for instant approval on a credit card Dillard’s does offer approval within seconds of applying. Only takes about 2 minutes to apply. I work for them and I process credit applications all the time.

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Laura Bachmann

      Hi Trahan! Yes, you’re totally right. I called to confirm, and Dillard’s told me that yes, it’s almost always instant, unless there is some problem and they need to consult with their credit department. We’ve updated the article to reflect this correction! Thanks for helping us catch this error!

      • Booney

        Hi I may be a little confused.
        Are you saying Instant Approval meaning you will automatically be approved for their credit card or Instantly Approval meaning you will instantly get the results ( Approved/Not Approved)

        • First Quarter Finance logo
          First Quarter Finance | Kathleen Wilson

          Hi Booney,
          Thanks for the question. Most credit cards take days (or even weeks) for you to hear back if you’ve been approved or not. In this article, when we say Instant Approval, we mean that you’ll get results back instantly about if you’ve been approved or not approved – (usually just after the department store does a quick phone call to check your credit. Hope this helps clear up the confusion!

    • S.h

      Where can i go to apply for dillard

      • First Quarter Finance logo
        First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

        Hi there!

        You can either go to your local Dillard’s and apply in-store, or you can call them at 1-800-643-8276 to receive an application by mail.

  • S. Trahan

    Dillard’s does have instant credit.

  • S. Trahan

    Dollar’s does have instant approval on their credit card. I don’t know where you got your info.

  • S.Hope

    After reading this a few months ago i applied for everyone you said was an instant approval and got rejected by every single one.So I guess thungs have changed since this was written.

    • First Quarter Finance logo
      First Quarter Finance | Rebecca Turley

      Hi there,

      Unfortunately, instant approval doesn’t mean absolute approval. In other words, these companies still run your credit to determine your credit worthiness.

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