The Best Credit Cards of 2026
Money.com has partnered with CardRatings.com to cover credit card products. Cash and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers. Our site does not include all card companies or all card offers available. The cards below are arranged in alphabetical order.
The best credit cards can bring more value to the money you already spend.
Retail cards offer accelerated rewards for spending at a specific store or site, as well as access to special sales and discounts. Whether you’re shopping for groceries, clothing, home improvement items or electronics, a retail credit card can provide you with valuable value.
We selected the best retail credit cards after evaluating the top cards across several retail categories, focusing on rewards, benefits and potential challenges. Read on for our top picks and tips for choosing the best retail credit card for your shopping habits.
Our Top Picks for the Best Retail Credit Cards of 2026
All prices and data are current as of Feb. 24, 2026.
Best Credit Cards Reviews
Why we chose it: Amazon Visa from Chase offers a $50 Amazon gift card upon approval; unlimited 3% back on Amazon.com, Whole Foods Markets and Chase Travel purchases; 2% back at gas stations, restaurants and local transportation (including rideshares); and 1% back on all other purchases.
The merchant-focused card has APRs of 18.74% to 27.49%, with a balance transfer fee of $5 or 4% — whichever is greater. There is no annual fee, and customers can use their points as soon as the next day. Chase’s Amazon Visa does not charge an international transaction fee.
Additionally, benefits include extended warranty and purchase protection, baggage delay insurance, lost baggage reimbursement of up to $3,000 per covered customer, travel accident insurance and car rental.
Terms apply. Please click here for current rates and fees.
Why we chose it: The Amazon Business Prime American Express Card is the best retail credit card for businesses because it offers instant rewards earned through business-friendly tiers and no annual fee.
The card’s current offer is a $125 Amazon gift card, which new cardholders receive on approval rather than meeting a spending limit. The card’s APR varies between 17.74% and 25.74%.
Business owners and employees who frequently use Amazon will get more from this card, which offers 5x rewards on US Amazon purchases up to $120,000 per year (one point per $1 thereafter). The card offers double points for spending on food, fuel and wireless phone service, and 1x points on all other purchases. While there is no annual fee, a prime membership is required to receive an accelerated rate of Amazon rewards.
Terms apply. Please click here for current rates and fees.
Why we chose it: The PlayStation Visa Credit Card from Community Bank is the best retail card for gamers because it offers 5% points on PlayStation products.
This card offers a generous sign-up bonus and award multipliers in player-friendly categories. Its variable APR ranges from 17.74% to 31.74%. There is no annual fee, but its balance transfer fee is $10 or 5% (whichever is greater).
New cardholders can get a $100 statement credit after spending $500 in the first 60 days. Cardholders get 5% back on PlayStation products, including both digital and hardware purchases like consoles and gear. In addition, cardholders earn an average of 3% rewards on broadcast, internet and cable subscriptions and 2% on dining (including takeout and delivery). Other purchases earn rewards at a rate of 1%.
Terms apply. Please click here for current rates and fees.
Why we chose it: American Eagle’s Real Rewards Visa is the best in-store rewards credit card for fans of American Eagle and Aerie brands because it offers great rewards with no annual fee.
There’s no annual fee, and the card’s APR is variable (currently 33.49%). New cardholders get 20% off their first purchase when they sign up, and ongoing rewards at American Eagle and Aerie are 16%. Other spending (anywhere Visa cards are accepted) earns rewards at a rate of 2%.
Cardholders get free shipping and access to special sales.
Terms apply. Please click here for current rates and fees.
Why we chose it: The REI Co-op Mastercard is the best retail credit card for outdoor enthusiasts because it offers 5% rewards on REI Co-op purchases and no annual fee.
The cardholder’s APR will be 17.49%, 24.49% or 28.49% (variable), depending on credit eligibility. New cardholders can earn a $100 REI credit for using their card on non-REI purchases within the first 60 days.
The REI Co-op Mastercard has a 5% rewards rate on spending at REI and 1.5% on spending everywhere else. There are no international transaction fees, but Capital One charges a 3% balance transfer fee.
Terms apply. Please click here for current rates and fees.
Why we chose this card: The Sam’s Club Mastercard from Synchrony is the best of the electric, dining and warehouse club rewards because it gives you 5% back on gas anywhere (including non-Sam’s Club gas stations), 3% I’m back with Sam’s money from Sam’s Club that bought Plus memberships and 3% back on food.
This card has an APR of 20.15% or 28.15% and no annual fee. New cardholders can receive a $30 statement credit as a sign-up bonus after using the card for $30 in eligible Sam’s Club spending within 30 days.
The Sam’s Club Mastercard offers 5% back on the first $6,000 in gas and EV spending per year (1% after that), plus 3% on dining and takeout, and 1% everywhere else. Members also earn 3% cash back on Sam’s Club spending. Cardholders need to maintain an active Sam’s Club membership.
Terms apply. Please click here for current rates and fees.
Best Credit Cards FAQs
What is the best credit card for retail stores?
According to Money’s way, the best retail credit card is the Prime Visa® Card because you earn 5% cash back on purchases at Amazon and Whole Foods and Chase Travel and 2% back on gas stations, restaurants, and local and commuter transportation (including rideshare), and an unlimited 1% back on all other purchases. The best retail store credit card will depend on the stores you frequent. Each card has different benefits, so choosing one that fits your spending patterns can help maximize your savings.
What is the best store credit card for building credit?
Most store credit cards are available to consumers with limited or fair credit, making them great credit-building tools when used responsibly. The Target Circle™ Card and the American Eagle Outfitters Credit Card are popular options if you’re just starting out. These cards report activity to the major credit bureaus, so by making timely payments and keeping your balance low, you can gradually improve your credit score while earning rewards and discounts at your favorite stores.
What are the disadvantages of store credit cards?
While retail credit cards offer attractive rewards and discounts, they often come with high interest rates and limited usability outside of their associated stores. For example, store-specific cards like the Lowe’s Advantage card offer great savings on home improvement projects but may have less flexibility compared to general-purpose cards. Additionally, some cards require regular purchases or the activation of special financial offers to maximize their benefits, which may not be suitable for all consumers.
How are retail credit cards different from traditional credit cards?
Retail credit cards are usually branded with a store and offer rewards or discounts specific to that retailer. Traditional credit cards, on the other hand, offer flexible rewards and can be used anywhere the card network (eg, Visa, Mastercard) is accepted. For example, Gap Inc. The Visa Credit Card allows you to earn rewards on both Gap brands and anywhere Visa is accepted.
How We Picked the Best Credit Cards of 2026
The best credit cards come from your favorite stores and offer special store-specific promotions and benefits. These cards are rated in terms of sign-up bonuses, store rewards, other store benefits and fees.
| Retail/Store Awards | Signup Bonus/Promotions | Low or No Fees | Other Perks |
| 40% | 30% | 20% | 10% |
- Retail or Store Awards: Retail and value rewards and redemption offers.
- Signup Bonus: Amount of contributions for new cardholder consumers.
- Payments and APR: Credit checks and APRs, as commercial cards tend to have higher rates.
- Other benefits: Store-specific discounts, special financial offers or special rewards for shopping at partner stores.
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