Store credit cards are the perfect accompaniment to any regular shopper with a particular brand they are loyal to. They are a good alternative to regular credit cards, as they can provide additional benefits and perks on larger purchases. The best store credit cards go beyond that and provide their users with regular benefits, which increase with prolonged use. To that end, here are the best store credit cards for 2020.

Macy’s Credit Card

Macy’s revised their rewards program in 2018, and now have 3 reward tiers, namely Silver, Gold, and Platinum. These are based on the total spending a person does, on a yearly basis. According to the store this has encouraged shoppers to spend more via Macy’s credit card. Let’s see each tier up close:

Silver: Shoppers who spend over $499 annually get up to 25% off on any purchase made on any day of their choosing. Macy’s offers Star Pass coupons to cardholders, which can be redeemed to avail the discounted purchase.

 Gold: this tier is for shoppers who spend $500-1199 annually. Shoppers can avail all the benefits of the Silver tier, as well as free shipping on any online purchase, with no minimum cost requirement.

Platinum: This is the highest possible tier, and is for shoppers who spend over %1200 annually. Perks include all of the Silver and Gold benefits, as well as, 5% return in rewards, on each purchase. After spending $200, Platinum tier shoppers make $10 in Star Money on store products.

A bonus feature of this card is that it’s one of the best credit cards for students.

Gap Credit Card

Gap gives shoppers a bonus of 15% upon signing up, on the first purchase. Any purchase made at Gap stores returns points at a rate of 5 points per dollar spent. In addition, Visa cards that are used to purchase Gap merchandise at other stores, provide 1 point per dollar spent. These points can give back $5 on every 500 points. This amounts to a 5% discount on all spending at a Gap store.

In addition to the above, cardholders receive several offers and perks, related to special events and promotions. Offers include some extra reward points on purchases made in Tuesdays, with an additional 10% off on all merchandise, a waiver on the return receipt policy of the company, and various bonus birthday promotions.

Costco Credit Card

The Costco credit card offers a large number of benefits, ranging from basic spending-based rewards, to travel protection and perks, and even discounts on other stores. The following are some of the reward highlights from Costco.

  • Rewards evaluated at every February billing cycle, with total rewards redeemable for any item at Costco.
  • 4% cash back at Costco gas stations on the spending of $7,000, via the Citi Costco Anywhere Visa Credit Card.
  • 3% cash back on many travel purchases and most restaurants, and 2% cash back at Costco.com and Costco stores.
  • Global car rental insurance, as long as the rental cost is paid via the Citi Costco Anywhere Visa card.
  • Emergency roadside assistance (in the US, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands).
  • Early access to tickets for countrywide events and shows.

Costco also gives additional theft and/or damage warranty on all goods purchased via the card. It’s also one of the best credit cards for college students.

Banana Republic Credit Card

Banana Republic is owned by Gap, and so your cards can be regarded as Gap credit cards too. This means that your Banana Republic card can be availed at Piperlime, Old Navy, Athleta and Gap stores. For every $200 spent, you get a $10 reward card, redeemable at any Gap merchandise store. 

Upon signing up for the card, you get 15% off on all purchases that day, as well as, 2,000 reward points. If you spend up to $800 in one year on the card, you can upgrade to the Banana Republic Luxe card, which gets you 5% off on a single day. You also get triple-point days and basic alterations on products, for free.

Banana Republic also offers a Visa card, which lets you accumulate reward points whenever you buy Gap merchandise at any store other than Gap. You get 1 point for each dollar spent on this card, and for every 1,000 points accumulated, you receive a $10 reward card which you can redeem at a Gap store.

Conclusion

Store credit cards can sometimes have smaller credit limits, and higher interest rates, than normal credit cards. In addition, stores that offer credit cards limited to their merchandise only, can have limitations on reward points and cash back offers.

In addition, some stores have only clothing and accessories, and there is only so much you can purchase of that on a regular basis. However, such stores have a number of promotions which cardholders can take advantage of.

In any case, make sure you read the terms and conditions on these cards, and also take a look at the offers and promotions, before issuing one.