Store credit cards

What is a store credit card?

Store credit cards are normal credit cards except they give you extra benefits when shopping at specific stores. You might be able to earn more reward points at the store, get complimentary shipping or exclusive offers.

There are 3 store credit card brands in Australia, covering supermarkets, department stores and online retailers:

• Coles (Mastercard)
• Kogan (Visa)
• David Jones (Mastercard)

The Myer Credit Card has not been available for new applications since 2020 but is still listed on the Myer website. Woolworths no longer offers its Everyday Platinum credit card.

What benefits do store credit cards offer?

• Reward points. Most store cards in Australia offer points per $1 spent on eligible purchases. You usually earn the highest amount of points for spending with the store and a lower amount for spending everywhere else.
• Store perks. Some store cards give you access to exclusive offers and benefits. For example, a Kogan Money Credit Card gives you access to complimentary Kogan First membership (typically $99 per year), which allows you to get exclusive shopping deals, complimentary shipping on eligible purchases and other perks.
• Instalment plans. Similar to buy now pay later, a credit card instalment plan lets you pay off eligible purchases or balances over a set period of time, with fixed payments. Some retail credit cards also offer low or 0% interest rates on the instalment plan.
• Other benefits. Depending on the store card you choose, you could also get perks such as complimentary insurance, 0% foreign transaction fees and exclusive shopping, dining and travel offers through either Visa or Mastercard. And if you're a new cardholder, you could get bonus points, cashback or introductory 0% interest rate offers.

Comparison: Store card rewards, other benefits and features

To give you an idea of the potential value you can get from a store credit card, the table below includes details of reward point earn rates, other benefits and annual fees offered on 2 store cards you can currently get in Australia.

How to compare store credit cards

As well as comparing the benefits of a store card, make sure you consider the following features so you can find one that suits your needs:

• Card acceptance. Currently, the major store cards in Australia can be used anywhere Mastercard or Visa cards are accepted. But if you're not sure where you can use a store card, look for the Mastercard, Visa or American Express logo on the card or ask the provider before you apply.
• Annual fee. Store credit card annual fees typically range from $0 to $99 or more. But just like other credit cards, they can be higher. Store credit card interest rates typically range from 13.49% p.a. to 20.99% p.a. (variable) for purchases. But cash advance and expired promotional rates could be higher.
• Payment plan rates and fees. If your store card offers long-term payment plans for in-store purchases, make sure you check for establishment and maintenance fees.
• Introductory 0% interest rate offers. If you have existing card debt you'd like to transfer to a new store credit card, you may be able to get a promotional 0% interest rate if you request the transfer at the time of your application. Sometimes, store credit cards will offer an introductory 0% interest rate for purchases, too. This can help you save on interest in the short term if you've got some big-ticket items to buy. Just remember to check the standard rate that will apply to the debt if you don't pay it off during the introductory period.

Should I get a store credit card?

If you're not sure if a store credit card right for you, ask yourself these questions:

• How often do I shop at this store? Justifying an unnecessary purchase on the basis that you have earned some points is poor thinking. Not only could you end up with a purchase of little value, but you may take your balance into an area that you cannot pay off in full.
• Would I be better off with a more general rewards card? Store cards are for die-hards who shop at that outlet a lot. For most shoppers, a general purpose rewards credit card gives you bank reward points that are more flexible, and possibly more valuable.
• Will the benefits I get outweigh the card's annual fee? You should always look at the value of the points and other card benefits and compare them to the card's annual fee.

"I shop at Coles a lot, so I was tempted to get a Coles credit card for extra Flybuys points. But my main credit card goal was to earn Velocity Points. So I chose a card that lets me earn Velocity Points directly. This works out better, and I still convert Flybuys to Velocity Points. I joined Coles Plus Saver to earn even more points. "

Richard Whitten

Senior Money Editor

Frequently asked questions

• Do store cards count as credit cards?

  Most store cards in Australia are credit cards with American Express, Mastercard or Visa functionality. This means you can use them anywhere regular credit cards are accepted. It also means that details of the store card will be added to your credit history.

• Can I use a retail branded credit card anywhere?

  Yes, as long as the card has a Visa, Mastercard or American Express logo, you can use it anywhere these cards are accepted. Note that you may earn reward points at a different rate when you make a purchase at a retailer that has no affiliation with the retail brand. Check the terms and conditions for specific information about transactions that are eligible and ineligible to earn points.

• How do I get an interest-free period on a store card?

  Some store credit cards have an extended interest-free promotion on purchases. Usually you’ll need to present your store card and/or spend a specific amount on eligible purchases to use one of these 0% interest offers. Note that fees may also apply.

  Most store cards also offer up to a certain number of interest-free days on purchases for each statement period. Just be sure to pay your account in full each month and you won’t get charged any interest on the purchases you make during the next statement period.

• Can I transfer my credit card balance to a store credit card?

  If the card you're after has an active balance transfer promotion, you can transfer your credit card debt to a store credit card. Generally, you elect to transfer a balance from another credit card at the point of application for the new product.

  However, you won't be able to transfer your credit card balance to a store card that is designed only for spending at a particular store.

• Can I balance transfer a store card debt to a credit card?

  Yes, most balance transfer credit cards will accept debts from store cards, as well as other credit cards that are not issued by the same financial institution. You’ll just need to include details of your store card account and debt when you apply for the balance transfer.

• What store cards work with Apple Pay?

  Coles and Kogan credit cards can be added to Apple Pay. If you're interested in getting a credit card that works with Apple Pay, check out this guide to compare other options.

Written by

Amy Bradney-George

Journalist

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Amy is an experienced journalist with over 16 years of experience, contributing to major publications like Money Magazine, The Sydney Morning Herald, and ABC News Australia. Specialising in personal finance, she frequently appeared in media outlets and on radio. Amy holds a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Drama from Griffith University and earned RG146 certifications in Tier 1 Generic Knowledge and Tier 2 General Advice Deposit Products, ensuring her expertise is grounded in current financial regulations. Amy was Finder's Senior Writer for Credit Cards from 2016 to 2024. See full bio

Amy's expertise

Amy has written 415 Finder guides across topics including:

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Co-written by

Richard Whitten

Senior Money Editor

Richard Whitten is Finder’s Senior Money Editor, with over eight years of experience in home loans, property, credit cards and personal finance. His insights appear in top media outlets like Yahoo Finance, Money Magazine, and the Herald Sun, and he frequently offers expert commentary on television and radio, helping Australians navigate mortgages and property ownership. Richard started his career in education and textbook publishing in South Korea. He holds multiple industry certifications, including a Certificate IV in Mortgage Broking (RG 206) and Tier 1 and Tier 2 certifications (RG 146), as well as a Bachelor of Education from the University of Sydney and a Graduate Certificate in Communications from Deakin University. See full bio

Richard's expertise

Richard has written 755 Finder guides across topics including:

• Home loans
• Credit cards
• Personal finance
• Money-saving tips