Big Lots credit card review: A store card to skip

Big Lots credit card overview

If you do a lot of shopping at Big Lots, the Big Lots credit card may have been on your radar. But since the card, which is no longer accepting applications, has a terrible rewards-earning structure and can only be used at Big Lots, you're better off opening a card that earns general rewards instead. Card rating*: ⭐

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

Store cards can be appealing to those who shop frequently at a particular brand. A store card may also catch your eye if you have no or low credit since they're often relatively easy to get approved for. If you fall under either category, you may have wondered if the Comenity Bank Big Lots credit card is the right choice.

But even if you're a Big Lots loyalist — and this card was still open to new applicants — you'd likely want to avoid getting it. It's extremely limited in its earning potential and even more so with its redemption options.

The Big Lots credit card has no annual fee; if you could still apply for it, we'd recommend you have a credit score of 650 or higher to increase your chances of approval.

Now, let's dive into the card details and why it fails to impress.

The information for the Big Lots credit card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Big Lots card pros and cons

Related: How to choose the best credit card for you

Big Lots card welcome offer

Many store cards don't have a traditional welcome offer, but most at least give new cardholders a discount on the first in-store purchase made with the card.

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When the Big Lots credit card was available, the store landing page mentioned that a discount would be offered to new Big Lots credit card holders. However, I was not able to confirm how much this discount was for.

Discounts for new Big Lots Rewards members are public, but it was unclear whether these same discounts were also offered to new Big Lots cardholders.

Related: Here are the best credit card welcome offers currently available

Big Lots card benefits

Given that this is a no-annual-fee card, it isn't surprising that the Big Lots credit card from Comenity comes with few standard benefits. You won't get statement credits, complimentary memberships or purchase protections with this card.

One of this card's nicest benefits is deferred interest financing for eligible purchases. You won't have to pay interest on your purchase if you pay off the entire promotional plan balance within the applicable time frame. You'll have six months to pay off purchases of $250 to $749 and 12 months for purchases of $750 or more.

Note that this is deferred interest, which means interest still accrues during this period. If even a dollar remains due when time is up, you'll have to pay all the interest accrued over six or 12 months.

You'll also get special member offers for holding this card. Typically, Big Lots cardholders can pay their bill in-store, but this feature is currently unavailable. It's unclear when this benefit will return.

These are nice, if limited, perks for regular Big Lots shoppers.

Related: Monthly checklist: Credit card perks and benefits you should be using

Earning and redeeming rewards on the Big Lots card

Compared to many other cards on the market, the earnings structure for the Big Lots card is poor.

For starters, this is a closed-loop card, meaning you can only use it at Big Lots — it isn't accepted anywhere else.

Even when you use this card for Big Lots purchases, you'll only earn rewards once you've spent a certain amount instead of earning rewards on every purchase. For every $100 you spend at Big Lots, you'll earn $5 in Big Lots rewards.

Another catch: You must spend $100 within a certain time frame to earn rewards. The four earning periods are Feb. 1 to April 30, May 1 to July 31, Aug. 1 to Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 to Jan. 31. Any spending you've done only counts toward receiving rewards during the earning period it's spent — and then it disappears.

So, if, for example, you spend $95 with Big Lots between Nov. 1 and Jan. 31, that $95 will no longer count toward rewards on Feb. 1. To earn your $5 reward, you'd need to make at least $5 more in purchases by Jan. 31 — or else you'll be starting fresh again in February with nothing to show for it.

The one consolation is that you can earn multiple $5 rewards in the same earning period. Note that any purchases put on this card's promotional interest plans will not earn rewards.

As is typical with store cards, the rewards you earn on the Big Lots card can only be redeemed for in-store purchases. But with this card, you'll have to act fast — your rewards will expire 60 days after issuance.

That doesn't give you much time to use your rewards, nor does it allow you to stack rewards over the long term for a big purchase. Unless you spend enough at Big Lots to earn multiple $5 rewards, it's hard to find much value here.

Given this card's less-than-stellar earnings structure and the little value the rewards provide for most cardholders, we recommend that you opt for a regular cash-back or travel card instead.

Related: The best store credit cards

Which cards compete with the Big Lots card?

Many cards not only compete with the Big Lots card but surpass it in every way. Whether you want a better rewards card, a card with more flexible redemption options or a better card for financing, there's an option out there:

• If you want a card with a better earnings structure: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) is an excellent card for everyday spending. This card has no bonus categories to keep track of. Instead, you'll earn 2% cash back on every purchase (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay) with no limits. The Double Cash is a much more flexible card than the Big Lots card. To learn more, read our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
• If you want a card with great redemption options: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card grants access to some of the best value you'll get from any credit card rewards. Plus, you'll earn bonus points in a variety of categories, from travel to dining. To learn more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
• If you want a better card for financing: If you need to finance a large Big Lots purchase, using a card with a proper no-interest financing period may be better. The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card (see rates and fees) offers a 21-month 0% introductory annual percentage rate on purchases. After that, you'll receive a variable APR of 17.74%, 24.24%, or 28.49%, depending on your creditworthiness. 21 months is much longer than the Big Lots card offers. To learn more, read our full review of the Wells Fargo Reflect.

For additional options, check out our picks for the best 0% introductory APR cards and the best everyday spending cards.

Related: Why the Citi Double Cash will always have a place in my wallet

Is the Big Lots card worth it?

Unless you're a die-hard Big Lots fan who only cares about earning rewards when shopping there, the Comenity Big Lots credit card gets a no from me every time. While its deferred interest financing program can be enticing to anyone looking to make an expensive purchase at Big Lots, there are better options out there for financing if that's your main desire out of a credit card. If you want a card that earns rewards at Big Lots, a general card like the Citi Double Cash or the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a far better choice.

Related: Store vs. cash-back credit cards: Which one should I get?

Bottom line

We rarely recommend store cards, and this is no exception. I actively recommend against the Big Lots credit card for most people. Even if you would benefit from the few perks it offers, you'll almost certainly get better rewards and benefits from a different credit card.

Related: The best first credit cards