Big Lots credit card review: A store card to avoid

Overview of the Big Lots credit card

For frequent Big Lots shoppers, the Big Lots credit card might seem tempting. However, with its poor rewards structure and limited usability to only Big Lots, a card that offers general rewards would likely serve you better. Card rating*: ⭐

*Card rating reflects the views of TPG's editors and is not swayed by the card issuer.

Store cards can attract regular shoppers of specific brands. They may also appeal to individuals with limited or low credit, as approval is often easier. If you fit either description, you might be curious if the Comenity Bank Big Lots credit card is the right fit for you.

Even if you’re a loyal Big Lots shopper, it’s advisable to steer clear of this card. Its earning potential is severely restricted, and the ways to use your rewards are limited.

The Big Lots credit card comes with no annual fee and is recommended for those with a credit score of 650** or higher.

Let’s explore the card's features and examine why it doesn’t meet expectations.

The details for the Big Lots credit card have been gathered independently by Dinogo. The information on this page has not been verified or endorsed by the card issuer.

Pros and cons of the Big Lots card

Welcome offer for the Big Lots card

While many store cards typically provide a welcome offer, most at least extend a discount on the first in-store purchase made with the card.

Unfortunately, the Big Lots card falls short by not presenting any kind of bonus or discount for new cardholders.

Advantages of the Big Lots card

Since this is a no-annual-fee card, it's expected that the Big Lots credit card from Comenity offers limited standard benefits. You won’t receive statement credits, free memberships, or purchase protections with this card.

A key benefit of this card is deferred interest financing on qualifying purchases. As long as you pay off the full balance of the promotional plan within the specified period, you won't incur interest. You have six months for purchases between $250 and $749, and 12 months for amounts of $750 or more.

Keep in mind that this is deferred interest, meaning interest continues to accumulate during this time. If there’s any balance remaining when the period ends, you’ll owe all the interest that accrued over the six or twelve months.

By holding this card, you’ll gain access to exclusive member offers and the convenience of paying your card bill in-store. These are appealing, albeit limited, benefits for frequent Big Lots customers.

Earning and using rewards with the Big Lots card

When compared to numerous other cards available, the rewards structure of the Big Lots card is quite poor.

To begin with, this is a closed-loop card, meaning it can only be used at Big Lots and is not accepted anywhere else.

Moreover, when using this card for purchases at Big Lots, rewards are earned only after reaching a certain spending threshold rather than on every transaction. For every $100 spent at Big Lots, you’ll receive $5 in rewards.

Another drawback is that you need to spend $100 within specific earning periods to qualify for rewards. These periods run from Feb. 1 to April 30, May 1 to July 30, Aug. 1 to Oct. 31, and Nov. 1 to Jan. 30. Any purchases made will only count towards rewards during the period in which they were made, and then they reset.

For instance, if you spend $95 at Big Lots between Nov. 1 and Jan. 30, that amount will no longer contribute to your rewards after Feb. 1. To secure your $5 reward, you'll need to spend at least an additional $5 by Jan. 30 — otherwise, you’ll start from scratch in February with no rewards.

The silver lining is that you can accumulate multiple $5 rewards within the same earning period.

As is common with store cards, rewards earned on the Big Lots card can only be redeemed for in-store purchases. However, you'll need to act quickly, as your rewards will expire 60 days after being issued.

This limited timeframe offers little opportunity to utilize your rewards and doesn’t allow you to accumulate them for larger purchases. If you don’t spend enough at Big Lots to earn multiple $5 rewards, the value of this card is quite minimal.

Considering the card's poor earnings structure and the limited value of its rewards for most users, it’s advisable for nearly everyone to choose a standard cash-back or travel card instead.

What cards are alternatives to the Big Lots card?

Numerous cards not only compete with the Big Lots card but also outperform it in every aspect. Whether you seek a better rewards card, one with more flexible redemption options, or a superior financing card, there are great choices available:

• For a card with a superior earnings structure: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) is an outstanding option for everyday purchases. There are no bonus categories to track; you earn 2% back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay) with no limits. The Double Cash card offers far more flexibility than the Big Lots card. For further details, read our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
• For excellent redemption options: The Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card provides access to Chase's 14 transfer partners, allowing you to achieve up to 2.05 cents per point in value (according to TPG's valuations). This represents some of the best value available from credit card rewards, and you’ll also earn bonus points in various categories, including travel and dining. To find out more, read our full review of the Chase Sapphire Preferred.
• For better financing options: If you need to finance a significant purchase at Big Lots, a card with a proper no-interest financing period might be a better choice. The Wells Fargo Reflect® Card (see rates and fees) features a 21-month 0% introductory APR. After that, you’ll receive a variable APR of 17.74%, 24.24%, or 29.49%, depending on your creditworthiness. This 21-month period far exceeds what the Big Lots card offers. To learn more, read our full review of the Wells Fargo Reflect.

For more options, take a look at our selections for the best 0% introductory APR cards and the top everyday spending cards.

Is the Big Lots card a good investment?

Unless you’re an avid Big Lots shopper who prioritizes earning rewards specifically from there, I can’t recommend the Comenity Big Lots credit card. While its deferred interest financing might appeal to those planning a large purchase at Big Lots, there are superior financing options available if that’s your primary goal. For earning rewards at Big Lots, a general card like the Citi Double Cash or the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a significantly better alternative.

Final thoughts

While we generally advise against store cards, we strongly recommend steering clear of the Big Lots credit card for most consumers. Even if you might gain from its limited perks, you'll likely find better rewards and benefits with a different credit card.

**Dinogo's credit ranges are based on FICO® Score 8, which is just one of the many types of credit scores available. When you apply for a credit card, the lender might use a different credit score to evaluate your application.