Updated February 22, 2020

Comenity Bank Credit Cards: What You Need to Know

Comenity Bank's 155+ store credit cards are often easy to obtain. But which one is right for you? Read this guide to learn how to apply for the best Comenity Bank credit card.

Comenity Bank might not be a name you're familiar with, but over 40 million Americans carry their credit cards. If you have a store credit card in your wallet, there's a pretty good chance that it's backed by Comenity.

In this article, we cover:

Who owns Comenity bank? Comenity Capital Bank is a subsidiary of Alliance Data Systems Corporation. Originally called World Financial Capital Bank, the company changed its name in 2012.

Phone number: 1-800-675-5685

Benefits of a Comenity Store Credit Card?

Let's start with the reasons why you may want a Comenity Bank store card:

You have limited credit or a less-than-stellar score. Store-branded credit cards can be easier to obtain. They're a great choice for people with a lower than average credit score who want to rebuild their credit.

They also make great starter cards if you want to build up your credit.

Tip: If you're still new to credit and want an easy card to get, you have other options too. Check out these top starter credit cards to see if one might be a better fit for you.
You shop constantly at a particular store. Store cards usually offer rewards for buying at that store. You may see things like sign-up bonuses and special deals just for cardholders.

If you shop at a particular store all the time, getting their store credit card can be valuable.

Why might you not want a store credit card?

Here are some reasons why a Comenity store credit card might not make sense for you:

High interest rates Store credit cards often have extremely high interest rates, sometimes upwards of 25%. (For reference, the average interest rate is under 17%.)

With rates that high, your bill can add up quickly if you can't pay off your balance every month. If you tend to carry a balance, consider a low interest credit card instead.
You already have a card that offers better rewards. If your credit card offers more than 1% cash back or similarly high points or miles, you might be better off using that card for your purchases at your favorite store.

For cash back, consider an all-purpose rewards credit card.
You're about to get a mortgage/car loan/refinance. Anytime you open a new credit card, your credit score takes a small, temporary hit.

If you're about to make a major purchase, this isn't the best time to open any type of credit card, since it may impact your ability to get the lowest rate possible.

We'll explain more below. But first, here are some current credit card promotions you shouldn't miss.

Best Comenity Bank Credit Cards

Here are the top Comenity Bank Credit cards based on what they had to offer. Cardholders receive several benefits simply by charging the things they would normally purchase.

Orbitz Rewards Card: Frequent travelers benefit from the Orbitz Rewards card.

Travelers may receive points for any type of travel. However, avid Orbitz users get even higher rewards for using Orbitz.
Game Stop credit card: Game Stop offers a reward for your first purchase.

You'll also get promotional financing offers from time to time. This is a great time to charge those larger items and pay them off before the interest begins.

Tip: Find out what special offers specific credit cards offer. For example, Victoria's Secret cardholders receive a birthday gift and Lane Bryant credit cardholders get an extended return policy. It gives them up to 60 days for returns.
Bed Bath & Beyond MasterCard: We love the rewards the Bed Bath & Beyond card provides for store purchases. It also offers rewards for groceries, gas, and other purchases.

What we love the most, though, is the special financing they offer for Bed Bath & Beyond purchases. You may often find promotional financing options for 6 months or a year.
BJ's Club credit card: The BJ's card offers $0.10 off for every gallon of gas. You'll also get cash back on many purchases including:
- 5% on most in-club and BJs.com purchases through the MyBJ's Perks program
- 2% on dining and gas at non-BJ's stations
- 1% everywhere else
Of course, you'll need a BJ's membership to shop at the retailer.

Interested in a Comenity credit card but worried you won't get accepted? Keep reading for information about a trick that may help.

Shopping Card Trick

Store credit cards have a reputation for being easier to obtain—and for good reason. Here's a "Shopping Cart Trick" that may help you get a Comenity Bank credit card even with low credit.

If you want a card from a specific store, fill up your cart on the store's website. During checkout, you'll enter your name, address, phone number, and email. The site may then offer you a store credit card through a pop-up window. (Make sure your pop-up blocker is off so you can receive the offer.)

This trick won't necessarily work the first time. In fact, you may have to empty your cart and try again a few times. Clear the cookies on your computer before trying again.

If the trick works, you'll either be asked for your full social security number or just the last four digits. A hard pull (requesting your entire social security number) will affect your credit score but a soft pull (just the last four digits) won't.

Definitions You Can Use

Hard credit inquiry: Lenders use the hard credit inquiry when you apply for a loan. Think of things like an auto loan or mortgage. It may affect your credit score by a few points. Lenders need your permission before making this type of inquiry.
Soft credit inquiry: A soft credit inquiry is often part of a background check. Lenders don't need your permission for this type of inquiry. It doesn't affect your credit score.

If you're asked for your whole social security number AND you have low credit, you may want to re-think applying. Comenity cards generally have lower credit score requirements.

But a hard pull of your credit can lower your score even further, which will add insult to injury if you are rejected.

If you're only being asked for the last four digits, feel free to apply. This "soft pull" of your credit won't affect your score unless you're approved.

Is it easy to get approved with Comenity bank? Since Comenity Bank store cards often don't have strict credit score requirements, you may get approved with lower than average credit. Success may vary based on the store, however.

You can usually apply right at the store (and sometimes get a discount on your purchases, too)

The "Shopping Cart Trick" is most effective with these cards:

Overstock: This card also offers promotional financing for periods ranging from 6 months to 2 years.
Victoria's Secret: Grab the credit card and get free shipping every time your order includes a bra!
Buckle: You'll get a discount with your very first purchase with the Buckle card.

You can use the shopping cart trick on any of the stores found in this list. Some consumers have better luck than others with the pop-ups.

If you don't get one, you can follow the link and apply for the credit card yourself. Just keep in mind how many cards you apply for in a short amount of time. Too many credit card applications can negatively affect your credit score.

Full List of Comenity Bank Credit Cards

Comenity Bank offers 155+ credit cards. Some cards are store specific, which means you can only use them at the namesake store. Others, however, can be used anywhere.

Follow the link to learn the specific details of each store credit card.

What credit cards can I get with bad credit? If you're dealing with low (or no) credit, consider a starter card. If you don't qualify, you may need to consider a secured credit card to help build your credit.

Retail & Shopping

What is the "shopping cart" trick? Some stores will pre-approve you for a card when shopping online. When checking out, you'll receive an offer for a new card. (You may need to empty your cart--and the cookies on your computer--and try this a few times for it to work.)

If you're asked for ONLY the last four digits of your Social Security number, then the store is doing a soft pull of your credit and your score shouldn't affect your application unless you're accepted.

If they ask for your whole Social Security number, then they're doing a hard pull and you may be denied for having a low score. To be safe, DON'T risk lowering your score further with a hard pull if you're unlikely to be accepted.

Travel

Tip: Ask stores about special shipping promotions for cardholders. For example, New York & Company offers free shipping from the store for cardholders. They also often have free shipping days online.

Gas & Auto

Business & Miscellaneous

What are the easiest credit cards to get approved for? Store-credit cards, like those offered by Comenity, are among the easiest because they have less stringent credit requirements.

In fact, some stores will pre-approve you for a card when you make a purchase without checking your score. Some consumers have used the so-called "shopping cart" trick when shopping online to get accepted for a new card.

Medical & Dental

Education

Your Tuition Solution

Tip: If you have a store you frequent, find out what benefits they offer cardholders. For example, Express has an "A-List" status that gives you access to more promotions. Know where you stand so you don't overlook any benefits of being a cardholder.

Bottom Line

As with any credit card, Comenity store cards offer and rewards may change at any time.

Use the links above to get the latest information regarding your favorite store's credit card. We hope you reap some great rewards for shopping at your favorite stores.

Write to Kim P at feedback@creditdonkey.com. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook for our latest posts.

Note: This website is made possible through financial relationships with some of the products and services mentioned on this site. We may receive compensation if you shop through links in our content. You do not have to use our links, but you help support CreditDonkey if you do.

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Starter Credit Cards: What's a Good Starter Card?

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