Use these credit cards to earn cash back at department stores

If a large amount of your money goes toward clothing, shoes, cosmetics, appliances and other household items, you can most likely benefit from credit cards for department stores that offer cash back or rewards on your spending. Plus, with holiday shopping around the corner, you can take advantage of a department store bonus to save on gifts.

While department store bonuses on rewards cards have been increasingly rare, there are still plenty of great cards to choose from. Here are our favorite cards for department stores and why you should consider them.

Best cards for cash back at department stores

Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express

Why it’s a good choice: Along with 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), the Blue Cash Everyday card offers 2% cash back at select U.S. department stores and U.S. gas stations. This makes it particularly valuable for families who do a significant amount of supermarket shopping and driving in addition to their holiday shopping.

Because we estimate that the average consumer spends $15,900 each year on food, gas, clothing and general purchases,  you have the potential to earn approximately $461 in cash back during the first year of card membership. (That’s $261 in estimated yearly rewards plus the $200 statement credit after spending $2,000 in the first 6 months.)

Drawbacks: While the 2% bonus includes a variety of major department stores, it does not include all department stores. Also, the bonus can only be earned for department stores located in the U.S.

See the full list of eligible stores here.

U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature Card*

Why it’s a good choice: This card is a great option for consumers who spend a lot on certain types of purchases, such as retail or streaming purchases. U.S. Bank Cash+ cardholders can earn 5% cash back on two categories of their choice ($2,000 combined purchase limit per quarter). The top categories to choose from include: fast food; TV, internet and streaming services; cell phone providers; home utilities; department stores and electronic stores. You can also earn 2% cash back on one everyday category, such as gas stations, grocery stores or restaurants. All other purchases earn 1% cash back.

Drawbacks: The $2,000 limit each quarter on 5% cash back categories isn’t ideal, but for a card with a $0 annual fee, it’s still not a bad deal. Another drawback is that you can only redeem cash back in the form of a statement credit or a direct deposit to a U.S. Bank checking, savings or money market account.

Citi® Double Cash Card

Why it’s a good choice: The Citi Double Cash Card gives cardholders 1% cash back on every purchase plus an additional 1% cash back when they pay for their purchases – a total of 2% cash back on every purchase. Additionally, because there are no earning caps or restrictions, there is no limit on how much cash back you can earn.

The average consumer who spends $15,900 annually, and pays their bill on time, can earn $318 cash back each year.

Drawbacks: While there are no rewards earning caps and no limit on how much cash back you can earn, your rewards will expire if you don’t earn any cash back for 12 months.

How about a retail credit card instead?

If you frequently shop at one particular department store, a retail credit card may be a better option for you. Along with offering special store discounts, retail cards offer rewards on purchases made at the store. Some retail cards also offer bonus rewards on everyday spend categories, such as gas and dining.

Keep in mind, though, that while retail credit cards usually don’t charge annual fees, they typically come with much higher APRs than non-retail cards. So if you plan to use one, you should also plan to pay off your balance in full each month.

Kohl’s Card*

After you are approved, Kohl’s Card offers 35% off on your first Kohl’s purchase, plus a 15% additional discount after your card arrives. Other pros: You’ll receive more special offers throughout the year and there’s no limit to the number of points you can earn.

Macy’s American Express card*

The Macy’s American Express card offers 3 points per dollar at restaurants, 2 points per dollar at gas stations and supermarkets, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. Cardholders can also link their card to Plenti rewards to earn and use points at other retailers, such as AT&T, Exxon, Mobil, Chili’s, Rite Aid and more.

Bottom line

Before choosing among credit cards for department stores, take a look at which department stores you shop at most frequently. If you regularly shop at several major department stores, you may want to consider one of the above cash back credit cards for department stores. But if you’re a ride-or-die Kohl’s or Macy’s shopper, their retail cards may be the best option for you.

*All information about these cards has been collected independently by CreditCards.com and has not been reviewed or approved by the issuer.