What Credit Score Do I Need for a Store Credit Card in the UK?

Store credit cards in the UK are generally easier to get than standard credit cards. There is no published minimum credit score, and most applicants with a fair credit history are approved. The trade-off is that store cards carry some of the highest interest rates of any credit product, often between 29.9 per cent and 39.9 per cent APR, so carrying a balance is expensive.

What credit score do you need for a store card?

Store card providers do not publish minimum credit score thresholds. In practice, applicants with a fair or poor Experian score (721 to 880, or even 561 to 720) are regularly approved, particularly for cards attached to large retailers such as John Lewis, Marks and Spencer, or Next.

The table below compares typical store card accessibility against other credit products.

These ranges are indicative. The actual outcome depends on your full credit file, income, and the specific provider's criteria.

Why are store cards easier to get than standard credit cards?

Store card providers profit in two ways: through the interest on unpaid balances, and through late payment fees. Because credit limits are typically low (often between £200 and £1,000 for new customers), the financial exposure for the lender is limited even if an applicant defaults. This lower risk means they can afford to approve applicants that a bank might turn away.

Retailers also benefit commercially from having customers use their store card. A customer who holds a Next or M&S card is more likely to return and spend there, which adds another incentive for the retailer to approve broadly.

What does a store card provider look for?

Store card providers carry out a full credit check when you apply. They look at your payment history, whether you have any CCJs or defaults, your existing credit utilisation, and how long you have held other credit accounts. An occasional late payment or a modest level of debt will not necessarily disqualify you.

What they want to avoid is applicants with a sustained history of defaults or non-payment, particularly in the recent past. A bankruptcy registered within the last two years will often lead to a rejection, even for a store card.

Is a store card worth having?

A store card can be worthwhile in two scenarios. First, if the rewards programme genuinely saves you money on purchases you would make anyway: the M&S Sparks credit card and the John Lewis Partnership Card both offer points on spending that translate into meaningful vouchers for regular shoppers. Second, if you are trying to build or rebuild your credit score and need a product that will accept you.

In most other cases, a cashback credit card or a standard low-APR card offers better value. The high interest rate on store cards means that carrying any balance quickly erases the benefit of any rewards earned.

The risk of store cards for people with poor credit

If you have poor credit and are using a store card to rebuild your score, the strategy only works if you pay the full balance every month, without exception. If you carry a balance at 39.9 per cent APR and miss a payment, you will pay a penalty charge (typically £12 to £15), incur interest on the outstanding amount, and damage your credit file simultaneously. This can make your credit position worse than it was before you applied.

If you are not confident you can pay in full each month, do not apply. A prepaid card will serve your practical needs without the risk, though it will not help your credit score.

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Frequently asked questions

Can I get a store card with bad credit?

Possibly. Store cards have lower approval thresholds than mainstream credit cards, and applicants with poor credit (a score of 561 to 720 on Experian) are sometimes approved. However, serious markers such as a recent bankruptcy or multiple unresolved defaults can still result in rejection even for a store card.

Will applying for a store card affect my credit score?

Yes. A store card application triggers a hard credit search, which is visible to other lenders for 12 months and may reduce your score by a few points. If you apply for several store cards in quick succession, the cumulative effect can be more damaging. Check whether an eligibility checker with a soft search is available before applying.

Do store cards help build credit?

Yes, if managed correctly. Making a small regular purchase on a store card and paying the balance in full by the due date each month creates a positive payment history on your credit file. Over six to twelve months of consistent use, this can meaningfully improve your credit score.

What is the typical credit limit on a store card?

Most store cards start new customers with a credit limit between £200 and £1,000. The limit may increase after several months of responsible use. The low starting limit is one reason store cards are accessible to applicants with lower credit scores: the lender's potential loss from a default is small.

Can I use a store card anywhere, or only in that store?

It depends on the card. Some store cards, such as the John Lewis Partnership Card (a Mastercard), can be used anywhere that accepts that payment network. Others are exclusively for use in the associated retailer or its group of stores. Check the terms before applying if flexibility of use matters to you.

What should I do if my store card application is declined?

Ask the provider for the reason. Common reasons include a recent default, a high credit utilisation ratio, or insufficient income. Address the specific issue before applying elsewhere: if you apply to another store card immediately after a rejection, you are adding another hard search to your file without improving your underlying profile.