13 Store Credit Cards Everyone’s Parents Had
Here's a nostalgic look at the retail credit cards your parents likely kept in their wallets during every shopping trip.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Before cashback apps and digital wallets, store credit cards were the go-to for loyal shoppers. These cards offered exclusive perks, early sales access, and just enough credit to tempt impulse buys. Let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the most popular store cards that defined a generation of spending.
1. Sears Card
Mike Mozart on Flickr
The Sears card was practically a financial rite of passage. Used for everything from tools to appliances to school clothes, it was the Swiss Army knife of retail credit.
2. JCPenney Credit Card
Jon Konrath on Wikimedia Commons
JCPenney was the one-stop shop for fashion, home goods, and Christmas shopping. The store card made regular appearances at checkout, especially during back-to-school season.
3. Macy’s Charge Card
Mike Mozart on Flickr
A symbol of style and prestige, the Macy’s card was a must-have for anyone who loved department store elegance. Cardholders got early access to sales and extra discounts.
4. Montgomery Ward Credit Card
AlbertHerring on Wikimedia Commons
“Monkey Wards,” as it was affectionately called, offered credit for everything under the sun. From furniture to fashion, this card was a staple in suburban households.
5. Kohl’s Charge Card
Wikideas1 on Wikimedia Commons
Known for its stackable discounts and constant sales, the Kohl’s card was practically a money-saver badge. Your parents probably swore by their 30% off coupons.
6. Kmart Credit Card
Mike Kalasnik on Wikimedia Commons
Before it disappeared from most towns, Kmart’s card was a blue-light special in your parents’ wallets. It covered everything from layaway to electronics.
7. Dillard’s Store Card
Caldorwards4 on Wikimedia Commons
Popular in the South and Midwest, Dillard’s shoppers loved their loyalty perks. From prom dresses to men’s suits, this card saw it all.
8. Target Guest Card
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Before the REDcard, Target’s original store card was a quiet companion to weekend errands. It helped families stock up on groceries, clothes, and everything in between.
9. Best Buy Credit Card
Mike Mozart on Flickr
Tech-loving dads and gadget-happy teens fueled the popularity of this card. Financing big-ticket items like TVs and stereos was the real draw.
10. Mervyn’s Charge Card
Scott Schrantz on Flickr
Once a department store staple in the West, Mervyn’s cardholders were serious about their seasonal sales. It was all about school clothes, holiday deals, and affordable fashion.
11. Service Merchandise Card
Mike Kalasnik on Flickr
A truly unique retailer, Service Merchandise offered a showroom experience paired with catalog shopping. The card let you order anything from jewelry to electronics to toys.
12. Bon-Ton Credit Card
Mike Mozart on Flickr
A regional favorite, especially in the Northeast and Midwest, Bon-Ton’s card offered store-specific bonuses. Holiday decorations and special occasion outfits were usually bought with this plastic.
13. Circuit City Credit Card
BrokenSphere on Wikimedia Commons
Before Amazon and big-box dominance, Circuit City was where you bought your first stereo or desktop computer. The store card helped stretch payments over months.