The Lowe's credit card comes in two versions: the Lowe's Advantage Card for in-store and online purchases, and the Lowe's Visa for use anywhere
You can request either card directly through Lowe's website, in a store, or by phone. The Lowe's Advantage Card is issued by Synchrony Bank and works only at Lowe's and Lowe's.com. The Lowe's Visa, also issued by Synchrony, carries the Visa logo and works at any merchant that accepts Visa. Both cards offer when ready discounts on your first purchase and ongoing rewards on spending at Lowe's.
The main difference is flexibility: the Visa works everywhere, while the Advantage Card locks you into Lowe's purchases. Which one makes sense depends on whether you shop at Lowe's regularly enough to justify carrying a card with a single-store focus.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a Lowe's card online at Lowes.com, by calling 1-888-840-7651, or in any Lowe's store during checkout.
- The Lowe's Advantage Card works only at Lowe's; the Lowe's Visa works anywhere Visa is accepted.
- Both cards offer a discount on your first purchase, typically 10 percent off, though the exact offer changes periodically.
- Synchrony Bank issues both cards and handles the credit decision, which usually takes a few minutes if you request online or in-store.
- You do not need an existing Lowe's account to request a card, but having one can speed up the process.
Requesting the card online through Lowe's website
Go to Lowes.com and look for the credit card link, usually found in the footer or under "Services." You will see both card options listed with their current offers. Click the link for the card you want and you will be taken to Synchrony's process form.
Fill in your personal information: name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, annual income, and employment status. Synchrony uses this information to check your credit and make a decision. The form takes about five minutes. After you submit, you will get an when ready decision on screen — approved, denied, or pending review.
If approved, your card ships to the address you provided within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the first-purchase discount when ready online by entering your new card number, even before the physical card arrives.
Requesting the card in a Lowe's store
During checkout, tell the cashier you want to request a credit card. They will hand you a tablet or paper form to complete. You provide the same information as the online process: name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment details.
The cashier submits your form to Synchrony while you wait. You typically get a decision within a few minutes. If approved, you can use the card when ready for that purchase or any future purchase at Lowe's. The physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 days.
This method works well if you are already at Lowe's and want to use the first-purchase discount right away. You do not have to wait for the card to arrive in the mail.
Requesting by phone
Call Synchrony at 1-888-840-7651 to request a Lowe's card over the phone. A representative will walk you through the process, asking for your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, income, and employment information. The call takes about 10 minutes.
You will receive a decision during the call. If approved, the representative will confirm your mailing address and your card will ship within 7 to 10 business days. You can ask about the current first-purchase offer and confirm which card version you are requesting before you hang up.
What happens after you are approved
Once Synchrony approves your request, your card is produced and mailed to the address you provided. You can track the shipment through Lowe's or Synchrony's website if you set up an online account. Most cards arrive within 7 to 10 business days, though delivery times vary by location.
When the card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or logging into your Synchrony account online. After set up, you can use it when ready. If you requested the card in-store or online and were approved, you may be able to use a temporary card number for online purchases before the physical card arrives.
Your first-purchase discount is usually good for 30 days from approval, so check your approval email or letter for the exact important date. The discount applies to your first transaction at Lowe's, whether in-store or online.
What the issuer looks at when deciding
Synchrony checks your credit report, income, and payment history to decide whether to approve you. They look at your credit score, which reflects how you have paid past debts, and your debt-to-income ratio, which compares what you owe to what you earn. They also verify your employment and income to confirm you can pay the bill.
You do not need perfect credit to get a Lowe's card. Synchrony approves customers with fair credit and sometimes even those rebuilding credit, though the credit limit may be lower. If you are denied, you can request reconsideration by calling 1-888-840-7651 and asking to speak with a supervisor, though this rarely changes the decision.
Comparing the two card versions
The Lowe's Advantage Card works only at Lowe's and Lowe's.com. It typically offers 5 percent back on Lowe's purchases for cardholders, plus special financing offers on large purchases. The card has no annual fee. The downside is that you cannot use it anywhere else, so it only makes sense if you shop at Lowe's regularly.
The Lowe's Visa carries the Visa logo and works at any store, restaurant, or service that accepts Visa. You earn rewards on Lowe's purchases and can use the card for everyday spending elsewhere. This card also has no annual fee. The Visa is better if you want a general-purpose card that happens to offer extra rewards at Lowe's.
Both cards offer the same first-purchase discount and are issued by the same bank. The choice comes down to whether you want a card locked to one retailer or one that works everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for a Lowe's card?
If you request online or in-store, you get a decision within minutes. If you call, the representative gives you an answer during the call. The physical card then ships within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the first-purchase discount when ready after approval, even before the card arrives.
Can I use the card before it arrives in the mail?
Yes. If you were approved online or in-store, you can use your card number for online purchases at Lowe's.com right away. In-store approvals sometimes issue a temporary card number on the spot. Once you set up the physical card when it arrives, you can use it anywhere the card is accepted.
What is the credit limit on a new Lowe's card?
Synchrony does not publish a standard credit limit. Your limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history. New cardholders typically receive limits between $500 and $5,000, though some receive higher limits. You can request a credit limit increase after you have used the card for a few months.
What if I am denied?
Call Synchrony at 1-888-840-7651 and ask why you were denied. Common reasons include low credit score, high existing debt, or insufficient income. You can ask for reconsideration, though this rarely overturns the decision. You may be approved later if you improve your credit score or pay down existing debt.
Do I need a Lowe's account to request a card?
No. You can request a card without an existing Lowe's account. However, having an account can speed up the online process because Synchrony can pull some information from your Lowe's profile. You can create a free account at Lowes.com before you request the card.