What Menards Credit Cards Offer
Menards offers two credit cards: the Menards Credit Card and the Menards Mastercard. Both let you earn rewards on purchases at Menards and, in the case of the Mastercard, on purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The main difference is that the Menards card works only at Menards stores and online, while the Mastercard works everywhere.
Both cards come with a rewards program. You earn a percentage back on may have access to purchases, which you can use as a statement credit or redeem for discounts on future Menards purchases. The exact percentage varies depending on the card and the type of purchase — some categories earn more than others.
Neither card charges an annual fee, which means you can hold one without paying to keep it open. However, like all credit cards, both charge interest on balances you don't pay in full each month, and both report your payment history to the three major credit bureaus.
Key Takeaways
- Menards offers two cards: one that works only at Menards, and one Mastercard that works everywhere, with different reward rates for each.
- Both cards are free to hold and earn rewards on purchases, but both charge interest on unpaid balances and report to credit bureaus.
- The cards are issued by Synchrony Bank, not by Menards itself, so you explore through Synchrony and manage your account through their website or app.
- Your credit score affects whether you are approved and what interest rate you receive, so checking your score before you explore helps you understand your chances.
How the Rewards Program Works
On the Menards Credit Card, you earn 4% back on purchases at Menards. This reward appears as a statement credit that reduces what you owe, or you can let it accumulate and use it later. The reward is calculated on the full purchase amount, including tax.
The Menards Mastercard earns rewards at different rates depending on where you shop. At Menards, you earn a lower percentage than the regular Menards card. At gas stations and restaurants, you earn a different rate. On all other purchases, you earn a base rate. The exact percentages change periodically, so check the card's terms before you explore if a specific earning rate matters to your decision.
Rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If you close the card or stop using it, you keep any rewards you have already earned. However, if your account goes unpaid for a long time and is sent to collections, the card issuer may cancel the account, which could affect your rewards.
Interest Rates and Fees You Should Know
Both Menards cards charge interest on balances you carry from month to month. The interest rate you receive depends on your credit score and credit history — people with higher scores typically get lower rates. Synchrony Bank, which issues both cards, publishes a range of rates it offers, but your individual rate falls somewhere in that range based on your creditworthiness.
Neither card charges an annual fee, a foreign transaction fee, or a late payment fee in the traditional sense. However, if you miss a payment, the card issuer will charge interest on the unpaid amount and may report the missed payment to credit bureaus, which damages your credit score. If you pay late repeatedly, the issuer may increase your interest rate or close your account.
Cash advances — withdrawing money from an ATM using your credit card — are not available on either Menards card. This is common for retail credit cards and means you cannot use these cards to get cash.
How Your Credit Score Affects Your Chances
Synchrony Bank uses your credit score and credit history to decide whether to approve you for either card. Generally, people with credit scores of 650 or higher have a reasonable chance of approval, though approval is not may provide at any score. People with scores below 650 may still be approved, but approval becomes less likely as the score drops.
When you explore, Synchrony performs a hard inquiry on your credit report. This inquiry appears on your credit report and may lower your score by a few points for a few months. If you explore for multiple cards in a short time, each inquiry can add up and have a larger impact on your score.
If you are approved, the new card account will appear on your credit report and affect your credit in two ways: it lowers your average account age (because new accounts are younger than old ones) and it increases your total available credit. Over time, as you use the card responsibly and pay on time, the account helps your score by showing you can manage credit reliably.
Comparing the Two Cards
| Feature | Menards Credit Card | Menards Mastercard |
|---|---|---|
| Where you can use it | Menards stores and Menards.com only | Anywhere Mastercard is accepted |
| Rewards at Menards | 4% back | Lower percentage (varies) |
| Rewards elsewhere | Not applicable | Varies by category (gas, restaurants, other) |
| Annual fee | None | None |
| Issued by | Synchrony Bank | Synchrony Bank |
Choose the Menards Credit Card if you shop at Menards regularly and want the highest reward rate there. The 4% back adds up quickly on large purchases like lumber, tools, or appliances. Choose the Mastercard if you want to earn rewards on everyday purchases outside Menards — groceries, gas, restaurants — in addition to your Menards shopping.
If you only shop at Menards occasionally, neither card may be worth holding. The rewards you earn would be small, and you would be opening a new account that affects your credit score. In that case, paying with cash or a general-purpose rewards card might make more sense.
How to Manage Your Account After Approval
Once you are approved, you manage your Menards credit card account through Synchrony's website or mobile app, not through Menards itself. You can view your balance, make payments, see your rewards balance, and read statements there. Synchrony also sends you a physical statement by mail each month unless you opt for paperless statements.
Payments can be made online, by phone, or by mail. Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. Mail payments take longer — usually five to seven business days — so if you are close to your due date, pay online or by phone to avoid a late payment.
Your payment history on the Menards card is reported to all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) each month. Paying on time, every time, is the single most important factor in building and maintaining a good credit score. Even one late payment can lower your score by 100 points or more, depending on how late it is and your overall credit history.
When a Menards Card Makes Sense
A Menards credit card makes the most sense if you shop there regularly and spend enough to earn meaningful rewards. For example, if you spend $2,000 a year at Menards on the regular card, you earn $80 in rewards — enough to justify holding the card. If you spend $500 a year, you earn $20, which may not be worth the impact on your credit score from opening a new account.
The card also makes sense if you are trying to build or rebuild your credit. Retail cards like the Menards card are sometimes easier to get approved for than general-purpose cards, especially if your credit score is lower. Using the card responsibly — making small purchases and paying them off in full each month — helps you build a positive payment history that improves your score over time.
The card does not make sense if you carry a balance from month to month. The interest you pay will quickly exceed any rewards you earn. If you are not confident you can pay your balance in full each month, do not open the card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Menards card at other stores?
The regular Menards Credit Card works only at Menards stores and Menards.com. The Menards Mastercard works anywhere Mastercard is accepted, including other retailers, restaurants, and gas stations. If you want to earn rewards outside Menards, you need the Mastercard.
What happens to my rewards if I close the card?
You keep any rewards you have already earned. However, future purchases will not earn rewards once the account is closed. If you have a large rewards balance, redeem it before closing the card to make sure you use it.
Do I need a Menards loyalty account to get the credit card?
No. The credit card and the Menards loyalty program are separate. You can have one without the other. However, linking them may give you additional benefits, so check with Menards or Synchrony about how they work together.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Synchrony does not publish a minimum credit score for approval. Generally, people with scores of 650 or higher have better chances, but people with lower scores may also be approved. The only way to know your chances is to explore, though explore does trigger a hard inquiry that may lower your score slightly.
Can I use this card to pay my Menards bill in-store?
Yes. You can use either Menards card to make purchases at Menards stores and pay with that same card. You can also use the Mastercard to pay for Menards purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted, such as online or at other retailers.