What the BJ's Credit Card Does

The BJ's Wholesale Club credit card is a store card that works only at BJ's locations and on their website. It gives you a rewards rate on purchases — typically 1% cash back on most items and a higher rate on gas and certain categories — and it comes with no annual fee. You do not need a BJ's membership to open the card, but you do need one to shop there.

The card itself is issued by Comenity Bank, which handles the account, billing, and customer service. When you use it at BJ's, the rewards post to your account and can be redeemed as a statement credit or used at checkout. The card also offers occasional promotional financing periods, usually 0% APR for a set number of months on purchases over a certain amount.

Key Takeaways

  • The BJ's credit card earns 1% cash back on most purchases and higher rates on gas, making it useful if you shop at BJ's regularly.
  • You can open a card account without a BJ's membership, but you will need a membership to actually use the card in the warehouse.
  • The card has no annual fee and is issued by Comenity Bank, which manages your account and payments.
  • Rewards can be redeemed as a statement credit or used directly at the register, and the card often includes promotional 0% APR offers.

How to Open a BJ's Credit Card Account

You can open an account online at the BJ's website, in a BJ's warehouse, or by phone. The online route is fastest: go to the BJ's credit card page, enter your personal information (name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment details), and submit. The system will tell you when ready whether you are approved, and if you are, you can start using the card right away for online purchases.

If you explore in person at a warehouse, a staff member will walk you through the process on a tablet or computer. You will get a temporary card number on the spot so you can start earning rewards that day. A physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Phone applications are also available by calling the customer service number on the BJ's website. You will need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and proof of income (recent pay stub or tax return) ready when you call.

What You Need to Bring or Have Ready

For an online process, have your Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email ready. You will also need to provide your annual household income and current employment information. If you are self-employed, have a recent tax return or profit-and-loss statement available.

For an in-warehouse or phone process, bring or have a government-issued ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID) and a recent pay stub or tax return showing your income. If you have moved recently, bring proof of your current address — a utility bill or lease works.

Understanding the Rewards and Promotional Offers

The standard cash back rate is 1% on most purchases, but certain categories earn more. Gas purchases (both at BJ's gas stations and other retailers) typically earn 1.5% cash back, and some periods offer bonus rates on groceries or other categories. Check your account or the BJ's website to see what bonus categories are currently active.

Promotional financing offers appear periodically — for example, 0% APR for 12 months on purchases of $250 or more. These promotions are usually announced in the mail, on the BJ's website, or in your account dashboard. The terms vary, so read the offer carefully: some require a minimum purchase amount, and interest accrues on the full balance if you do not pay it off by the end of the promotional period.

Rewards are posted monthly and can be redeemed when ready. You can use them as a statement credit (the cash back reduces your bill) or redeem them at checkout as a discount on your purchase. There is no minimum redemption amount, and rewards do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.

Making Payments and Managing Your Account

Payments are due by the date listed on your statement, usually 21 to 25 days after the statement closes. You can pay online through the Comenity Bank website or app, by phone, by mail, or automatically through autopay. Set up autopay to avoid missing a due date — you can choose to pay the full balance, the minimum, or a fixed amount each month.

Your account is managed through Comenity Bank's website or mobile app. Log in with your card number and PIN (or create a username and password) to view your balance, statement, rewards, and payment history. You can also update your address, phone number, and email there.

If you have questions about your account, rewards, or a charge, call the customer service number on the back of your card. Comenity Bank handles billing and account issues; BJ's handles membership and shopping questions.

What Happens If You Do Not Have a BJ's Membership

You can open the credit card without a membership, but you cannot use it to shop in a BJ's warehouse. The card works online at BJ's.com without a membership, so you can earn rewards on web purchases. However, most of the value of a warehouse card comes from in-store shopping, where you typically buy in bulk.

If you want to use the card in the warehouse, you will need to buy a BJ's membership separately. Membership costs vary by tier (Gold Star, Gold Star Plus, and Premium), and you can purchase one at any warehouse, on the BJ's website, or by phone. Some promotional offers bundle a membership discount with a credit card opening bonus, so check the current offer before you open the card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the BJ's credit card at other stores?

No. The BJ's credit card is a store card and works only at BJ's locations and BJ's.com. It does not work at other retailers. If you want a credit card that earns rewards everywhere, you would need a different card.

What is the interest rate on the BJ's credit card?

The APR (annual percentage rate) varies based on your credit history and is disclosed when you open the account. It is typically in the range of 16% to 24%, though the exact rate depends on your creditworthiness. Promotional 0% APR offers are separate and explore only to may have access to purchases during the promotion period.

Do I lose my rewards if I close the card?

Rewards do not expire as long as your account is open and in good standing. If you close the card, you should redeem any remaining rewards before closing. Once the account is closed, you cannot earn or redeem rewards on that card.

How long does it take to get approved?

Online and in-warehouse applications are usually approved when ready or within a few minutes. You will know the decision before you leave the store or finish the online process. Phone applications may take a few minutes longer if additional information is needed.

Can I use the card if I am not a U.S. citizen?

You can open the card if you have a valid Social Security number and a U.S. address. Comenity Bank will verify your identity and creditworthiness during the process. If you do not have a Social Security number, you may be able to use an ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) instead — call customer service to ask.