What the BJ's Wholesale Credit Card is and who should consider it
The BJ's Wholesale Credit Card is a store card issued by Comenity Bank that you can use at BJ's Wholesale Club locations and online. It is not a Visa or Mastercard — you can only use it at BJ's. The card offers rewards on purchases at BJ's and at gas stations, plus a few other perks like extended return windows and special member pricing.
This card makes sense if you already shop at BJ's regularly and want to earn rewards on those purchases. It does not make sense if you do not have a BJ's membership, because you cannot use the card without one. It also does not make sense if you rarely visit BJ's or if you prefer a card that works everywhere.
The card requires you to be a BJ's member first. Membership costs money — the exact amount depends on which tier you choose — so factor that into whether the rewards will actually save you money over a year.
Key Takeaways
- The BJ's Wholesale Credit Card only works at BJ's locations and online, not at other stores or gas stations outside the BJ's network.
- You earn rewards on BJ's purchases and at participating gas stations, but the exact reward rate depends on your BJ's membership tier.
- You must have an active BJ's membership to use the card, and membership fees are separate from any card fees.
- The card charges interest on unpaid balances, and the interest rate is set by Comenity Bank based on your credit history.
- You can request a credit limit increase, but Comenity Bank will review your credit before deciding.
How rewards work and what you earn back
The BJ's Wholesale Credit Card earns rewards at different rates depending on where you use it. At BJ's itself, you earn a percentage back on most purchases — the exact percentage varies by your membership level. At participating gas stations, you earn a lower percentage. On other purchases, you earn an even lower rate or nothing at all.
Rewards are called "BJ's Rewards" and they show up as a credit on your account. You can use them to pay down your balance or to buy things at BJ's. The rewards do not expire as long as your account stays open and in good standing, but they may be forfeited if your account is closed or becomes delinquent.
The card does not offer sign-up bonuses or rotating categories like some other store cards do. You earn the same rate every time you shop, which makes the math straightforward: if you spend $1,000 a month at BJ's and earn 2% back, you get $20 in rewards that month.
Annual fees and interest rates
The BJ's Wholesale Credit Card itself has no annual fee. However, you must pay for your BJ's membership separately, and that membership is required to use the card. Membership tiers range in price, and the tier you choose affects your rewards rate.
If you carry a balance — meaning you do not pay off the full statement balance each month — you will be charged interest. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) is set by Comenity Bank and depends on your credit score and credit history. The bank will tell you the APR when you open the account. If you always pay your full balance by the due date, you will not pay any interest.
Late payments trigger a late fee, and if you miss a payment by 30 days or more, the bank may report it to the credit bureaus, which will hurt your credit score.
How to open an account and what you need
You can explore for the BJ's Wholesale Credit Card in person at a BJ's location, online through the BJ's website, or by phone. The process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and income information.
Comenity Bank will check your credit report to decide whether to approve you and what credit limit to offer. This check is called a "hard inquiry" and it may lower your credit score by a few points temporarily. If you are approved, you can use the card right away — either in person or online, depending on how you applied.
If you are denied, you can ask Comenity Bank why. Common reasons include a low credit score, too much existing debt, or a recent bankruptcy. You can reapply after a few months if you have improved your credit situation.
Using the card responsibly to protect your credit
Your payment history on the BJ's card is reported to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — every month. This means on-time payments help your credit score, and late payments hurt it. If you want to build credit, using this card and paying it on time is an effective way to do it.
Keep your balance low relative to your credit limit. If your limit is $2,000 and you carry a $1,800 balance, that high utilization ratio can lower your score even if you pay on time. Aim to use less than 30% of your limit if you can.
Do not close the account after you stop using it. Closing it removes available credit from your profile and can actually hurt your score. Instead, keep it open and use it occasionally to show the bank the account is active.
What happens if you cannot pay your balance
If you miss a payment, contact Comenity Bank when ready. The sooner you pay, the less damage to your credit. A single late payment can stay on your credit report for up to seven years, even after you pay it off.
If you fall behind by 120 days or more, the bank may close your account and send it to a collection agency. At that point, you owe not just the balance but also collection fees and potentially court costs if the agency sues you.
If you are struggling to pay, call Comenity Bank and ask about hardship options. Some banks offer temporary payment reductions or deferment plans, though they are not required to. It is always better to ask than to ignore the bill.
Comparing the BJ's card to other warehouse store cards
Costco and Sam's Club also issue their own store cards. Like the BJ's card, these cards only work at their respective warehouses and require a membership. The main differences are the rewards rates, the membership costs, and the perks included with each membership tier.
If you shop at multiple warehouse clubs, you cannot use one card at all of them — each card is locked to its own store. You would need separate cards for each club, which means separate credit inquiries and separate accounts to manage.
A general-purpose rewards card (like a Visa or Mastercard) might earn you a similar or better return if you shop at many different stores. The trade-off is that store cards usually offer higher rewards at their own store but nothing elsewhere, while general cards offer modest rewards everywhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the BJ's card if I do not have a BJ's membership?
No. The card requires an active BJ's membership to use. If your membership expires, you cannot use the card until you renew it. You will still owe any balance on the card, but you cannot make new purchases.
What is the credit limit, and can I request a higher one?
Your starting credit limit depends on your credit score and income. It typically ranges from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. You can request an increase after six months of on-time payments by calling Comenity Bank. They will review your credit and may approve a higher limit.
Do I earn rewards on my membership fee?
No. The membership fee itself does not earn rewards. Only purchases you make at BJ's and at participating gas stations earn rewards.
What happens to my rewards if I cancel my membership?
This depends on BJ's policy at the time you cancel. Some programs forfeit rewards when membership ends, while others may allow you to use them for a limited time. Contact BJ's customer service to confirm the current policy before you cancel.
Is the BJ's card a good way to build credit?
Yes, if you use it responsibly. Store cards are often easier to get approved for than general credit cards, so they can be a good starting point if you have limited credit history. Make small purchases, pay on time every month, and keep your balance low. Over time, this will improve your credit score.