Is It Hard To Get Approved For A Lowes Credit Card? (FAQ)

I’m considering applying for a Lowe’s credit card as the costs of our home reno project are spiraling, and it would be great to get some discounts and perks. I’ve got a good credit rating but is it hard to get approved?

You’ll need a FICO score of 620 or more to get a Lowe’s Advantage card, and approval is instant. In addition, your revolving utilization needs to be below 30%. Application is hard pull which can lower your credit score by 5-10 points, so try the online pre-qualification link on Lowe’s website first.

I’ve completed some exhaustive research on the subject of applying for a Lowe’s credit card, so I hope this in-depth guide answers all your key questions about the process…

What Credit Score Do I Need to Get a Lowes Card?

In 2022, you will need a FICO score of 620 or better to get a Lowe’s Advantage card.

When you apply, Lowe’s randomly checks either Equifax, Experian or TransUnion credit bureaus for your score. In addition to the FICO score, your revolving utilization needs to be below 30%.

Here’s the Lowe’s credit card website link.

Can I Get a Lowes Card With a 600 Credit Score?

Only maybe. Most credit card reviewers said you’ll need a score between the low to mid 600’s – not 600. However, if you have a large income and a large amount of credit available to you, you may qualify. 

If you think you may not qualify, try the online pre-qualification link on Lowe’s website first.

Is a Lowes Credit Card Instant Approval the Same Day? (What’s the Approval Time?)

Approval is almost instantaneous.

Does Lowes Credit Card Do Hard Pull? (Will My Application Affect My Credit Rating?)

Yes, applying for a Lowe’s card results in a hard pull, which can lower your credit score.

To avoid getting hit by hard pull issues – which can result in a credit score drop of 5 to 10 points – check out Lowe’s website. In the credit card area, hit the “see if you prequalify” button. The button will ask you for the last four digits of your social security number and your cell phone number, for a start.

Follow through the next steps to see if you prequalify – it won’t affect your credit rating.

What Credit Does Lowes Pull From? (What Bank Does Lowes Credit Card Use?)

Lowe’s uses Synchrony Bank and one of three credit bureaus – Equifax, Experian or TransUnion – chosen randomly when you apply.

What Limit Will My Lowes Credit Card Have?

Credit card limits depend on your credit scores, your debt and your income, so we can’t answer the question precisely. You may not know until after you apply.

Generally, for credit scores in the 600’s, you could expect credit limits between $100 and $500. For those of you with credit scores of over 700, you could expect a limit of a couple of thousand dollars.

Several people reported being disappointed in their low initial limit, but said that getting their limit increased to several thousand was pretty easy.

How Do I Increase My Credit Limit on My Lowes Card?

Asking for an increase in your credit limit requires a soft pull – not a hard one – from credit bureaus, so it won’t hurt your credit. 

You can ask for an increase online – just log onto your account. Or, you can call 1-(800)-444-1408.

Is It Easier to Get a Lowes or Home Depot Credit Card?

Most reviewers said it was just as easy to get a Home Depot card as it was to get a Lowe’s card.

Both stores require “fair” credit scores of over 600. Both require hard pulls. Both have pre-qualification links on their websites.

Here’s a recently written website with all the differences explained between the Lowe’s and Home Depot’s credit cards.

Does a Lowes Credit Card Have an Annual Fee?

Nope. No annual fee.

How Do I Pay My Lowes Credit Card Bill? (Can I Do It Online or on the Phone?)

Lowe’s has several options on their website to manage your Lowe’s Advantage credit card. You’ll be able to set up your account on your phone, iPad, laptop or any other device, with a User ID and password. If you’ve forgotten your login or password, there are links to help.

Once you have logged in, you have plenty of account management choices. There, you can set up automatic bill paying or make one-time payments. You can set up account alerts that go to your phone or your email address. 

If you don’t want anymore (stupid) logins and passwords to manage, you can make a payment online by logging on as a guest. Or, you can go retro by mailing in checks or money orders.

How Long Do You Have to Pay Off Lowes Credit Card?

If you have chosen special financing for a large (over $299) purchase, you need to pay off the balance within 6 months to qualify for a 0% APR interest rate. For all other purchases, you’ll need to pay the total balance in full every billing cycle to avoid paying the 26.99% interest rate.

Let’s say that you made a large purchase and chose to pay it off during the promotional period of 6 months. If you don’t pay it off in full within the six months, your next bill will include 26.99% interest all the way to the time of purchase. 

For example, if you make a large purchase in January but fail to pay it off before the six-month promotional period, then the next bill will include a whopping 26.99% deferred interest charge that will start retroactively in January. Back-interest rates can really add up, so be careful.

When you have a Lowe’s card, be sure to sign up for informational emails. As a cardholder, you’ll be eligible for promotional financing offers, which may help if you have big reno projects, appliance purchases, home heating, or AC purchases coming up. 

For example, Lowe’s runs special “project” financing offers that have fixed rates for 36, 60 or 84 months for purchases over $2,000. Project financing does not qualify for the 5% back offer.

Does Lowes Credit Cards Have an App?

Yup, Lowe’s has a free credit card app. Check out Lowe’s Advantage credit card website for the link.

What is the Introductory Incentive for Signing Up for a Lowes Credit Card?

Lowe’s Advantage card is offering a limited-time, one-time only incentive – 20% off your purchase. This incentive is running from January 1, 2022 through January 31, 2023. At the time of reading there may be other similar offers available upon joining.

Here are some of the details: you can only use it once. The maximum discount for this one-time incentive is $100, so if your purchase is very large (over $2,000), you can use the everyday 5% discount and hang onto your 20% discount for a smaller purchase.

You have to put the purchase on your new card. This introductory offer isn’t automatic – be sure to ask the cashier when you check out. If you applied for your card online, you should receive an email with a 20% off coupon with a barcode. Just present the coupon to the cashier.

Just as with the 5% everyday discount, the 20% introductory discount doesn’t apply to everything. Check out The Fine Print in the last section below.

How Do I Contact Lowes Credit Card Customer Service?

If you want to speak to an actual human being, call Lowe’s credit card customer service at 1-888-840-7651, Monday through Sunday, 8 AM to 8 PM (Eastern Time). Or, you can start up a chat online at the Lowe’s Advantage card site.

How Do I Report a Lost Lowes Credit Card?

To report a stolen or lost Advantage card, call 1-888-840-7651, Monday through Sunday, 8 AM to 8 PM (Eastern Time).

Can Lowes Look Up My Credit Card in Store?

Yes. Just ask the cashier or go to the customer service or return desk. You’ll have to have a valid driver’s license. The cashier will issue a temporary card to you.

Does Lowes Give a Discount for Using Their Credit Card?

Lowe’s Advantage card offers a 5% discount on every online or in-store purchase every day for every eligible purchase (see the fine print below). That’s 5% off – instantaneously – at purchase. 

If your purchase is a large one, then you have two choices: 5% off your purchase or special 0% financing – if you pay off the purchase in full within 6 months.

For example, let’s say you purchase a bunch of tools. The total is $350, including tax. At the register, you will have the option of receiving 5% off (worth $17.50), or you can pay off the balance over six months (monthly payments of around $59) with no interest. 

The Fine Print: the 5% can’t be added to everyday or project financing offers, military discounts, gift cards and coupons. Also, it doesn’t apply to everything in the store. It won’t apply to contractor packs, protection plans, fees, taxes, assembly charges, shipping, delivery, and replacement plans. It won’t apply to certain brands as well: Bosch Benchmark, Fisher & Paykel, Heartland, Kichler, Liebherr, NXR, Marvel, Monogram, AGA, Weber, ICON and SMEG.

Here’s a handy video with 10 Lowe’s shopping secrets, like Daily Deals.

Final Words

Doing all this research certainly gives me confidence in making my own application for a Lowe’s credit card. The discount rate, joining bonus, daily deals, and customer service look good too.

However, the one thing I don’t like is the hard pull for the credit search that can add 5-10 points to your score – but then with all financial products like this I always find you can’t have everything.

We shop in Lowe’s and Home Depot quite a lot, so perhaps I’ll get one card and my wife can get the other! 🙂