The Big Lots credit card is a store-only credit card issued by Comenity Capital Bank. It can only be used at Big Lots stores and on BigLots.com — there's no Visa or Mastercard logo on it. The card's main draw is deferred-interest financing on larger purchases: 6 months on orders of $250+, and 12 months on orders of $750+. Most approved cardholders have credit scores in the 580–650+ range, and the average credit limit runs around $1,000–$1,300.
Here's the critical 2026 update: Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in September 2024 and closed the majority of its 1,300+ locations. Variety Wholesalers acquired 219 stores and reopened them by mid-2025 under the Big Lots name. However, Comenity Bank is no longer accepting new applications for the Big Lots credit card as of 2026. If you already hold the card, you can still manage your account and make payments through Comenity's online portal.
What Is the Big Lots Credit Card?
The Big Lots credit card is a closed-loop store card — meaning it works exclusively within the Big Lots ecosystem. You won't be swiping it at grocery stores, gas stations, or anywhere else. It's designed for people who shop at Big Lots regularly and want access to special financing on furniture, home goods, and seasonal items.
Key Card Details at a Glance
Big Lots Bankruptcy: What It Means for Your Credit Card
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Card Issuer | Comenity Capital Bank (Bread Financial) |
| Card Type | Closed-loop store card (no Visa/MC network) |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Regular APR | 29.99% variable |
| Special Financing | 6 months on $250+; 12 months on $750+ |
| Rewards | $5 reward per $100 spent (with Big Rewards enrollment) |
| Minimum Credit Score | ~580–640+ (fair credit) |
| Average Credit Limit | $1,000–$1,300 |
| New Applications (2026) | Not currently accepted |
In September 2024, Big Lots filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after years of declining sales and increased competition from online retailers. The company originally planned to sell to Nexus Capital Management, but that deal fell through. Instead, Gordon Brothers Retail Partners facilitated a deal with Variety Wholesalers, which purchased 219 store locations and both distribution centers.
Variety Wholesalers reopened stores in four waves between April and June 2025. The new ownership is focused on returning Big Lots to its roots as a closeout and extreme-value retailer. As of 2026, all 219 reopened locations are operating in the eastern United States.
What does this mean for credit card holders? If you have an existing Big Lots credit card, your account is still managed by Comenity Bank. You can still make payments, check your balance, and earn rewards on purchases at stores that remain open. However, the card is no longer available to new applicants.
Does Big Lots Have a Credit Card?
Yes — technically. Big Lots does have a store credit card issued by Comenity Capital Bank. It's been part of the Big Lots shopping experience for years, offering deferred-interest financing and linking directly to the Big Lots rewards program. However, following the 2024 bankruptcy and ownership transition, Comenity Bank is no longer processing new applications. Existing cardholders can still use their cards at open locations.
Where Can I Use My Big Lots Credit Card?
The Big Lots credit card is a closed-loop card, so it can only be used in two places:
- In-store — at any open Big Lots retail location (currently 219 stores in the eastern US under Variety Wholesalers)
- Online — at BigLots.com (note: the new ownership has discontinued online shopping for now, so in-store use is your primary option)
You cannot use the Big Lots credit card at any other retailer, gas station, restaurant, or website. It does not carry a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express network logo.
Is Comenity a Mastercard?
Understanding Comenity Bank vs. Card Networks
No. Comenity is not a Mastercard. Comenity Capital Bank (now part of Bread Financial) is the issuing bank that manages the Big Lots credit card account. Visa and Mastercard are payment networks — they handle transaction processing between merchants and banks.
The Big Lots credit card doesn't operate on any major payment network. It's a private-label (closed-loop) store card. Some retailers partner with Comenity to offer dual-network cards that do carry a Mastercard or Visa logo, but the Big Lots version is not one of them.
How Do I Pay My Big Lots Credit Card?
All Payment Methods Available
There are several ways to handle your Big Lots bill pay:
- Online: Log into your account at d.comenity.net/biglots (Big Lots credit card sign in). Click "Pay Bill," choose your amount and payment date, and link your bank account.
- By Phone: Call the Big Lots credit card phone number at 1-888-566-4353. Follow the automated prompts to submit a payment.
- EasyPay: Use the EasyPay feature on Comenity's site to make a quick payment without logging in.
- By Mail: Send a check or money order to Comenity Capital Bank, PO Box 183003, Columbus, OH 43218-3003. Write your account number on the check.
- AutoPay: Set up automatic payments through your online account so you never miss a due date.
Pro tip: In-store payments were previously available but are currently not offered at the reopened locations under new ownership. Stick with online or phone payments for now.
How Much Credit Limit Can You Get with the Big Lots Card?
Average Limits and What Affects Yours
According to Credit Karma data, the average credit limit for the Big Lots credit card is approximately $1,321, with $1,250 being the most commonly reported limit. Your individual limit depends on several factors:
- Your credit score at the time of approval
- Your reported annual income
- Your existing debt-to-income ratio
- Your overall payment history across all accounts
Store cards generally offer lower limits than general-purpose cards. If you're approved, don't be surprised by a starting limit in the $500–$1,500 range. Comenity may increase your limit over time with consistent on-time payments.
What Credit Score Do You Need for the Big Lots Credit Card?
Minimum Credit Score and Approval Odds
The minimum credit score for Big Lots credit card approval is generally around 580, though a score of 640+ gives you much stronger Big Lots credit card approval odds. Credit Karma reports the average score of matched cardholders is 638, with 576 being the most common score among approved applicants.
Because it's a store card with limited usability, Comenity tends to be more flexible with approvals compared to major bank cards. Factors beyond your score matter too — stable income, low existing debt, and a clean recent payment history all help.
Does Big Lots Offer Pre-Approval?
Big Lots credit card pre approval was not widely offered as a formal feature. There was no soft-pull pre-qualification tool on the Big Lots website. Applying triggers a hard credit inquiry, which can temporarily lower your score by a few points.
Big Lots Rewards Program: How It Works
The Big Lots rewards program (called Big Rewards) is free to join and separate from the credit card. You don't need the credit card to participate — but combining the two can stack your savings.
Big Rewards Benefits (Free Membership)
- 15% off your first purchase when you sign up
- 5% off every purchase, every day
- $5 reward for every 3 purchases
- $10 bonus for every $200 spent on furniture
- Birthday surprise reward
- Free items on select weekends
- Daily military and veterans discount
Credit Card Rewards Add-On
If you hold the Big Lots credit card and are enrolled in Big Rewards, you earn an additional $5 reward certificate for every $100 spent on the card. These certificates are mailed with your monthly billing statement and can be redeemed at any open Big Lots location.
You can manage your rewards and track your earnings through the Big Lots app (available on iOS and Android) or by logging into www.biglots.com/rewards.
Does Big Lots Finance Furniture?
Yes — or at least, it did. The Big Lots credit card's primary value proposition was deferred-interest financing on larger purchases, which made it popular for furniture buyers. Here's how the financing worked:
| Purchase Amount | Financing Term | Condition |
|---|---|---|
| $250 – $749 | 6 months deferred interest | Must pay full balance within 6 months |
| $750+ | 12 months deferred interest | Must pay full balance within 12 months |
⚠️ Important warning: This is deferred interest, not 0% APR. Interest accrues silently from the date of purchase. If you carry even $1 of balance past the promotional period, you'll owe all the accumulated interest retroactively at the full 29.99% APR. That can be a nasty surprise on a $750 furniture order.
Big Lots Payment Options: Complete Guide
Whether you're paying your credit card bill or simply buying something in-store, here are all the Big Lots payment options available in 2026:
For Credit Card Payments
- Online at d.comenity.net/biglots
- By phone at 1-888-566-4353 (Big Lots bill pay phone number)
- By mail to Comenity Capital Bank
- EasyPay (no login required)
For In-Store Purchases
- Cash, debit cards, and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover)
- Big Lots credit card (existing cardholders)
- Gift cards
Does Big Lots Accept EBT Online?
Big Lots has accepted EBT/SNAP cards for eligible food items in-store. However, online EBT acceptance has not been a standard feature, and with the new ownership discontinuing online shopping for now, in-store EBT use at participating locations is your best option.
Big Lots Credit Card Customer Service
If you need help with your card account, Comenity Bank handles all Big Lots credit card customer service inquiries. Here's how to reach them:
| Contact Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Phone | 1-888-566-4353 |
| TDD/TTY | 1-800-695-1788 |
| Online Portal | d.comenity.net/biglots |
| Mailing Address | Comenity Capital Bank, PO Box 183003, Columbus, OH 43218-3003 |
| Military Lending Hotline | 1-866-230-0418 |
Is the Big Lots Credit Card Worth It? Honest Assessment
Let me give you a straight answer: for most people, the Big Lots credit card was never a strong choice — and that's even more true in 2026. Here's why:
The Downsides
- Extremely high APR. At 29.99%, the regular interest rate is well above the national average.
- Deferred interest trap. Miss paying your promotional balance by even a day and you'll owe months of back-interest.
- No network flexibility. You can only use it at Big Lots.
- Weak rewards. $5 per $100 spent (5%) sounds decent, but it's capped at $20 per billing cycle and only works at one store.
- No longer accepting applications. Even if you wanted it, new sign-ups are paused.
Better Alternatives
If you're looking for a card to use at Big Lots (and everywhere else), consider a general-purpose cash-back card. A card offering 2% unlimited cash back on all purchases would earn you more over time without the restrictions or the deferred-interest risk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I still apply for the Big Lots credit card in 2026?
No. As of 2026, Comenity Bank is no longer accepting new applications for the Big Lots credit card. Existing cardholders can continue using their accounts.
How do I check my Big Lots credit card balance?
Log into your account at d.comenity.net/biglots to view your current Big Lots credit card balance. You can also call 1-888-566-4353 for automated balance information.
What happened to Big Lots after bankruptcy?
Big Lots filed Chapter 11 in September 2024 and eventually closed all of its stores. Variety Wholesalers acquired 219 locations and reopened them by June 2025. The reopened stores operate in the eastern US with a focus on closeout and extreme-value merchandise.
Is the Big Lots rewards program still active?
The Big Lots rewards program operated under the original Big Lots ownership. Under the new Variety Wholesalers ownership, the specifics of loyalty and rewards offerings may have changed. Check with your local store or the Big Lots website for current program details.
Can I pay my Big Lots credit card by phone?
Yes. Call 1-888-566-4353 to pay Big Lots credit card bill by phone. Follow the automated prompts to submit your payment.
What is the interest rate on the Big Lots credit card?
The regular APR is 29.99% variable. Promotional deferred-interest offers of 6 or 12 months are available on qualifying purchases, but interest accrues from the purchase date and becomes due if the balance isn't paid in full before the promotion ends.
Recommended External Authority Sources
1. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) — consumerfinance.gov — For authoritative guidance on deferred interest financing, credit card rights, and how to file complaints against card issuers.
2. Federal Reserve Consumer Credit Data — federalreserve.gov — For current average APR benchmarks, credit card interest rate trends, and consumer lending statistics.
