3 Best Credit Cards for Home Improvements in 2022
There are several different types of rewards credit cards, but the idea behind them is similar. When cardholders spend money using their rewards cards, they typically earn cash back or points they can use toward purchasing items or booking travel accommodations. No wonder 71% of Americans have credit cards that offer rewards, according to a study by Wells Fargo.
With so many different rewards programs, choosing the best option for a specific purpose like home repairs may be difficult.
What To Look For in a Home Improvement Credit Card
When potential applicants look for the best credit cards for home improvement, there are a few things they should pay close attention to:
- Interest Rates. Interest rates are one of credit card users’ largest fees. Potential applicants should compare interests regardless of the type of card they’re looking for.
- Rewards Programs. Different credit cards offer different types of rewards programs. Potential cardholders who plan on using a new card for a specific reward should compare the programs available to ensure they get the most bang for the buck.
- Other Fees. Interest isn’t the only fee credit card companies charge. Applicants should always look into all fees before they apply for any credit card.
Best Credit Cards for Home Improvements
Homeowners who want to make upgrades should consider the following rewards credit card offers:
1.
Best for: Overall rewards
The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card is the best credit card for home improvement in terms of the number of rewards cardholders can earn. Cardholders earn a $200 sign-up bonus when they spend $1,000 or more in the first 90 days.
The biggest draw to this card is that cardholders can earn 3% back on the category of their choice, with one option being home improvement and furnishings. This bonus cash-back category extends to purchases cardholders make with contractors, like carpenters and plumbers.
Important Card Details
- Annual Fee:
- Promotional Interest: 0% APR for 15 months on purchases and on balance transfers initiated within the first 60 days of opening an account
- APR:
2. Lowe’s Advantage Card
Best for: Lowe’s customers
The Lowe’s Advantage Card, issued by Synchrony Bank, is a store credit card that cardholders can only use in-store or at Lowes.com, but for people who shop at Lowe’s when they make home improvements, it’s a compelling option.
New cardholders get 20% off when they open and use their new accounts, though the bank limits the savings to $100. Cardholders also get 5% off everything in the store and online daily.
Members can take advantage of perks like six-month special financing and 84 fixed monthly payments at a lower interest rate when they spend $2,000 or more.
Important Card Details
- Annual Fee: $0
- Promotional Interest: Special financing on qualifying purchases
- APR: 26.99%
3.
Best for: Small upgrades and repairs
The Citi Custom Cash credit card is a great option for homeowners who want to make small upgrades or repairs. That’s because the card offers 5% back on up to $500 in purchases in the cardholder’s highest spending category — and home improvement stores are an eligible category — plus 1% back on all other purchases.
Cardholders can also earn a $200 cash-back bonus by spending $1,500 or more in the first six months of membership.
Important Card Details
- Annual Fee:
- Promotional Interest: 0% APR for the first 18 billing cycles on purchases and balance transfers made within the first four months
- APR:
Final Take
The home improvement credit cards mentioned above give cardholders the best rewards for their DIY efforts. Just be aware of any limitations on rewards offers and keep your promotional time frame in mind to decide when to make big purchases.
FAQ
Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about home improvement credit cards.- What is the easiest home improvement credit card to get?
- Rewards credit cards typically require good to excellent credit scores. Store cards are generally easier to get than credit cards, so the Lowe's Advantage Card is likely the easiest on this list.
- Can you pay for home improvements with a credit card?
- Yes, but some contractors may charge fees for using credit cards, so make sure your credit card rewards are enough to offset any fees.
- Does Home Depot give a discount for opening a credit card?
- New Home Depot cardholders can save up to $100 on qualifying purchases.
- What credit card is the most beneficial?
- The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card is the best credit card for home improvements because cardholders earn 3% cash back on the category of their choice. That additional cash back extends to purchases with contractors when the cardholder selects the home improvement category.
Rates are subject to change; unless otherwise noted, rates are updated periodically. All other information on accounts is accurate as of Oct. 11, 2022.
Editorial Note: This content is not provided by any entity covered in this article. Any opinions, analyses, reviews, ratings or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author alone and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any entity named in this article.
Our in-house research team and on-site financial experts work together to create content that’s accurate, impartial, and up to date. We fact-check every single statistic, quote and fact using trusted primary resources to make sure the information we provide is correct. You can learn more about GOBankingRates’ processes and standards in our editorial policy.
- Business.com. 2022. "Forget the Checks: 3 Reasons Why Your Construction Company Should Accept Credit Card Payments."
- Consumer Financial Protection Bureau. 2022. "Americans pay $120 billion in credit card interest and fees each year."
- Wells Fargo. 2022. "New Study: Americans Lean Into Credit Card Rewards to Offset Rising Costs – Including Travel."
