Lowe’s vs Home Depot Credit Cards: Which One is Best for You?

Key Takeaways

Lowe’s offers 5% off all purchases, making it ideal for frequent shoppers who want consistent savings, while Home Depot focuses on special financing for large purchases.
Home Depot provides up to 24 months of interest-free financing, great for big projects, whereas Lowe’s offers 6 months special financing on purchases over $299.
Lowe’s Advantage Card has a 20% first-purchase discount (up to $100), while Home Depot extends return windows to 365 days for cardholders. Choose based on your spending habits and project size.

When it comes to home improvement, Lowe’s vs Home Depot is the classic rivalry. Both of these retail giants have their loyal customers, but the competition doesn’t stop at lumber and paint aisles—it extends to their credit cards, too.

The Lowe’s vs Home Depot credit card battle is one that many DIY enthusiasts and contractors face when deciding which card to sign up for.

Choosing the right credit card can save you hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars over time, depending on how you use it. But the real question is: which card is better for you—Home Depot or Lowe’s?

In this guide, we’ll break down the features of both cards, highlight their pros and cons, and help you make the best decision based on your specific needs. Let’s get started!

The Basics: Home Depot Credit Card vs Lowe’s Credit Card

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty, let’s start with the basics.

Both Home Depot and Lowe’s credit cards are store-branded cards that come with special perks designed for home improvement shoppers.

Neither card charges an annual fee, but their benefits and financing offers differ in ways that could influence your decision.

Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison:

Feature	Home Depot Credit Card	Lowe’s Advantage Card
Annual Fee	$0	$0
Intro Offer	None	20% off your first purchase (up to $100 off)
Regular Discount	None	5% off every purchase
Financing Offers	6 to 24 months of special financing on qualifying purchases	6 months special financing on purchases of $299+
APR	17.99% – 29.99% Variable APR	26.99% Variable APR
Extended Returns	Up to 365 days	Standard return policy
Rewards/Discounts	Occasional special discounts for cardholders	5% off all eligible purchases
Approval Criteria	Good credit required	Fair to good credit accepted

Home Depot Credit Card: What It Offers

The Home Depot credit card is primarily known for its special financing offers. Depending on your purchase, you could qualify for six months to two years of interest-free financing.

This is a huge perk if you’re tackling a big home renovation project and need time to pay it off.

However, unlike Lowe’s card, Home Depot’s card doesn’t offer a consistent discount on every purchase.

Instead, you might come across special cardholder promotions from time to time, but they’re less predictable than Lowe’s standard 5% off.

Pros of the Home Depot Credit Card

Interest-Free Financing: For purchases of $299 or more, you can get up to 24 months of no-interest financing, depending on promotional offers.
Extended Return Period: Home Depot cardholders get up to 365 days to return purchases, which is much more generous than the standard 90 days.
No Annual Fee: Like Lowe’s, the Home Depot credit card doesn’t charge an annual fee, so there’s no cost to keeping the card around.

Cons of the Home Depot Credit Card

No Regular Discount: If you're someone who loves instant savings, the lack of a regular percentage off every purchase could be disappointing.
High APR: The APR ranges from 17.99% to 29.99%, so carrying a balance on the card could quickly get expensive if you're not using the special financing offers.

Lowe’s Credit Card: What It Offers

On the flip side, the Lowe’s Advantage Card gives cardholders a straightforward 5% discount on every purchase.

This is an instant benefit—no waiting around for special deals. The 5% discount applies to everything from paint to appliances to lumber, so it’s a consistent way to save money if you shop at Lowe’s frequently.

In addition to the regular discount, Lowe’s also offers special financing options. For purchases of $299 or more, you can choose between 6 months of deferred interest financing or 5% off your purchase.

Unlike Home Depot’s extended financing offers, Lowe’s doesn’t go beyond 6 months unless there’s a special promotion.

Pros of the Lowe’s Advantage Card

5% Discount on Every Purchase: This is one of the most attractive features for Lowe’s shoppers, giving you savings upfront every time you swipe the card.
First Purchase Bonus: You can get 20% off your first purchase (up to $100 in savings) when you open the card—perfect if you have a big project on the horizon.
Special Financing: If you need some time to pay off a big project, you can opt for 6 months of interest-free financing on purchases of $299 or more.

Cons of the Lowe’s Advantage Card

Shorter Financing Period: Compared to Home Depot, Lowe’s doesn’t offer extended financing periods of up to 24 months unless there’s a limited-time promotion.
Higher Minimum Interest Rate: Lowe’s APR is slightly higher than Home Depot’s, starting at 26.99%.

Home Depot vs Lowe’s Credit Card: Special Financing Options

When comparing the Home Depot credit card vs Lowe’s, one of the biggest factors to consider is how you plan to use the card—are you looking for a long-term financing option or regular savings on everyday purchases?

Home Depot Special Financing: Home Depot shines when it comes to special financing offers. For purchases of $299 or more, you can enjoy 6 months of deferred interest financing.

However, the real highlight is their promotional financing deals, which can extend up to 24 months for larger purchases or specific products. For example, Home Depot often runs promotions on appliances, where you could finance a purchase for up to two years without interest.

This makes the Home Depot credit card ideal if you’re taking on a large project and need an extended period to pay it off.

Lowe’s Special Financing: Lowe’s offers 6 months of interest-free financing on purchases of $299 or more, which is great but not as long as Home Depot’s extended financing offers.

However, the benefit of Lowe’s card is that you get to choose between 5% off or the special financing option. So, if you don’t need to spread out your payments, you can still save upfront.

For those planning smaller projects or who regularly shop for smaller items, Lowe’s consistent 5% discount could be more beneficial than Home Depot’s unpredictable promotions.

Who Should Choose the Home Depot Credit Card?

Big Renovators
If you’re planning a large home improvement project, the Home Depot credit card is a strong contender. The extended financing offers give you more flexibility to pay off big-ticket purchases over time without accruing interest.
Frequent Returns
If you tend to change your mind or often have leftover materials after a project, the extended return policy (up to 365 days) could save you some headaches.
Loyal Home Depot Shoppers
If you already prefer Home Depot over Lowe’s for your home improvement needs, it makes sense to take advantage of the financing offers on products you’re already buying.

Who Should Choose the Lowe’s Advantage Card?

Everyday Savers
The 5% off every purchase is perfect for customers who frequently shop at Lowe’s, especially if you don’t always have a large project in the works but still want to save consistently on supplies, tools, and home décor.
First-Time Cardholders
With a 20% discount on your first purchase (up to $100), it’s a great way to kickstart your savings if you have a large first purchase in mind.
Loyal Lowe’s Shoppers
If you’re already a regular at Lowe’s, the ongoing 5% savings can add up fast, especially for those who make frequent smaller purchases.

Other cards with Cashback at Home Depot and Lowe’s

Chase Freedom Unlimited®
🔹 Key Metrics:
- Rewards:
  - 1.5% Cash Back on all purchases, including Home Depot and Lowe’s.
  - 5% Cash Back on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
  - 3% Cash Back on dining and drugstores.
- Annual Fee: annual_fees
- 📈 APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type
✨ Advantages:
- Flat-Rate Rewards: Earn a straightforward 1.5% cash back on every purchase, making it easy to accumulate rewards without tracking categories.
- Sign-Up Bonus: bonus_miles_full
- Flexible Redemption Options: Redeem cash back as statement credits, direct deposits, gift cards, or through the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.
- No Annual Fee: Enjoy cash back rewards without any yearly costs.
- Purchase Protection: Includes extended warranty and purchase protection for eligible items.
- Introductory APR Offer: Often features 0% APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 15 months.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
🔹 Key Metrics:
- Rewards:
  - 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%).
  - 2% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and select department stores.
  - 1% Cash Back on other purchases, including Home Depot and Lowe’s.
- Annual Fee: annual_fees
- 📈 APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type
✨ Advantages:
- High Rewards at Supermarkets and Gas Stations: Maximize cash back on everyday essentials, though Home Depot and Lowe’s purchases earn a standard 1%.
- Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full
- No Annual Fee: Benefit from cash back rewards without any yearly charges.
- Purchase Protection: Includes return protection and purchase protection for eligible items.
- Cell Phone Protection: Get coverage for eligible cell phone theft or damage when you pay your monthly bill with the card.
- Extended Warranty: Extends the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
🔹 Key Metrics:
- Rewards:
  - 1.5% Cash Back on all purchases, including Home Depot and Lowe’s.
- Annual Fee: annual_fees
- 📈 APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type
✨ Advantages:
- Simple Rewards Structure: Enjoy a flat 1.5% cash back on every purchase, making it easy to earn rewards without managing categories.
- Sign-Up Bonus: bonus_miles_full
- Flexible Redemption: Redeem cash back as a statement credit, check, or apply it to your Capital One account.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Ideal for international purchases and travel.
- Zero Liability Protection: You’re not responsible for unauthorized purchases if your card is lost or stolen.
- Extended Warranty: Extends the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
🔹 Key Metrics:
- Rewards:
  - 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%).
  - 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
  - 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and transit.
  - 1% Cash Back on other purchases, including Home Depot and Lowe’s.
- Annual Fee: annual_fees
- 📈 APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type
✨ Advantages:
- High Cash Back Rates: Maximize rewards on groceries, streaming services, and gas, while still earning 1% on Home Depot and Lowe’s purchases.
- Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full
- Redeem for Gift Cards: Enhanced value when redeeming cash back for gift cards at U.S. supermarkets and streaming services.
- Purchase Protection: Includes return protection and purchase protection for eligible items.
- Cell Phone Protection: Get coverage for eligible cell phone theft or damage when you pay your monthly bill with the card.
- Exclusive Offers: Access to special offers and discounts from American Express partners.
Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card
🔹 Key Metrics:
- Rewards:
  - 3% Cash Back on dining and entertainment.
  - 2% Cash Back at grocery stores.
  - 1% Cash Back on all other purchases, including Home Depot.
- Annual Fee: annual_fees
- APR: reg_apr,reg_apr_type
✨ Advantages:
- Enhanced Rewards on Dining and Entertainment: Earn higher cash back on dining out and entertainment expenses.
- Welcome Offer: bonus_miles_full
- Flexible Redemption: Redeem cash back as a statement credit, check, or apply it to your Capital One account.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: Suitable for international use and travel.
- No Annual Fee: Benefit from cash back rewards without any yearly charges.
- Extended Warranty: Extends the manufacturer’s warranty on eligible purchases.

Which Card is Best for Home Depot and Lowe’s?

When it comes to maximizing cashback rewards at Home Depot and Lowe’s, consider how each card categorizes these purchases:

Home Improvement Stores: Typically, purchases at Home Depot and Lowe’s fall under the “Home Improvement” or “General Merchandise” category. Most of the cards listed offer 1% to 1.5% cash back on these types of purchases.

Best Options for Consistent Rewards

Chase Freedom Unlimited® and Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card both offer a flat 1.5% cash back on all purchases, including Home Depot and Lowe’s. These are excellent choices if you prefer a simple rewards structure without worrying about categories.

Maximizing Overall Rewards

If you also spend significantly on other categories, such as groceries, dining, or streaming services, cards like the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express or Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express might provide higher overall rewards, even if Home Depot and Lowe’s purchases are limited to 1%.

No Annual Fee Options

Chase Freedom Unlimited®, Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express, Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card, and Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards Credit Card all offer competitive cash back rates without any annual fees, making them suitable for maximizing rewards without additional costs.

Other Factors to Consider: Lowe’s vs Home Depot

When choosing between the Lowe’s vs Home Depot credit card, there are a few additional factors to keep in mind:

Location
Let’s be honest—some people choose between Home Depot vs Lowe’s based on which store is closest. If you live in an area where one store is more convenient, that could tip the scale.
Product Availability
While both stores offer similar products, they do have different exclusive brands and stock. Depending on what you’re shopping for, one store might have a better selection.
Customer Service
While this varies by store, some people swear by the customer service at one chain over the other. If you’re someone who values good in-store assistance, this could play a role in your decision.

Which Card is Best for You?

When it comes to deciding between Lowe’s vs Home Depot credit card, the best card for you depends on your shopping habits and financial needs.

Choose the Lowe’s Advantage Card
if you want a consistent 5% discount on every purchase and value savings over long-term financing. It’s a great card for smaller purchases or those who prefer instant discounts.
Choose the Home Depot Credit Card
if you’re planning a large home improvement project and need extended interest-free financing. If you can make use of the financing offers and return policy, this card might save you the most in the long run.

Whichever card you choose, make sure to weigh the pros and cons carefully, consider your project needs, and compare the financing and discount opportunities.

In the Home Depot vs Lowe’s credit card battle, it all comes down to how you shop and what benefits you value most.

Comparing Lowe’s and Home Depot Credit Cards: Find the Best Fit for Your Needs