What the BJ's Wholesale Credit Card Does

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 works like a standard credit card — you make purchases, receive a monthly bill, and pay interest if you carry a balance. The card offers rewards in the form of cash back on may have access to purchases, but the rewards rate and terms depend on which version of the card you hold.

Unlike a general-purpose credit card, this card can only be used at BJ's and affiliated merchants. You cannot use it at other retailers. The card is not the same as a BJ's membership; you need both a membership and the credit card if you want to use the card to shop.

Key Takeaways

  • The BJ's Wholesale Credit Card earns cash back on purchases at BJ's, but the rate varies by card version and purchase category.
  • You must have an active BJ's Wholesale membership to use the card, and membership fees are separate from the card itself.
  • The card charges interest on unpaid balances, and the annual percentage rate (APR) is set by Comenity Bank based on your credit profile.
  • Promotional financing offers, such as zero percent APR for a set period, are sometimes available but come with terms you should read before accepting.
  • The card does not report to the three major credit bureaus as a separate account, so it will not build your credit history the way a general-purpose card does.

Cash Back Rewards and Purchase Categories

BJ's offers two versions of the wholesale credit card, each with different cash back structures. The standard card typically earns a lower cash back rate on most purchases, while a premium version (sometimes called the Elite or Plus card) earns a higher rate. The exact rates change periodically, so you should check BJ's website or call Comenity Bank directly for current terms.

Cash back is usually earned on all purchases made with the card at BJ's locations and on the BJ's website. Some cards offer bonus categories — for example, higher cash back on gas, groceries, or travel booked through BJ's — but these vary by card version and may change. Cash back typically appears as a statement credit or can be redeemed for a check.

One important limit: cash back earned on the BJ's Wholesale Credit Card does not combine with cash back from other BJ's programs. If you also hold a BJ's membership rewards account, you may need to choose which one to use on a given purchase.

Interest Rates and How Payments Work

The card carries an APR that Comenity Bank sets based on your credit score and credit history. This rate is not fixed and can change over time. Unlike some store cards that offer deferred interest (where you pay no interest if you pay off the balance by a certain date), the BJ's card charges interest from the purchase date if you do not pay the full balance by the due date.

Your monthly statement will show the minimum payment due, the full balance, and the interest charged that month. If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount. Paying only the minimum will result in interest charges and a longer payoff timeline.

BJ's occasionally runs promotional financing offers, such as zero percent APR for 12 months on purchases over a certain amount. These promotions have specific terms — if you do not pay off the balance by the end of the promotional period, you owe all the interest that would have accrued during that time. Read the terms carefully before accepting a promotional offer.

Annual Fees and Membership Requirements

The BJ's Wholesale Credit Card itself does not charge an annual fee. However, you cannot use the card without an active BJ's Wholesale membership. BJ's membership does carry an annual fee, which varies by membership tier. A basic membership typically costs less than a premium membership, but both require annual renewal.

If your membership lapses, you can still use the credit card to make purchases, but you will lose access to member pricing and discounts. The card and membership are separate products, so canceling one does not automatically cancel the other.

Credit Reporting and Your Credit Score

The BJ's Wholesale Credit Card does not report to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) as a separate account. This means opening the card and using it will not build your credit history or credit score the way a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express would. If building credit is a goal, a general-purpose credit card is a better choice.

However, late payments or missed payments on the BJ's card can still affect your credit if Comenity Bank reports the account to a collection agency. Paying on time protects your credit record even though regular on-time payments do not actively build it.

How to Use the Card and Redemption Options

You can use the BJ's Wholesale Credit Card at any BJ's Wholesale Club location by presenting it at checkout, or online at bjs.com. The card works like any other credit card — swipe, insert, or tap depending on the payment terminal. You will receive a monthly statement by mail or email, depending on your preference.

Cash back earned on the card can typically be redeemed as a statement credit (which reduces your next bill) or as a check mailed to your address. Some versions of the card may offer other redemption options, such as gift cards or merchandise. Check your cardholder agreement or contact Comenity Bank to confirm what redemption methods are available for your specific card.

If you have questions about your account, you can call the customer service number on the back of your card. Comenity Bank handles billing, payments, and account inquiries.

Comparing the BJ's Card to Other Options

If you shop at BJ's regularly, the cash back rewards can offset some of your membership cost. However, the card's value depends on how much you spend and whether the cash back rate is competitive with other cards you might use. A general-purpose cash back card (like a Citi Double Cash or Chase Freedom Unlimited) often earns 1.5 to 2 percent cash back on all purchases, which may be higher than what the BJ's card offers on non-bonus categories.

The main advantage of the BJ's card is that it earns rewards only at BJ's, so it makes sense only if BJ's is a regular shopping destination for you. If you shop at multiple warehouse clubs or retailers, a general-purpose card with no annual fee and broader acceptance may be more useful.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a BJ's membership to open the credit card?

You do not need an active membership to open the card, but you will need one to use it at BJ's locations. If you open the card without a membership, you can use it online at bjs.com, but you will not receive member pricing or discounts.

What happens if I do not pay my BJ's credit card bill on time?

Late payments result in interest charges and may trigger late fees, depending on how many days past due the payment is. Repeated late payments can be reported to collection agencies and may harm your credit record. Contact Comenity Bank when ready if you cannot make a payment on time.

Can I use the BJ's credit card outside of BJ's?

No, the card can only be used at BJ's Wholesale Club locations and on bjs.com. It is not accepted at other retailers, gas stations, or restaurants.

How do I check my cash back balance?

Your cash back balance appears on your monthly statement. You can also log into your account online through Comenity Bank's website or call the customer service number on your card to check your balance and redemption options.

Does the BJ's card help me build credit?

No, the card does not report to the major credit bureaus, so using it will not build your credit score. If building credit is important to you, a general-purpose credit card that reports to all three bureaus is a better choice.