The Montgomery Ward Credit Card—also known as Wards Credit—is a store credit line that lets you buy now and pay later, with no annual fee and flexible monthly payments starting as low as $10. It’s designed for shoppers who may not qualify for traditional credit cards and want an easy way to finance purchases while working on their credit.
If you’re building or rebuilding credit, here’s what you should know before applying.
Credit Score Requirements for Wards Credit
Montgomery Ward doesn’t publish a minimum credit score requirement, which makes the Wards Credit account more accessible than most credit cards. Many applicants with fair or poor credit have been approved, especially those who haven’t maxed out their existing credit or recently defaulted on major accounts.
Since the application is built into the checkout process, you’ll get a quick decision after answering a few basic questions—no hard pull until you accept the terms.
Wards Credit also reports to the major credit bureaus, which gives you a chance to strengthen your credit score by making on-time payments.
Pros & Cons of the Montgomery Ward Credit Card
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide if it’s the right fit:
Pros
- No Annual Fee: There’s no recurring cost to keep the account open.
- Low Monthly Payments: Payments start at just $10 per month, which makes budgeting easier.
- Credit Reporting: Activity is reported to the major credit bureaus, so responsible use can help improve your credit score.
- Shop for Household Essentials: Use it to finance furniture, electronics, appliances, and other items directly from Montgomery Ward.
Cons
- High Interest Rates: If you carry a balance, interest can add up quickly. This card is best for those who can pay off purchases quickly.
- Limited Use: You can only use the card for Montgomery Ward purchases—not accepted anywhere else.
- Potential for Overspending: The buy-now-pay-later model can encourage impulse buying if you’re not careful.
Who the Montgomery Ward Credit Card Works Best For
This credit card is a good option if:
- You have fair or poor credit.
- You’re looking for a basic store card to rebuild credit.
- You want to spread out payments on larger household purchases.
- You need a no-annual-fee account to help build your credit profile.
If you’re managing a tight budget but still need to make essential purchases, this card offers a manageable path forward—so long as you pay on time and avoid carrying a high balance.
How to Improve Your Approval Odds
While Wards Credit is known to work with people who have less-than-perfect credit, a few smart steps can help you qualify more easily and get better terms.
1. Pay Bills on Time
Payment history is the biggest factor in your credit score. Set up reminders or autopay so you never miss a due date.
2. Keep Credit Utilization Low
Try to use less than 30% of your available credit across all cards. If your balances are high, pay them down before applying.
3. Review Your Credit Reports
Check your credit reports for errors through AnnualCreditReport.com. Disputing inaccurate information can improve your score.
4. Don’t Apply for Too Much Credit at Once
Too many applications in a short period can trigger multiple hard inquiries and lower your score temporarily. Be selective.
5. Strengthen Your Credit Mix Over Time
Having both revolving credit (like credit cards) and installment loans (like auto loans) can help you build a stronger profile, though it’s not essential for approval.
Should You Consider a Credit Repair Company?
If your credit report contains negative items that are holding you back—like charge-offs, collections, or bankruptcies—working with a credit repair service could help.
Credit Saint is a trusted credit repair company that helps clients challenge inaccurate or outdated items with the credit bureaus. Whether you’re dealing with late payments or major derogatory marks, their team has the experience to help you move forward.
They even offer a 90-day money-back guarantee, so you can move forward with confidence. Visit their website to see how they can help.
Bottom Line
The Montgomery Ward Credit Card is a simple store card that makes financing easier for shoppers with fair or poor credit. With no annual fee, low monthly payments, and credit bureau reporting, it’s a decent option for those trying to build credit while shopping for household essentials.
Before you apply, take a little time to clean up your credit, pay down existing debt, and review your credit reports. Using the card wisely—making payments on time and avoiding large balances—can help you build momentum and strengthen your financial future.
