2022’s Best Credit Card For Home Improvement

You’re spending more time at home than ever before, so you’re bound to brainstorm some projects that could make your surroundings more comfortable, functional or unique.

If you’re ready to take your home to the next level but in need of financial support, a home improvement credit card could be a good option.

Benefits Of Using A Credit Card For Home Improvement Projects

It’s important to understand the basics of credit card ownership and the risks of debt before using one for points, a credit score boost or other perks, but if you choose the right card and combine it with other smart spending tips, you can cut the cost of your home improvement project significantly.

From getting cash back to discounts on purchases and securing long-term financing options for your next remodel, having a designated credit card for home improvement costs can be useful. However, the extent and regularity of your projects plays a significant role in choosing the card that is right for you.

Keep reading to learn more about our top picks for home improvement credit cards and how they can be used to maximize your rewards. The key criteria used to compile this list includes but is not limited to:

• Annual Fee
• APR
• Rewards rate
• Discounts
• Unique perks

Our Picks For Top Credit Cards

Home improvement is a broad category. If you’re renting, home improvement might be as simple as buying new appliances, furniture or home decor, while homeowners might want a complete remodel. Depending on the scale of your project, these credit cards could be what you need to get started.

Each credit card on this list was compared and chosen based on the cash back, rewards and unique perks they offer. Because every credit card is different, we recommend identifying what perks matter most to you before choosing a card.

Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature: Best For Online Shoppers

If you think in-store shopping is a thing of the past, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Credit Card might be right for you. This card is convenient to use online and offers great cash back perks if you’re committed to buying your home improvement supplies from Amazon. 

Earn 5% cash back on all Amazon purchases, 2% back at restaurants, gas stations and drugstores and 1% back on all other purchases. As the largest online retailer, Amazon also offers a wide range of products outside of the home improvement category, making this card extremely versatile. And as a bonus, it also works at Whole Foods!

Pros:

• Cash back on all Amazon purchases means this card is not limited to home improvement

Cons:

• No welcome bonus
• You must have an Amazon Prime membership to qualify

Bank Of America Cash Rewards Credit Card: Best For Contractors

Lacking the confidence to handle home repairs yourself? No problem! The Bank of America Cash Rewards Credit Card offers 3% cash back on a category of your choice, including home improvement and furnishings, which also covers certain contractors such as plumbers, electricians, landscapers and carpenters.

The ability to earn cash back on services provided by contractors could help with your next remodel or when you’re in need of an unexpected home repair. The card also offers 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs and 1% back on all other purchases.

Pros:

• Flexible cash back categories
• Earn cash back on home improvement services provided by professionals
• Welcome bonus: Earn $200 after spending $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening

Cons:

• People with good credit who are willing to pay an annual fee may be able to find other cards with higher reward rates

Lowe’s Advantage Credit Card: Best For Large Projects

Although store cards can be limiting, the Lowe’s Advantage Credit Card is a particularly good fit if there is a large home project planned in your future.

Lowe’s offers unique payment plans that allow you to pay for these projects over  time, limiting your upfront costs. Pay over 6 months with Lowe’s Special Financing for purchases over $299 or set up an 84-month fixed payment plan, which functions similarly to a personal loan, for purchases over $2,000.

This card also offers a 5% discount on eligible in-store and online purchases, which means savings can add up quickly if you’re in need of a lot of materials!

Pros:

• Special financing for larger home improvement projects and remodels

Cons:

• No welcome bonus or cash back rewards

U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Credit Card: Best For New Homeowners

If you recently purchased your first house, the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Credit Card could help you turn that house into a home with customizable cash back and rewards options that give you more bang for your buck.

This card offers 5% cash back on two categories of your choice, including furniture stores, home utilities, TV and internet providers and streaming services. For the new homeowner, this means getting cash back for many of your move-in costs and gives you a more flexible budget to decorate your home.

You will also earn 2% cash back on an everyday category of your choice – such as gas, groceries, or restaurants – and 1% back on all other purchases.

Pros:

• Flexible cash back categories
• Welcome bonus: Earn $150 after spending $500 in eligible purchases within the first 90 days of account opening

Cons:

• 5% cash back is capped after your first $2,000 in combined eligible net purchases

Risks Of Using A Credit Card For Home Improvement

While using a credit card to finance your home improvement project can be beneficial when done correctly, there are several drawbacks that homeowners should be aware of:

• There are penalties for canceling a credit card. If you open a credit card for your home improvement project thinking you can simply cancel it when the project is done, think again. Closing a credit account can have a negative impact on your credit, so you’ll need to keep the account open even after you’re done using it.

• Credit cards make it easier to take on extra debt. Credit cards can make it tempting to spend over your intended budget, so consider whether you’ll be able to stick to a budget before allowing yourself to use a credit card.

• It could negatively impact your credit. Credit bureaus like to see your credit utilization low, so charging large amounts on a home improvement credit card can impact your credit score.

Other Home Improvement Savings Tips

If you’re not looking to take on credit card debt, or if you’re looking for savings beyond what your credit card can offer, there are several other money-saving steps you can take:

• Coupons: There are hundreds of home improvement coupons available online and the right coupon at the right time could mean major savings.
• Discount gift cards: Discount sites like Raise, Cardpool and Gift Card Mall regularly post gift cards for home improvement chain stores like Lowe’s and Home Depot below face value.
• Shopping portals: This is one of the simplest ways to receive extra rewards for online purchases. Shopping portals allow you to compare prices between suppliers, and by searching for your items through the portal before visiting the merchant’s website, you will automatically earn bonus points, miles or cash.
• Do-it-yourself: If you’re feeling creative, DIY projects can be a great way to personalize your living space while cutting costs. We recommend heading to Pinterest to find unique ideas for your next project!

Best Credit Card For Home Improvement FAQs

What credit card has the best rewards for home improvement? 

Several different home improvement credit cards offer various rewards, so the best one for you will depend on how you’ll be using the card. For those who aren’t sure where to begin researching cards, the Bank of America® Cash Rewards card is a great place to start.

What’s the best credit card for buying appliances? 

Several different home improvement credit cards offer various rewards, so the best one for you will depend on how you’ll be using the card. For those who aren’t sure where to begin researching cards, the Bank of America® Cash Rewards card is a great place to start. 

If you’re looking to buy appliances with a store card, we like the Lowe’s Advantage credit card. The Citi® Double Cash Card is another option that offers great rewards. Keep in mind that the best card for each person will vary based on their unique circumstances.

What’s the easiest home improvement credit card to get? 

Home Depot and Lowe’s credit cards are often the easiest for homeowners to get since they require a credit score of 640. 

Can you pay for home improvements with a credit card? 

Most home improvements can be made using a credit card. However, sometimes a contractor will offer a discount to customers paying with cash, as this helps them avoid paying expensive convenience fees to the credit card company.

The Bottom Line

It’s no secret that home improvement can be expensive. But by leveraging the right credit card alongside other money saving tools like coupons and gift cards, you can give yourself more money upfront to fund your project and more time to pay off the costs.

Consider the cost, scale and regularity of your home improvement projects while doing your research, and discuss any plans to take on debt with your financial advisor.

Looking for more ways to cut costs? Check out this article on some steps you can take to potentially save money.