If you’ve ever searched online for a new rug, coffee table, throw pillow or outdoor fire pit, your hunt has likely led you to a Wayfair page. Wayfair is one of the world's largest online destinations for the home, offering more than 18 million products.
Chronic house redecorators, or even just casual shoppers, may consider the Wayfair Credit Card for their home-enhancing purchases. Here are five things to know.
» MORE: Best store credit cards
1. There are two versions of the Wayfair Credit Card
There’s a basic Wayfair Credit Card that can be used only for purchases on the Wayfair family of retail sites, including its flagship Wayfair site, as well as Joss & Main, AllModern, Birch Lane and Perigold.
There’s also another version, the Wayfair Mastercard, that can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. When you use your Wayfair Mastercard you’ll get:
- 3% back in rewards at grocery stores.
- 2% back on qualifying online purchases.
- 1% back on all other purchases.
When you apply, you'll be considered for both versions of the card. If you're approved for both, you can choose which one you want. Both cards have a $0 annual fee.
2. You can earn 5% back in rewards on Wayfair purchases
Both the Wayfair Credit Card and the Wayfair Mastercard can earn 5% back in rewards when you use it to make a purchase on any Wayfair site. That means if you’re investing in a new $3,000 sectional for your living room and charge it on your card, you’ll get $150 back in Wayfair rewards that you can use toward your next purchase.
While 5% back is generous, it’s important to be aware that it’s not the same as 5% cash back. The rewards you’ll earn are good only toward purchases on the Wayfair family of sites.
If you're loyal to a Wayfair brand, this might not be an issue. But for most people, the best credit card to apply for earns more flexible rewards that aren't tied to any specific retailer.
🤓 Nerdy Tip
The Wayfair Credit Card used to be issued by Comenity Bank, but in 2020 the two current credit cards were launched by Citi. 3. You'll get a modest sign-up bonus
Once you're approved for the Wayfair Credit Card, you'll get $40 off your first order of $250 or more. It's important to note that this offer is only available on your first purchase with the card, so you'll want to time your application around making a large purchase.
As far as retail credit cards go, this introductory offer is solid. But you'll still probably do much better with a general cash-back credit card. Consider the Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card, which offers a much more lucrative introductory offer: $200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening. Plus, this card will give you 3% back in the spending category you choose — and one of your options is online shopping.
4. You can take advantage of special financing (but you’ll forgo rewards)
Redecorating your whole house and want to take advantage of no interest financing on your purchases? With the Wayfair Credit Card, there are several options for special financing. The catch is, if you choose a no-interest financing plan, you won’t earn the 5% back in rewards on the purchase.
When you go to check out on your Wayfair purchase, you’ll be presented with special financing options, like:
- 6-month financing on orders over $199.
- 12-month financing on orders over $799.
- 18-month financing on orders over $1,499.
- 24-month financing on orders over $2,999.
These deferred interest offers are not the same as a true 0% intro APR offer, though. Instead of interest being waived, you must pay off your balance in full by the end of the no-interest promotional period or you'll be charged interest on the entire purchase amount, retroactive to the purchase date.
Qualifying purchases above $2,999 may also be eligible for "major purchase plans." This means you will be charged interest, but at a lower ongoing APR over a set number of months.
» MORE: Deferred interest vs. 0% APR
5. Carrying a balance on this card is bad design
You’ll want to make sure you pay off your Wayfair balance in full at the end of each month because, as with many retail credit cards, if you’re not taking advantage of special financing, you’ll pay a high APR. As of August 2023, the variable purchase APR is 32.24%.
If you need to carry a balance, a card with a 0% introductory offer will likely be a better choice. Consider the BankAmericard® credit card, which offers 0% Intro APR for 21 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 14.99%-25.99% will apply. Unlike the Wayfair Credit Card, interest will only start to accrue once the introductory period ends. So if you don't pay the entire balance by then, you'll only owe interest on your remaining balance, not the entire thing.
