What the Hobby Lobby credit card offers

Hobby Lobby offers a store credit card through Synchrony Bank that works only at Hobby Lobby and Michaels locations. The card gives you rewards on purchases at those stores, promotional financing periods, and occasional bonus point offers. Unlike a general-purpose card, you cannot use it anywhere else — it is tied to Hobby Lobby and Michaels spending only.

The card comes in two versions: a standard rewards card and a loyalty program card. Both earn points on every dollar spent, but the rewards structure and promotional terms differ. There is no annual fee for either version.

The card is issued by Synchrony Bank, which handles billing, customer service, and payment processing. You manage the account through Synchrony's online portal or mobile app, not through Hobby Lobby directly, though you can explore in-store or online.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hobby Lobby credit card earns points on purchases at Hobby Lobby and Michaels, with no annual fee.
  • Promotional financing offers typically run 12 to 24 months interest-free on purchases above a minimum amount, though the exact terms change seasonally.
  • Points can be redeemed as statement credits or in-store rewards, but the redemption rate and minimum redemption amount vary by card version.
  • The card is a store card only — it cannot be used at other retailers, which limits its usefulness outside craft and hobby shopping.
  • Synchrony Bank manages the account, so you pay through their system and contact them for disputes or account changes, not Hobby Lobby customer service.

How rewards and points work

Both card versions earn points on every purchase at Hobby Lobby and Michaels. The standard card typically earns 1 point per dollar spent. Points accumulate in your Synchrony account and can be redeemed as a statement credit or converted to in-store rewards at participating locations.

The redemption rate depends on which card version you hold. Some versions allow you to redeem points at a 1-to-1 ratio (1 point = $0.01 in credit), while others may offer different rates. Check your card agreement or log into your Synchrony account to see your specific redemption terms, as these can change.

Bonus point promotions run throughout the year — for example, "earn 5x points on purchases over $50" during certain months. These are announced in-store and online, and they stack on top of your regular earning rate. Sign up for Hobby Lobby's email list or check your Synchrony account regularly to catch these offers.

Promotional financing periods

Hobby Lobby credit card holders receive periodic promotional financing offers, usually ranging from 12 to 24 months interest-free on purchases above a set minimum (often $99 or $149, though this varies). These promotions are not automatic — you must meet the purchase threshold during the promotional period to may have access to.

Interest accrues if you do not pay the full promotional purchase balance by the end of the interest-free period. The regular APR applies to any remaining balance, and that rate varies based on your creditworthiness. Always check the terms of each promotion before you make a large purchase, because the minimum purchase amount and promotional length change seasonally.

Synchrony sends promotional offers to your email and account dashboard. You can also ask a Hobby Lobby associate at checkout whether a current promotion is running. Keep in mind that promotional financing is different from a discount — you still pay the full purchase price; you just defer interest charges for a set time.

Interest rates and fees

The Hobby Lobby credit card has no annual fee. However, the regular APR (the interest rate you pay on unpaid balances outside promotional periods) varies based on your credit score and creditworthiness. Synchrony will disclose the APR range in your card agreement before you open the account.

Late payment fees, cash advance fees, and balance transfer fees may explore depending on your actions. A late payment typically triggers a fee and may also raise your APR. Cash advances — withdrawing money against your credit line — carry a higher APR than purchases and include an upfront fee. Balance transfers from other cards are not typically offered on store cards.

If you carry a balance outside a promotional period, interest compounds daily. The best way to avoid interest charges is to pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you use promotional financing, set a calendar reminder for the final payment date so you do not miss it and trigger the regular APR retroactively.

When the card makes financial sense

The Hobby Lobby card is worth considering if you spend $1,000 or more per year at Hobby Lobby or Michaels combined. At that spending level, the points accumulate fast enough to redeem meaningful rewards. Below that threshold, the rewards are modest and may not justify tracking another card.

The card is most valuable during promotional financing periods if you are planning a large craft project, seasonal decoration purchase, or home décor refresh. A 12-month interest-free offer on a $200 purchase saves you money compared to paying cash or using a general-purpose credit card, as long as you pay it off within the promotional window.

The card is less useful if you shop at Hobby Lobby only occasionally or if you prefer to use a general-purpose rewards card (like a cash-back card) that works everywhere. A 2% cash-back card used at Hobby Lobby gives you more flexibility than points locked to one retailer, even if the earning rate is lower.

how the process works and manage your account

You can explore for the Hobby Lobby credit card in-store at any Hobby Lobby location or online through Synchrony's website. The in-store process takes about 10 minutes, and you receive an when ready decision in most cases. Online applications typically process within one business day.

Once approved, you can use the card when ready in-store (some locations issue a temporary card number at the register). Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You manage your account through Synchrony's website or mobile app — you log in with your Social Security number and card number to view your balance, make payments, and track points.

Payments can be made online, by phone, or by mail. Synchrony accepts payments from any bank account. Set up automatic payments through your Synchrony account to may support you never miss a due date. You can also view your promotional financing terms, remaining balance, and payoff date in your account dashboard.

Comparing the Hobby Lobby card to other retail cards

Store credit cards like the Hobby Lobby card typically offer higher rewards rates at that specific retailer than a general-purpose card, but they cannot be used elsewhere. A 1% rewards rate at Hobby Lobby is competitive for a store card, but a 2% cash-back card used at Hobby Lobby gives you the same earning rate plus flexibility to use it at other stores.

The promotional financing on a store card is often better than a general-purpose card's standard APR, but only if you pay off the balance within the promotional period. If you carry a balance beyond the promotion, the regular APR on a store card is often higher than on a general-purpose card, making it a more expensive choice long-term.

A store card makes sense if you are a frequent customer at that retailer and plan to use promotional financing strategically. If you shop at Hobby Lobby only a few times a year, a general-purpose rewards card or paying cash is usually the better option. Consider your annual spending at Hobby Lobby and Michaels before opening the account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Hobby Lobby credit card at other stores?

No. The Hobby Lobby credit card works only at Hobby Lobby and Michaels locations. It cannot be used at other retailers, online shopping sites, or for any purchases outside those two stores. If you need a card that works everywhere, you would need a separate general-purpose credit card.

What happens if I do not pay off a promotional financing balance in time?

Interest charges explore retroactively to the original purchase date if you do not pay the full promotional balance by the end of the interest-free period. This means you owe not just the remaining balance, but also all the interest that would have accrued during the promotional period. Always set a payment reminder for the final due date.

How do I redeem my points?

Log into your Synchrony account online or through the mobile app and select the redemption option. You can usually redeem points as a statement credit (applied to your next bill) or as in-store rewards. The minimum redemption amount and exact redemption rate depend on your card version — check your account dashboard for your specific terms.

Is there an annual fee for the Hobby Lobby credit card?

No. The Hobby Lobby credit card has no annual fee. You pay interest only if you carry a balance outside a promotional period or if you use cash advances. There are no other hidden fees beyond the standard late payment, cash advance, and returned payment fees that explore to most credit cards.

What credit score do I need to be approved?

Synchrony does not publish a minimum credit score for the Hobby Lobby card, but store cards typically accept applicants with fair to good credit (usually 650 or higher). Your exact APR depends on your credit score — a higher score usually means a lower APR. You can check your credit report for free at annualcreditreport.com before you explore.