The Runnings Credit Card is a store card for farm, ranch, and outdoor purchases
The Runnings Credit Card is a store credit card issued by Runnings, a farm supply and outdoor retail chain with locations across the upper Midwest and Great Plains. Like other store cards, it works only at Runnings locations and their website — you cannot use it at other retailers. The card is designed for people who shop at Runnings regularly and want to earn rewards on those purchases.
Store cards typically offer rewards or discounts that regular payment methods do not, but they also come with a higher interest rate if you carry a balance. Before you open one, it helps to understand what you get, what it costs, and whether the rewards are worth the trade-offs for your spending habits.
Key Takeaways
- The Runnings Credit Card works only at Runnings stores and Runnings.com, not at other retailers.
- Store cards usually offer rewards or discounts on purchases, but charge higher interest rates than general-purpose credit cards if you carry a balance.
- You build credit history with a store card the same way you do with any credit card — by making on-time payments and keeping your balance low relative to your limit.
- The card's value depends on how often you shop at Runnings; if you rarely visit, the rewards may not offset the higher interest rate.
How the Runnings card rewards work
Runnings offers rewards or promotional financing on the card, though the exact terms change over time. The most common structure is a percentage of your purchase back as a reward, or special financing offers (like "no interest for 12 months on purchases over $500") during promotional periods. You earn these rewards or discounts only on purchases made with the card at Runnings.
To find the current rewards rate and any active promotions, visit Runnings.com or ask at a Runnings store. The terms are not the same across all store cards, and Runnings updates them periodically. If you are considering the card mainly for the rewards, confirm what the current offer is before you open the account.
Interest rates and fees on store cards
Store credit cards typically charge a higher interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) than general-purpose cards like Visa or Mastercard. This is true even if you have good credit. The Runnings card's APR varies based on your credit history, but store cards in this category often range from 16% to 24% or higher.
If you pay your balance in full each month, the interest rate does not matter — you pay no interest at all. But if you carry a balance, the interest charges add up quickly. For example, a $1,000 purchase at 20% APR costs you about $200 in interest over a year if you make no payments. Store cards also may charge an annual fee, though many do not; check your card agreement to be sure.
When a store card makes sense for your budget
A store card is most useful if you shop at that store regularly and you pay your full balance every month. In that case, you get the rewards or discounts with no interest cost. If you shop at Runnings several times a month for feed, equipment, or seasonal supplies, the rewards can add up.
A store card is less useful if you shop there only once or twice a year, or if you tend to carry a balance from month to month. The higher interest rate will cost you more than the rewards are worth. In that case, a general-purpose credit card with a lower APR is a better choice, even if it does not offer Runnings-specific rewards.
How the Runnings card affects your credit score
Opening a store card affects your credit score in two ways. First, the card issuer will check your credit report (called a "hard inquiry"), which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. Second, a new account lowers your average account age, which also affects your score slightly. These effects fade over time as you use the card responsibly.
On the positive side, using the card and paying on time builds your credit history. Each on-time payment is reported to the credit bureaus and shows lenders that you manage debt reliably. Keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit (below 30% of the limit) also helps your score. Over time, a store card used this way can improve your credit profile.
Store cards versus general-purpose credit cards
The main difference is where you can use them. A store card works only at one retailer (or a small group of related stores). A general-purpose card like Visa or Mastercard works almost everywhere. Store cards often have higher interest rates but may offer better rewards at that specific store. General-purpose cards have lower interest rates but their rewards are usually smaller.
If you shop at Runnings regularly and pay in full each month, a store card can save you money through rewards. If you shop there occasionally or carry a balance, a general-purpose card with a lower APR is usually the better choice. Some people use both: a store card for regular purchases at that retailer, and a general-purpose card for everything else.
How to open the Runnings Credit Card
You can open the card in person at any Runnings store or online at Runnings.com. You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and income information. The issuer will check your credit report and make a decision within a few minutes to a few days.
If you are approved, you can use the card when ready in many cases, either in-store or online. If you are denied, you have the right to know why — the issuer must send you a notice explaining the reason. If your credit score is low, you may be denied, or approved with a lower credit limit. You can always reapply later if your credit improves.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will opening a store card hurt my credit score?
Opening any credit card causes a small, temporary drop in your score due to the credit check and new account. This effect usually fades within a few months. Using the card responsibly — paying on time and keeping your balance low — will help your score recover and improve over time.
Can I use the Runnings card at other stores?
No. Store cards work only at the retailer that issued them. The Runnings card works at Runnings stores and Runnings.com only. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need a general-purpose card like Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
What happens if I miss a payment on my store card?
A missed payment is reported to the credit bureaus and will damage your credit score. You will also owe a late fee, and your interest rate may increase. If you miss a payment, contact Runnings as soon as possible to bring your account current and avoid further damage.
Is the Runnings card worth it if I only shop there once a year?
Probably not. If you shop at Runnings infrequently, the rewards will be small, and the higher interest rate is not worth it. A general-purpose card with a lower APR is a better choice unless you plan to use the Runnings card regularly.
Can I use the Runnings card to build credit if I have no credit history?
Yes. A store card can help you build credit from scratch, as long as you pay on time and keep your balance low. However, store cards are harder to get approved for if you have no credit history. A secured credit card (which requires a cash deposit) may be easier to get and just as effective for building credit.