What is a score card?

A store card lets you shop now and pay later — usually just in one specific shop. Many give extra perks, like points, discounts, or early access to sales.

Store cards are regulated credit products, so the retailer or finance partner must follow UK rules set by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

5 min read

Close up of a woman handing over a store card to the shop worker

Store cards let you buy now, pay later in one shop. They work like a credit card but only in that retailer.
Some cards are open-loop credit cards. These are store-branded credit cards you can use anywhere, not just one shop.
They can offer perks. Things like discounts, points, or early access to sales.
But costs can build quickly. Interest rates are usually high, and late fees can add up.

Written by: Fiona Peake

Personal Finance Writer

Last updated 22nd Jan 2026

Fact-checked

Edited by: Josephine Haagen, Personal Finance Writer

Reviewed by: Matt Waller, Financial Promotions Manager

Disclaimer: We make every effort to ensure content is correct when published. Information on this website doesn't constitute financial advice, and we aren't responsible for the content of any external sites.

Fiona is a personal finance writer with over 7 years’ experience writing for a broad range of industries before joining Ocean in 2021. She uses her wealth of experience to turn the overwhelming aspects of finance into articles that are easy to understand.

Store cards let you buy now, pay later in one shop. They work like a credit card but only in that retailer.
Some cards are open-loop credit cards. These are store-branded credit cards you can use anywhere, not just one shop.
They can offer perks. Things like discounts, points, or early access to sales.
But costs can build quickly. Interest rates are usually high, and late fees can add up.