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Best Credit Card for Home Improvement in 2026
July 1, 2025
Editor's Picks
With rotating bonus categories that frequently include home improvement stores and valuable purchase protections for large items, the Chase Freedom Flex® is an excellent choice for funding your renovation projects.
Top Cards
Chase Freedom Flex®
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Why we picked it it
- The Chase Freedom Flex® is a top choice because its rewards categories frequently align with home improvement spending. This allows homeowners to get significant value back on everything from a fresh coat of paint to a full kitchen remodel, making project budgets stretch further.
- Beyond its flexible rewards, the card provides a suite of valuable consumer protections that add a layer of security to large purchases. It's a highly regarded card that works well on its own or paired with other Chase cards, offering a powerful combination of benefits for savvy consumers.
Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card
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Why we picked it it
- The Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card (See Rates & Fees) is a top pick for its straightforward approach to earning rewards. Cardholders can enjoy a simple, flat-rate rewards structure on every purchase without needing to track complicated spending categories. This makes it an ideal choice for those who value convenience and a hassle-free experience.
- Beyond its simple rewards, the card offers valuable perks that appeal to a wide range of consumers, from frequent travelers to everyday spenders. Benefits like a complimentary Uber One membership add significant value for users of the popular rideshare service. Its suitability for international travel also makes it a versatile option for those on the go.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
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Why we picked it it
- The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (See Rates & Fees) is a top pick because it offers a simple way to earn rewards on everyday spending. It's designed for consumers who want to get value back from their most frequent purchases, such as at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations, without needing to track complex categories.
- This card also provides valuable cardholder protections that are a hallmark of American Express, adding a layer of security to your spending. Its straightforward structure and reliable benefits make it an ideal choice for those who want a practical, easy-to-use rewards card for their daily expenses.
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Other Options to Consider
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
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Chase Freedom Unlimited®
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How to Choose a Credit Card for Home Improvement
Embarking on a home renovation project can be as financially daunting as it is exciting, but the right credit card can be a powerful tool to manage costs and even earn rewards along the way.
However, navigating the sea of options comes with its own set of traps. Many consumers are lured by flashy welcome offers, overlooking cripplingly high interest rates that kick in after a short introductory period. It's also easy to choose a card with a rewards structure that doesn't align with your project's spending, ultimately diminishing the value you get back.
Key Factors
- Introductory APR: Look for cards with a 0% introductory APR period, which allows you to finance your project over several months without accumulating interest.
- Rewards Structure: Choose a card that offers high rewards rates on categories relevant to your project, such as home improvement stores, to maximize your cash back or points.
- Credit Limit: Ensure the card offers a credit limit high enough to cover your anticipated renovation expenses without maxing out your card, which could negatively impact your credit score.
- Welcome Offer: A substantial welcome offer can provide significant upfront value, effectively giving you a discount on your project costs after meeting a spending requirement.
- Annual Fees: Consider whether a card's annual fee is justified by the rewards and benefits you'll gain, especially if you don't plan to use the card long-term.
- Cardholder Perks: Don't overlook benefits like purchase protection or extended warranties, which can provide valuable coverage for large-ticket items like new appliances.
What to Watch Out For
Many renovators get sidetracked by a hefty welcome offer, only to be hit with a high ongoing interest rate once the promotional period ends. It's also easy to pick a card with a rewards program that doesn't align with your project, such as one that prioritizes travel over home improvement store purchases. Be sure to have a solid payoff strategy in place to clear your balance before the introductory APR expires, otherwise interest charges can quickly erase any benefits you've earned.
Decision Flow
If your top priority is financing a large project over time, focus on cards offering a long 0% introductory APR period. This gives you a window—often 12 to 21 months—to pay off your balance without accruing interest, effectively turning the card into an interest-free loan.
If you plan to pay your balance in full each month, shift your focus to maximizing rewards. Look for a card that offers high cash back or points on spending at home improvement stores or a high flat rate on all purchases. This strategy turns your renovation expenses into a rebate.
If the bulk of your spending will be at one specific retailer, like The Home Depot or Lowe's, a store-branded credit card could be your best bet. These cards often provide an immediate discount on your first purchase or special financing options that general-purpose cards can't match.
If you have a large initial expense that can meet a spending requirement, prioritize a card with a generous welcome offer. Earning a few hundred dollars back after spending a few thousand can take a significant bite out of your project's total cost.
If you're looking for a card that will serve you well beyond the renovation, consider a flexible rewards card with valuable long-term perks. Benefits like purchase protection and extended warranties can be especially useful for new appliances and big-ticket items, providing value long after the dust has settled.
Maximize Your Return with Home Improvement
To get the most value out of every dollar you spend on your renovation or repair, here are some key strategies to keep in mind.
- Stack your rewards: Don't just rely on your credit card; use online shopping portals or store loyalty programs in conjunction with your card to earn multiple rewards on a single purchase.
- Time your purchases with rotating categories: Many popular cash back cards offer 5% back on categories that change each quarter, and home improvement stores are frequently featured.
- Plan around a new card's welcome offer: A large home improvement project can be the perfect opportunity to meet the spending requirement for a lucrative welcome bonus on a new credit card.
- Redeem points strategically: Instead of settling for a simple cash-back redemption, check if you can get more value by redeeming points for statement credits against home improvement purchases or by transferring them to a high-value travel partner.
- Activate card-linked offers: Before you shop, check your card issuer’s online portal for special offers from retailers like Lowe's or The Home Depot, which can provide extra statement credits or bonus points.
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Other Things to Consider
Beyond picking the right card, it's crucial to have a solid financial strategy for your home improvement project. For instance, if most of your purchases will be from a single retailer, a store-specific card might offer valuable discounts or special financing that general-purpose cards can't match. Regardless of your choice, disciplined debt management is key; if you opt for a card with a 0% intro APR, ensure you can pay off the balance before the high regular interest rate kicks in. Remember to also weigh your options against using saved cash, which is always the most cost-effective route, or even Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) plans, which require their own careful management. Ultimately, the best financing tool is one that fits within a well-managed budget and a clear repayment plan.
Our Methodology
We evaluate nearly 3,000 credit cards across the U.S. market — far more than the ~150 cards commonly featured on sites that focus only on products tied to affiliate commissions. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive, unbiased view of the credit card landscape so you can make confident, data-driven decisions.
Our editorial team combines deep industry experience with rigorous verification standards. While our experts surface the most relevant recommendations in our guides, you can also explore the full dataset yourself through our card explorer tool, which includes thousands of cards — more than 95% of which do not provide us with commissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a business credit card for my home improvement projects?
While you can technically use a business card for personal expenses, it's generally not recommended as it can complicate your accounting and may violate your cardholder agreement.
Should I get a card with a 0% intro APR for a big project?
A card with a 0% introductory APR can be an excellent tool for financing a large home improvement project, allowing you to pay it off over time without accruing interest. Just be sure you can pay off the balance before the promotional period ends.
How will opening a new credit card for home improvements affect my credit score?
Opening a new card can cause a temporary dip in your credit score due to the hard inquiry, but it can also improve your score long-term by lowering your overall credit utilization ratio.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
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