What distinguishes a store card from other types of cards?

A store card is specifically designed to provide a revolving line of credit that is typically intended for use at a single merchant or a group of affiliated retailers. This means that customers can make purchases up to a certain credit limit and pay off the balance over time, often with the option to make minimum payments. The key characteristic that distinguishes store cards is their limited acceptance; unlike general credit cards, which can be used at various locations, store cards are generally restricted to the issuing retailer or its partners.

This revolving credit feature also allows consumers to make repeat purchases while managing payments flexibly, often accompanied by store-specific rewards or discounts. Thus, the core functionality and intent of a store card revolve around facilitating an ongoing credit relationship with a single merchant, which is not the case with other types of credit cards that may be accepted more widely or offer different terms.