Top 10 Stores That Offer Pre-Approval

Looking to shop smarter without wrecking your credit score? You’re not alone. In 2025, more shoppers than ever are ditching traditional credit checks and turning to pre-approval methods that let them snag what they need—without the financial stress.

Whether you’re upgrading your wardrobe, finally buying that home office setup, or just want some budget-friendly flexibility, getting pre-approved through soft credit checks is the modern way to shop. We’ve rounded up some of the most popular online stores and platforms where the shopping cart trick or pre-approval process is alive, well, and working for smart consumers like you.

Here are a few of the hottest, trendiest, and most talked-about retailers offering pre-approval without hurting your credit:

1. Victoria’s Secret

Why it’s trending: This lingerie powerhouse isn’t just about pink bags and body sprays. Thanks to its partnership with Comenity Bank, Victoria’s Secret is one of the OGs when it comes to the shopping cart trick. Just add items to your cart, go to checkout, and you may be prompted with a soft pull pre-approval credit offer.

Pro tip: Make sure your pop-ups are enabled, and that you’re using a clean browser session (incognito mode helps!)

2. Wayfair

Why shoppers love it: Furniture shopping just got easier. Wayfair partners with Affirm, offering shoppers flexible financing plans. Their pre-qualification tool does a soft check only, which means you can explore options before making a commitment.

Hot take: Perfect for big purchases like a new couch or desk setup. And yes, they do sales. A lot.

3. Express

Why it’s cool: This fashion-forward retailer also teams up with Comenity Bank, and yes, the shopping cart trick has been known to work here too. If you’re trying to refresh your closet, Express might just let you do it with pre-approval.

TikTok Tip: A lot of finance influencers have shown this working in real-time—add $100+ in merch to your cart, enter your details, and wait for the magic popup.

4. Overstock

The BNPL Boost: Partnering with Klarna, Overstock lets shoppers “try before you buy” or split up payments using a soft credit check. It’s perfect for buying big-ticket items like rugs, bedding, and tech accessories.

5. Shein

Gen Z’s favorite fashion playground: Shein works with Klarna and Afterpay—two BNPL platforms known for soft credit checks and instant approvals. It’s stylish, fast, and financially flexible.

Warning: Budget-friendly doesn’t mean spend-happy. Stay within your limits!

6. Urban Outfitters

Aesthetic meets credit-friendly: If you’re a fan of boho-chic and artsy vibes, Urban Outfitters might surprise you with Afterpay at checkout. Split your payment in 4, pay over time, and keep your credit report intact.

7. Target

The secret shopper’s weapon: Through Affirm, Target shoppers can finance electronics, small appliances, and more—all with a quick, soft-check approval. Even better, you can use Target Circle to layer in loyalty rewards.

8. Adidas

Because sneakers are an investment: Adidas teams with Affirm and Afterpay to offer instant, interest-free financing to qualifying customers. This is huge during limited releases and special drops.

9. Gamestop

Power to the (credit-smart) players: With Klarna and Sezzle, Gamestop lets you break up payments on that PS5 or headset. You can game now, pay later, and still maintain a strong credit score.

Gamer Bonus: Sezzle’s approvals are fast and friendly even for low-credit profiles.

10. Best Buy

Tech upgrades on your terms: Best Buy’s relationship with Progressive Leasing and Affirm makes it possible to snag expensive gear without dropping a ton of cash upfront. Some pre-approvals are instant with no hard pull involved.

A Few Others Worth Exploring:

• Sephora (Klarna)

• Bath & Body Works (Comenity Bank)

• Forever 21 (Afterpay)

What to Keep in Mind:

• Always read the fine print. Soft checks are great—but if you proceed to full application, make sure you know if a hard pull will happen.

• Watch your spending. Just because you can split a payment doesn’t mean you should overspend.

• Use in moderation. Opening too many store credit lines can still impact your credit utilization ratio.

Final Thoughts

Shopping in 2025 is smarter, savvier, and way more strategic than ever. With these retailers offering pre-approval without hard credit checks, you have more control over your finances and your shopping experience.

Take advantage of these tools, stay within your means, and shop like the boss you are.

💳 Want to learn more about how pre-approval and the shopping cart trick really work? Click here to read our guide!