Function

• The major clearinghouse firms--VISA, MasterCard, and Discover--team up with major building supply companies to generate greater profits and new segments of market share. Creating company-specific credit cards are in the best interest of these companies because it helps generate referrals and more business.
  
  

Credit

• Cash-back credit cards often require borrowers to have stellar credit profiles. Cash back programs--especially on high-cost items like building materials -- are only offered to the top-tier of credit customers, which generally means a FICO score above 700. Free copies of your report are available annually from the top three credit reporters. It's in your best interest to check your credit and make sure you'll qualify prior to applying.
  
  

Personal Customers

• Individual consumers may be attracted to these cards if they are currently engaged in a home improvement project. The card will, if used exclusively at the owning retailer, cut the cost of the project by offering cash back on a percentage of the purchases. In most cases, a credit card will offer no more than 5% back for building supplies purchases. Most companies will pay between 1% and 3% back.
  
  

Chase Home Improvement

• One of the most popular varieties of cash-back, building supplies credit cards is the Chase Home Improvement Reward Credit Card. This program puts customers on a points system. Each eligible purchase is worth a certain number of points, and those points are then redeemable in either gift cards or straight cash. In order to reap the benefits, consumers must make sure their purchases are eligible for the program prior to buying.
  
  

Bank of America Home Improvement

• The Bank of America Home Improvement credit card is another popular option for general consumers. This card gives 1% back on all purchases made with the card, and an additional 1% offered on building supplies. However, the 2% maximum is only for the first 12 months you have the card--the introductory period. Therefore, it is advisable to obtain this card right before a major improvement project.