Home Depot and Lowe’s are two of the biggest home services retailers in the country. They’re go-to spots for DIYers and pros alike—from roofers and painters to electricians and remodelers. Both offer brand-exclusive products and robust contractor support programs, including their Pro Desk services.
To better serve professionals, each store created loyalty and service hubs: Home Depot Pro Desk and Lowe’s Pro Desk. While they have a lot in common, they differ in benefits, pricing, and overall support.
At Scorpion, we know how important these suppliers are to contractors. So let’s break down the pros and cons of each to help you choose what works best for your business.
A Look at Lowe’s Pro Desk
Lowe’s Pro Desk offers contractors tools, perks, and support designed to simplify jobs and save money. Whether you’re managing a full crew or taking jobs solo, the program aims to streamline your operations.
Credit and Loyalty Program
The Lowe’s Pro Credit Card gives contractors flexible payment schedules and detailed, line-by-line statements. It’s backed by American Express, so you also get Amex perks like cash back at restaurants and gas stations.
Pro cardholders get:
- Exclusive Lowe’s coupons and up to 10% off purchases
- Discounted delivery on materials and tools
- Access to special financing and payment terms
Discounts for Bulk Purchases
With Lowe’s Pro Desk, buying in bulk pays off. The program includes discounts of up to 50% on over 2,000 items—a higher ceiling than Home Depot’s average discount range.
Additional perks include:
- Lower bulk purchase minimums ($1,500 vs. Home Depot’s $2,500)
- Service Pro Packs that offer repeated-use item discounts
- A wider in-store selection across multiple tool brands
Rewards for Frequent Buyers
Loyal contractors at Lowe’s unlock VIP benefits:
- Early store hours and dedicated parking
- Pro-only checkout lanes
- Priority phone support with in-store pickup help
Lowe’s also ships orders over $45 (under 150 lbs) for free and offers job site delivery when needed.
As you keep shopping, Lowe’s Pro app builds a personalized “quick order” list based on your past purchases—saving you time on repeat orders.
Business Support and Services
Lowe’s assigns every business a dedicated ProServices specialist who helps you manage orders, find savings, and meet tight project deadlines.
These support services help you:
- Coordinate materials and deliveries across multiple job sites
- Keep track of invoices and day-to-day project needs
- Get personalized advice as your business scales
Whether you’re just starting out or managing multiple crews, these services would help contractors of all sizes stay organized, save time, and stay focused on the job.
A Look at Home Depot Pro
Home Depot is Lowe’s biggest competitor, and its Pro Desk is built to support contractors with an emphasis on vendor quality and business tools.
Rewards for Contractors
Home Depot’s Pro Xtra program rewards your spending. The more you buy—especially in bulk—the more personalized discounts and coupons you receive.
Home Depot works with fewer but higher-rated vendors, focusing on premium tools and materials.
Growth-Based Discounts
Home Depot Pro Xtra loyalty tiers grow with your business:
- Bronze Tier: 10% off after $2,000 in purchases
- Gold Tier: 20% off after $7,500 in purchases
These savings stack with frequent orders, and your dashboard tracks spending, provides itemized details, and offers personalized suggestions.
Every Pro member also gets a PASA—Pro Account Sales Associate—to help manage orders and suggest tools.
Business Credit Card Options
Home Depot offers two credit card options:
- Commercial Account Credit Card (CAC): Best for larger teams, this card lets you track invoices and assign authorized users.
- Commercial Revolving Charge Card (CRC): Good for smaller businesses, this one lets you carry a balance and make minimum payments.
While Home Depot cards don’t come with Amex perks, they offer 10¢ back per gallon at the pump for every $100 spent.
Side-by-Side Comparison
So which Pro Desk is best for contractors?
Credit and Rewards
Lowe’s offers lower interest rates and more perks, like Amex rewards and better delivery options. If flexibility and rewards beyond store purchases matter to you, Lowe’s wins here.
Home Depot focuses more on streamlined business tools. Their Pro cards connect directly to dashboards for easier spending control and team oversight.
Bulk Pricing and Business Tools
Both stores offer great mobile apps and concierge-style support, but Lowe’s stands out with:
- Bigger discounts on bulk purchases
- Lower minimum order thresholds
- Broader support for popular inventory items
Home Depot shines with top-tier vendors and loyalty tiers that reward consistent, high-volume purchasing.
The Bottom Line
Both Lowe’s Pro Desk and Home Depot Pro give real value to contractors. The right choice depends on what you need most:
- Choose Lowe’s Pro Desk for broader inventory, Amex-backed rewards, and flexible credit.
- Choose Home Depot Pro for premium materials, structured loyalty tiers, and integrated business tools.
No matter which route you go, loyalty gets rewarded. Pick the system that fits your workflow and helps your business grow.
Want to level up your business? Talk to Scorpion about contractor marketing, websites, and digital tools that help you win more jobs.
