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Frequent Contributor
Razeus
Posts: 351
Registered: ‎04-02-2012

Why do people use store cards?

I see people here always touting Walmart, Home Depot, Macy's, JCP, etc.

 

Why would you use a store card over just a Visa, MC, Discover or AMEX?  Do they give a discount with each purchase?  Coupons?

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Frequent Contributor
scarrollprint
Posts: 380
Registered: ‎06-26-2012

Re: Why do people use store cards?

store cards in general tend to be easier to get than non-store branded credit cards.

 

Some give perks - and what they are differ from card to card.

 

Walmart has a promo that you spend so much you get interest free for so long (not sure if its all the time or they offer it so often).

 

Walmart usually gets promoted heavily because its usually a pretty easy card to build up the CL on over time as well as with the paperfree billing you get your TU score monthly.

 

My wife has a VS credit card - she gets discounts, and promos every month and the points system are better than nothing. In the end its saved some money vs if she paid cash and never had the card - she was going to go and buy her undies there anyways might as well save a few bucks when she does.



Current: Eq- 624 Ex - 631 (lender pulled) TU - 661 (lender pulled)
Goal 700+ across all three
Frequent Contributor
wallyworld123
Posts: 429
Registered: ‎01-04-2012

Re: Why do people use store cards?


scarrollprint wrote:

store cards in general tend to be easier to get than non-store branded credit cards.

 

Some give perks - and what they are differ from card to card.

 

Walmart has a promo that you spend so much you get interest free for so long (not sure if its all the time or they offer it so often).

 

Walmart usually gets promoted heavily because its usually a pretty easy card to build up the CL on over time as well as with the paperfree billing you get your TU score monthly.

 

My wife has a VS credit card - she gets discounts, and promos every month and the points system are better than nothing. In the end its saved some money vs if she paid cash and never had the card - she was going to go and buy her undies there anyways might as well save a few bucks when she does.


+1

Established Contributor
andre181
Posts: 581
Registered: ‎07-29-2010

Re: Why do people use store cards?

Rewards, coupons, financing promos (0% for X months). There are lots of reasons to use store cards.

 

But if there aren't any discounts or financing offers, I would definitely use a bank card with some kind of rewards.

FNBO Visa $19K | Discover IT $15.3K | Citi Forward $10.5K | US Bank Cash+ Visa Sig $10K | Amazon/Chase Visa Sig $8.3k | Barclays/Priceline $6K | BoA Cash Rewards 1-2-3 Sig $5.5K | Capital One Cash Rewards $5K | WF Cash Back Visa $3.6K | Citi ThankYou Preferred $3.5K | Amazon/GEMB $2.5K | AMEX BCE $2K | Younkers/WFNNB $2K | Commerce Bank $2K | Target $1K | AMEX Green
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Valued Contributor
navigatethis12
Posts: 1,129
Registered: ‎01-24-2012

Re: Why do people use store cards?

Macys was the first card I was approved for, so I keep it for the history. They also give 20% off coupons and free return shipping to higher teir card holders. Amazon was the second card I got. I only use it if I want to finance something for a year or more.

New Contributor
Omri
Posts: 80
Registered: ‎10-29-2012

Re: Why do people use store cards?

The only store card I have is a Kohl's card, and I get up to 30% off of things with it, so I consider that very worth using, especially since I get pretty much all of my clothes at Kohl's.


Back to a seedling since 2/25/13. Shooting for gold spade or maybe even platinum!

FICO scores (all lender pulls): EQ 737 (11/22/12), EX 742 (11/7/12), TU 718 (2/14/12)
Established Contributor
Cadillac-XTS
Posts: 1,837
Registered: ‎08-20-2012

Re: Why do people use store cards?

Promotions

Established Contributor
snowkitty
Posts: 636
Registered: ‎09-10-2012

Re: Why do people use store cards?

I like the 0% interest on walmart & amazon....old navy & vs sent out really good savings alot and I like them because they are supposed to build credit line fast
TU Fico 714 | Sesame 738 | Credit Karma 734 | Wal-Mart FICO 708 | EX FICO 695 (1/28/13) | EQ 740 (3-21-13)

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Frequent Contributor
jd5189
Posts: 470
Registered: ‎08-14-2012

Re: Why do people use store cards?

Store cards definitely have their place in the credit market. Stores use them to get you to buy more as studies show that you are inclined to spend more with a CC vs. cash. They entice you into the store usually by discounts/promotions of some kind. For some, if you typically shop at a certain store, the discounts can add up. Or in the case with home improvement cards - they radomly offer 0% financing for longer than some CC's offer - also without the need to apply for a new CC to get the 0%.

I personally don't have any store cards yet, but if I develop a trend where I tend to shop at a store often and the rewards look good, I might app for one in the future.

In my wallet: Amex PRG & Zync, Amex BCE (19.2k), Chase Freedom (5k), PSECU Visa/PSL (20k)
Current Scores: Equifax: 738 (Fako) TransUnion: 721 (Fico) Experian: 717 (Fico)
Disclaimer: I am by no means a financial advisor. My posts are based on opinion, experience, and/or knowledge.
Regular Contributor
WhiteCollar
Posts: 228
Registered: ‎04-07-2012

Re: Why do people use store cards?

I use them for the perks (coupons, discounts, points) and I always PIF! I have Nordstrom, Macy's, Bloomies and VS.


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