topic Re: Store Cards Worth Having in Credit Cards

Store Cards Worth Having

jigglypuff — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 08:50:35 GMT

I read so much bashing of store cards here. Most of it is totally warranted. With that said, I'd love to hear which store cards you actually love and why.

I love my Target card -- 5% off purchases and always free shipping (no minimum). I can find better prices online at Target than Walgreens in-store (and use a cash back portal!), and I don't have Amazon Prime (presumably, the things I order from Target are what many turn to Amazon for) -- so this card is amazing for me. It also extends your return period to 90 days, which I've used on more than one occasion.

I also love my Ebates card for eBay purchases. I haven't found a better card for cash back on eBay than this. You get at least 4% cash back when using this card for eBay in conjunction with the Ebates portal.

What store cards actually provide value to you?

Re: Store Cards Worth Having

UncleB — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 10:50:02 GMT

@jigglypuff wrote:
I read so much bashing of store cards here. Most of it is totally warranted. With that said, I'd love to hear which store cards you actually love and why.

I love my Target card -- 5% off purchases and always free shipping (no minimum). I can find better prices online at Target than Walgreens in-store (and use a cash back portal!), and I don't have Amazon Prime (presumably, the things I order from Target are what many turn to Amazon for) -- so this card is amazing for me. It also extends your return period to 90 days, which I've used on more than one occasion.

I also love my Ebates card for eBay purchases. I haven't found a better card for cash back on eBay than this. You get at least 4% cash back when using this card for eBay in conjunction with the Ebates portal.

What store cards actually provide value to you?

Store cards can really be a mixed bag. They can be instrumental to a rebuild, since generally-speaking they are easier to be approved for than a major network credit card (I'm avoiding the term 'prime' here since it's completely subjective). However if someone goes overboard, getting too many store cards can cause more problems than they solve... it just depends on an individual's credit profile, spending patterns, and discipline.

I have a few store cards that I like very much, and a couple that I only keep around due to their relatively significant age. At some point I have a major purchase planned for Lowe's, and I plan on using their special financing for 5.99% for up to 84 months. I also have the Sam's Club MasterCard, which as a 'dual card' is both a store card and a major network card... it's actually quite useful to me and "earns" me a few hundred dollars each year in rewards .

I don't have the Target card, but if I were a regular Target shopper I would definitely check into it. I also don't have the Amazon store card, but I'm a fan of it as well, especially for those who have Amazon Prime.

I would simply say that a one-size-fits-all is seldom a good approach; while many folks on here mean well with their warnings about store cards if one uses them correctly they can be nice to have. I'll also add that many times what you see on here isn't actually bashing of the store cards themselves, but of the behavior people sometimes exhibit when they are getting cards just for sake of getting them, without making a plan or thinking things through.

Just my 2¢.

Re: Store Cards Worth Having

Anonymous — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 12:04:53 GMT

My Amazon Prime card is most valuable to me. I have prime and shop on Amazon almost weekly. The prices are almost always better than finding the item in stores. And the special finance is also great when making large purchases.

I think the problem with store cards is that because they're so much more easy to attain than major bank cards people go crazy in the rebuilding stage. And get multiple cards at once. There's really no reason to have five store cards with a $300 limit. It's great to have a store card for a place you shop often and the rewards would be value to you. You've got to think about how this store card will grow for you and what you'll need it for down the road.

Re: Store Cards Worth Having

AverageJoesCredit — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 12:05:24 GMT

Ive said it before ill say it again, pick a store card that you know you are going to use because if you just app to have for an easy approval, and not all store cards are easy ( heres looking at you Sears, many times one is left with cards they dont want or need, ie the shopping cart trick with Comenity( can easily be abused to often to the detriment of us rebuilders;( ). I ll just say of all my store cards, of course i love Amazon Prime , i teally enjoy my Jc Pennys. I know high apr, etc but just yesterday i saw some really good clearance specials . With free shipping and all they had a 30% off if you use your card so i ended up buying like $300 worth of clothes ,was like $142 before the extra 30% , so ended up paying like $99( + 11 for local tax ) To me it was quite a deal. I also earned 2 $10 rewards . im also hoping to get this converted to a mc but that is just a side goal. So im happy with this store card in that it fits with my spending and at times has really good specials that you might not get if you used another credit card.

Pick and choose wisely young grasshopper for for is strong in you ( sorry just woke up and having some mornin Joe!! happy Sunday everyone!

Re: Store Cards Worth Having

tcbofade — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 12:10:55 GMT

We have a few store cards, mostly for the discount offered at the register. For those of you who are familiar with Nebraska Furniture Mart, their store card regularly offers zero percent deals, and DW and I are big fans.

Re: Store Cards Worth Having

irunfromcredit — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 12:24:57 GMT

@jigglypuff wrote:
I read so much bashing of store cards here. Most of it is totally warranted. With that said, I'd love to hear which store cards you actually love and why.

I love my Target card -- 5% off purchases and always free shipping (no minimum). I can find better prices online at Target than Walgreens in-store (and use a cash back portal!), and I don't have Amazon Prime (presumably, the things I order from Target are what many turn to Amazon for) -- so this card is amazing for me. It also extends your return period to 90 days, which I've used on more than one occasion.

I also love my Ebates card for eBay purchases. I haven't found a better card for cash back on eBay than this. You get at least 4% cash back when using this card for eBay in conjunction with the Ebates portal.

What store cards actually provide value to you?

I currently have 5 retail cards (Amazon Prime, Banana Republic, Nordstrom, CareCredit, and Lowes). My Amazon , BR and Nordies is used quite often. I like the benefits and rewards for each of the cards. I keep the CareCredit for any medical expenses (especially dental and vet bills) that I may need spread out the payments. Lowe's is the only one that I hem and haw about closing, since I use it maybe 2-3x a year. But as other posters mentioned, sometimes folks get caught up in the thrill of applying and getting approved and retail cards seeme to be the easiest approvals. I guess to each their own, right?

Re: Store Cards Worth Having

Anonymous — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 12:41:35 GMT

As mentioned, it's SOOOOOO subjective to each person, their situation, how they use CC's overall,

are they rebuilding, which cards, what limits, how many etc, etc, etc.

Just too wide open a question the answer an objective notion like "which ones are WORTH having"

Kinda like asking WHICH kid is 'worth' having (The one that goes Pro! )

My mom has a decent amount of store CCs (keeps a solidly above 820 CS) and uses them moreso like a charge card

('ya know pays as SOON as the bill comes out w/o question) never ever a balance but she 'lady shops' (no offense ladies)

but you know what I mean THIS is on sale over here, if you use THAT card it's another X% off yada yada....so through her years

of life she's pick up this and that card...and they keep raising the CLs, although she doesn't "need" them to but again it keeps her scores sky high

...which in turn makes her more likely to be given more CLIs and around it goes.

Now, I'm a 'dude shopper' meaning I'm back in the car before the engine cools...I want THE ITEM I came in for and I'm NOT gazing through

any extra racks and I don't want to see, hear or smell any samples....

Let's get to it and to the register...there is no loyalty, no 'favorite' store to just 'visit' and 'see' what they HAVE....no sir...if I'm in there,

there's A reason and generally ONE or an exact 'short' list......so for me store cards aren't very valuable to the way I'm wired...

I need to pull out a card and have the clerk accept it or AT THE VERY LEAST pull out a 2nd one because they don't take Disco or AmEx

other than that I don't want to THINK about which card looks in the blue place vs the red store or the yellow one.....nah, I want just about

universal acceptance of ANYTHING, I pull out of my wallet.....again I'm too simple a dude to be sorting through which card I can use to buy

a pack of underwear with....

Re: Store Cards Worth Having

irunfromcredit — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 12:49:29 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
As mentioned, it's SOOOOOO subjective to each person, their situation, how they use CC's overall,
are they rebuilding, which cards, what limits, how many etc, etc, etc.

Just too wide open a question the answer an objective notion like "which ones are WORTH having"
Kinda like asking WHICH kid is 'worth' having (The one that goes Pro! )

My mom has a decent amount of store CCs (keeps a solidly above 820 CS) and uses them moreso like a charge card
('ya know pays as SOON as the bill comes out w/o question) never ever a balance but she 'lady shops' (no offense ladies)
but you know what I mean THIS is on sale over here, if you use THAT card it's another X% off yada yada....so through her years
of life she's pick up this and that card...and they keep raising the CLs, although she doesn't "need" them to but again it keeps her scores sky high
...which in turn makes her more likely to be given more CLIs and around it goes.

Now, I'm a 'dude shopper' meaning I'm back in the car before the engine cools...I want THE ITEM I came in for and I'm NOT gazing through
any extra racks and I don't want to see, hear or smell any samples....

Let's get to it and to the register...there is no loyalty, no 'favorite' store to just 'visit' and 'see' what they HAVE....no sir...if I'm in there,
there's A reason and generally ONE or an exact 'short' list......so for me store cards aren't very valuable to the way I'm wired...
I need to pull out a card and have the clerk accept it or AT THE VERY LEAST pull out a 2nd one because they don't take Disco or AmEx
other than that I don't want to THINK about which card looks in the blue place vs the red store or the yellow one.....nah, I want just about
universal acceptance of ANYTHING, I pull out of my wallet.....again I'm too simple a dude to be sorting through which card I can use to buy
a pack of underwear with....

"lady shop..." LOL Guilty..right here!!

Re: Store Cards Worth Having

Anonymous — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 13:46:11 GMT

I have the Amazon Prime card and I love it. I shop for virtually everything on Amazon. I also have Care Credit which I use for my furry babies and a Home Depot card I plan to make a very large purchase using their finance plan. I have no more plans for a store card. Those three serve specific purposes and are great.

That being said, to each his own. I guess my only suggestion is to think about any card you want (store or not) and decide where it fits into your portfolio.

Re: Store Cards Worth Having

Anonymous — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 13:54:14 GMT

I would say it depends on your situation.. For me and others with an established profile the only two reasons to get a store card are if they offer some great financing on purchases you plan to make OR if you shop there frequently and they offer rewards that your other cards can't match. However, for someone rebuilding there may be other benefits.. For instance, if you only have 3000 dollars in credit available, and add a store card with a 3000 limit.. you can increase your spending power from 1000 to 2000 while still being at 30% utilization. As long as you plan to shop there at least once every few months to keep it active, that alone can be a benefit for some.

Re: Store Cards Worth Having

Anonymous — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 14:06:58 GMT

@jigglypuff wrote:
I read so much bashing of store cards here. Most of it is totally warranted. With that said, I'd love to hear which store cards you actually love and why.

I love my Target card -- 5% off purchases and always free shipping (no minimum). I can find better prices online at Target than Walgreens in-store (and use a cash back portal!), and I don't have Amazon Prime (presumably, the things I order from Target are what many turn to Amazon for) -- so this card is amazing for me. It also extends your return period to 90 days, which I've used on more than one occasion.

For protection and extended returns, a Target card may make sense. But for money saving, use a gift card! https://www.giftcardgranny.com/buy-gift-cards/target/

often has gift cards around 6% off (and sometimes much more) which, when you buy them with a 2% credit card gives you ~ 8% off. These are particularly easy to use as you just load the ecard into the Target app on your phone, and you can use them instore or online

Re: Store Cards Worth Having

Anonymous — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 18:28:12 GMT

The only store credit card I have is Lowes Home Improvements. If I don't have the cash to buy a new shirt or new pair of pants I don't need them. I got the Lowes card in case appliances stop working and I need 6 months to pay for them. I do place a small charge on the card to keep it active. It's usually cleaning supplies or spray paint. A couch doesn't stop working so if I want to upgrade to a new couch I will wait until I have the cash to buy one. I spent years paying for everything with cash so I tend to think of my credit cards as purely a credit score maintenance thing.

Re: Store Cards Worth Having

iced — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 19:24:30 GMT

The only store card I have is Macy's, which I opened because it gave me 10% off a large purchase I made. I'll use it on the rare occasion I'm buying something there that I can actually apply one of their star pass coupons to. I wouldn't say I love it, though if they fixed the star passes to work on items I am more likely to buy then I might change my stance.

Re: Store Cards Worth Having

wasCB14 — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 19:51:41 GMT

I've got the Brooks Brothers store card.

The rewards, per se, are only mediocre at 4% in the form of gift cards. The value is in coupons linked to the credit card. $20 off $20+, $50 off $150+, etc.

For other clothes shopping, where the company's clothes are not sold exclusively through its own stores, I'll use a Citi card for price rewind.

The card also offers email alerts for any activity whatsoever on the card.

Re: Store Cards Worth Having

morgacj2004 — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 20:30:24 GMT

Have the Amazon Prime, Cabelas and Kohls. My wife has the Target, Sears MC and GAP Visa. Recently closed our Blue Nile, BR, JCP, Chevron/Texaco, AE, Zales and second Target Card. I know the Best Buy and Macys cards have a good rep.

Re: Store Cards Worth Having

Anonymous — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 21:10:16 GMT

I now view store cards mixed. I went way overboard on SCT with Comenity and have now closed many of them. Yes, they helped my rebuild but also hurt it with toy limits. I now only keep a store card if I'll use it AND it offers benefits. For example, I have a Goodyear card. My one car was due for State Inspection, I made an appointment with a chain ( not Goodyear) that accepts the card. Total was $654.00, needed front brakes, oil change, and cabin air filter. They offer 6 months free financing, so after it posted I paid $154.00. I could have paid in full, but why when I can use Citi Banks money for free. I'll pay it off before 6 months, no finance charges and a positive trade line. Win for me. Dryer is on its last legs, so Lowes or Home Depot I'll be seeing you for same deal (after Goodyear is paid off). No $200 or $300 toy credit limits now for these, only $750 or more. I see a small place for store cards even after you are done building/rebuilding, but only if it offers special financing, or a good regular discount, rewards, and/or coupons AND it must be some place I'd shop at. I evaluate them at least yearly if I don't see a real need or benefit, I close it.

Re: Store Cards Worth Having

Anonymous — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 21:44:07 GMT

I view store cards as critical to the frugal lifestyle. Specifically:

-Amazon, REI, Target cards all offer 5% discounts, so even if I shop there 1/year, they're worth having.

-Mobil card offers 3% off (which seems pretty competitive for gas, especially good quality gas.)

- Brooks Brothers Card offers essentially 1/3 off through their frequent $50 off $150 coupons and they also send you $20 off (no min. purchase) coupons at random times, which are good for buying free socks

Re: Store Cards Worth Having

wasCB14 — Sun, 21 Aug 2016 22:04:22 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I view store cards as critical to the frugal lifestyle. Specifically:

-Amazon, REI, Target cards all offer 5% discounts, so even if I shop there 1/year, they're worth having.
-Mobil card offers 3% off (which seems pretty competitive for gas, especially good quality gas.)
- Brooks Brothers Card offers essentially 1/3 off through their frequent $50 off $150 coupons and they also send you $20 off (no min. purchase) coupons at random times, which are good for buying free socks

There is a minimum, at least officially. It's $20 (pretax). I have had a clerk enforce it (and I just added another pair of socks).

I'll use Sallie for gift cards towards Amazon digital content, but REI and tangible Amazon stuff goes on a Price Rewind card.

Re: Store Cards Worth Having

Pway — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 01:56:20 GMT

I have quite a mix of store cards and they are worth having to me. I have majors as well, but when I am shopping at stores, I like to use my store cards. I receive exclusive coupons to certain stores when using their credit card. I don't use all of them every month but I rotate them so that there is some type of useage on the cards.

My Macy's card was the toughest one to obtain after my bk. I was denied over three times before I was instantly approved for the Macy's card. Store cards are to be evaluated on a person to person basis. Some dont like them while other have no problems with them at all.

Re: Store Cards Worth Having

UncleB — Mon, 22 Aug 2016 02:17:40 GMT

@Pway wrote:
I have quite a mix of store cards and they are worth having to me. I have majors as well, but when I am shopping at stores, I like to use my store cards. I receive exclusive coupons to certain stores when using their credit card. I don't use all of them every month but I rotate them so that there is some type of usage on the cards.

My Macy's card was the toughest one to obtain after my bk. I was denied over three times before I was instantly approved for the Macy's card. Store cards are to be evaluated on a person to person basis. Some don't like them while other have no problems with them at all.

+1 Well said!

I didn't even think about the coupons, but it's very true that coupons and other savings/specials are available to cardholders that aren't offered to the general public.

While many things are subjective, perhaps store cards are even more so. For those who have issues with spending it might be best to stick to a few major network cards, but for those of us with discipline cards for stores we frequent can be valuable.