topic Re: Best Store Card? in Credit Cards

Best Store Card?

Anonymous — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 06:03:42 GMT

What is a really good store card you all recommend (besides Nordstroms - which I hear is great, but I really don't shop at much)?

I need one to keep my mix up, and I figure since I re-aged my profile, now is the time to pick one up. I'm usually an electronics and online shopper...any recommendations for online or physical stores is highly appreciated!!

Thanks!

Re: Best Store Card?

SmartCookie — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 06:19:40 GMT

I absolutely love Kohl's if you happen to shop there. You get huge discounts with the card... buy during the sales... save huge bucks!

I suppose my second choice would be Best Buy but I don't have that card. It's where we tend to get all of our electronics but we make out better just using their rewards program and picking the right existing card to charge it on at the time or getting a BT cut as a check from one card to pay off another if it was a big purchase.

I think the best way to pick a good store card is to figure out what store you really like to shop at or what store you would if the perks were nicer. Gap, Old Navy... etc might be on my list once my kid gets too old for Gymboree.

Re: Best Store Card?

Anonymous — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 14:49:14 GMT

I love my J.C. Penny's and Best Buy store cards.

Re: Best Store Card?

ccaddict — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 15:16:42 GMT

Kohl's is the best! Amazing savings..

I agree better to get a store card of some place you actually go to.

Re: Best Store Card?

haulingthescoreup — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 17:12:17 GMT

Hi, PJ! How's it going in the high 700's club?

For electronics, the BB store card (HSBC) is popular. Make sure that they don't give you the MC. I read that you should app over the phone or at the store to get the store version. My son got one at Thanksgiving with a $1000 CL. His scores are in the low 700's, but he has a very thin file. They usually give CL's of $2500 - $3500.

Kohl's (Chase) is great if you've got them in the DC area. They have a lot of good stuff for singles --really good kitchen and bedding departments. The clothes aren't particularly cutting edge, but the men's department has a lot of staples --jeans, dress shirts, sweaters, etc.

Home Depot (Citi) is useful even if you don't own your own place and need to blow stuff up --lamps, rugs, tool kits, animated snowmen, you name it. They also have a MasterCard, so again, be sure you're looking at the store card.

The big bookstore chains have store cards.

And I know you know all about GEMB store cards!

Re: Best Store Card?

Anonymous — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 17:53:46 GMT

ccaddict wrote:
Kohl's is the best! Amazing savings..

I agree better to get a store card of some place you actually go to.

You have to apply for this in-store is that correct? I can't find a way to apply online. They were running an awesome sale last week and also have awesome discount codes for online purchases, but you have to have a store card. So disappointed...

Re: Best Store Card?

ccaddict — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 18:06:42 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
You have to apply for this in-store is that correct? I can't find a way to apply online. They were running an awesome sale last week and also have awesome discount codes for online purchases, but you have to have a store card. So disappointed...

I did apply in-store. It was a breeze, they ask you to swipe any other cc you might have to verify your info. I used the one with my highest cl and got the same cl. Not sure if there's a connection there.

After reading your post I tried looking up their website.. couldn't find a link to apply. Probably just in-store apps.

Their sales are very cool. You get 15% off on anything with your card and added discounts if you have those coupon things they send in the mail.

Re: Best Store Card?

ccaddict — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 18:09:07 GMT

How can I apply for a Kohl's Charge Card?

We've got two easy ways for you to apply.

1. Visit any one of our locations nationwide, and pick up an application. Our quick credit process will get you shopping — and saving — that same day.

2. Go to Kohls.com, click the "about us" link at the bottom of the page, click the "charge cards" link, and print out the Quick Charge Application. Complete the application and then see any Associate at your nearest Kohl's store, or mail it to Kohl's Credit, P.O. Box 3120, Milwaukee, WI 53201-3120 to have it processed.

Re: Best Store Card?

SmartCookie — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 18:41:58 GMT

Yes it's really easy to apply for Kohl's but I do wish you could do it online. Takes under 5 minutes in the store even without pre-printing your application. You get a temp 'card' which is just a paper receipt with your account number and CL . The account number can be used immediately for online shopping... no need to wait for the physical card. They let you shop all day with the card for a 15% in store discount on the day you apply. There is ALWAYS an online code for card users of at least 15% off and usually free shipping even before you start getting their specials.

When I applied, I had DD with me and she was sick... had just gotten her from school and I didn't realize she was going downhill fast. The manager gave me a slip for 15% off to be used within 2 weeks so I could take her home instead of having to shop that day.

They offer an online access to make your payments and check your account. There are 2 types of cards... once you spend $600 per year in a particular timeframe you get way more benefits.

Really they are great for just about everything. I agree with hauling though... I don't think we would choose to build a full wardrobe there but they are great for basics and kids Carter's PJs/play clothes if you shop right.

Re: Best Store Card?

Anonymous — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 18:43:58 GMT

Thanks..I got the same thing and a form that can be printed out and taken to the store. It says to bring a picture id and an active credit card. I may go by there one day this week. I really didn't want another card, since I have Visa, MC but the savings with this Kohls card are great. Grew up with Kohl's in Milwaukee back in the day...way back in the day. They just got to NC a a few years ago.

Re: Best Store Card?

SmartCookie — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 18:53:58 GMT

ObsessedwithmyFico wrote:
Thanks..I got the same thing and a form that can be printed out and taken to the store. It says to bring a picture id and an active credit card. I may go by there one day this week. I really didn't want another card, since I have Visa, MC but the savings with this Kohls card are great. Grew up with Kohl's in Milwaukee back in the day...way back in the day. They just got to NC a a few years ago.

Oh yeah if you like the store, you'll love the card. Can you tell how great it is? LOL they should pay me for singing their praises. Ooops yes I forgot, you do need valid photo ID and a current card. I used my Chase card since the Kohl's card is Chase too, but it didn't seem to affect what I thought I'd get for a CL.

Only thing I am not crazy about with the card is it takes a long time for charges to appear since they don't charge you roundabout until it ships. So if I had a bunch I wanted to get and a lower CL, I could not pay it off to make room for another order that I would want to make quickly. Just something to know, not a biggie.

Message Edited by SmartCookie on 12-09-2007 01:53 PM

Re: Best Store Card?

Anonymous — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 19:08:04 GMT

SmartCookie:

So there are no actual stores in your location?

Re: Best Store Card?

SmartCookie — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 19:13:13 GMT

ObsessedwithmyFico wrote:
SmartCookie:
So there are no actual stores in your location?

They're are... they made it here around 10 years ago give or take. I do a LOT more shopping online with them though than in-store because I'm obsessive compulsive with sales and getting the max out of the sales. I have a 'system'. I will swing by the store though if I just need a thing or two.

Re: Best Store Card?

Anonymous — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 19:16:14 GMT

I hear ya. I do most of my shopping/purchasing online myself mainly because I cannot stand the crowds and I can do more price comparison online. The last time I actually went to the store though they had a great sale going on. I came home with more towels than I will need in the next five years or so...

Re: Best Store Card?

SmartCookie — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 19:18:35 GMT

ObsessedwithmyFico wrote:
I hear ya. I do most of my shopping/purchasing online myself mainly because I cannot stand the crowds and I can do more price comparison online. The last time I actually went to the store though they had a great sale going on. I came home with more towels than I will need in the next five years or so...

That's exactly how I shop if left in a store, LOL! And I can't stand the crowds and lose my focus.

Re: Best Store Card?

Anonymous — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 19:32:30 GMT

Hey hauling - long time no chat! Life is good. Trying to sit tight with going app crazy...lol. Unfortunately, I haven't checked my score in a few weeks and I think its prob dropped significantly. I transfer 8K in student loans to my 0 % 12 months (no fees) USAA MC. I'm making huge payments and will have it gone in 12 months, but I fear its killing my utilization, lol. Oh well. How are you? Congrats on the new scores! They look great!

As for all the store cards advice - thanks everyone! I'm going to check out Kohl's and best buy today. I haven't been to Kohls in a while, but its worth checking out and I am looking to buy a house over the next year so it could be a great fit!! (I also remember them having some incredible Black Friday Deals)

Hmm...maybe I'll wait to see the after Christmas specials and get one then! But, I'll do some research today!

Thanks all for the recommendations and advice!

Re: Best Store Card?

Anonymous — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 19:33:55 GMT

By the way, how is the customer service for the Kohl's CC?

Re: Best Store Card?

SmartCookie — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 19:51:44 GMT

Good ideas pj.

On customer service... I have not had my Kohl's cc long enough to need them for any issue so I can't say. Regarding their regular service... at my location, the manager was really nice and whipped out the coupon for the associate to give me so that I did not lose the sale. As it turned out though I had an online discount for the same amount so I didn't need to go back anyway... but that was very nice of them.

Online service is good. They are friendly about quickly apologizing for and fixing any order problem... and order problems are rare.

After sales, free shipping, and a code for an extra 15% off on Black Friday I wound up with close to $600 worth of stuff for about $250... and Kohl's cash worth $50... so $200 bucks. Not bad... and I only bought quality stuff there that I had price compared to be lowest.

Message Edited by SmartCookie on 12-09-2007 02:51 PM

Re: Best Store Card?

Anonymous — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 02:04:25 GMT

Thanks SmartCookie for sharing your feedback and experience! Very helpful!