Anyone avoid store cards?

[Anonymous]

Not a fan of store cards here, either. I only have Barney's and Neiman Marcus, and those will be retired in 2017. There are too many other good cards to utilize my spend on and my goal is to be completely free of store cards in 2017.

With only two to eliminate, that should not be too difficult of a goal.

I recognize they do serve a purpose for some people and that they can be something you enjoy using. I had my J Crew card for several years and enjoyed it, but my other rewards cards are a better way to manage my spend, in my opinion.

[Anonymous]

nope... no store cards here (unless we really wanna count Marvel as one? to me it's a dining/alcohol card but I can see how it could go either way)

I can see why some store cards would be attractive... I think the only ones worth having would be Amazon cause Amazon... and home improvement stores since purchases could be/are so large and often times frequent... although, I still think  there are better options out there that won't make you spread out your cards too thin...

As everyone mentioned, I think store cards serve a great purpose as rebuilder cards since you can get them easier... If you have decent credit score and are opening store card right and left, I personally view it as a little irresponsible... (although, in all fairness, I think the number of people with good credit and constant stream of store cards is very little... it just doesn't seem like behavior that people with good credit engage in)

[Anonymous]

Years ago I did try for a best buy store card while online shopping. That was the only store card I tried for, that I can remember. My score wasn't very good back then, but I still do not own any. While Christmas shopping most stores will ask, I decline. I'm not a big shopper. When I purchase a home, I'm sure there may be a couple store cards that may be worth it, but most just aren't appealing to me since I feel my cash back cards are so great.

[Anonymous]

I feel like generally store cards are not optimal, and for me at least the only one that could potentially ever make sense is the Amazon Prime store card, since I purchase a lot from them.

However, since I have Sallie Mae there's no reason to go for it... if they ever nerf/kill SM I'll have to grab Amazon, a CU card for 5% on gas, and probably AmEx BCP for groceries. It really is an amazing card for a single youngish guy (the Barclays Sallie Mae I mean).

[Anonymous]

"If I can't get it I don't want it." I wanna be that guy.

[ccpat]

I use store cards that give me extended time to pay.  Unfortunately, I am stuck with 2 store cards that are over 18 years old.  Keep them strictly for again purposes. 

[Anonymous]

I have 3 store cards. Best Buy Store Card which is my oldest card that was opened in early 2005. I also have a Walmart card that is near 7 years old. My most recent is my Lowes card with a $12k limit. I want to close the Best Buy Store card because I have the Best Buy Visa also which is my second oldest card opened in 2007. My best buy store card has small limit of $1.7k.  I only need one. now you can get the same benefits on the BBY Visa. I know for sure that I will be closing the Walmart card but only when my scores are over 700. Lowe's is here to stay. My plan is to avoid store cards in the future unless they are Visa/MC.

[Anonymous]

I've been trying to justify in my head...WHY

I'd want a store card...had them back as starter cards at 18-19, back when it seemed like Sears and JCP

used to send them as 18th birthday and high school graduation gifts.

But, now I find myself wondering???? WHY even bother with a 'restricted' card when other than the occasional

AmEx or Disco snub V/MC are so readily available and so plentiful, that some of 'those' are SD puppets?

I mean the rates are too high to carry any debt on them and you can't use it next door, so what's the point?

Even if you buy big at HD or Lowes and you're gonna carry debt, you HAVE TO swap the debt over to a installment loan, so

that the % STOPS revolving......

Again bras and panties can go on Visa just as easy as it does on VS...so again why?

[DoroLucky]

Wouldn't say avoid them but I don't really care for them. Was never interested in them during my rebuild, I avoided them and all the typical starter cards. I'm a shopoholic and the only "store cards" I have are Neiman Marcus and Saks which I really don't consider store cards LOL. The cards does offer rewards and bonuses which I benefit from.

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Again bras and panties can go on Visa just as easy as it does on VS...so again why?

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I agree with most of your whys, but VS for loyal shoppers that PIF is totally worth it. Angel coupons for free panties and $15 off bras in addition to free shipping days and Angel points for GCs makes it worth hanging on to for me! 

I truly think store cards' interest rates are only worth it if you PIF, on a 0% promo, and only buy things you would have bought anyway.