Getting regular credit card not just store card

[JoshSF]

I applied for a Target card a while back because they told me I could get a percentage off my purchase if approved. Of course the answer came back needs more time to process. So I didn't get the percentage off even though then they sent me a card. That was irritation #1.

Irritation #2 is that the card they gave me only works at Target, it's not a Target branded Visa or MC (forget which one was the other option). I called them to ask if they could change it to the regular credit card (not sure what term to use for that) and the CSA told me they couldn't do that.

I'm inclined to call and cancel it. It's my newest card, so I don't think cancelling it would hurt me—it might even improve my AAoA. I almost never shop at Target so the card is useless to me. Oh, except it IS upping my total credit so that helps with utilization. 

I just want to know if anyone has ever managed to get a store to change them over from the store-only card to the regular credit card version and, if so, how did you do it?

[Anonymous]

During the Great Recession Target stopped offering their Target Visa to customers as their charge off rates were terrible. Since then, they have sold their receivables to TD Bank. Recently they switched from Visa to MasterCard and started to offer current Target card customers an offer to upgrade to MasterCard. 

There was a rash of auto upgrades from Target credit card to Target MasterCard a few months ago. There does not seem to be any rhyme or reason as to why those individuals were given the upgrade.

http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/Upgrade-to-Target-Mastercard/m-p/4636199#M1342490

http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/Target-Card-Automatic-Mastercard-Upgrade/m-p/4662029#M1...

How old is your Target card? I'd hang on to it (since it was your first card) and make a few mercy purchases (small purchases) on it a few times a year to see if that will spur an offer to upgrade to MasterCard. From what I can surmise, the upgrade takes some time. 

[Anonymous]

The really nice thing about the Target CC is it seems to grow substantially. I personally have the debit version since I shop there on an almost daily basis some weeks, but could never convince myself to make the switch to the CC. I have a few store cards only and am ok with it, I have enough CC's (visa, MC, Amex, Discover) etc to cover my basis. The whole point of a store card, to me, is to receive the benefits that the store offers it's card holders (Target has the 5% off everything, and i always use cartwheel too so I end up saving quite a bit). If you feel you won't use it than cancel it, if you feel you can use it a few times here and there with the 5% off than keep it, I think it will eventually get the upgrade offer you just have to give it time. 

[Anonymous]

Agreed with the above poster.

Ride it out and let it grow.(if you shopt here at all...)

[AverageJoesCredit]

Key here as well....Dont app for a store card you dont shop very often. App for something that works for uour profile and lifestyle/ spend. This is how one gets atuck with useless cards. Just some friendly advice

[rmduhon]

Cancelling it won't help your AAoA because it will most likely stay on your reports for about ~10 more years.

[Anonymous]

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@JoshSF wrote:

I'm inclined to call and cancel it. It's my newest card, so I don't think cancelling it would hurt me—it might even improve my AAoA. I almost never shop at Target so the card is useless to me.

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It will not improve your AAoA. It will be listed as an account for the next ~10 years. There is no upside to canceling it, unless you're worried about fruad while SD'ing it.

[AverageJoesCredit]

Oh and op, check out all the recent approval threads, Target is really starting to let the limits grow bug time. Im seeing more 2k 3k 5k limits and increases in this last month than probably my whole year on myFico so, it does have growth potential afterall

[JoshSF]

Not only did you folks convince me, but now that I've become focused on maximizing rewards and cash back, 5% off at Target has new appeal. I actually used it to get free shipping on Target.com recently. So, actually glad to have the card now. 

[Gmood1]

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@AverageJoesCredit wrote:
Oh and op, check out all the recent approval threads, Target is really starting to let the limits grow bug time. Im seeing more 2k 3k 5k limits and increases in this last month than probably my whole year on myFico so, it does have growth potential afterall

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I could be wrong Joe. I believe Target and the rest fear that juggernaut called Amazon. They've got to do something in order to compete and encourage spending in their stores as well as online. Or they'll be like Kmart in 5 years.