Are Retailer's Credit Cards A Good Idea?
The ads for them are everywhere. Retailer's credit cards promise to let us buy with no money down and no interest payments for as long as two or three years!
However, are these retailers' credit cards really the deal they seem to be? Let's take a look at what happens when you take on a credit card from a retailer.
It is true that these retailer's credit cards do typically offer a 0% interest rate and allow you to make purchases with no payment s for as long as the first two years; although this is usually limited to specific purchases. Let's suppose for instance that you sign up for a retailer's credit card offered by a furniture store. You might have with this card a discount of 10% on the purchase, along with having to make no down payment and no payments needed for two years.
This is a great deal, with one caveat. If you don't completely pay off this retailer's credit card within those two years, you'll be charged interest on the purchase ? not just from the day that this no payments period runs out, but retroactively. The interest will probably also be compounded every thirty days over that two years; this can really add up.
These cards should be approached with caution. If you cannot pay off the balance in full before the end of the introductory period, then you are probably better off without this card. Those retroactive interest charges could add up to quite a lot of money. Remember that these retailer's credit cards often have much higher interest rates than a regular MasterCard of Visa would.
If you're not at all sure you're going to be able to pay for the purchase in full before the introductory period ends, don't do it. Now, of course, the best scenario is not to get into debt with these types of purchases at all and instead pay cash for things you really want or need. However, if you must use credit to make this type of purchase, a better bet may be to use a lower interest rate but "generic" credit card such as Visa or MasterCard, and pay down your purchases as soon as possible. Even though you won't save a percentage of the sale price as the retailer might promise you to get you to sign up for the card (such as 10% off if you purchase with the retailer's card), you'll save money in the long run because you'll be paying lower interest rates.
If the retailer's credit card in question is from a shop where you are a regular and you know that you can afford to pay the entire balance before the end of the introductory period, then these cards can be a good deal for you. If not, then you would be well advised to avoid these retailer's credit cards. Those retroactive interest charges can really hurt you otherwise. Make sure you can afford to quickly repay the balance before you sign up for anything.
Last of all; remember that no matter what kind of credit card you use, you'll pay a lot of money in interest if you aren't careful with your purchases. Think before you buy and pay off your credit card balance as quickly as possible. You should try to never carry a balance on your credit card for more than 30 days. Credit cards can be a wonderful thing, but they have to be used responsibly.
However, are these retailers' credit cards really the deal they seem to be? Let's take a look at what happens when you take on a credit card from a retailer.
It is true that these retailer's credit cards do typically offer a 0% interest rate and allow you to make purchases with no payment s for as long as the first two years; although this is usually limited to specific purchases. Let's suppose for instance that you sign up for a retailer's credit card offered by a furniture store. You might have with this card a discount of 10% on the purchase, along with having to make no down payment and no payments needed for two years.
This is a great deal, with one caveat. If you don't completely pay off this retailer's credit card within those two years, you'll be charged interest on the purchase ? not just from the day that this no payments period runs out, but retroactively. The interest will probably also be compounded every thirty days over that two years; this can really add up.
These cards should be approached with caution. If you cannot pay off the balance in full before the end of the introductory period, then you are probably better off without this card. Those retroactive interest charges could add up to quite a lot of money. Remember that these retailer's credit cards often have much higher interest rates than a regular MasterCard of Visa would.
If you're not at all sure you're going to be able to pay for the purchase in full before the introductory period ends, don't do it. Now, of course, the best scenario is not to get into debt with these types of purchases at all and instead pay cash for things you really want or need. However, if you must use credit to make this type of purchase, a better bet may be to use a lower interest rate but "generic" credit card such as Visa or MasterCard, and pay down your purchases as soon as possible. Even though you won't save a percentage of the sale price as the retailer might promise you to get you to sign up for the card (such as 10% off if you purchase with the retailer's card), you'll save money in the long run because you'll be paying lower interest rates.
If the retailer's credit card in question is from a shop where you are a regular and you know that you can afford to pay the entire balance before the end of the introductory period, then these cards can be a good deal for you. If not, then you would be well advised to avoid these retailer's credit cards. Those retroactive interest charges can really hurt you otherwise. Make sure you can afford to quickly repay the balance before you sign up for anything.
Last of all; remember that no matter what kind of credit card you use, you'll pay a lot of money in interest if you aren't careful with your purchases. Think before you buy and pay off your credit card balance as quickly as possible. You should try to never carry a balance on your credit card for more than 30 days. Credit cards can be a wonderful thing, but they have to be used responsibly.
About the Author:
Steven J. Talrechi is a veteran on credit reporting for over 10 years. He authors various topics on said field, including application for a credit card, and different credit card offers.
posted by Credit Counseling at
1:58 AM
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