A store card is a credit card you can only use with one high street chain or group.

Like a credit card, you can use a store card to buy things on credit and pay them off at the end of the month or in stages to spread the cost.

And just as with a credit card, you’ll be charged interest if you don’t repay in full.

The interest rate is usually even higher than for a credit card.

You might be asked if you have a store card or if you would like to have one at the till when you pay for your shopping.

They used to come with a discount on your initial purchase, but firms have agreed not to offer deals within seven days of you making a purchase, so you’ve got a chance to change your mind (you can cancel the card within 14 days).

If you take out a card, you might be offered vouchers or discounts – such as 10% off purchases for three months or cardholder-only reductions, or free delivery when you buy online – as incentives to encourage you to use your credit limit.

You must be at least 18 to get a store card. As with any credit card, you’ll also need to undergo a credit check.

When you pull out your credit card to make a purchase, you may be offered an incentive to apply for a store card. Many people assume that these cards are the same, but there is a difference. Let’s discuss the differences between store cards and credit cards and help you decide whether or not you should apply for a store card.

Store Cards vs. Credit Cards

Store cards are credit cards that typically can only be used at specific stores. Retailers partner with banks to offer these revolving lines of credit to customers. Store cards encourage shoppers topurchase items on credit today and pay them off over time. The advantage for the store is that you’re locked into their ecosystem; the advantage for you is that you might receive offers that are exclusive to cardholders.

The main difference between a store card and a credit card is that where a store card can only be used at a specific store, a credit card can be used anywhere that credit cards are accepted.

Where You Can Use Store Cards

There are two types of store cards—closed-loop and open-loop. Closed-loop store cards can only be used at specific retailers or retail chain families. Open-loop store cards have a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express logo and can be used as a traditional credit card to make purchases anywhere credit cards are accepted.

Store Cards Still Charge Interest

If you carry a balance on your store card, you will be charged interest by the bank just like with a credit card. Not only that, store interest cards are typically on the high end. Just like with a credit card, you should try to pay off your balances in full each month to avoid paying interest.

It May Be Easier to Get a Store Card

Retailers often make it easy to apply for a store card compared to getting a credit card. Cashiers often encourage shoppers to apply for a store card at checkout with a promotion on their purchase. For example, you may receive a discount or special financing terms on your purchase.

In many cases, you can apply by providing your identification to the cashier and entering your Social Security Number into the keypad. The application decision is usually instantaneous. You can also apply online at the retailer&#;s website or through the website of the bank that issues the store card.

Store cards are generally easier to get approved for than a traditional credit icici nri online login because they don’t require credit scores as high as most major credit cards. As a result, some people apply for store cards to start building their credit.

Store Cards Work Like a Credit Card, With One Exception

Store credit cards are revolving lines of credit, just https www suntrust online banking credit cards. You have a specific credit limit and the ability to charge purchases against that limit. As you pay down your balance, your available credit increases and can charge additional purchases up to your credit limit.

The only difference: While a credit card can be used anywhere, a store card can usually only be used at the specific store.

Store Cards Can Hurt Your Credit

Like a standard credit card, failure to manage your store card properly the bank of greene county login hurt your credit. You should keep your balance low relative to your credit limit (also known as utilization)  and make sure that you pay on time every month. Protect your store card number just like you would a credit card number to ensure that unauthorized charges are not made.

By following these steps, a store card can help build your credit. If you miss payments or have high utilization, a store card can leave you much worse off than where you started.

Pros and Cons of Store Cards

Although store cards and credit cards are similar, they are not the same. Each type of card has pros and cons that make them appropriate for specific situations.

Advantages of Store Cards

There are several advantages that store cards offer that make them a better choice for some consumers.

• Easier to get approved than many credit cards
• Can often apply and get approved during a transaction
• Receive a discount or other promotion when you are approved
• Earn rewards that can be used at that store
• Pairs with the store&#;s loyalty program
• Can be a tool for building credit with responsible use
• Customers receive discounts, special financing and other exclusive promotions
• Most have no annual fee

Limitations of Store Cards

Even though there are advantages to store cards, there are some reasons why a store card is worse for consumers than a credit card.

• Most store cards can only be used at specific retailers
• Store cards tend to have lower credit limits which may result in higher utilization
• Average interest rates are higher on store cards vs. credit cards
• Deferred interest promotions can result in unpaid interest if not paid off in time
• Rewards earned are limited to the retailer
• Store card customer service is provided by the bank, not the store

Why a Credit Card Might be a Better Option

Although there are several advantages to having a store card, a credit card tends to be the better option for daily purchases. Below are cornerstone financial credit union franklin tn popular benefits that may be offered by a traditional credit card.  Review your card application to make sure you&#;re getting the benefits you are looking for.

• Those with good credit may benefit from higher lines of credit vs. a store card
• Lower interest rates on average
• Earn rewards or cash back on your purchases
• Bonus rewards when spending on eligible categories
• Generous welcome bonuses
• Ability to redeem rewards for higher value, like premium flights or five-star hotels
• Opportunity to pool rewards with household members
• Additional benefits such as hotel night awards, waived checked bag fees, and airport lounge access
• Protection on purchases for returns, theft, or damage
• Extended warranties on eligible items

Bottom Line

Store cards and credit cards are very similar at first glance. Each one can be used to make purchases to be paid off at a later date. Store cards can be easier to apply for and get approved for while providing exclusive discounts and promotions at participating retailers. However, most store cards can only be used at those retailers and often charge higher interest rates.

For some people, it makes sense to have both store cards for their favorite retailers and rewards credit cards for other purchases. This way you can have the best of both worlds—discounts and promotions at the retailer and a traditional rewards credit card for all other purchases.  Either way you go, try not to keep a balance because any rewards you earn will be outweighed by the interest you have to pay.

Best Buy (BBY) is a consumer electronics retail chain with more than 1, locations and approximatelyemployees located throughout the United States and Canada. Best Buy provides a variety of products through its national store network and online including appliances, computers, cell phones, gaming systems, sound systems, hardware, software, and entertainment products. Like many national retailers, Best Buy provides credit financing options for their customers that include credit cards. Best Buy offers both a store credit card and a co-branded general use Visa credit card to consumers that allow the choice of earning rewards or receiving special financing terms.

How the My Best Buy Credit Cards Work

The My Best Buy Credit cards are cards that can be applied for online or in a Best Buy store. While the My Best Buy Visa card can be used and earn rewards anywhere, the My Best Buy store card can only be used in a Best Buy store or at mynewextsetup.us Like many store cards, the My Best Buy card offers rewards and benefits like promotional financing for purchases made through Best Buy. It offers the standard high annual percentage rate (APR) of most store credit cards and requires fair or better credit to be issued. The co-branded Visa version of the card best buy visa vs store card carries high interest rates unless promotional financing is used for larger purchases.

Rewards and Benefits

The main advantage of the My Best Buy credit card is that it offers 5% back in rewards to its regular cardholders and 6% back to Elite Plus members on qualifying purchases.

The My Best Buy card also includes deferred interest promotional offers, meaning that you pay $0 in interest if your balance is paid in full by the end of the promotional period. However, if promotional financing is used no rewards are earned on the amount financed.

• 12 months of no interest on purchases $ & up
• 18 months of no interest on purchases $ & up

The Terms and Conditions published by the card's issuer Citibank list other potential promotional financing you may be offered including:

• 24 months of no interest (no specified minimum amount)
• 36 months of no interest (no specified minimum amount)
• No interest if paid in full by a specified date. (no specified minimum amount)

If you are interested in making a large purchase it may be possible to get one of these longer, unadvertised promotional deferred interest rates by speaking to a Best Buy employee or manager.

Alternatives to the My Best Buy Credit Card

If you are considering getting a My Best Buy card to finance a large purchase at Best Buy, there are other cards that offer 0% APR promotional interest rates for longer terms, as well as 0% promotional interest rates with a cashback bonus as well.

The U.S. Bank Visa Platinum offers a rate of 0% interest for 20 billing cycles (2 months longer than Best Buy's longest advertised period),

The Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card also offers 0% APR for 15 months AND offers $ in cashback bonus once you spend $ in purchases within the first 3 months after account opening and % cashback on everything. You can redeem your points through straight cashback or through the Chase Ultimate Rewards program.

The Capital One SavorOne Cash Rewards credit card offers 0% APR for 15 months AND a $ cashback bonus once you spend $ in purchases within the first 3 months after account opening. And you earn 3% cashback on dining, entertainment, grocery stores and 1% back on everything else.

Terms and Conditions of the Best Buy Credit Card 

Like any credit card, the Best Buy credit card features terms and conditions that should be reviewed thoroughly. The terms and conditions include the APR, late payment fees, penalties, and other useful look up my fedex account number. The following is updated information for the Best Buy credit card as of November

• APR: %
• Late Payment Fee: up to first interstate bank billings mt hours for consumers who fail to make the minimum payment by the due date
• Grace Period: At Least 25 days
• Minimum Interest Charge: $2
  
• Annual Fee: $0
  

Who Should Consider the My Best Buy Credit Card?

Individuals looking to make a significantly large purchase at Best Buy in a single day to either take advantage of the one-time 10% reward, or the promotional 0% interest rate financing options should consider a My Best Buy Credit card. Additionally, anyone who shops at Best Buy frequently enough that the higher rewards rate of a My Best Buy Card (5%-6%), as opposed to a standard cashback credit card of 1%-3%, is worth the hassle of rewards only being issued in the form of rewards certificates. Like many store credit cards, Best Buy issues rewards this way to keep customers coming back in and spending money so they can use their certificates. Individuals considering this credit card should carefully consider whether they will spend more than they mean to as a result of the rewards certificate system.

The Bottom Line 

The My Best Buy credit card and the My Best Buy Visa card have the same high-interest rates that most other store credit cards have. The rewards system is decent at 5% back but can only be redeemed as a rewards certificate at Best Buy, which makes it a less attractive card for the general consumer than a standard cashback rewards system. The My Best Buy card is a good choice If you are looking to finance a large purchase, such as redoing the appliances in your kitchen, or if you are someone who shops at Best Buy frequently enough that the 5% back at Best Buy is worth the inconvenience of the rewards certificate system.