Overlooked Benefits of Department Store Credit Cards

The amount of credit available to the American people is abundant. Everyday in the mail people are getting applications for virtually every Visa or MasterCard available. They are offering no annual fees, cash back on purchases, low interest rates, and even card that you can design yourself. However, there is one card that is frequently overlooked, the department store credit card.

The Department store credit card is often overlooked for a number of reasons. They carry a higher interest rate than MasterCard or Visa. They generally have a lower credit limit. They do not send preapprovals or applications in the mail. The department store card is also frequently overlooked because they are simply not as versatile as the MasterCard, Visa, Discover, or even American Express.

Department store credit cards have many things they can offer their customers. They have sales that are only available to card holders. They have shipping deals that are only available if you use their store credit card. Store cardholders are often alerted of sales before non-members and have preview sales for the card members that general start a day before a regular sale. Often when purchasing big ticket items such as appliances or electronic the store will offer 90 days same as cash or even one year with no payments and no interest.

Kohl's charge card is one that offers its customers many benefits. Twelve times a year they send you a coupon that is good for 15%, 20%, or 30% off. Although it is always best not to carry a balance on these cards, Kohl's offers the ability to pay just 1/3 of your bill to avoid finance charges in the following states: AR, CO, CT, DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, TN, VA and WI. When shopping online there are always coupon codes available for free shipping and a percentage off your purchase to Kohl's card members. If you purchased an item with your Kohl's charge, you can return it without a receipt.

Many other stores have policies similar to the ones found at Kohl's. The store credit cards may also be a little more versatile than you think as well. For example, an Old Navy card can also be used at Banana Republic, Gap, and Piper Lime. A Sears card can also be used at Kmart and Lands End. This offers shoppers the opportunity to shop at their family of stores and only have a credit card for one.

There are as many good reasons to carry store credit cards that far outweigh the bad ones. Once you use your store credit card, pay it off immediately as if you were paying cash for your purchase. This way you are still eligible for any discounts or promotions to card members. It may be a bit of a hassle but saving that extra 30% will be worth it.