Store Credit Cards

[Tikitoi]

I know for the most part that this side of the board is for major credit cards. But was just wondering if anyone has a favorite store credit card that they still hold onto and use maybe because of certain perks that it may offer...

I know I like my Kohl's card because of the 30% discount it sends out every couple months or so as well as straight money off of purchases. One is for my anniversary of having the card (just got $15 off of any purchase amount) as well as usually get something around black Friday and just throughout the year.

Anyone other cards like this (or better)...

 

[Jen and Ashwin]

I know for the most part that this side of the board is for major credit cards. But was just wondering if anyone has a favorite store credit card that they still hold onto and use maybe because of certain perks that it may offer...

I know I like my Kohl's card because of the 30% discount it sends out every couple months or so as well as straight money off of purchases. One is for my anniversary of having the card (just got $15 off of any purchase amount) as well as usually get something around black Friday and just throughout the year.

Anyone other cards like this (or better)...

I like the Target RedCard, though I have the debit version, rather than the credit card. The 5% is handy, since I do a lot of general shopping there, plus I think that I get targeted for lots of promotional savings because I am a frequent shopper with my RedCard. A few weeks ago I got a promotional catalog in the mail that included a coupon that gave me a $10 Target gift card for any home purchase of $10 or more. I was able to use it once online and once in store, so I basically got $20 of merchandise for free.

I also use the Banana Republic credit card, since I shop there and Old Navy pretty regularly. There are cardholder only sales (often 50% off regular price) and the rewards rate is pretty good, especially when they offer increased points earnings sales.

 

[powellrj]

I also love my Target card. The 5% can really add up and I love the free shipping. When I bought my kids clothes I loved the American Eagle one because I got coupons in the mail and we almost always used them because you could use them on sale items. I have a love/hate relationship with Kohls, so I no longer use my Kohls card. Pennys is good because you usually get an additional percentage off when I shop on-line.

 

[marcyleecorgan]

No way. I almost ruined my brand-new credit score as a youngun' when my mom suggested I open up a "store account".

Since I got out of that mess, I only use the VISA I have through my bank. We have to consolidate all billing in my household for budgeting so this doesn't leave room for multiple CC's because someone's minimum payment would get forgotten about, the one time that we used that card in 5 months, LOL

 

[Lvsdisney]

I have a Kohl's charge, Target Red Card, Old Navy Card, and Home Depot Card. I really only use the Target and KOhl's card for the discounts. I never use the other two.

 

[shystalips]

I'm on board as well. Only target debit card and Kohl's for the discounts. All others simply not worth the credit pull!

 

[AmyAnne]

No way. I almost ruined my brand-new credit score as a youngun' when my mom suggested I open up a "store account".

Since I got out of that mess, I only use the VISA I have through my bank. We have to consolidate all billing in my household for budgeting so this doesn't leave room for multiple CC's because someone's minimum payment would get forgotten about, the one time that we used that card in 5 months, LOL

Why would opening a store credit card impact your credit score more than a Visa?

 

[tvguy]

We remodeled 3 years ago, and JCPENNEY had the best prices on window coverings. If we signed up for their credit card, we got an ADDITIONAL 25% off. When you are spending $6,000, 25% off gets your attention.
It is smart marketing, because of the rewards my wife and adult daughter do almost all their clothes shopping at JCPENNEY now. It does also open your eyes as to what the actual cost is, and how HUGE the profit margin is on clothing. With all the sales and discounts my wife walked out of Penneys with 10 new blouses for $5 each.

 

[Judique]

No way. I almost ruined my brand-new credit score as a youngun' when my mom suggested I open up a "store account".

Since I got out of that mess, I only use the VISA I have through my bank. We have to consolidate all billing in my household for budgeting so this doesn't leave room for multiple CC's because someone's minimum payment would get forgotten about, the one time that we used that card in 5 months, LOL

I'm guessing the poster ran up the bill and it took a while to pay it down. It happens. And it's a learning experience about credit.

 

[Judique]

I've had various store cards over the years such as kohl's, Macy's.

Right now I've got the Lowe's card because it does give 5% off.

 

[tzeitel]

I have a Gap card - other than our debit Visa card and the Target debit it is the only plastic I have. We live an hour from the closest mall/Target, the only chain stores we have is Walmart and Home Depot so we most of what we have is bought online. The Gap card can also be used at ON, Athena and Banana. It has a bunch of discounts throughout the year, free shipping (if you spend enough throughout the year), plus you earn points for rewards.

 

[CalDisneyMomof2]

Kohl's, The Home Depot and Victoria's Secret.

Kohl's for the coupons and deals. The Home Depot for 0% interest on large purchases/projects. And VS because I was young and dumb I try to buy something at least once a year to keep it active since it's my oldest card. They use to give free panties almost monthly and now it's only with a purchase.

 

[MomToOne]

I have Target, Kohl's, Amazon (their store card) and Ann Taylor (nearly my entire work wardrobe comes from the Ann Taylor factory store, except for few pieces from Kohl's).

All for the coupons/deals or % off.

 

[scard192]

Kohl's, Target and Amazon.

 

[supersnoop]

I’ll open a new store card account if it saves me $250 or more on that transaction, but I close them as soon as they’re paid off (typically immediately unless they have a longer no-interest period). Kohl’s was nice for a while, but we just don’t shop there anymore. Ever since Target closed the online gift card loophole, I don’t bother to keep even that one open.

 

[Princess Minnie321]

I have opened a few store cards over the years for the discounts. I pay the balance off right away so I use it for the discounts.

Lowes and Target for 5% off

I opened gap, Macy's, and toys r us for the savings on the first purchase. I earn rewards that can be used as money off purchase often for gap and toys r us.

 

[starry_solo]

I have a Kohl's and a Banana Republic store card. I also have the Banana Republic visa.

 

[Tikitoi]

Thanks for the interesting replies. I had a Target card before but they closed it on me due to lack of use. Maybe sometime down the road I will apply again as it seems a good card to hold onto...

 

[GlamMistress]

I have a Kohl's that I really only use during Christmas and a Target debit. Husband has a Home Depot - it's been dormant for years tho. I earn travel rewards for my spending, so it's just too hard for me to give those up by using a store charge.

 

[mamamary]

I use my Kohl's card a lot. My daughter uses her Victoria's Secret card for their perks. In the past I've opened a JC Penney card and along with Lowes and Home Depot but don't use them now.