This time of year finds Betsy Helmuth shopping. With a son in grade school and a daughter entering kindergarten, her list is long and pricey.
“Per kid, and I have two kids, I would say it’s $130 to $200,” said Helmuth.
So when a salesperson asks if she wants to save 20 percent by opening up a store credit card, she thinks about it.
“You are at the register and you’re going to spend a lot of money that you already feel a little bit uncomfortable about and they tell you that there’s a chance to get a deep discount, it’s very tempting,” Helmuth said.
However, Nikhil Hutheesing of Consumer Reports said store credit cards rarely rise to the head of the class. For one thing, the interest rate is often much higher. On average, it's about 24 percent — well above the national average for credit cards in general, which is about 15 percent.
Applying for any new card can also temporarily lower your credit score.
“Every time an inquiry is made on your credit card account it hurts it a little bit," Hutheesing explained. "While it may not seem like that much it could be the difference between a good credit score and a bad credit score."
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If you do open an account, don’t shut it down immediately because that has a negative impact on your credit score as well.
“The best thing to do is put the card away and don’t use it,” said Hutheesing.
If you are looking to build your credit, store cards, which can be easier to get approved, could be a good way to get your foot in the door, according to Hutheesing. And if you shop at the store often, having the card could unlock special discounts or earn points.
But remember, with the high interest rate, it’s especially important to pay your bill in in full.
“Because if you don’t, it’s going to undermine the whole purpose of getting the card in the first place,” Hutheesing said.
Word to the wise: Make sure you always pay that store credit card on time. If you only use it once or twice a year, it can be very easy to forget the due date.
