Do's And Don'ts Of Using Store Credit Cards For Holiday Shopping

Overspending having a store plastic card will likely eliminate the initial savings you earned. With the winter holidays coming soon, you will be wondering how you can maximize savings on gifts with store plastic cards. With that in mind, for anyone who is gearing up to the shopping season, below are a few guidelines for working with store cards.



Do: Use a store charge card - or consider getting one - only when you regularly shop on the affiliated store. Because your spending habits could affect your credit report and credit standing, it isn't really a smart money relocate to get a store plastic card for casual, occasional shopping at just one store.



But it's another story altogether should you frequent the shop often and are also a devoted consumer, says Julia Carlson, a financial advisor based out of Corvallis, Oregon, and founder of the Financial Freedom Wealth Management Group. For instance, the Target REDCard allows cardholders to look at advantage of a supplementary 5 percent off all Target purchases online or in the shop, and receive an added 30 days for returns, plus free delivery, looking at the website. And with the JCPenney Rewards program, cardholders can receive a point per every dollar spent, which apply toward reductions and coupons.







It can be a good idea try using a store charge card around the holidays, says Lyn Alden, the founder of Lyn Alden Investment Strategy in Atlantic City, New Jersey, that gives market research to individual investors and financial professionals. While the kinds of benefits and rewards open to cardholders differ by brand, don't forget every touch adds up if you're spending a whole lot and buying in bulk about the holidays. Don't: Get a store plastic card if you rarely shop there.