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Credit Cards or Store Cards - Which Is Better?
Introduction
In this article, a presentation is made of the differences
between major credit cards and
credit cards offered by specific stores to their customers. The
purpose of this article is to provide a general overview of major
credit cards and store cards to aid consumers in making decisions
regarding which lines of credit lines would be the best for them
in a given set of circumstances. In most situations, due to the
higher rates of
interest charged by most store-specific cards, it is best for
the budget-conscious consumer to consider forgoing those accounts
in favor of a major credit card.
With that said, we are not endorsing any particular credit
card brand in this article. Rather, the materials presented are
for informational and educational purposes only.
General Availability
Major credit cards are accepted in a wide variety of places
and venues. Indeed, the major credit card companies make it a
point of promoting how wide spread card acceptance is in this day
and age.
On the other hand, store-specific credit cards are good only
at the issuing store.
Where to Apply
It is simple to apply for major credit cards. Nearly any bank
or financial institution can provide a customer with an
application for one or another of the major credit cards.
Additionally, the Internet has become a handy resource for those
men and women interested in applying for and obtaining a major
credit card.
Store-specific credit cards only can be applied for directly
at the store or shop. Additionally, if the store has an Internet
presence -- and many major stores and even smaller shops do so in
this day and age -- applications for store-specific credit cards
can be made online.
Annual Fee and Related Charges
Many major credit cards do charge an annual fee. Some major
credit cards charge an additional or supplemental membership
depending on where the card was obtained.
Store-specific credit cards normally are free of annual fees
and similar charges to their customers. However, store-specific
credit cards carry with them notably higher rates of interest
than can be found with major credit card accounts.
Common Clauses and Provisions
In the United Kingdom, and in most European Union countries,
there are clauses and provisions that must be included in each
and every monthly credit card billing statement -- both from
major credit card companies and on store credit card accounts as
well. These clauses and provisions are:
- A detailed listing of all credit card transactions
- A detailed listing of the amount owed from the previous
month plus the extra amount or interest to be paid on that
amount owed
- The total amount owed for the current month
- The minimum amount that must be paid during the month. In
the United Kingdom, this amount is about 3% of the balance or
£5 whichever is greater.
- An estimate of the interest payable if you do not pay your
account in full.
- The date by which the account must be paid if interest
charges are to be avoided
- A detailed listing of the monthly interest rate for
purchases, the APR (annual percentage rate) and the interest
rate if you have used your card for cash
Conclusion
In the final analysis, one should only have as much credit as
is absolutely necessary. Generally, it is not a wise decision to
rake in a bunch of different credit cards. Rather, the best
policy usually is to maintain one or two major credit cards. Also
consider that store cards generally do not offer the same
benefits as credit cards such as balance
transfers, although it is common to get brand exclusive
reward
schemes with store cards. Finally, one must be cautious about
obtaining store-specific credit cards due to the higher rates of
interest that come with these accounts.
Neil Brown is a freelance writer with regular contributions to
Search4 Credit Cards
and Choose A Credit
Card.
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