Buy Now Spend Never
Summary
Thousands and thousands of us use shop credit cards but are they conscious of the extremely high levels of interest fees? This article explains how the cards work and provides some valuable advice.
We will start by being honest, we are not huge supporters of shop cards. Although, there are an estimated fourteen million store card holders with unpaid balances of round about 1 billion pounds. And some 70 stores run shop cards, mostly large DIY retailers, department stores and clothing retailers.
Store cards, are a named card which may only be used in the appropriate chain or correct shop. By tradition they are the most costly supply of credit, charging up to and over thirty five per cent interest per year. That is far higher than the typical high street bank card. As the typical store card balance is about £800, that would that would cost card holders £297.50 a year just in interest. That cost can quickly spread into an uncontrollable debt .
Looking at the pluses of store cards, they can be useful as the retailers usually promote them with discounts off the goods bought on the card and they could also provide an extended interest free period. Clients may also get exclusive or sale offers sent to them by mail or be informed of new stock before other clients.
On the negative side, danger awaits those who are clearly tempted by ”interest-free”, “nothing to pay for six months” or discounts offers chiefly those people who could already be juggling debt . These credit card holders may be using the store cards because they have not got the cash to pay the full amount now and they are simply living in hope that things will improve soon. This just isn’t a good plan!
High street stores also need to be anxious about forceful sales people promoting shop cards to clients who have little grasp of how to handle their use of the card. In our view, it is all too easy to be persuaded to sign up to a store card, however if you fail to pay off the total amount within the interest-free time these cards are a very expensive source of credit .
We accept that the credit cards can be very attractive when, by taking out the card you are eligible for the discounts.
However, it remains all to easy for debts on your store credit card to escalate out of control.
Hence, as a general rule we recommend ignore store cards unless you are absolutely sure} that you will pay off the whole bill when the store card bill arrives.
Debt management companies are constantly pressing the financial regulators to escalate interest rate warnings. They believe that statements for store cards should include a very noticeable warning stating their APR interest rate and what the holder has to pay if just the minimum payment is made.
Consequently if you do make your mind up to consent to a shop card be very sure how much it will cost you. We concede that many British shoppers find credit cards to be an enticingan attractive way to get huge savings on their shopping. However please, let us say again, always promptly pay off the total balance every month. This is the only way to avoid the store card debt trap




