Summary
An enormous amount of people use shop cards but are they aware of the horrendous levels of interest fees? This article is worth reading, as it explains how shop cards work and gives valuable advice.
We must be honest, we’re not huge fans of shop cards. However, there are an estimated fourteen million shop credit card holders with outstanding balances of round about three billion pounds. And some eighty stores operate store cards, mostly department stores, large DIY retailers and clothing retailers.
Store cards, are a branded credit card which may only be used in the right shop or chain. Habitually they are the most pricey source of credit, charging over and above thirty five per cent interest per year. That is considerably higher than the average local bank credit card. Since the average store card balance is around £850, that would that would cost card holders £240 a year simply in interest. That kind of cost can easily mount up becoming an insurmountable debt .
Looking at the positive side of store cards, they are convenient as the shops usually promote them with discounts off the items bought on the card and they might also supply a longer interest free period. Customers would also get specific promotions sent to them in the post or be told of new stock before other shoppers.
On the other side, hazards await those who are easily tempted by ”interest-free”, “nothing to pay for six months” or discounts offers predominantly those who could by now be juggling debt . These card holders may be using the cards for the reason that they have not got the money to pay the whole price now and they are simply living in hope that they will have the money soon. Not a great idea!
Chain stores also need to be uneasy about overly pushy sales people promoting shop cards to clients who have hardly any understanding about how to manage their use of the store card. In our opinion, it’s very easy to cajole people into having a credit card, however if you don’t pay off the total amount during the interest-free period these cards are a very expensive way of obtaining credit .
We do admit that the cards can be very tempting when, by taking out the card you are eligible for the discounts.
Nevertheless, it remains all to easy for debts on your shop credit card to spiral out of control.
Hence, as a rule we advise you to avoid shop cards unless you are utterly certain} that you will settle the full balance the instant the store card bill arrives.
Debt management companies are continuously pressing the financial regulators to raise interest rate warnings. They believe that statements for store cards should contain a very noticeable warning showing their APR interest rate and what the holder must pay if just the minimum amount is made.
So if you do make a decision to accept a store card be very sure how much it will cost you. We concede that many UK shoppers find shop cards to be an enticingan attractive way to get huge discounts on their shopping. However please, let us tell you again, always promptly pay off the full balance each month. Only this way can you be certain that you won’t fall into the store card debt trap













