Top 5 Store Credit Cards – How I Got My Jeans for Free

Store credit cards offer their members different types of benefits. For some, this may mean extra discounts on in-store purchases, freebies, and even special offers for shopping online. While these credit cards carry an extremely high interest rate, their benefits can make them worthwhile if you pay the balance off each month.

A few weeks ago I used my Old Navy Visa credit card to get a free pair of jeans at Gap. How was I able to do this?  When I use my Old Navy Visa I receive one point per dollar spent everywhere Visa cards are accepted, and five points for every dollar spent at Gap Inc. stores (Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Piperlime, Athleta, Gap Factory Stores, and Banana Republic Factory Stores). Once I accumulate 1,000 points, I receive a $10 off coupon valid at any Gap Inc. store.

During this particular visit, I had $40 worth of credit card coupons to use. Plus, Gap was having a 35% off regularly priced items for cardholders. The jeans that I purchased were regularly $59.50. After the 35% off, they dropped to $38.67. With my $40 worth of coupons, I did not have to pay anything, including sales tax. This is why my Old Navy Visa is one of my favorite cards.

Other favorite store credit cards include:

2. Kohl’s: Cardholders receive coupons twelve times a year for an extra 15-30% off storewide. With Kohl’s frequent sales, this means deep discounts on almost all purchases. Plus, Kohl’s frequently provides online coupon codes exclusively to cardholders.

3. Victoria’s Secret Angels Card: Angel cardholders receive one point for every Victoria’s Secret purchase. Once 250 points are accumulated, the cardholder will receive a $10 off coupon plus an upgrade to VIP status, which gives the cardholder double points on select purchases. Cardholders also receive a $10 off coupon for their birthday and early access to sales and special events.

4. Target REDcard Visa: Users get 5% off every Target purchase in-store or online (which can be stacked with all other offers) and receive an extra 5% off coupon for every five prescriptions filled at Target pharmacy. Target will also donate 1% of the user’s purchases to a local school of their choice.

5. Sears: Cardholders receive exclusive promotions each month, in addition to special financing offers. For example, this month Sears cardholders can receive 5% off appliance purchases of $399 or more in-store or online plus no interest for twelve months. This month Sears is also offering no interest on kitchen remodeling if paid in full in two years.

Store credit cards vary on their advantages for their cardholders but can be very beneficial. Selecting a store credit card should be based on your spending habits and what type of perks you wish to receive. Because these credit cards have high interest rate, they should be used with caution and paid off in full. However, if used with discretion, they can help users save on important and everyday purchases.