It's one of the smartest marketing moves ever invented. You are a consumer out on a shopping day. You go to your favorite department store, pick up your items and head for the register.

As your items are being rung up the friendly sales clerk asks, "Would you like to save ten percent on your purchases today?" They make the process quick and easy. And who does not want to save money on their purchase?

Whoever came up with this idea is brilliant. You have a paying consumer staring you in the face waiting to hand you money. Why not make them one last tantalizing sales pitch?

However, it is a sales pitch you likely should avoid.

These easy to get Department Store Credit Cards often come with a high price tag – 20% interest or thereabouts. It's fine if you pay off the card immediately – maybe.

The other catch? Many consumers are not aware that your credit report could potentially be dinged by ringing up too many of these quick and easy credit card offers. Your credit score is derived from many various factors and credit cards (how many you have, how new they are, your balance, limit vs how much is charged, etc.) are an important factor.

If you are someone who gladly accepts these Department Store Credit Cards for the immediate savings you may be penalizing yourself in the long run. A lower credit score means you may pay higher interest rates when you buy a car or home, or seek a loan for other purposes.

Ideally, you should have a credit card or two for general purposes that have a good payment history and are not maxed out and not a multitude of cards that are recently applied for with little or no payment history.

And one final issue – do you ever read the fine print on those credit card offers? Perhaps you should do that one time.

Are you having trouble paying your bills? Consider visiting with a Bankruptcy Attorney found on this website. You can meet with a Bankruptcy Lawyer and your initial consultation is FREE.

Department Store Credit Cards

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