If you have struggled to get traditional credit cards or personal loans due to a bad credit score or no credit history, you may find using a catalog credit card very useful to make purchases from specific stores.
Catalog cards offer a great alternative that allows you to shop at popular retailers such as Best Buy and Walmart - and they have some of the highest approval rates across all financial products.
It is very typical to get approved for a $1,000 or $1,200 almost immediately, with zero employment checks and no credit checks. You simply pay a monthly 'membership fee' to use the card of around $12-$14 per month. But assuming you pay the card off on time each month, it will be 0% interest, or 29.9% APR if you fall behind on payments.
The TechNational has put together a list of the Top 5 companies offering catalog credit cards in the US. Keep reading as we help explain what catalog credit cards are, their advantages and why you might need one.
What Are Catalog Credit Cards & Merchandise Cards?
Catalog credit cards, also known as merchandise cards, allow consumers to borrow up to $1,000 for use at specific stores across the US. These cards are typically closed-loop, meaning they can only be used at designated retailers such as Walmart, Target and Amazon.
They come with 0% interest rates and do not require credit checks or employment verifications, making them particularly appealing to individuals with poor credit histories.
Top 5 Companies for Catalog Credit Cards
Here are our top five companies offering catalog credit cards:
1) Card Match Engine
Card Match Engine offers a credit line of up to $1,000 with no application denials for bad credit. This service guarantees matching you with a catalog card, ensuring you can start shopping at your favorite stores immediately.
Check Eligibility Here >> Card Match Engine
2) Credit America
Credit America provides 0% financing on popular brand name products, with guaranteed approval. You can enjoy interest-free purchases for the life of your membership, making it a cost-effective option for frequent shoppers.
Check Eligibility Here >> Credit America
3) Edge Elite
Designed for people with bad or no credit, Edge Elite offers a $1,000 credit limit and is accepted at over 62,000 pharmacies nationwide. Additional benefits include rewards for prescriptions, roadside assistance and legal referral services.
Check Eligibility Here >> Edge Elite
What Are the Advantages of Getting a Catalog Credit Card?
Catalog credit cards offer several benefits:
- Shop at your favorite stores: These cards can be used at a variety of popular stores including Best Buy, JCPenney, Kohl’s, Target, Walmart, T.J. MAXX, Marshalls, Homegoods, Sierra, Homesense and more.
- Zero interest: They come with 0% interest rates provided you repay the balance on time, which can lead to significant savings compared to traditional credit cards.
- High chance of approval: Approval is almost guaranteed if you can provide an active checking or savings account and proof of income. This makes them accessible to those who might not qualify for other forms of credit.
- Lower fees: The monthly fees are generally lower than those of regular credit cards. For example, default fees are capped at 29.9%, which is lower than many credit cards for bad credit.
- No credit checks: These cards do not require credit checks or employment verifications, making them ideal for those with bad credit or no credit history.
- You can use it immediately: Once approved, you can start using the card immediately, giving you instant access to up to $1,000 in credit.
What Is The Eligibility Criteria?
-Must be over 18 years of age
-Living in the USA or Canada
-Have a checking account
-Be employed full time or part time (although this is not checked)
-Bad credit is accepted
-No credit checks are carried out as part of the approval process
How Much Do Catalog Credit Cards Cost?
Catalog credit cards require a monthly fee of $12-$14 (this may vary between cards) to be able to access a credit limi of up to $1,000 to $1,200.
The cards charge 0% interest if paid off on time at the end of the month, or 29.9% APR if you fall behind on payments, with late fees ranging from $15 to $41.
Loans are unsecured, you do not lose any assets or collateral if you fall behind on payments, but items may be repossessed depending on the card provider.
Repayment example:
$1,000 credit limit to be used at specific stores, monthly membership ranges from $14-$25 per month, 0% interest on purchases, 29.9% APR on missed payments, 25 day grace period, max late fee $15 to $41
How Do Catalog Credit Cards Compare To Regular Credit Cards?
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Why Might I Need a Catalog Card or Merchandise Card?
Catalog credit cards can be beneficial for several reasons:
- If you regularly shop at the same stores, these cards provide a convenient way to manage your purchases and take advantage of special offers and bonuses.
- They can help you manage your finances by spreading out payments over time without incurring interest, provided you repay on time.
- Although they do not require credit checks, responsible use of these cards can help you build a positive payment history, potentially improving your credit score.
- They are ideal for making large purchases, such as furniture or electronics, as they offer up to 30 days to make a payment.
Is a Catalog Credit Card Guaranteed Approval?
Yes, catalog credit cards are relatively easy to obtain. The approval process is straightforward, with no credit checks or employment verifications required. As long as you can provide proof of an active checking or savings account and a source of income, you are likely to be approved.
4) Freedom Gold Card
The Freedom Gold Card offers a $750 unsecured credit limit usable only at TheHorizonOutlet.com. It features instant approval, no credit check and no employment check, making it accessible to virtually anyone.
Website: Freedom Gold Card
5) Perpay
Perpay allows you to unlock up to $1,000 to shop top brands in electronics, home goods, apparel and more. Payments are made over time with no interest or fees, and automatic payments from your paycheck help build a positive credit history.
Website: Perpay
What Are Merchandise Cards Typically Used For?
Merchandise, catalog and store cards are ideal for big purchases from large retailers such as Walmart, JC Penny, Sears and Best Buy. So you might use a catalog card for buying furniture, TVs, computers, bathroom fit outs, white goods and only household items.
Such cards are not used for small every day spending at cafes and restaurants, although you can use them at gas stations.
Does a Catalog Credit Card Come With No Credit Checks & Guaranteed Approval?
Correct, there are no credit checks with catalog cards, which mean they are arguably the easiest type of credit card or loan to be approved for.
Even without employment or credit checks, you can still borrow up to $1,000 or $1,200, whereas with a credit card you would typically be limited based on your income and employment with a certain credit limit.
How Long Does It Take To Get Approved?
Approval is almost instant and it is very typical to be approved within minutes and the card is sent to you in the mail in 1-3 working days and it will be ready to use straight away.
What Are The Dangers With Catalog Credit Cards?
Whilst you might initially think "Wow, this is free money!" - you must be aware that you are paying a monthly membership fee of around $12-$25 and if you continue to be charged this, even if you are not using it. For some people who are not closely watching their finances, they could be paying for this type of store card for several years and even decades unless they cancel it.
It can be extremely effective at 0% interest assuming you repay on time, using the 25 day grace period. But if you fall behind on payment, you will be paying late fees (up to $45 for a missed payment), the monthly membership fee ($12-$25) and also added interest on top. So if you are not watching the repayments closely or have a plan to repay, you might find yourself accumulating a lot of debt.
So try to consider using catalog credit cards for a short period of time, to make some important purchases for your home, using it to build up your credit score and then finding a cheaper and more flexible credit card to use.
