What Stores Does the Shopping Cart Trick Work On?

The “shopping cart trick” is an online method consumers use to receive pre-approved credit card offers. It involves interacting with a retailer’s website to prompt a store-branded credit card offer. The primary goal is to identify pre-approval through a soft credit inquiry, which does not negatively impact a credit score. This provides insight into credit eligibility before a formal application that could result in a hard credit inquiry.

Recognizing Participating Stores

Certain online retailers are often associated with the shopping cart trick, primarily those that partner with specific financial institutions for their store-branded credit cards. Major issuers of these retail cards, such as Comenity Bank and Synchrony Bank, are frequently linked to this method. These banks manage credit programs for many popular retail chains.

Stores commonly reported to offer pre-approvals through this method include those in the fashion, home goods, and electronics sectors. Examples frequently mentioned are Victoria’s Secret, Express, Overstock.com, Wayfair, and The Children’s Place. The availability of such offers can change without notice, and success is never guaranteed.

The pre-approval process for these cards involves a soft credit pull, which allows the issuer to review a consumer’s credit profile without affecting their credit score. This differs from a hard inquiry, which occurs when a formal credit application is submitted and can temporarily lower a credit score. Consumers should ensure they have not opted out of receiving promotional offers from credit card companies, as this can prevent the pop-up from appearing. Additionally, disabling any pop-up or ad blockers in a web browser is advisable to ensure any potential offers are displayed.

Steps to Attempt the Trick

To attempt the shopping cart trick, begin by visiting the website of a retailer that is known to offer store credit cards. Once on the site, add several items to your online shopping cart. The specific value or type of items placed in the cart typically does not influence the outcome, as the intent is to simulate a purchase.

Proceed to the checkout process, navigating through the steps as if you intend to complete the purchase. During this stage, you will generally be prompted to enter personal information such as your name, billing address, and shipping address. Enter accurate information up to the point where payment details are requested.

As you advance through the checkout screens, especially before the final payment submission, look for a pop-up window or a banner advertisement offering you a pre-approved credit card. This offer might appear with phrases like “You’ve been pre-approved!” or “Get instant credit today.” If such an offer appears, it typically signifies a soft inquiry has been performed, and you may be asked for the last four digits of your Social Security Number to confirm eligibility. If the system requests your full Social Security Number at this pre-approval stage, it may indicate a hard inquiry is imminent upon application, which the trick aims to avoid.

Interpreting Credit Offers

When a credit offer appears through the shopping cart trick, it is typically for a store-branded credit card, usable only at that specific retailer or its affiliated stores. These offers often come with promotional benefits, such as an initial discount on a purchase, special financing terms, or rewards points for future spending. Review all terms and conditions before acceptance.

Store credit cards often feature higher Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) compared to general-purpose credit cards. While the average APR for general credit cards might be around 15%, store cards commonly have rates upwards of 20%, sometimes exceeding 30%. Many offers include deferred interest promotions, which means no interest is charged if the entire balance is paid in full by the end of a specified promotional period. However, if any balance remains, interest is retroactively applied from the original purchase date, potentially leading to significant charges. Credit limits on these cards are also generally lower, often starting at $500 or less, which can impact credit utilization if not managed carefully.

Managing New Credit

Upon accepting a credit offer, activate the new credit card. Activation can typically be completed online through the issuer’s website, via a mobile banking application, or by calling a dedicated phone number provided with the card. Activating the card ensures it is ready for use.

Following activation, it is important to create an online account with the card issuer. This online portal allows for management of the credit card, including viewing statements, monitoring transactions, checking the available credit limit, and scheduling payments. Understanding the payment due date and the minimum payment required each billing cycle is important. Making timely payments is important for maintaining a positive payment history.