Have you been tempted by the offers for the Buckle credit card in your email or when making a purchase at Buckle lately? Retail credit cards often seem appealing with promises of discounts, rewards, and financing.
But are the benefits of the Buckle card really worth it for you? Before you swipe that application or enter your info on the Buckle website, it’s worth weighing the pros and cons to see if this retail card should have a permanent place in your wallet or if it’s better left on the rack.
Buckle Credit Card Benefits: Earn Rewards and Save
The Buckle credit card has some sweet perks worth checking out.
First, you earn 5 points for every $1 you spend at Buckle stores. Rack up 500 points and you’ll get a $10 rewards certificate to use on your next purchase. Plus, you get double points days and exclusive cardholder events.
You also earn 1 point for every $1 spent anywhere else. Sure, it may not seem like a lot but those points add up over time. And since the points never expire, you can save up for bigger rewards.
Another benefit is special financing offers. Buckle frequently runs promotions where if you spend a certain amount, like $300, you get 6-12 months special financing. That means plenty of time to pay off your purchase with 0% interest. How’s that for a win-win?
Of course, there are a couple of drawbacks to keep in mind. The APR on the Buckle card is rather high at 24.99%, so if you don’t pay the balance in full each month, interest charges will start adding up quickly. Also, the card only earns rewards on Buckle and general purchases. You won’t earn extra points for gas, groceries or travel like some other cards.
Overall though, if you’re a Buckle shopper, the Buckle credit card can be a rewarding choice. The points and savings more than make up for the downsides, especially if you pay the balance on time each month. So if you want to earn while you shop and save on your favorite styles, the Buckle credit card could be right for you.
How the Buckle Credit Card Works
The Buckle credit card is pretty straightforward. Once approved, Buckle will issue you a card to use for purchases at Buckle stores or on Buckle.com. For every $1 you spend, you earn 5 Buckle Points which you can redeem for Buckle merchandise.
How to Earn Points
For every $1 you spend at Buckle stores or online, you get 5 Buckle Points. The points add up fast and for every 500 points you earn, you get $5 to spend at Buckle. Buckle frequently runs bonus point promotions where you can earn double or triple points on certain days or for buying specific products. They also regularly have point multiplier events where you can earn up to 10x the points for a limited time.
Redeeming Your Points
You can redeem your Buckle Points for merchandise in stores or online. 500 points equals $5 to spend. You can use your points to pay for part or all of your purchase. Any points you don’t use will remain in your account for future purchases. Points do not expire as long as you use your card once every 12 months.
Other Perks
As a Buckle credit cardholder, you automatically get a birthday gift, exclusive cardholder offers, and early access to sales. You can also get special financing on purchases over $200. If the Buckle credit card sounds like a good fit and the rewards match what you typically buy, it may be worth considering. But keep in mind the APR is on the higher end, so if you carry a balance from month to month, the interest charges can outweigh the value of the rewards.
Is the Buckle Credit Card Right for You?
The Buckle credit card can be a great option for loyal Buckle shoppers, but it may not suit everyone’s needs. Here are some factors to consider when determining if the Buckle card is right for you.
Rewards and Perks
If you frequently shop at Buckle, the rewards program may make the card worthwhile. You’ll earn 5 points for every $1 spent at Buckle stores and buckle.com. Those points can then be redeemed for Buckle cash to use on future purchases. The card also offers special birthday and anniversary perks for cardholders.
Interest Rates
However, the APR on the Buckle card is rather high at 25.99%, so if you don’t pay the balance in full each month, interest charges can quickly cancel out any rewards earned. Only get the card if you are confident you can avoid interest by paying on time and in full.
Credit Impact
Another downside is that the Buckle card may not help build your credit as much as other cards since Buckle is a single merchant. Your credit utilization ratio and payment history are reported to the credit bureaus, but for the biggest credit score impact, you want cards from major issuers like Chase, Amex or Citi.
Alternative Options
You may find better value from a general cash back credit card that offers rewards on all purchases, not just those from a single store. Many major issuers offer cards with no annual fee that provide 1-5% back on every purchase. If building credit is your goal, you could also consider a secured card.
In summary, if you are a devoted Buckle shopper eager to earn rewards and perks from your spending, the Buckle credit card could be worthwhile. But for most other needs like building credit or earning the most cash back overall, you have better options to consider. Think about your priorities and spending habits to determine if the Buckle card deserves a spot in your wallet.
Conclusion
So, there you have it. The Buckle credit card offers some decent rewards if you’re a frequent shopper, but the high APR means you’ll want to pay the balance in full each month. Only you can decide if the Buckle card is right for your wallet.
Think about how often you shop there and if the rewards will actually save you money in the long run. If Buckle is your go-to for the latest denim and tops, the card could be worth it. But if you just pop in occasionally when you have a gift card, you’re probably better off sticking with a card that gives you more flexibility and a lower interest rate.
The choice is yours – just be sure to weigh all the pros and cons before applying. Whatever you decide, make sure to use that new card responsibly by not spending more than you can pay off. Your bank account and credit score will thank you!