How to Get Credit at a Department Store

Getting credit at a department store can be a lot easier than being approved for other forms of credit. The MSN Money website reports that department store cards are relatively easy to get because the risk to the department store is small. Department store cards generally offer lower credit limits than bank-issued credit cards, such as MasterCard or Visa. Department store cards are popular with people applying for credit for the first time and for people who are trying to rebuild their credit.

Instructions

1

Establish some basic credit qualifications. You should be at least 18, have a job or income and a stable address.

2

Review your credit report. Get a copy of your report from the website Annual Credit Report. You may not have a report if you have never applied for credit or a bank account, but checking your report is free and easy. Annual Credit Report is operated by the nationwide credit bureaus and offers free reports as required by the Fair Credit Reporting Act. Visit the website to view and print your report (see Resources).

3

Challenge any wrong information on your report by writing a letter to the credit bureau. Mail the letter to the credit bureau's address on the report. Also make sure that any present credit accounts you have are paid up to date. Allow about 60 days for information on your credit report to be updated.

4

Apply for a department store card by applying in the store or at the department store's website. Ask for the customer service department to apply in the store. Provide requested information about yourself including your Social Security number and driver's license number.