JCPenney's Credit Card - Gets More Of A Workout Than I Do
Written: Aug 30 '02 (Updated Aug 30 '02)
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Pros: Notification of special events and coupons.
Cons: Finance charges...
The Bottom Line: Regular shoppers of either the online e-tailer or the brick and mortar store should take advantage of what JCPenney has to offer.
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| kristinafh's Full Review: JC Penney Credit Card |
JCPenney is one of those stores that I can walk into and shop at for hours. I love their selection of women and children's clothing. I love the variety that they have in their household and small appliance area. I used to love the fact that I could get my hair cut there (I don't do that anymore - my current hairstylist would kill me). Shopping at Penney's is like being in a mini-mall. You can find just about anything.
To make things even worse, you can also shop online with JCPenney. Although you can never replace the large selection available in the brick and mortar version, their online store still has some great stuff.
If you're a regular shopper of JCPenney there's just no reason why you shouldn't have this pup in your wallet. And let me tell you why.
First, when you receive your JCPenney charge, they give you 10% off your first purchase. You can use that either in their online store or their brick and mortar store. Be smart and combine this with some other sale and you'll save a TON.
Second, as a credit card customer, you are notified of special sales that you can take advantage of. For example, every couple of months, I'll get snail-mail version of 10% off coupons to use either online or at my local JCPenney store. Sometimes, they'll send me special deals via email that can only be taken advantage of in their online store.
Third, if you pay off your balance every month, there is no finance charge. This is how I try to operate because having to pay a finance charge of 22.99% just seems wasteful to me. Mind you, finance percentages vary from state to state so your finance charge may be only 18%.
Fourth, if you shop at Eckerd Drug Stores or Genovese Drug Stores, your card is good there. I don't have those here where I live :).
Fifth, there are two types of "credit" that they extend to you. One is revolving credit for normal, every day stuff that you purchase and the other is for larger items that you might buy. For example, I purchased part of my bedroom furniture from JCPenney Furniture Store. Just about all of the time, JCPenney allows you to either defer payments or defer any interest attached to your original amount for at least 12 months. Usually, this is on purchases over $500. I was able to pay off my furniture without giving them a lick of $$$ in interest. That's my kind of deal!
There's no avoiding having to pay them back though :). Expect to pay around 1/6 of the balance as your minimum payment if you don't pay it off every month.
The statement you receive in the mail is extremely easy to read. It's just one page, with three sections. One section shows things like when your payment is due, minimum payment, total balance. The next section has a list of any purchases you've made in the last billing cycle along with credits posted to your account. The last section has your credit limit, what's still available, and the APR for finance charges.
Some times, I find that JCPenney is a little lazy in posting my payments in a timely manner. If I'm ever cutting it close (within five days), I head to one of my local stores to make the payment. I don't want to be hit with a late charge (which in my case would be $25.00 - again that amount will vary from state to state).
When you're ready to make your payment you can either send it in the mail, visit one of their brick and mortar stores, pay through your bill payor service, or visit their web site and have the amount deducted from your checking account.
Just recently, JCPenney built a place within their web site that allows you to do inquiries on your credit account. They ask you to enter your account number, your zip code and either your social security number OR home phone number. After you enter that information, you can see what your purchase and payment history and when your next payment is due.
And speaking of payment due, you can have JCPenney change the date of when your payment is due if for some reason, you don't like where it falls.
I've never had anything incorrectly posted to my account and when I've called JCPenney to inquire about something on my statement, they've always been very helpful and pleasant to talk with.
In the end, if you're a person who isn't made from liquid gold, carries credit cards, and loves fantastic deals, there's not really any reason why you shouldn't apply for this card.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
kristinafh
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 - Top 50 |
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Member: Kristina Frazier-Henry
Location: Indiana
Reviews written: 1344
Trusted by: 1168 members
About Me:
Cannot breathe. Missing Barbara.
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