Four Things to Consider Before Getting an Abercrombie Credit Card

Abercrombie and Fitch is a well-respected and hugely popular clothing retailer that is known throughout the world. Their quality clothes are pretty classic staples that many people hold on to and use on a daily basis. You or your family and/or friends may shop at Abercrombie a lot – maybe even exclusively – and have at one point or another may have been approached to open an Abercrombie credit card. If you shop there yourself or shop there for others often, it would make sense to open a card with the retailer. If that is something that you or someone you know may be thinking about doing, it’s definitely something to think about and do research on. After all, opening a credit card on a whim isn’t something you should do, especially if you want to be in control with your finances.

If you’re thinking about getting an Abercrombie credit card, here are some things to consider and look into:

Interest Rates

Their interest rates are pretty high for a credit card, with 24.99% variable APR and a minimum interest charge of $1 if you are charged interest. If you aren’t very good about paying on time, it’s quite a chunk of money you’ll be giving away, with its up to $35 late payment fee. If you are good about paying your balance completely and on time, you should be fine –  however, if not, you’re paying almost 25% on interest for an already pricey item of clothing.

Rewards Program

Unlike many retailers, Abercrombie doesn’t have a rewards program – an issue that can often turn people away. If you don’t mind spending money and not having a loyalty rewards program, then this isn’t an issue for you. But if it is an issue, you might want to reconsider the card.

Credit Limit

One thing that makes me a fan of a certain retailer and their credit card is the credit limit they give me. It encourages you to spend, and even with a big limit (like say a few thousand), while you may not – and shouldn’t – use it all, it’s nice to have it there. Plus, if you use too much of your credit limit, it is ultimately bad for your credit score.  Be sure that your credit limit is one that is high enough for you to only use a portion of, especially if you tend to carry a balance.

Customer Service

For the most part, you shouldn’t really have any issues or problems with your card – but in the event that you do, you want to make sure the person you’ll deal with is going to help you with the situation, and not make it worse. While this is often something you cannot control for the most part, it is something to consider and think about.

Bottom line: before opening up a credit card with Abercrombie (or any retailer, for that matter) make sure you do your research and know what you’re getting into.

(Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)