Shopping with a company that offers an instant credit approval for catalog purchases can be a convenient option, particularly for people who have had credit issues and can't get an unsecured credit card. Because these companies report your account to the three major credit bureaus, shopping this way can help you rebuild your credit. It's possible to purchase home decor, furnishings, jewelry, clothes, computers and many other items from catalogs using instant credit with an approved account.
Montgomery Ward
Montgomery Ward has provided catalogs to millions of shoppers as far back as 1872. Today, you can shop thousands of products including electronics, toys and games, clothing and more.
Shipping
Shipping costs are based on the order total. For example, orders totaling up to $15 cost $5.95 for shipping and processing, with the amount increasing incrementally. Further, large delivery items like furniture which are delivered by FedEx Home or a common carrier may require an additional charge based on the item's size and weight. You can get expedited delivery, which arrives in three to four business days for an additional $9.95 per address, and express delivery, which arrives in one to two business days for an additional $19.95.
Returns
You can return unused items in original packaging within 60 days to receive a full refund of the purchase price, excluding shipping and processing charges.
Request a Print Catalog
Fill out the information form to have a free print catalog mailed to you.
How to Apply
Once you have the items you want in your shopping cart, you can apply for Wards Credit when you get to checkout. You will need to enter your name, address, SSN and date of birth in order to apply for credit. Once you are approved for a credit account, you can check out and your payments will be split into small monthly payments. There is no annual fee for Wards credit. The APR is between 5.75% and 23.99%.
Fingerhut
Founded in 1948, Fingerhut offers more than 450,000 products ranging from toys to home appliances, furniture, clothing and much more.
Shipping
Shipping and handling rates vary and are based on the size and weight of the package, and the price of the items, with progressive shipping rates that are reduced when you order multiple items at one time.
Returns
You can return items in original condition within 90 days. Shipping and handling charges are non-refundable.
Request a Print Catalog
Fill in your name and address to receive a print catalog in the mail.
How to Apply
You can apply for Fingerhut credit by filling in your name, address, SSN, date of birth and the amount of your available income. Once you are approved for a WebBank/Fingerhut Credit Account, you can start shopping immediately. There are no application fees, over the limit fees, or annual fees. When you purchase from Fingerhut, your payments are split up into small monthly payments, with an APR of 25.90%.
Seventh Avenue
Seventh Avenue has been around for more than 30 years and offers unique bed and bath, furniture, clothing, jewelry and other types of merchandise, through their online and print catalogs.
Shipping
Shipping and processing fees are based on your order total, beginning with $5.95 for shipping and processing for an order that is $15. Large items like furniture may require an additional charge based on an alpha code. You can also get expedited delivery, which arrives in three to four business days for an additional $9.95 per address, and express delivery, which arrives in one to two business days for an additional $19.95.
Returns
You can return purchases for exchange, refund or credit. It is recommended that you use the original packaging, pack the item securely and insure the item before sending it back.
Request a Print Catalog
You can request to have a print catalog mailed to you by filling in your name and address.
How to Apply
You can apply for Seventh Avenue Credit when you get to the checkout process by entering your name, address, SSN and date of birth. Once you are approved for an account, you can use your new credit to pay for your purchases, and your payments will be separated into small monthly payments. There are no extra fees for credit, but there is an APR between 5.75% - 23.99% that you'll pay on your purchases.
Ginny's
Ginny's has been in business since the 90s and offers a wide variety of merchandise including clothing, furniture, electronics and many others.
Shipping
Shipping and processing fees begin at $5.95 for an order that is $15. Large items like furniture may require an additional charge based on an alpha code. You can also get expedited delivery, which arrives in three to business days for an additional $9.95 per address, and express delivery, which arrives in one to two business days for an additional $19.95.
Returns
You can return purchases for exchange, refund or credit. It is recommended that you use the original packaging, pack the item securely and insure the item before sending it back.
Request a Print Catalog
You can have a free print catalog mailed to you when you provide your name and mailing address on the Ginny's website.
How to Apply
You can apply for Ginny's Credit when you check out. You will need to complete a form with your name, address, SSN and date of birth. Once you are approved for an account, you can use your new credit to pay for your purchases. Your payments will be separated into small monthly payments. There is no annual fee for a credit account. The APR ranges from 5.75% - 23.99%.
Midnight Velvet
Midnight Velvet was founded in 1987. They offer clothing, home decor, gifts, beauty and fitness and many other types of merchandise.
Shipping
Shipping costs are based on the order total, with the minimum being $5.95 for shipping and processing on an order total of $15, with incremental increases up to orders that cost $250. For orders above this amount, shipping costs 12% of the order total. Large items like furniture may require an additional charge based on the item's size and weight. You can also request expedited delivery, which arrives in three to four business days for an additional $9.95 shipping fee, and express delivery, which arrives in one to two business days for an additional fee of $19.95.
Returns
You can return items within 60 days for a refund, account credit or replacement.
Request a Print Catalog
You can fill out the form on the website to request to have a print catalog mailed to you.
How to Apply
Apply for Midnight Velvet Credit with your name, address, SSN and date of birth. When you are approved, you can use your new credit account to pay for your purchases, and pay for them with small monthly payments. There is no annual fee, and the APR can vary from 5.75% - 23.99%.
Warnings and Tips
An instant credit catalog account can only be used for purchases from that particular website or company. Because they target those with bad or no credit, the higher risk of credit payment default is reflected in the high interest rates charged by the lender. They typically include higher-than-average interest rates, which can add up quickly if you opt to pay your balance monthly instead of in full all at once.
Because of the high interest rates, you should use caution if you are considering opening an instant credit account to fix poor credit. Opt for companies that don't require a purchase to open the account and if you do make a purchase, pay it off in full rather than paying from month to month. In order to improve your credit, your payment history must be perfect or the account can do more damage to your credit.
Alternatives
Although many shoppers are attracted to the small monthly payment options of instant credit catalogs, it's easy to rack up a balance that gets out of control because of a high APR. An alternative is to purchase the item on layaway through a traditional retail store, to avoid potentially damaging your credit. If your goal is to repair or establish credit, you might also consider a secured card to help prevent overspending.
