Buckle is a popular retail store operating in 43 states which sells mid-level to high-end casual wear including jeans, khakis, shirts, tops, footwear and accessories. Its primary client base consists of fashion-forward young people; however, Buckle stores offer attractive clothing options for customers across a wide range of ages.
For customers who regularly make purchases at Buckle, an option to consider is making those purchases using a Buckle credit card. Customers may apply for a Buckle card either in person at a Buckle location or online.
How the Buckle credit card works
A Buckle credit card works like any other credit card, with the only difference being that, as a store credit card, it can only be used to make purchases at Buckle. This means you cannot buy gas with it, use it to pay for a meal at a restaurant, or purchase items at another store in the mall with it.
Why might Buckle customers want to make their purchases using a Buckle credit card instead of with cash or another credit or debit card? The biggest draw to a Buckle card is the rewards program that the store has in place. Every purchase you make with a Buckle card gives you “points,” and when you accumulate enough points, you start getting money off your subsequent purchases.
Specifically, Buckle credit card users receive one “point” for every dollar spent on their Buckle card. When their point, or dollar total reaches $300, they receive a $10 certificate which can be used toward anything in any Buckle store. Effectively, customers who use a Buckle card get $10 off for every $300 spent.
Buckle also runs introductory offers for customers who sign up for a card, such as 10% off your first purchase using your Buckle card.
There are two types of Buckle credit cards for which you may apply: the Buckle Classic card and the Buckle Black card.
The Buckle Classic card features only the above-listed benefits. The requirements for being issued one are that you must be at least 18 years old, you must be a United States resident with a valid Social Security number, you must have at least one major credit card, and you must have a valid physical address that is not a P.O. box.
The Buckle Black card features all the benefits of the Buckle Classic card as well as several others, such as free domestic shipping on all purchases and discounts on purchases made during the month of the cardholder’s birthday. To qualify for a Black card, you must be an existing Buckle Classic cardholder in good standing and who has made at least $500 in purchases on your Classic card within the preceding twelve months.
Pros and Cons of the Buckle Credit Card
Pros:
- Easy approval, especially compared to most credit cards.
- 10% off the first purchase made with your Buckle credit card.
- $10 in-store credit for every $300 spent on your Buckle credit card.
- Also receive discount offers in the mail which are exclusive to Buckle credit card holders.
Cons:
- Interest rates can be high. Many online reviewers strongly urged against carrying a balance on this card.
- Cannot be used anywhere other than Buckle.
- Rewards can only be redeemed at Buckle, unlike traditional rewards credit cards which offer a variety of different rewards such as airline miles, cash back, and more.
Another benefit to owning and using any credit card, including the Buckle credit card, is establishing a good credit history which you can do by paying at least the minimum payment on time every month. Having good credit helps you obtain lower interest rates and better terms on bigger purchases down the road, such as a house or a new car.
Even if you don’t carry a balance, simply making a purchase or two every month and then paying it off in full by the due date causes the creditor to report your responsible use to the credit bureaus. That makes the Buckle credit card a potentially good way to build your credit score and score more of the clothes you love.
