[UPDATE: Some offers mentioned below have expired and/or are no longer available on our site. You can view the current offers from our partners in our credit card marketplace. DISCLOSURE: Cards from our partners are mentioned below.]
If you’re a new parent, or a soon-to-be new parent, you’re likely hyper-focused on your finances. How will you pay for all the necessary new items? And not just the big-ticket pieces like a crib, car seat and stroller, but also the ongoing, expensive items like diapers, wipes, clothes and toys.
If you’re considering purchasing any items from Babies “R” Us, or even Toys “R” Us, you might be considering the “R”Us Mastercard from Babies “R” Us. Here’s what you need to know about that card before you apply.
The Basics
There’s no signup bonus with this card, but new cardholders will receive 15% off their first purchase online or in the store. There’s also no interest on purchases of $749 or more if the balance is paid in full within 12 months; or there’s no interest on purchases of $299 or more if the balance is paid in full within six months.
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
26.99% with minimum interest charge of $2.
The Advantages
The “R”Us credit card offers two points for every dollar spent at Babies “R” Us and Toys “R” Us (some exclusions apply), plus a point for every $4 spent elsewhere. And you can save 10% off on in-store purchases every Thursday through September 1st, 2018, when you use your “R” Us card (but you have to remember to request the 10% off, it doesn’t apply automatically).
Also, each 125 points you earn is good for $5 in “R” Us reward dollars.
For new parents, there’s the “Endless Earnings” offer. With this, you’ll provide the company with your baby’s expected arrival date. About 12 weeks after that date, you’ll receive an eGift card that gives you 5% off the first $300 in registry purchases and then 10% off any purchases over $300 (with no limits).
The Disadvantages
Many consumers complain about the customer service that comes with the “R” Us credit card. Also, the APR is quite high compared to other rewards cards.
If you want to make budgeting for baby purchases easier, having a card that keeps those separate from the rest of your monthly budget can be helpful. And, having a card that can get you 15% off on your big-ticket baby necessities plus a bonus on your baby registry items can be nice, not to mention the ongoing 10% off you can receive on toys and clothes and diapers if you time your purchases correctly.
However, it’s still a good idea to comparison shop before signing up for a credit card to make sure you’re getting the right one for you. Here is an alternative you may want to consider to help you with purchasing items for you child.
Card Details +
Card details: The Discover it Balance Transfer offers cardholders 5% cash back at different places each quarter like gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, Amazon.com, and more to the quarterly maximum each time you activate. Plus, 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Before you apply for any credit card, keep in mind that it’s helpful to check your credit scores to see where you stand – then be sure to check with the issuer to be sure you meet the credit guidelines. There are many ways to check your credit scores for free — one way is through Credit.com, which offers you two credit scores for free so you can track your progress and watch for important changes.
At publishing time, the Discover it card is offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply and ultimately sign up for these cards. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment.
Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.
