Thinking about getting a Conn’s credit card? You probably want to finance pricey stuff like appliances or gadgets. From what folks search most, they’re wondering about approval chances, what credit score you need, and how to dodge hard credit checks.
Table of Content
- What credit score needed for Conn’s credit card?
- How does Conn’s pre-approval process work?
- Can I apply for Conn’s credit card online?
- What items can I buy with Conn’s credit card?
- Does Conn’s credit card report to all bureaus?
- What are Conn’s credit card interest rates?
- How long does Conn’s credit card approval take?
- Can I increase my Conn’s credit limit?
- What happens if Conn’s files bankruptcy again?
- Does Conn’s credit card have annual fees?
- How does Conn’s credit card compare to other store cards?
- What documents needed to apply for Conn’s card?
- Final thoughts and next steps
Some ask if pre-approval deals are real, others stress about Conn’s money situation. I’ll cover all this and give you real tips to up your approval odds.
What credit score needed for Conn’s credit card?
When I first looked into Conn’s card, the minimum credit score info wasn’t clear. After some digging into Synchrony Bank‘s rules (they handle Conn’s cards), I found most folks who get approved have scores between 620-680.
But some folks on credit forums got approved with scores down to 580, especially if they already banked with Synchrony. It’s easier to get than regular bank cards but tougher than some store cards.
Fun fact: Conn’s checks different credit agencies by state – mostly Experian in Texas, Equifax down South. A 2023 CreditCards.
com study showed Synchrony approves about 65% of applicants for their retail cards, higher than the industry average. If your score’s low, maybe wait till you pay down debts or fix credit report mistakes. I boosted my chances by keeping my credit usage under 30% before applying.
How does Conn’s pre-approval process work?
Those pre-approved offers aren’t just ads – they use soft checks that don’t hurt your score. I got one after checking out appliances online – typical Synchrony marketing. That $2,000 pre-approval you hear about? That’s usually the starting limit – it can grow if you use it right.
Surprise! Even with pre-approval, they still do a hard credit check. A store manager told me they need fresh credit info before giving you the card.
But some Reddit folks say they got instant okay in-store with pre-approval codes, no extra checks. Results may differ, but pre-approval means better chances.
Can I apply for Conn’s credit card online?
Yep! The online app takes maybe 10 minutes. Have your Social, yearly income, and rent/mortgage info handy.
It asks normal stuff but really cares about job history – steady work helps. Weird thing: sometimes it says pending instead of instant okay, needing phone checks.
Hot tip: Apply daytime for faster checks. My night app took 2 days; my buddy’s morning app got instant yes. You see your limit right away online – no waiting for mail like some store cards.
What items can I buy with Conn’s credit card?
Great for big buys – I got a washer/dryer with 12 months no interest. They’re big on furniture, beds, gadgets, and appliances.
Shockingly, some stores take it for AC units and bling too. Works at all 150 Conn’s stores and online.
Downside: can’t use it at other Synchrony stores. Unlike Amazon’s anywhere card, Conn’s is store-only. But now they’ve got smart home stuff and gym gear too – nice for spreading out payments.
Does Conn’s credit card report to all bureaus?
Yep, and this really helped my credit variety. They report every month to all three credit agencies.
My good payments showed in 30 days, boosting my score. But watch out – maxing this card hurts more since store cards start with smaller limits.
A money expert told me Synchrony’s sometimes slow reporting payments – like a few days behind others. She said pay 5 days early to be safe. Plus, unlike some store cards, they report your full limit, not just spending – helps your credit use ratio.
What are Conn’s credit card interest rates?
Prepare for higher APRs than standard credit cards – currently ranging from 28.99% to 31.
99% variable. I almost gagged at the rate, but the deals make it worth it. They often do 6-12 months no interest on $500 buys if you pay it off in time.
Here’s the sneaky part: miss the deadline, and they’ll backcharge all that interest from day one. I put it on autopay to dodge this. Small buys get the high rate – only use this if you pay it off monthly.
How long does Conn’s credit card approval take?
Like most say online, I got instant approval and saw my limit right away. But about 30% get we need more time messages taking 1-3 days. Applying in store gets more instant yeses – maybe cause staff can fix questions on the spot.
The plastic comes in 7-10 days, but you can use the app’s digital card right away. Holiday time? Might take longer. One December guy waited 14 days cause of holiday rush.
Can I increase my Conn’s credit limit?
Sweet – Synchrony’s good about raising limits. After 6 months paying on time and keeping usage under 30%, they upped mine 40%.
Happens automatically – no asking. MyFico folks say they get $500-$2,000 bumps every 6-12 months if used right.
Heads up: They might slash your limit if you mess up other credit accounts. A money pro says use it some but not too much to keep limits growing. Asking for more yourself means a hard credit check – automatic bumps don’t.
What happens if Conn’s files bankruptcy again?
Fair worry, since Conn’s went bankrupt in 2020. But Synchrony backs the card, so they’d move your account if needed. Like when Toys R Us died, Synchrony moved folks to new cards easy.
A Synchrony rep told me even if Conn’s closes, your card still works through them. They might change it to a regular Synchrony card.
You keep your limit unless you stop paying. Still smart to pay down debt if the store’s shaky.
Does Conn’s credit card have annual fees?
Good news – no yearly fees! Shocked me too, with all the payment plans. Unlike store cards that charge $30-$50 a year, Conn’s is free. No app fees either, but late payments cost up to $40.
No fees means it’s good to keep open for your credit age. Just buy something small yearly so they don’t close it. I grab a cheap charger yearly to keep it open.
How does Conn’s credit card compare to other store cards?
Used lots of store cards – Conn’s rocks for big buys but not daily perks. Versus Best Buy, Conn’s gives longer no-interest deals (up to 5 years!) but less rewards. Compared to Home Depot, easier to get but fewer stores.
A 2023 J.D.
Power study ranked Synchrony retail cards above average for customer satisfaction, particularly praising flexible payment plans. Conn’s wins by financing both appliances and furniture – not common. Just don’t expect travel miles or cash back like general-purpose cards offer.
What documents needed to apply for Conn’s card?
The application process is refreshingly simple. You’ll need your Social Security number, government-issued ID, and proof of income (recent pay stubs or tax returns if self-employed). Unlike some credit cards, Conn’s doesn’t typically require proof of address unless your credit report shows discrepancies.
For in-store applications, bring your driver’s license so they can verify identity immediately. Joint applications require both applicants information.
One tip: if you’ve recently moved, wait until your new address appears on credit reports to avoid verification delays. I learned this the hard way when my application got stuck in additional review for a week.
Final thoughts and next steps
After using Conn’s credit card for two years, I appreciate its niche value for financing necessary big purchases without draining savings. While the high regular APR demands discipline, the frequent no-interest promotions make it worthwhile for planned purchases. Remember to check for pre-approval offers before applying to gauge your odds, and always read the fine print on deferred interest deals.
If you decide to apply, choose a time when your credit report shows minimal recent inquiries and lower utilization for best results. Consider setting up automatic payments immediately to avoid missed payments that could trigger penalty APRs. Ready to take the next step? Visit Conn’s website or a local store to explore current financing offers that might fit your upcoming purchase plans.