Home Depot Credit Card: Is It Worth Getting?

The Home Depot Consumer Credit Card is the popular home improvement retailer’s store-branded credit card. With special financing offers and extended return periods, it may seem tempting for frequent Home Depot shoppers. However, upon closer inspection, the card needs to catch up in many regards.

In this blog post, we’ll discuss the key benefits and downsides of the Home Depot credit card so you can determine if it’s a good fit for your wallet.

The Home Depot Consumer Credit Card offers deferred interest financing on purchases of $299 or more. While this can be useful for large projects, it’s not the same as an intro 0% APR offer. You also won’t earn any ongoing rewards with this card.

For loyal Home Depot customers taking advantage of financing deals, the card may make sense. But most consumers would be better off with a flat-rate cash back card or a general rewards card with a 0% intro APR offer.

Key Benefits of the Home Depot Credit Card

While the Home Depot card falls short in many areas, it does have some unique benefits:

Deferred Interest Financing

The main highlight is the deferred interest financing available on purchases of $299 or more. This can give you time to pay for a large purchase interest-free. Just be sure to pay the full balance by the end of the promotional period. Otherwise, you’ll be charged all the accrued interest retroactively.

Extended Return Period

Cardholders get a 1-year return period on purchases, 4 times longer than the standard Home Depot policy. So if you change your mind down the road, returns will be hassle-free.

Exclusive Offers

During special promos, cardholders may qualify for extra-long financing offers up to 24 months. So for very large purchases, you could finance over 2 years interest-free.

Downsides of the Home Depot Credit Card

While the Home Depot card has some situational benefits, there are also significant drawbacks to consider:

No Rewards

With no ongoing rewards program, you won’t earn anything back on everyday Home Depot purchases or non-Home Depot spending.

High Interest Rates

The variable APR is a lofty 29.99%. So carrying a balance month-to-month is quite expensive.

When Does the Home Depot Card Make Sense?

Given the downsides, the Home Depot Consumer Credit Card only makes sense in certain situations:

You Need Large Purchase Financing

If you have a major home renovation planned requiring financing, the deferred interest can buy you time to pay it off interest-free. Just be sure to pay the full balance when the intro period ends.

You’re a Very Loyal Home Depot Shopper

For hardcore Home Depot fans who will leverage the 1-year return policy and exclusive cardholder financing deals, the card may be worthwhile. But keep in mind you can likely do better overall with a different card.

You Don’t Qualify for Prime Credit Cards

If you have poor credit and can’t qualify for better 0% APR cards, the Home Depot card financing could still beat high-interest alternatives like payday loans. But improving your credit to access better cards should be an eventual goal.

What Does the Home Depot Credit Card Offer?

When weighing a new credit card, it’s smart to understand the key facts upfront so you know what you’re getting into. Here’s a quick rundown covering the most important details on the Home Depot Consumer Credit Card:

Yearly Fees: The good news is there’s no annual fee to worry about if you’re approved for the card. One less expense to think about.

New Cardholder Offer: If you make Home Depot purchases totaling $25-299 within the first month, you’ll get $25 off. Spend $300-999 and you’ll receive $50 off. And for hauls of $1,000 plus, take $100 off. Just remember taxes and shipping don’t count toward the totals.

Ongoing Rewards: Don’t expect to earn any ongoing points, miles, or cash back with this store-branded card. The main draw is the special financing that may be offered.

Introductory Financing Offer: Instead of a 0% intro APR, you can get 6 months of special financing on buys of $299 or more. But you have to pay off the entire balance within that period or back interest gets tacked on retroactively.

Interest Rate: The ongoing purchase APR is a steep 29.99% fixed. So carrying a balance month-to-month leads to high interest fees.

Helpful Cardholder Extras: Enjoy hassle-free returns for one year instead of the typical 90 days with Home Depot. During promotions, there’s also sometimes extra long 24-month financing available. And you get zero responsibility for unauthorized charges – nice!

Pre-Approval Availability: While you can check if you pre-qualify, there’s no official pre-approval program. Recommended credit scores range from fair to excellent.

Alternatives to the Home Depot Credit Card

For most consumers, there are better credit card options than the Home Depot store card:

Flat-Rate Cash Back Cards

Cards like the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card and the Citi® Double Cash Card offer up to 2% back on all purchases. This puts cash back in your pocket for Home Depot trips and everyday spending.

Cards with 0% Intro APRs

As mentioned earlier, cards like the BankAmericard® and Chase Freedom Unlimited® provide lengthy 0% intro periods for bigger purchases plus ongoing rewards. The interest savings here can outweigh Home Depot card perks.

The Lowe’s Advantage Card

If you want financing and rewards for home improvement spending, the Lowe’s Advantage Card beats the Home Depot card. You get 5% off Lowe’s purchases plus similar deferred interest financing offers.

Alternative Cards Offer Better Terms

Cards like the BankAmericard® and Chase Freedom Unlimited® offer 0% intro APRs up to 18 months plus cash back rewards. And the Lowe’s Advantage Card provides similar financing plus 5% off Lowe’s purchases.

Home Depot Credit Card Application

Apply for a new Home Depot Credit card at citiretailservices.citibankonline.com.

Click the yellow “Apply Now” button and complete the online application.

There is no annual fee for the card.

Home Depot Credit Card Login

To log into your account online, go to citiretailservices.citibankonline.com and click “My Account” in the upper right. Then select Credit Card/My Card Profile and log in with your username and password.

Home Depot Credit Card Phone Number

To reach a customer service representative for your Home Depot Credit Card, call 1-800-677-0232. This can help with inquiries, payment issues, account changes, and more.

Home Depot Credit Card Payment Phone Number

To make a payment by phone on your Home Depot Credit Card account, call 1-800-677-0232. This automated service allows you to make one-time or recurring payments using credit/debit cards, checking accounts, and more.

Conclusion

The Home Depot Consumer Credit Card can provide financing flexibility for major purchases. But the high ongoing APR, lack of rewards, and availability of better alternative cards make it hard to recommend for most wallet slots.

Unless you frequently use card-exclusive financing deals or need to finance a specific large purchase, a different credit card may better suit your everyday spending habits and earns you added bonuses. But evaluate your situation carefully based on your Home Depot loyalty and spending profile before deciding.

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