Burlington Credit Card Basics
Burlington offers a store credit card through Comenity Bank, a financial company that manages credit cards for many retailers. The card works like most store cards: you can use it to make purchases at Burlington stores and online, and you build a credit history as you pay your bill each month. The card comes with a regular purchase APR (the interest rate you pay if you carry a balance), promotional financing offers that sometimes appear in-store, and rewards that vary by promotion.
Before you explore, understand that a store credit card is different from a general-purpose card like Visa or Mastercard. You can only use it at Burlington and affiliated stores. The approval decision happens in minutes, and if approved, you can often use the card the same day in-store or within a few business days online.
Key Takeaways
- You can explore for a Burlington credit card in-store at checkout, on the Burlington website, or through the Comenity Bank website.
- The process takes about five minutes and asks for your Social Security number, income, and basic personal information so the card issuer can check your credit.
- You will receive a decision within minutes if you explore online or in-store, though some applications may take longer if they need additional review.
- Once approved, you can use your card when ready in-store or wait for the physical card to arrive by mail if you applied online.
- Store credit cards typically have higher interest rates than general credit cards, so carrying a balance costs more money over time.
Where and how the process works
You have three main routes to explore. The easiest for most people is to explore in-store at the register during checkout — a sales associate will hand you a tablet or paper form, you fill it out, and you get a decision on the spot. This is fastest if you want to use the card when ready.
You can also explore on the Burlington website by clicking the credit card link in the footer or during checkout. This takes you to Comenity Bank's process page. Fill in your personal information, Social Security number, and income, then submit. You will see a decision within minutes on your screen.
A third option is to go directly to Comenity Bank's website and search for the Burlington card. The process is the same, and the process is identical. Some people prefer this route because they can review the terms and conditions before starting.
What Information You Will Need
Have these details ready before you start, whether you are explore in-store or online. You will need your Social Security number, which the card issuer uses to pull your credit report and check your credit score. You will also need your current income (annual gross income before taxes), your employment status, and the name and phone number of your employer.
Bring a valid government-issued ID if you are explore in-store. Online, you will type in your address, date of birth, and phone number. If you have moved recently, have your current address ready. The entire process takes about five minutes.
Credit Check and Approval Decision
When you submit your process, Comenity Bank pulls what is called a hard inquiry on your credit report. This is a formal credit check that appears on your credit history and can lower your credit score by a few points temporarily. The inquiry stays on your report for about two years, though it stops affecting your score after a few months.
The card issuer looks at your credit score, income, and payment history to decide whether to approve you and what credit limit to offer. You may be approved for the full amount you requested, a lower amount, or denied. If denied, you will see the reason on your screen or receive it by mail within a few days. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, too many recent credit inquiries, or a credit score below the card issuer's minimum.
If you are approved, you will receive a confirmation with your credit limit and terms. In-store approvals let you use the card when ready. Online approvals usually let you use the card number right away for online purchases, and the physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
What Happens After Approval
Once approved, you will receive a welcome packet by mail with your physical card, your account number, and instructions on how to set up online account access. You can log in to manage your account, view your balance, make payments, and see your credit limit. Set up online access as soon as you receive the packet so you can track your spending.
Your first bill arrives about 30 days after your first purchase. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail. The minimum payment is usually 1 to 3 percent of your balance, but paying more than the minimum saves you money on interest. If you carry a balance (do not pay it off in full), you will pay the card's APR on the remaining amount each month.
Keep an eye on promotional offers that may come with your card. Some new cardholders receive an introductory period with no interest on purchases or a discount on your first purchase. These offers have expiration dates, so read your welcome materials carefully.
Store Card Interest Rates and Fees
Burlington credit cards typically carry a higher APR than general credit cards. The exact rate depends on your credit score and creditworthiness, but store cards often range from 18 to 27 percent APR. This means if you carry a $500 balance for a full year without paying it down, you will owe roughly $90 to $135 in interest alone.
Most store cards have no annual fee, which is one advantage over some general credit cards. However, they may charge a late fee if you miss a payment, typically $25 to $40 depending on how late you are. Some cards also charge a fee if you go over your credit limit, though many card issuers now waive this.
The best way to avoid interest charges is to pay your full balance each month by the due date. If you cannot pay in full, pay as much as you can to reduce the amount that accrues interest.
Building Credit with a Store Card
A store credit card can help you build credit history if you use it responsibly. Every on-time payment is reported to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — and helps establish a positive payment record. Over time, a record of on-time payments raises your credit score.
However, store cards can also hurt your credit if you miss payments or carry a high balance. Your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your available credit that you are using — affects your score. If you have a $1,000 limit and carry a $900 balance, your utilization is 90 percent, which can lower your score. Keeping your balance below 30 percent of your limit is better for your credit.
A store card is often easier to get approved for than a general credit card, especially if you are new to credit or rebuilding after past problems. This makes it a reasonable first card, but remember that the higher interest rate means it is more expensive to carry a balance than it would be on a general card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Burlington card at other stores?
No. The Burlington credit card works only at Burlington stores and on the Burlington website. It is not a Visa or Mastercard, so you cannot use it at other retailers. If you need a card that works everywhere, you would need a separate general-purpose credit card.
What if my process is denied?
You will receive a letter within a few days explaining why. Common reasons include a low credit score, too many recent credit inquiries, or insufficient income. You can reapply after a few months if you have improved your credit or income, or you can contact Comenity Bank to ask about a reconsideration.
How long does it take to receive my physical card?
If you explore online, the physical card usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you explore in-store, you can use the card when ready at that location, and a physical card will be mailed to you. You can also use your card number for online purchases right away.
Will explore for this card hurt my credit score?
The hard inquiry will lower your score by a few points temporarily, usually 5 to 10 points. The impact fades over a few months. However, if you are approved and use the card responsibly with on-time payments, your score will recover and likely improve over time as you build positive payment history.
Can I increase my credit limit after approval?
Yes. After you have had the card for several months and made on-time payments, you can request a credit limit increase through your online account or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. Comenity Bank may do a soft inquiry (which does not affect your score) or a hard inquiry, depending on their policy.