The Shopping Cart Trick is a popular strategy that some people use to get approved for credit cards without undergoing a hard credit check. This technique is mainly used by people who have less than perfect credit scores, and it is sometimes referred to as the SCT. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the Shopping Cart Trick, how it works, and whether it is worth trying.

How does the Shopping Cart Trick work?

The Shopping Cart Trick involves adding items to an online shopping cart, but not completing the purchase. When you leave items in your cart without checking out, some stores will send you an email or a pop-up window offering you a discount or a special promotion to encourage you to complete your purchase. However, some credit card issuers have taken advantage of this tactic by using the same method to target potential customers who have a history of shopping at their stores but have not yet applied for their credit cards.

The idea is that when you add items to your online shopping cart at certain stores, you may be offered a pre-approved credit card without undergoing a hard credit check. This is because the credit card issuer has already obtained some of your personal and financial information from your previous shopping habits, and they feel confident in offering you a credit card without conducting a full credit check.

Which stores offer the Shopping Cart Trick?

Not all stores offer the Shopping Cart Trick, and not all credit card issuers use this method to pre-approve potential customers. However, some of the stores that are known to offer the Shopping Cart Trick include:

• Victoria’s Secret
• Express
• J.Crew
• The Children’s Place
• Wayfair
• Overstock.com
• Crate & Barrel
• Williams-Sonoma

It is important to note that the Shopping Cart Trick is not guaranteed to work, and it may not work for everyone. Some people may receive pre-approved credit card offers from one store but not from another, and some people may not receive any offers at all. It is also worth noting that even if you are pre-approved for a credit card through the Shopping Cart Trick, you may still be subject to a credit check if you decide to apply for the card.

Is the Shopping Cart Trick worth trying?

The Shopping Cart Trick can be a useful tool for people with less than perfect credit scores who are looking to build their credit history. By getting pre-approved for a credit card without undergoing a hard credit check, you can avoid damaging your credit score further. However, it is important to keep in mind that not all credit card offers are created equal, and some pre-approved offers may come with high interest rates, annual fees, or other unfavorable terms.

Before trying the Shopping Cart Trick, it is important to do your research and make sure that the credit card offer you receive is a good fit for your financial situation. You should also read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions of the credit card, including the interest rate, annual fee, and any other fees that may apply. You should also make sure that the credit card issuer reports your payments to the major credit bureaus, as this is essential for building your credit history.

Another thing to consider is that the Shopping Cart Trick may not work for everyone, and it may not be worth the effort for some people. If you have a good credit score, you may be better off applying for a credit card directly, as you may be eligible for better offers and more favorable terms. Similarly, if you have a poor credit score, you may want to focus on improving your credit score through other methods, such as paying off debt, making on-time payments, and keeping your credit utilization low.

In conclusion, the Shopping Cart Trick can be a useful strategy for some people who are looking to build their credit history, but it is not a guaranteed.