IKEA has recently launched the IKEA Visa credit card that will offer store perks and rewards.
For IKEA fans seeking to get more from their shopping, the company launched the new IKEA Visa credit card offering store perks and rewards. Cardholders can earn rewards on their favorite IKEA purchases and everyday spending such as gas and groceries to put toward purchasing IKEA products.
Here are some more card details:
- 5% back in rewards on IKEA purchases as well as Traemand installation and TaskRabbit assembly services
- 3% back in rewards on dining, grocery, and utility purchases
- 1% back in rewards on all other purchases made with the IKEA Visa credit card
- No annual fee
Other card features include earning perks for the loyalty program, IKEA Family. Cardmembers get program perks including food and monthly product discounts as well as a 90-day price protection that ensures refunds from purchase price differences if the product goes on sale for less within 90 days.
Looking at the Fine Print
A closer look at the card’s details shows some downsides. First, the card’s Reward Certificates are issued in $15 increments. If you purchased a NOCKEBY loveseat for $749 before tax, as listed on IKEA’s website, you’d earn $37.45 in rewards when using the IKEA Visa credit card. However, rewards come in $15 increments so you’d only receive $30 worth of reward certificates.
A second downside is certificate redemptions. The clock starts ticking as reward certificates carry 45-day expirations from the date of issuance. Accumulated reward dollars earned for the certificates have 36- month expirations after the date posted to the balance.
And the IKEA Visa credit card comes with a 21.99 annual percentage rate for purchases. Since there’s no introductory 0% interest period, this could cost you big in interest charges on an expensive purchase. Although the IKEA Visa gives bigger rewards on store purchases, you might be able to find a general cash-back rewards card that gives you better overall rewards at a lower financing cost that can be applied to any purchase.
Don’t Forget the Credit Card Basics
Regardless of a card’s downsides, it’s always important for card users to be responsible while spending on credit. Even the best credit cards can lead to disaster if you aren’t careful, no matter what kind they are. Here are some tips on managing credit cards.
Pay off the balance: By doing so every month, cardholders can avoid paying interest on credit card purchases. Avoid the temptation to spend more than can be paid in full each month.
Use for necessities: Whether it’s an emergency, such as paying for utilities or car repairs before payday, think of a credit card as a temporary loan to be paid back as soon as possible to either cut down or avoid interest charges.
Utilize rewards cards: If a credit card is used for either most or all purchases, going with a rewards credit card might make sense. There are many credit cards that try to offer anywhere from 1 to 3 percent back on everyday purchases and necessities.
