microcenter credit card (2024)

FAQs

Can you use a Micro Center credit card right away? ›

If you apply in the store and get approval you'll be able to use it at that time with a temporary number that gets issued at that time.

At Micro Center stores, you can shop using your Micro Center Insider® Credit Card. * On microcenter.com, you can shop using MasterCard, VISA, Discover® Network Card, Diners Club and debit cards. Micro Center and Micro Center Online are based in the state of Ohio, USA.

It's generally recommended that you have two to three credit card accounts at a time, in addition to other types of credit. Remember that your total available credit and your debt to credit ratio can impact your credit scores. If you have more than three credit cards, it may be hard to keep track of monthly payments.

The most important factor in your credit scores is payment history. To build credit with your credit card, make at least your minimum payment on time every month. If you miss your bill's due date, the card issuer may charge you a fee and you could lose any introductory or promotional interest rates on your account.

Yes, you can use a credit card before it arrives in the mail, but only with certain cards. If you want to use a credit card early, you must either have an American Express or Capital One credit card or one of a handful of other offers, including the Apple Card, and some store credit cards.

Approval for a traditional credit card often means waiting for up to 10 days before you can receive and use a physical card. Yet many card issuers are offering a way around the wait with instant-use credit cards that allow you to use your account and take advantage of cardholder benefits right away.

On Microcenter.com and at our Micro Center store locations, you can shop using MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover®…

Yes, you can use multiple forms of payment on in-store purchases. Simply let the cashier know you will need to use multiple payment methods when making your transaction. Unfortunately, Micro Center is unable to accept multiple forms of payment for Micro Center Online (Shipping) Orders.

You can then split the payment how you like once you're in the store, however, full payment is required in-store.

Key takeaways

There is no right number of credit cards — it depends on how many you can manage. Having multiple credit cards helps reduce your utilization rate and provides lenders with more information to better gauge your creditworthiness.

Does cancelling a credit card hurt your credit? ›

Credit experts advise against closing credit cards, even when you're not using them, for good reason. “Canceling a credit card has the potential to reduce your score, not increase it,” says Beverly Harzog, credit card expert and consumer finance analyst for U.S. News & World Report.

In general, it's better to leave your credit cards open with a zero balance instead of canceling them. This is true even if they aren't being used as open credit cards allow you to maintain a lower overall credit utilization ratio and will allow your credit history to stay on your report for longer.

Bottom line. If you have a credit card balance, it's typically best to pay it off in full if you can. Carrying a balance can lead to expensive interest charges and growing debt.

By paying your debt shortly after it's charged, you can help prevent your credit utilization rate from rising above the preferred 30% mark and improve your chances of increasing your credit scores. Paying early can also help you avoid late fees and additional interest charges on any balance you would otherwise carry.

Many credit cards allow you to start making purchases on the day you apply, but you typically will not receive your physical card in the mail for a few days up to 14 days.

Some credit card issuers let you use an instant approval credit card right away, while others require that you wait to receive the physical credit card. Once you activate your card, you can start using it and earning rewards.

Citi. Several Citi cards offer instant card numbers if your application is approved instantly. However, note that you'll have just one opportunity to view this number, so be sure to write it down.

Cards associated with certain brands — such as store cards, airline cards and hotel cards — also commonly offer instant access to credit. The list below, while not comprehensive, includes some of the top credit cards you can use immediately after being approved for them.