The Ballard Design credit card is a store card offered exclusively by Ballard Designs, a home décor and furniture retailer. If you frequently shop at Ballard Designs, the Ballard Design credit card can provide some nice perks and rewards. However, as with any retail store card, there are also some potential downsides to be aware of. This complete guide to the Ballard Design credit card will give you all the key details you need to decide if applying for the card is right for your needs and budget.
Overview of the Ballard Design Credit Card
The Ballard Design credit card is issued by Comenity Bank. It can only be used to make purchases at Ballard Designs retail stores and on the BallardDesigns.com website. The card cannot be used at any other retailers.
Some of the key features of the Ballard Design credit card include:
- Credit line up to $8,000 based on creditworthiness
- 20% off your first Ballard Designs purchase when approved for the card
- 15% off additional future purchases at Ballard Designs
- Special financing offers on purchases over a certain amount
- Free standard shipping on BallardDesigns.com orders over $75
The Ballard Design card does not charge an annual fee. The APR is 26.99% variable. The card has a 25-day grace period on purchases before interest starts accruing.
Benefits and Rewards of the Ballard Design Card
The main benefits of the Ballard Design credit card are the discounts on Ballard Designs purchases. You get 20% off your very first purchase, which is a nice one-time perk when you’re initially approved for the card.
Ongoing, you receive 15% off all purchases at Ballard Designs stores and online. This essentially saves you 15% automatically anytime you use the Ballard Design credit card.
The card also frequently offers financing promotions where you can make a large purchase, such as furniture or a major home decor item, and pay it off over 12-18 months with no interest. This makes it easier to afford pricier items from Ballard Designs without paying a lot of interest fees.
Finally, as a cardholder, you get free standard shipping on any orders of $75 or more placed at BallardDesigns.com. Standard shipping normally costs $8.95, so the free shipping perk is a nice little bonus.
Drawbacks and Downsides of the Ballard Design Card
While the Ballard Design card does offer some discounts and perks, there are also some negatives to weigh when considering applying for the card:
- High APR– The 26.99% variable APR is quite steep. If you don’t pay off your full balance each month, interest charges add up quickly.
- Can only be used at Ballard Designs– The card has no benefits or rewards when shopping anywhere except at Ballard Designs.
- Credit line up to $8,000– The credit limit is relatively low compared to general-purpose credit cards.
- Missed payment fee– There is a $29 fee if you miss your payment due date.
- Foreign transaction fee– Using the card for international purchases incurs a 3% foreign transaction fee.
Overall, the Ballard Design credit card is best suited for someone who shops frequently at Ballard Designs and values the 15% regular discount and special financing offers. For general, everyday spending, a cashback or travel rewards card would likely be more beneficial.
Eligibility Requirements for the Ballard Design Card
The eligibility requirements to get approved for the Ballard Design credit card include:
- Good to excellent credit (Estimated minimum credit score of 670)
- No recent bankruptcies or public records
- Sufficient income to meet minimum requirements
As with any retail credit card, approval will depend on your credit profile and income. Having good credit typically improves your chances of getting approved for the Ballard Design card. Limited credit history or poor credit score makes approval more challenging.
How to Apply for the Ballard Design Credit Card
You can apply for the Ballard Design credit card in three ways:
- Apply online at BallardDesigns.com. Look for the “Ballard Design Credit Card” link in the footer menu.
- Apply over the phone by calling 1-800-536-6558.
- Apply in person at any Ballard Designs retail store location.
The application process only takes a few minutes. You’ll need to provide some personal information such as your name, date of birth, Social Security Number, and address. The decision is instant if you are approved.
Once approved, you can use your Ballard Design credit card number immediately to make a purchase and receive your 20% discount for new cardholders. The physical card will arrive in the mail within 7-10 business days.
Tips for Using the Ballard Design Credit Card
If you get approved for the Ballard Design credit card, here are some tips to maximize the benefits:
- Use it for all Ballard Designs purchases to get 15% off automatically
- Take advantage of special financing offers to make major purchases interest-free
- Pay the full statement balance each month to avoid interest
- Review statements closely for any fraudulent or incorrect charges
- Set up autopay from your bank account to ensure you never miss a payment and incur fees
- Contact customer service immediately if your card is lost or stolen
Being diligent about payments and tracking spending can help you take full advantage of the perks and discounts while avoiding interest and fees.
Alternatives to the Ballard Design Credit Card
Some alternatives to consider if you want discounts on Ballard Designs purchases but don’t want to open the store credit card include:
- Apply for a general cash back credit card and earn 1-2% back to use towards Ballard purchases
- Consider financing options through your bank or credit union for major purchases
- Ask Ballard Designs customer service about any seasonal discounts or sales
- Sign up for the Ballard Designs email newsletter to receive coupon codes and promos
- Join rewards programs like Rakuten to earn cash back at BallardDesigns.com
For flexibility and overall spending, a cashback card from a major issuer may be better than the store-only Ballard Design card in some circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the Ballard Design credit card:
How do I pay my Ballard Design credit card bill?
You can pay your bill by mail, online, by phone, or set up autopay directly from your bank account. The payment address and customer service phone number are on your monthly statement.
What should I do if I’m denied the Ballard Design credit card?
If your application is denied, it’s likely due to a limited credit history or a low credit score. Try improving your credit rating and wait at least 6 months to reapply. You can also call for a reconsideration.
Does the Ballard Design card have a cash advance feature?
No, the Ballard Design credit card does not offer any cash advances. You can only use it to make purchases at Ballard Designs stores and websites.
Is there a Ballard Design credit card app I can get?
Currently, there is no mobile app for managing the Ballard Design credit card. You have to log into your account on the BallardDesigns.com website.
What should I do if my Ballard Design credit card is lost or stolen?
If your card is lost, or stolen, or you suspect fraudulent use, report it immediately by calling the number on the back of your card. They will cancel your card and issue a replacement.
Can I use my Ballard Design credit card rewards points to make purchases?
No, the Ballard Design card does not offer any reward points or redemption features. The main benefits are the 20% and 15% discounts on Ballard purchases.
Is the Ballard Design Credit Card Worth It?
The Ballard Design credit card can be worth it for frequent Ballard Designs customers who will shop there routinely and take advantage of the 15% regular discount and special financing offers. However, it may not be worthwhile for infrequent shoppers since the card has no other benefits. Be sure to consider your spending habits and credit profile before applying to see if it makes sense for your situation.
Faizan Ahmad is a financial analyst and writer who specializes in investments, banking, and corporate finance. He has over 7 years of experience working in the finance industry in various roles.
He leverages his strong financial modeling and data analysis skills to provide insightful commentary on business, markets, and economic trends.
At Ventures Money, Faizan covers topics including Credit Card Reviews, Loans, Insurance, and Mutual Funds in the banking sector. He provides in-depth analysis of the latest news and trends to help readers make smart investment decisions.
Outside of writing, Faizan enjoys following the stock market, rooting for his favorite sports teams, and spending time with his family.