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The holiday season warrants big spending when it comes to gift giving, and many people can end up in debt. This draws many consumers to layaway plans offered by retailers. Layaway plans allow you to purchase an item from a store and pay it off over time. It’s an option for purchasing higher-ticket items when you don’t have a lot of disposable income or don’t want to rack up credit card debt.
According to the Corporate Finance Institute, layaway was first introduced during the Great Depression, when cash was tight and many consumers were unable to make full purchases. It allowed people to pay off items in installments and then pick them up when payments were made in full.
When credit cards showed up in the 1980s, layaway plans dwindled in popularity. However, the financial crisis of 2008 sparked a new wave of layaway plans, and in the years after, retailers began to revive their once-dormant layaway programs. Stores like Walmart, Sears and K-Mart are some of the most popular to offer layaway; in recent years, online retailers have also started offering layaway plans, expanding options.
In terms of qualifying for layaway, there are few to no requirements: you can sign up with only your ID and a deposit of some sort (typically a percentage of the price of the item or a flat rate set by the store). You are not required to show your credit score or allow the retailer to conduct a hard inquiry, which is why layaway is a popular option for those with credit problems, a low score or little credit history.
While the specifics of layaway plans vary from store to store, the basics of the practice are pretty much the same across the board.
If the customer doesn’t pay the full amount, the item will likely go back on the shelf and the customer’s money will be returned. The parameters of this can vary, as some retailers require a storage fee or other layaway fees, which may not be returned if the item isn’t fully paid for. Remember to always read the fine print before entering into a layaway plan, as these things are typically outlined.
Even though the specifics of layaway plans vary from store to store, the basics stay the same, and this is true for the benefits and drawbacks as well.
Since layaway isn’t tied to a credit card, it’s not reported to the credit bureaus and thus doesn’t impact your credit. This can be good if your score is low and you’re not looking to compromise your credit health. Plus, a missed or late payment won’t impact your credit; it will just impact your potential ownership of the item.
On the other hand, it can hold you back if you’re looking to build credit. While it may be an easy way to pay for items, especially if you know you can handle all payments, it could be a missed opportunity to boost your credit.
For example, if you purchase an item with your credit card and pay it off in full instead of opting for a layaway plan, that reflects well on your credit health and should only help boost your score. In short, though layaway plans don’t directly impact credit, weigh your options to decide if it’s the best route for you and your credit health.
Worried about holiday shopping or how to avoid hefty credit card payments? Don’t stress. It’s best to know your credit limits and what you can afford before you start budgeting for the holiday season. If you ever need help getting your credit back on track, our team can help you get it all sorted out.
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