20 Choose and Charge Catalogs (+ the List of Instant Credit Catalogs)

Despite the growth of online shopping, catalog shopping has seen a resurgence in popularity. Many shoppers still choose to look at a catalog first, then go online to buy.

One factor contributing to the popularity of catalog shopping is the opportunity for instant credit approval for purchases, so you can buy items now and pay later. Instant credit approval is quick and convenient, but there are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind before using a “choose and charge” catalog option. Most of these catalogs charge interest on purchases, which will make the total cost of your purchase higher than if you had purchased the item in full upfront. The APRs for credit lines like these can often be quite high, particularly for instant credit borrowers with little or poor credit history.

The best way to avoid late fees and penalties is to make payments on time. Late payment penalties may cost anywhere from about $15 to $40. If you miss a payment entirely rather than making a late payment, know that the missed payment may appear on your credit report. It can also lead to more fees, or your account being sent to collections. However, if you know you’ll be able to make on-time payments and pay off your purchases within a reasonable amount of time, this type of credit may help you build your credit history.

Be aware that for all of the options listed below, a credit check is required for approval. Some catalogs will do a hard pull of your credit, which can temporarily take a few points off of your credit score — this can become a larger problem if you’re applying for several catalogs and credit cards around the same time.

We’ve Done the Comparing for You — Here’s What We Recommend

For the widest selection of options from companies with reputations for flexible financing options, consider shopping through Fingerhut or Montgomery Ward. Fingerhut offers the convenience of easy credit approval, while Montgomery Ward offers low rates and fees.

For more specialized purchases, consider Mason Easy-Pay or Masseys for clothing, The Tender Filet for food and kitchen needs, and Country Door for home goods. Many catalogs and companies have similar financing terms, so you should be able to find a choose and charge option that fits your needs.

Instant Credit Catalogs

Below, we list the most popular choose and charge catalog options. These companies sell everything from clothing to home goods to food and more. We’ve ordered the list starting with the best overall shopping options.

You can use the table below for a quick comparison, then click any store or scroll for more details.

Fingerhut

• Print or online? Online
• Items sold: Home goods, toys, electronics, clothing, jewelry, sports, gift, crafts, and more
• Credit check required? Yes. You must fill out a credit application form online.
• Standard APR: Around 30%
• Fees: No annual fee or over-limit fees; late payment fee up to $38
• Return policy: Items must be returned within 30 days
• Find out more or start shopping

Our article has the list of websites like Fingerhut (with easy buy now, pay later options).

Montgomery Ward

• Print or online? Both
• Items sold: Bed and bath, kitchen, furniture, home, electronics, health and beauty, gifts, toys, jewelry, and apparel for men, women, and kids
• Credit check required? Yes. You must fill out an application online when ordering.
• Standard APR: Around 5% to 24%
• Fees: Up to $15 for late payment fees and $25 for returned payments; exact fees vary by state
• Return policy: Any unused item may be returned in its original packaging within 60 days of receipt for a full refund of the purchase price (excluding shipping and processing charges). If any product is defective or damaged, you must notify the company within seven business days of receipt.
• Find out more or start shopping

Seventh Avenue

• Print or online? Both
• Items sold: Home goods, toys, electronics, gifts, furniture, health, and beauty
• Credit check required? Yes. You must fill out a short application when choosing Seventh Avenue Credit as your payment option.
• Standard APR: Around 5% to 24%, depending on your state of residence and account balance
• Fees: No annual fee or over-limit fees; late payment fee up to $15
• Return policy: Not specified
• Find out more or start shopping

Stoneberry

• Print or online? Both
• Items sold: Home goods, toys, electronics, jewelry, sports, lawn, and garden
• Credit check required? Yes
• Standard APR: Around 12% to 24%, depending on your state of residence and account balance
• Fees: No annual fee or over-limit fees; late payment fee up to $15
• Return policy: Items should be returned within 30 days
• Find out more or start shopping

Mason Easy-Pay

• Print or online? Both
• Items sold: Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, shoes, and accessories
• Credit check required? Yes
• Standard APR: Around 12% to 24%, depending on your state of residence and account balance
• Fees: No annual fee or over-limit fees; late payment fee up to $15
• Return policy: Items must be returned within 120 days
• Find out more or start shopping

Masseys

• Print or online? Both
• Items sold: Men’s, women’s, and children’s clothing, shoes, and accessories
• Credit check required? Yes
• Standard APR: Around 12% to 24%, depending on your state of residence and account balance
• Fees: No annual fee or over-limit fees; late payment fee up to $15
• Return policy: Items must be returned within 120 days
• Find out more or start shopping

Gettington

• Print or online? Online
• Items sold: Home goods, toys, electronics, tools, automotive, clothing, and jewelry
• Credit check required? Yes. You must fill out a credit application form online.
• Standard APR: Around 30%
• Fees: No annual fee or over-limit fees; late payment fee up to $38
• Return policy: Items must be returned within 30 days
• Find out more or start shopping

Ginny’s

• Print or online? Both
• Items sold: Home goods, toys, electronics, furniture, gifts, health, and beauty
• Credit check required? Yes. You must fill out a short application when choosing Ginny’s Choose & Charge as your payment option.
• Standard APR: Around 5% to 24%, depending on your state of residence and account balance
• Fees: No annual fee or over-limit fees; late payment fee up to $15
• Return policy: Not specified
• Find out more or start shopping

Midnight Velvet

• Print or online? Both
• Items sold: Clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories, gifts, beauty, fitness, home goods
• Credit check required? Yes. You must fill out a short application when choosing Midnight Velvet Credit as your payment option.
• Standard APR: Around 5% to 24%, depending on your state of residence and account balance
• Fees: No annual fee or over-limit fees; late payment fee up to $15
• Return policy: Items must be returned within 30 days.
• Find out more or start shopping

The Tender Filet

• Print or online? Both
• Items sold: Meats, sides, desserts, kitchen essentials
• Credit check required? Yes
• Standard APR: Around 5% to 24%, depending on your state of residence and account balance
• Fees: No annual fee or over-limit fees; late payment fee up to $15
• Return policy: Not specified
• Find out more or start shopping

Country Door

• Print or online? Both
• Items sold: Home goods, furniture, rugs, windows, kitchen, and dining
• Credit check required? Yes. You must fill out a short application when choosing Country Door Credit as your payment option.
• Standard APR: Around 5% to 24%, depending on your state of residence and account balance
• Fees: No annual fee or over-limit fees; late payment fee up to $15
• Return policy: Upholstery Furniture Collection items must be returned within 30 days; no time limit specified for other items.
• Find out more or start shopping

The Swiss Colony

• Print or online? Both
• Items sold: Food gifts, including meats, cakes, candy, nuts, snacks, and gluten-free items
• Credit check required? Yes. You must fill out a two-question application when choosing Swiss Colony Credit as your payment option.
• Standard APR: Around 5% to 24%, depending on your state of residence and account balance
• Fees: No annual fee or over-limit fees; late payment fee up to $15
• Return policy: Not specified
• Find out more or start shopping

Monroe and Main

• Print or online? Both
• Items sold: Men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, jewelry, and accessories
• Credit check required? Yes. You must fill out a short application when choosing Monroe and Main Credit as your payment option.
• Standard APR: Around 5% to 24%, depending on your state of residence and account balance
• Fees: No annual fee or over-limit fees; late payment fee up to $15
• Return policy: Items must be returned within 60 days
• Find out more or start shopping

ASHRO

• Print or online? Both
• Items sold: Men’s and women’s clothing, shoes, wigs, and accessories
• Credit check required? Yes. You must fill out a short application when choosing ASHRO Credit as your payment option.
• Standard APR: Around 5% to 24%, depending on your state of residence and account balance
• Fees: No annual fee or over-limit fees; late payment fee up to $15
• Return policy: Items must be returned within 30 days
• Find out more or start shopping

K. Jordan

• Print or online? Both
• Items sold: Women’s clothing, shoes, and accessories
• Credit check required? Yes
• Standard APR: Around 12% to 24%, depending on your state of residence and account balance
• Fees: No annual fee or over-limit fees; late payment fee up to $15
• Return policy: Items must be returned within 90 days
• Find out more or start shopping

Figis

• Print or online? Both
• Items sold: Food gifts, including meats, cheese, cakes, candy, nuts, snacks, and sugar-free items
• Credit check required? Yes
• Standard APR: None; customers make three deferred monthly payments with no interest due
• Fees: No annual fee or over-limit fees; late payment fee up to $15
• Return policy: Items must be returned within 90 days
• Find out more or start shopping

Wisconsin Cheeseman

• Print or online? Both
• Items sold: Food gifts, including cheese, meats, desserts, nuts, and snacks
• Credit check required? Yes
• Standard APR: Around 5% to 24%, depending on your state of residence and account balance
• Fees: No annual fee or over-limit fees; late payment fee up to $15
• Return policy: Not specified
• Find out more or start shopping

BrylaneHome

• Print or online? Both
• Items sold: Home goods, furniture, rugs, windows, kitchen, and dining
• Credit check required? Yes. You must fill out a credit application form on the website when applying for a store credit card.
• Standard APR: Around 30%
• Fees: No annual fee or over-limit fees; late payment fee up to $39
• Return policy: Items must be returned within 90 days
• Find out more or start shopping

Ballard Designs

• Print or online? Both
• Items sold: Home goods, furniture, rugs and drapery, home decor
• Credit check required? Yes
• Standard APR: Around 30%
• Fees: No annual fee or over-limit fees; late payment fee up to $39
• Return policy: Items must be returned within 90 days
• Find out more or start shopping

In Summary

There are plenty of choose and charge catalogs to choose from, both in print and online. If you prefer to shop online, Fingerhut offers the widest selection of items and easy credit approval. Montgomery Ward has a comparable selection, and it provides a print catalog as well as low APRs and late fees. If you are searching for something in a particular category, consider Mason Easy-Pay or Masseys for clothing purchases, The Tender Filet for foot items, and Country Door for home goods. All of the companies listed above provide instant credit, so you can buy your items now and pay later. Be sure to understand the full repayment and fee structure before choosing where to shop, so you can be sure that you can afford to make on-time payments and avoid late fees and negative marks on your credit report.