💡 How the Shopping Cart Trick Works

(And How It Can Help You Shop Smarter)

Looking for a way to shop smarter and get approved for store credit without hurting your credit score? The Shopping Cart Trick might just be the answer. This clever technique allows you to unlock pre-approved offers at various stores without a hard credit check, which means you get instant financing options without damaging your credit.

In this article, we’ll explain how the Shopping Cart Trick works, which stores support it, and how you can start using it to your advantage.

What is the Shopping Cart Trick?

The Shopping Cart Trick is a simple method that lets you get pre-approved for store credit or financing at certain retailers without the need for a full credit application. By following a few easy steps, you can find out if you're eligible for instant financing, all without hurting your credit score.

Here’s how it works:

  • Stores use soft credit checks, which don't affect your credit score, to determine if you're eligible for financing options.

  • After adding an item to your shopping cart and going through the checkout process, you’ll be presented with a pre-approval offer.

This means you can get approved for credit before making any actual purchases!

How Does the Shopping Cart Trick Work?

Here’s a simple breakdown of the process:

  1. Add an Item to Your Cart
    Choose any item from a store that supports the Shopping Cart Trick. The item doesn't need to be expensive—just something in your cart will work.

  2. Go to Checkout
    Once you’ve added an item to your cart, proceed to the checkout page. Don’t complete the purchase yet—just get to the payment section.

  3. Get Pre-Approved
    At this point, many stores will offer you pre-approval for store credit through partners like Klarna, Affirm, or Comenity Bank. This offer is based on a soft credit check, so it doesn’t impact your credit score.

  4. Choose Financing Options
    If you’re pre-approved, you’ll be shown financing options, including monthly payments or a credit line that you can use on future purchases.

Why Does the Shopping Cart Trick Work?

The reason this trick works is simple: many retailers partner with financing companies that offer soft credit checks to approve customers for store credit. These soft checks don’t affect your credit score, so you can take advantage of these offers without worrying about your credit being impacted.

Which Stores Support the Shopping Cart Trick?

Not all stores offer the Shopping Cart Trick, but here’s a list of popular retailers where it usually works:

  • Victoria’s Secret
    Financing Partner: Comenity Bank
    ✅ Supports the Trick

  • Wayfair
    Financing Partner: Affirm
    ✅ Supports the Trick

  • Express
    Financing Partner: Comenity Bank
    ✅ Supports the Trick

  • Overstock
    Financing Partner: Klarna
    ✅ Supports the Trick

  • Shein
    Financing Partner: Klarna / Afterpay
    ✅ Supports the Trick

  • Adidas
    Financing Partner: Affirm / Afterpay
    ✅ Supports the Trick

  • Urban Outfitters
    Financing Partner: Afterpay
    ✅ Supports the Trick

  • Gamestop
    Financing Partner: Klarna / Sezzle
    ✅ Supports the Trick

  • Sephora
    Financing Partner: Klarna
    ✅ Supports the Trick

  • Best Buy
    Financing Partner: Progressive Leasing
    ⚠️ Sometimes

  • Target
    Financing Partner: Affirm
    ✅ Supports the Trick

  • Walmart
    Financing Partner: Affirm / Zip
    ⚠️ Hit or miss

Tips for Using the Shopping Cart Trick

  1. Be Patient
    Some stores may require you to enter your information correctly to trigger the offer. Make sure you take your time to go through the steps.

  2. Try Multiple Stores
    If the trick doesn’t work at one store, try another. Not all stores will show offers every time, so experimenting with different stores increases your chances.

  3. Read the Terms
    Always check the financing terms before accepting any offer. Make sure you understand the interest rates and payment options to avoid any surprises later.

  4. Don’t Overextend Your Credit
    While getting a credit limit is exciting, it’s important not to overspend. Only use the credit for what you can comfortably afford to repay.

Final Thoughts

The Shopping Cart Trick is an effective and straightforward way to get pre-approved for store credit without hurting your credit score. It gives you the chance to unlock financing offers, and with a bit of patience, you can shop smarter and make better purchases.

Remember, not all stores will show offers every time, so be patient and try different stores to see which ones offer the best pre-approval chances for you. By using the trick responsibly, you can enjoy better financing options and avoid the hassle of traditional credit card applications.

Want to Try It?

Ready to start? Head over to one of the stores listed above and give the Shopping Cart Trick a try. You might just be surprised at the financing offers you can unlock. Good luck, and happy shopping!