A payment card or credit card issued by a store

Verified 03 March 2020 - Directorate for Legal and Administrative Information (Prime Minister)

Shops offer their customers credit cards or payment cards whose use is limited to the points of sale of their chain or network. They're called private cards. These cards allow you to pay for your purchases in cash or on credit and also, often, to benefit from loyalty advantages. The issue and use of these cards is subject to compliance with consumer credit rules.

A private payment credit card allows you to easily pay your purchases on credit in the network of the brand that issued it to you. You only sign an initial contract, and you no longer need to sign a contract for each new purchase.

The mention credit card must be indicated in legible characters on the back of the card.

The credit card remains the property of the issuing institution. You are required to return it if it is required, for example if you spend too much and you cannot pay it back.

In case of loss or theft of the card, you must oppose it by reporting it to the managing institution.

Please note

the card is generally used as a loyalty card in the chain's stores and can allow you to benefit from the advantages of traditional loyalty cards.

Conditions for issue

The private payment card is issued by retail outlets (supermarkets, department stores, online shops...).

A bank or credit institution is often a partner in the scheme.

Each distributor has its own card model and its own conditions of issue. However, all brands generally take into account your income and expenses (other credits being repaid).

Please note

the bank or credit institution which is a partner of the distribution chain shall have access to bank files to check your situation.

Preliminary information

As the private payment card allows you to pay on credit, you must be pre-informed the conditions for granting the credit. At the end of this information, a contract offer is given to you. This contract applies to all payments made with the card. You won't have to sign a new contract every time you pay.

The offer specifies, among other things:

  • the nature of the credit (classic and/or renewable) related to the use of the card,
  • the interest rate used (variable or fixed)
  • and the maximum amount of credit granted.

These conditions are set once and for all, regardless of the number of purchases you make with the card.

Cost

In addition to the cost of credit, you may be asked for application fees and loyalty program membership fees.

The distributor may also ask you to take out borrower insurance. It is this insurance that will pay for you in case of default on your part.

Withdrawal period

You have a deadline of 14 calendar days from the date of signature of the contract for retract.

To do this, it is sufficient to return the withdrawal note (attached to the contract offer), dated and signed, by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, to the lending institution.

You can also use this template.

Withdrawal of consumer credit

If you use your right of withdrawal, you lose your card. You can use the right of withdrawal only once, at the time of the issuance of the card and not for each purchase.

Methods of payment

The private payment card allows you to pay only for your purchases made in the chain's or network's stores.

It allows you to choose how you want to pay for your purchases, between:

  • cash payment, you pay in one go,
  • or the settlement with a credit "classic",
  • or the settlement with a revolving credit.

You must choose the payment method at each purchase.

Cash payment

The private payment card can be linked to your bank account.

When using it, you can pay your cash purchases, in one go, with an immediate or deferred debit to your account according to your contract.

The operation of the card is then the same as that of a standard credit card.

FYI  

cash payment should be the preferred method of payment when using credit cards.

Payment on credit

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Revolving credit

You can choose to use a revolving credit. This is the most common form of payment method.

You then use some or all of the money available to you. You will have to gradually repay this credit (interest and capital), to replenish your reserve as you go.

You can reuse this reserve as you see fit, but within the network of the card provider and within the limits of your contract. Simply present the card in store or use its number for online purchases. If you have used up all your reserve and repaid it, the amount borrowed from the base will be replenished and you can spend it again.

"Classic" credit

You can use your card to pay with a "classic" credit. This is a form of personal loan. This gives you a set amount of money to pay for your purchases. You can make as many purchases as you want, but within the network of the card provider and within the limits of your contract. Simply present the card in store or use its number for online purchases.

This amount must be repaid with interest, the interest and the deadlines are fixed in the initial contract.

Unlike the revolving creditBut once you've used up all of the borrowed money and repaid everything, you can't use that credit anymore. The money is borrowed once and for all.

Generally, the contract is concluded for 1 year. It can be tacitly renewable, that is to say it is extended every year without you having to make any steps.

If you do not wish to renew your contract, you can request its termination by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt, 3 months before the annual due date. You must attach your card with your mail. You must send it to the address of the bank or credit institution indicated on your contract.

Terminate a credit card agreement

The money spent will have to be repaid.

The institution may also terminate the contract in accordance with the terms of the contract. For example, in case of repayment problems.