Like everyone, I’m frequently asked at the checkout of drugstores and retail outlets if I have a credit card linked to the store and, if not, why don’t I quickly apply then and there to get a discount or cash bonus when my application is approved?  I was recently tempted by $50 offered at the local chain drugstore, but then I thought about the time and energy to unfreeze my credit score and declined the $50 offer (but I continued to think about it for a short while 😊). However, when I got a notice last week that my backup credit card, currently with a $0 balance, is increasing its annual fee from $99 to $249, I decided it was worth my time and energy to apply for a $0 or low fee card. After all, this is just for my convenience and peace of mind if the one I use all the time needs to be replaced. Quick research found a no-fee card with the same bank. Though I haven’t yet followed through with the application process or the unfreezing, I have learned that everything can be done either online or on the phone and takes well under 10 minutes per scoring company. I think it will be worth my time to follow through later, but I’m interested in your opinions before doing so. Thanks.

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