Overstock Shopping Cart Trick: How Does It Work? We Explain

The “shopping cart trick” allows you to apply for the Overstock Store Credit Card through a pop-up offer at checkout, resulting in a “soft pull” that may give you better approval odds. It is possible, but it may not work each time for everyone. For details on how the Overstock shopping cart trick works and whether or not it’s right for you, see below.

Overstock Shopping Cart Trick: How It Works

The “shopping cart trick” works best on store credit cards offered through Comenity Bank, including the Overstock Store Credit Card. The “shopping cart trick” is a way to get approved for store credit cards, even if you have a poor credit score. When you apply for a store credit card through a pop-up offer during the online checkout process, the store typically only requires a “soft” credit check — this can increase your approval odds and, also, doesn’t negatively impact your credit score.

The Overstock “shopping cart trick” requires the following steps:

1. Add items to your cart. Choose a few items to add to your cart. These don’t have to be items you actually want to buy; you can remove them from your cart later without completing the order.
2. Choose guest checkout or member checkout. Guest checkout is available on Overstock, but you can also create a new account or log in to your existing Overstock account. Any of these options should work with the shopping cart trick, as long as you enter your name and address correctly in the billing section.
3. Enter your billing information — and double-check its accuracy. Your name, address, and other personal information must match the information on your credit report for the trick to work. A difference as small as whether or not your middle initial appears on your credit report can stop the shopping cart trick from working. (If you’re unsure how your name and/or address appears on your credit report, request a copy of your credit report to find out. You can get a free copy of your credit report once per year from each of the major credit bureaus.)
4. Follow the instructions to apply for an Overstock Store Credit Card. A pop-up should appear during the checkout process (after entering your address information but before completing payment). The pop-up will say you’ve been pre-approved for the Overstock Store Credit Card. Click on “Accept Offer” at the bottom of the pop-up and follow the instructions. If you are approved, the approval page will list your credit limit.

Keep in mind that the shopping cart trick doesn’t work every time or for everyone. If you’re having trouble getting the trick to work on Overstock or other retail sites, see our article on shopping cart trick troubleshooting tips.

Things to Know Before Trying the Overstock Shopping Cart Trick

The shopping cart trick will only work if you’re opted-in for credit card offers. You can check your status or opt-in at OptOutPrescreen.com. You’ll also need to clear your browser cookies and make sure that you don’t have a pop-up blocker turned on to use the shopping cart trick.

The Overstock credit application requires your full Social Security number; however, many customers have reported that only a “soft pull” is conducted. Typically, if you only need to enter the last four digits of your Social Security number, it will result in a soft pull; inserting your full Social Security number may result in a full credit check, which can negatively impact your credit score.

Is the Overstock Shopping Cart Trick Right for You?

Getting approved for a store credit card using the shopping cart trick can help you improve or rebuild your credit, but it can also negatively impact your credit score if you misuse the card. Consider making small purchases and paying them off in full each month to build credit; if you miss payments, your credit score will take a hit.

Additionally, while store credit cards are generally easier to get approved for, they tend to have low credit limits and high interest rates and fees. The Overstock Store Credit Card does not have an annual fee, but it does have penalties for late and returned payments. See the Overstock Store Credit Card site for the current terms and conditions.

Lastly, be aware that the Overstock Store Credit Card can only be used for Overstock.com purchases. That means, unless you very regularly shop Overstock.com, you may not use the card enough for it to help build your credit. Your credit card needs to be kept active or it could be closed by the card’s issuer, which will lower your credit card utilization and can negatively affect your credit score.

With all of that said, if you are a frequent Overstock shopper and can pay off your purchases in full each month, there are a few perks to the Overstock Store Credit Card, including special financing offers on large purchases and exclusive discounts.

For more information on the benefits and drawbacks of using the shopping cart trick, plus more stores where you can try it, see our complete list of shopping cart trick stores.

In Summary

The “shopping cart trick” can be used on Overstock to increase your credit card approval odds. When trying the trick on Overstock, you’ll want to make sure you have your pop-up blocker turned off, are opted-in for prescreened credit card offers, and can provide your name and address exactly as they appear on your credit report. The shopping cart trick’s “soft pull” approval method can increase your approval odds and will not harm your credit score — but, before applying, be aware that store credit cards come with higher fees and APRs than some other types of credit.