What is store card and catalogue debt?

Store cards and catalogues let you spread the cost of purchases over time, often through a dedicated in-store credit line or instalment plan. Debt builds when repayments are missed, or when only minimum payments are made against what can be a high interest rate.

How does it build up?

Store cards in particular often carry higher interest rates than standard credit cards, so balances can grow quickly if not paid off in full each month. Catalogue debt can build in a similar way, especially across multiple accounts or items bought on credit at once.

Priority or non-priority?

Store card and catalogue debt is a non-priority debt, though high interest rates mean balances can escalate faster than other non-priority debts if left unaddressed.

What happens if you don't pay?