What the Roamans Credit Card Is
The Roamans credit card is a store card issued by Comenity Bank that you can use to buy clothing and other items from Roamans, an online and catalog retailer that specializes in plus-size fashion. Like most store cards, it works only at Roamans and affiliated stores — you cannot use it at other retailers or to withdraw cash.
The card comes with a purchase APR (annual percentage rate), a cash advance APR, and an annual fee. Roamans advertises promotional financing offers periodically, such as deferred interest on purchases over a certain amount. These promotions are temporary and change throughout the year.
Store cards typically have higher interest rates and lower credit limits than general-purpose credit cards, but they may offer rewards or discounts to cardholders. Whether a store card makes sense depends on how often you shop there and whether you can pay the full balance each month.
Key Takeaways
- The Roamans card carries an annual fee and a purchase APR that varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates.
- Promotional financing offers (such as deferred interest) are temporary and explore only to purchases that meet the promotion's minimum amount.
- Interest accrues on your full balance if you miss a promotional payment important date or do not meet the terms, even on purchases made before the promotion started.
- You can check your account online, by phone, or through the Comenity mobile app to view your balance, payment due date, and available credit.
- Payments made to the Roamans card do not build credit history with other lenders unless Comenity reports the account to the three major credit bureaus.
Interest Rates, Fees, and Promotional Offers
The purchase APR on the Roamans card varies by applicant and is determined when you open the account. Comenity Bank does not publish a single fixed rate; instead, the rate depends on your credit score, credit history, and current market conditions. You can find your specific APR in your cardmember agreement or by logging into your account.
The card carries an annual fee, which is charged once per year. This fee is separate from interest charges and is applied whether or not you use the card. Roamans frequently runs promotional financing offers — for example, "12 months special financing on purchases of $150 or more" or "deferred interest for 24 months." These promotions are time-limited and have specific terms you must follow to avoid paying interest retroactively.
If you use a promotional offer and do not pay the full promotional balance by the important date, Comenity will charge you interest on the entire purchase amount from the original purchase date, not from the end of the promotion period. This is called deferred interest, and it can add hundreds of dollars to what you owe if you miss the important date by even one day.
How to Make Payments and Check Your Balance
You can pay your Roamans card bill online through the Comenity website, by phone at the number on your statement, by mail, or through automatic payments set up in your account. Payments made online or by phone are usually processed the same day if submitted before the cutoff time (typically 8 p.m. Eastern time).
To check your balance, statement, and payment due date, log into your account at the Comenity website or read the Comenity mobile app. Your statement shows your current balance, minimum payment due, promotional balance (if any), interest charges, and available credit. The app also lets you set up payment reminders and view your transaction history.
Your payment due date is typically 25 days after the end of your billing cycle. If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, payment is due the next business day. Late payments trigger a late fee and may raise your APR if your card agreement includes a penalty rate clause.
Credit Reporting and Your Credit Score
Comenity Bank reports account activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit bureaus — if you have an active account in good standing. This means on-time payments, your credit limit, and your balance are recorded on your credit report and factored into your credit score.
However, because the Roamans card is a store card, it may carry less weight in credit scoring models than a general-purpose card (such as Visa or Mastercard). Lenders and creditors view store cards as less flexible because you can use them only at one retailer.
Late or missed payments are reported to the bureaus and can lower your credit score. If your account goes to collections, that negative mark stays on your report for seven years from the date of first delinquency.
When a Store Card Makes Financial Sense
A store card is worth opening if you shop at that retailer regularly and can pay your full balance each month. The annual fee and high APR make carrying a balance expensive, so the card only saves you money if you use promotional offers strategically and pay them off on time.
If you are offered a discount on your first purchase (a common incentive), calculate whether the discount exceeds the annual fee. For example, if the card offers 15% off your first purchase and the annual fee is $40, you need to spend at least $267 to break even on that first transaction alone.
If you rarely shop at Roamans or tend to carry a balance month to month, a general-purpose credit card with a lower APR and no annual fee is usually a better choice. You can also shop at Roamans without a card and pay by debit card or another payment method.
What Happens If You Cannot Pay Your Balance
If you miss a payment, Comenity will charge a late fee (the amount varies but is typically $25 to $40) and may increase your APR to a penalty rate. Your account will be reported as late to the credit bureaus after 30 days of non-payment.
If your account remains unpaid for 120 to 180 days, Comenity may close the account and send it to a debt collection agency. The collection agency will contact you by phone and mail to demand payment. A collection account on your credit report can lower your score by 100 points or more and will remain visible for seven years.
If you are struggling to pay, contact Comenity as soon as possible. Some cardholders are able to negotiate a payment plan or hardship arrangement, though this is not may provide. Comenity's customer service number is on your statement.
Comparing the Roamans Card to Other Options
| Feature | Roamans Card | General Credit Card | Debit Card or Cash |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where you can use it | Roamans only | Most retailers | Most retailers |
| Annual fee | Yes | Often no | No |
| Typical APR | 18%–28% | 12%–24% | N/A |
| Promotional financing | Periodic offers | Rare | N/A |
| Builds credit history | Yes, if reported | Yes | No |
| Risk of debt | High if balance carried | High if balance carried | None |
A general-purpose credit card often has a lower APR and no annual fee, making it cheaper to carry a balance if you need to. However, if you have limited credit history or a lower credit score, you may not may have access to for a general card, and a store card might be your only option.
Paying with debit or cash eliminates the risk of debt and interest charges but does not build your credit history. If you are working to establish or rebuild credit, a store card or general credit card used responsibly (and paid in full each month) is more useful than debit alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Roamans card at other stores?
No. The Roamans card works only at Roamans and its affiliated websites and catalogs. You cannot use it at other retailers, and it cannot be used to withdraw cash from an ATM.
What is the difference between the purchase APR and the cash advance APR?
The purchase APR is the interest rate charged on regular purchases made with the card. The cash advance APR is a higher rate charged if you use the card to withdraw cash (which most store cards do not allow). Cash advances also typically include an upfront fee.
What happens if I miss a promotional payment important date?
If you do not pay the full promotional balance by the important date, Comenity will charge you interest on the entire purchase amount from the original purchase date. This interest is applied retroactively, even if you were not charged interest during the promotional period. For example, if you bought $500 on a "12 months interest-free" promotion and paid $450 by the important date, you owe interest on the full $500 from the purchase date.
Does the Roamans card help me build credit?
Yes, if Comenity reports your account to the credit bureaus and you make on-time payments. However, store cards typically have less impact on your credit score than general-purpose cards. Building credit requires consistent on-time payments and keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit.
What should I do if I cannot pay my bill?
Contact Comenity when ready at the number on your statement. Explain your situation and ask whether they offer a payment plan or hardship program. The sooner you reach out, the more options you may have. Ignoring the debt will result in late fees, a higher APR, and damage to your credit score.