Black Friday is known for unbeatable deals, packed stores, and the excitement of saving big. But while walking through Lauderhill Mall during these sales events, many shoppers don’t realize that the way they pay—not just what they buy—can affect their financial health. Before swiping a credit card for holiday specials, it’s important to understand whether Black Friday shopping can impact your credit score and how to stay financially wise during the busiest shopping season of the year.
Below, we break down how your spending habits during major sales events can influence your credit score and what steps you can take to shop responsibly.
1. Credit Utilization Can Increase
Black Friday often triggers higher-than-normal spending because the deals feel too good to pass up. However, when you use your credit card heavily—especially up to or past 30% of your available limit—your credit score can take an immediate hit. This is because credit utilization is one of the most influential factors in your credit score, accounting for roughly 30% of the total calculation.
High utilization signals to lenders that you may be financially overextended or struggling to manage your spending. Even if you pay your bill on time later, the temporary spike in your balance can lower your score until the account is updated.
Example:
- Credit limit: $2,000
- Black Friday spending: $1,000
- New utilization: 50%
Anything above 30% is considered risky by most credit scoring models, so your score may drop until you reduce the balance again.
2. Opening New Store Cards Can Cause Hard Inquiries
During large shopping events like Black Friday, many stores inside malls—including apparel shops, electronics retailers, and department stores—offer instant discounts if you apply for their store credit card. While tempting, each application results in a hard inquiry, which stays on your credit report for two years and may lower your score for up to 12 months.
One inquiry by itself may only drop your score by a few points, but several inquiries within a short time frame can add up quickly.
This is why opening multiple store cards in one day—something shoppers often do on impulse—is one of the biggest credit mistakes during Black Friday.
Hard inquiries also give lenders the impression that you are seeking a lot of credit at once, which can be seen as a sign of financial strain.
3. New Credit Cards Lower Your Average Credit Age
Another lesser-known impact of opening new credit accounts is how it shortens the average age of your credit history, a factor that makes up about 15% of your credit score. Credit scoring models reward long-standing, well-managed accounts. When you open a brand-new store card, it decreases the average age of all your accounts, which can cause your score to dip.
Even if you don’t use the new store card often, the simple act of opening it during Black Friday affects the overall structure of your credit profile. For consumers with a short credit history, even one new card can make a noticeable difference.
4. Missed Payments Hurt Long After Black Friday Is Over
One of the most damaging credit mistakes happens weeks—or months—after Black Friday: missing payments.
Many shoppers overspend during the holidays, and when the bill arrives, they realize they cannot pay the full balance or, worse, struggle to make even the minimum payment.
Payment history is the single largest factor in your credit score, making up 35% of your total score. Even one missed payment of 30 days late can:
- Significantly lower your credit score
- Stay on your report for up to seven years
- Make lenders see you as a higher-risk borrower
High holiday spending combined with delayed payments can cause long-term damage that lasts far beyond the shopping season.
How to Shop Smart Without Hurting Your Credit Score
Set a Holiday Budget Before Going to the Mall
One of the most effective ways to protect your credit score during Black Friday is to create a realistic holiday budget before walking into the excitement of Lauderhill Mall or any major shopping center. Set a maximum spending limit for gifts, personal purchases, and “unexpected deals,” and commit to sticking to it. A written plan—or even a budget app—helps you avoid emotional spending triggered by flashy sales signs and limited-time offers.
When you know exactly how much you can afford, you reduce the risk of swiping your credit card impulsively and racking up balances that could later harm your credit utilization or make repayment difficult.
Avoid Impulse Store Card Sign-Ups
Store employees are trained to offer instant savings at checkout—10%, 20%, or even 30% off as a reward for opening a store credit card.
While the discount may seem appealing in the moment, applying for a card on impulse can create long-term consequences such as hard inquiries, new account openings, and potential overspending on that specific card.
Before accepting the offer, ask yourself these questions:
- Will I use this card regularly after Black Friday?
- Does it offer long-term benefits beyond the first purchase?
- Does this align with my overall financial strategy?
Most shoppers sign up because they feel pressured at the register, not because it fits into a thoughtful financial plan. Being intentional about the credit you open can protect your score and reduce stress later.
Keep Your Credit Utilization Under 30%
Credit utilization is one of the most influential components of your credit score. To keep your score strong, experts recommend staying below 30% of your total available credit—and even lower if possible.
Holiday shopping can push balances up quickly, but you can stay ahead by:
- Using multiple cards responsibly to spread out purchases
- Paying down part of your balance before the billing cycle closes
- Avoiding major unnecessary purchases until after the holiday season
Even if you pay the balance in full later, the statement balance that gets reported to the credit bureaus could temporarily spike, affecting your score. By being strategic with your spending and making early payments, you can enjoy Black Friday deals without harming your financial profile.
Pay Every Bill On Time
Amid holiday events, family gatherings, and increased spending, it’s easy to lose track of payment due dates.
A single late payment—even by 30 days—can significantly drop your credit score and remain on your report for up to seven years.
To avoid this, consider:
- Setting up automatic payments for at least the minimum amount
- Enabling push notifications or email reminders from your bank
- Marking due dates on your calendar before the season gets busy
Maintaining a perfect payment history during the holidays is essential because this factor makes up 35% of your entire credit score. Timely payments keep your score healthy and ensure holiday spending doesn’t turn into long-term financial stress.
