How to Finance a Laptop

Laptops have revolutionized the way we surf the Internet, play video games, and communicate with friends and family. Unfortunately, not everyone has the cash on hand to purchase a laptop computer. With prices ranging from $600 to $3000, a laptop can be a major investment and saving the money to purchase one can take months. Thankfully, you can finance a laptop from an electronics store or an online retailer and be well on your way to wireless bliss in a matter of hours.

Things You'll Need

• Your social security number
• Your driver's license

Instructions

Finance a Laptop

1. Make certain that your credit is in good shape before you attempt to finance a laptop. If you don’t have enough available credit on your existing credit card accounts to finance your new laptop computer, you’ll need to apply for a new line of credit. Check your credit report for errors and try to make any delinquent accounts current again by paying any outstanding balances due. If your credit is poor, you may need to wait a few months before you apply for laptop financing to ensure that you receive a favorable reply from a credit issuer.

2. Visit several stores and online retailers to compare the prices of laptops that meet your needs. Some of the most popular electronics retailers will match any competitor’s prices and you’re almost certain to get a good deal on a quality laptop when you compare store prices.

3. Apply for a store credit card to finance your laptop. Simply visit the customer service desk at your local electronics store, complete a credit application, sign it, and give it to the customer service representative. The representative will enter your information and give you an answer within a few minutes. If your credit is good enough, you’ll receive a credit line that you can use to finance a new laptop.Apply for laptop computer financing before you get your heart set a certain make or model. Unless your credit is perfect, you may not be able to secure financing for a top-of-the-line laptop and you may have to set your sights a little lower. Realizing your spending limit before you shop will ensure that you don’t waste your time looking at the products you can’t afford.

4. Apply for a standard credit card if your store credit line doesn't offer enough funds to purchase the laptop you want. If your credit is new, you may not qualify for larger loans at first and you may need to use two credit cards to finance a new laptop computer.

5. Purchase a laptop from a rent-to-own store if credit issuers deny your request for credit. While you will probably end up paying more for a laptop computer when you purchase it through a rent-to-own company, you won’t need perfect credit to take it home with you. Simply complete an application and choose your laptop. These companies may not offer a great selection but if you’re in a bind and you can’t wait until your credit score improves, you may have better luck obtaining a new laptop by enlisting their services.

Tips & Warnings

• If don’t want to enlist the service of a rental store to purchase a laptop computer and your request for credit has been denied elsewhere, wait a few months and try again after you’ve worked to reestablish your credit.

• After applying for a store line of credit, the representative may give the application back to you for your records. Your credit application reveals everything that a criminal needs to steal your identity. Keep your credit application and other personal information safe at all times.