Clark Howard Advises Against Using Debit Cards at Furniture Stores — Here's Why
Before you pull out that debit card at the furniture story, one money expert wants you to think twice.
Clark Howard is an American consumer expert, podcast host and TV reporter who offers advice on a wide array of personal finance topics from debt management to retirement. In May of 2026, Howard posted to his blog, Clark.com, tackling his latest topic: the use of debit cards at furniture stores.
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His advice? Just say no. Here’s why.
The Problem
Because the housing market has stalled, the furniture market is hurting. It has, therefore, become all too common for furniture stores to lock individuals into a sale on which they may never actually deliver. Paying with a debit card provides consumers zero protections if the store happens to go out of business or the item never arrives.
According to Howard, stay away from offers that sound something like, “we’re out of that right now, but it’s on back order. If you pay now, we can lock in this sale price for you.”
News station WBST 22 recently reported that consumers in Indiana fell victim to this exact situation when Value City Furniture’s parent company, American Signature, filed for bankruptcy in November of 2025. Many people paid for items they will never receive.
The Solution
Howard advised only paying for back ordered items with a credit card because they offer federal protections should something go wrong.
Mendy Perlman, web hosting expert and SEO strategist at Web Hosting Services knows a thing or two about receiving electronic payments, and he agreed.
“The Fair Credit Billing Act provides legal rights to credit card holders to dispute a charge if the goods were not delivered as promised," he said. "Debit card holders fall under the Electronic Funds Transfer Act, which covers fraud and unauthorized transactions, but does not give you the same right to dispute a merchant over a bad purchase.”
Howard explained that you can only dispute the credit card charges for 60 days. After that, you’re out of luck. So, if you’re closing in on the two-month mark and the retailer is still telling you that your leather sofa is on back order, protect yourself by disputing the charges with your credit card company. If that sofa finally arrives, you can always remove the dispute.
What If You Don’t Like Charging Items on a Credit Card?
Many people avoid using credit cards because they don’t want debt. And, honestly? Fair.
If this is you, Howard recommended following one major rule: don’t buy anything you can’t physically take home that day. Your wallet may thank you later.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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