9 Steps to Get Customers to Sign Up for Credit Cards

How to Get Customers to Sign Up for Credit Cards

1. Talk about the benefits

Financially savvy people do not absentmindedly sign up for credit cards.

First of all, they probably already have a few cards. Why do they need another one? Give them at least one good reason.

For example, does the store credit card have a good cashback program? If so, then be sure to mention that.

There might be other benefits, such as access to exclusive airport lounges and first dips on concert tickets.

Start your pitch with the most compelling benefit. If the customer seems interested, then you can elaborate on the other perks before closing the deal.

2. Learn from the best

Who in your team has had the most success signing customers up for credit cards?

Ask this person to give you tips on how to increase signups yourself. They can provide valuable feedback after watching you interact with customers for a few minutes.

You can also try emulating your coworker.

Pay attention to their body language and choice of words. How do they answer customers’ follow-up questions?

Will you be able to increase credit card signups if you apply these same strategies? Let’s find out.

3. Give out brochures

Some customers simply do not have the time to hear your credit card pitch. They just want to pay and leave the store.

See if these customers are interested in getting a brochure. The pamphlet would have everything they need to know about the credit card.

Moreover, can you print a little message about the credit card on customers’ receipts? Customers would read the message when they check their receipts and decide what to do next.

4. Mention alternative sign-up methods

Some customers do not like signing up for credit cards on the spot. Instead, they like to think everything over and sign up at home if everything feels right.

Besides, credit card applicants need to provide sensitive information, such as their income and social security number.

It would be understandable if a customer does not feel comfortable providing this information in a retail setting with other people around.

Therefore, tell the customer how they can sign up for the credit card at home.

What website do they go to?

Is there anything that they need to look out for?

Can you get credit for these at-home credit card signups? Do you have a unique code that the customer can use? If so, great! You will get a kickback for telling the customer about the credit card, even if the customer does not sign up right away.

5. Tailor your pitch to each customer

Is your credit card pitch the same for every customer? If so, then maybe it’s time to change that.

If you know your regular customers well, then you can customize your pitch based on their hobbies and interests.

For example, let’s say someone is an avid music fan. They wouldn’t hesitate to sign up for a credit card if it can help them get great concert tickets. Therefore, you should mention this benefit first if applicable.

Overall, you will be able to increase credit card signups if you can specifically describe how the card will make life better for each customer.

6. Walk around

Do you only let customers know about the credit card when they are checking out? Even though the cash register is a convenient touchpoint, it should not be your sole point of contact with customers for credit card signups.

Customers in the checkout line are ready to leave. Many of them have something else to get to. This means that signing up for a credit card is not something that they want to focus on.

Therefore, you should try letting customers know about the credit card when they are browsing around. Help customers get what they need and talk about the credit card afterward.

Besides signups, you might also increase sales if you use this approach.

For instance, some customers are hesitant to buy certain products because of the price tag. The experience won’t feel as painful if they know that the store credit card has a generous cashback benefit. This perk might just convince them to get in the checkout line.

7. Address concerns

Some customers won’t tell you why they are not interested in the store credit card. That’s okay.

Other customers will be more specific. For example, one customer might not want to sign up because they think it will take too long. If that’s the case, then you can reassure the customer that the signup process only takes a few minutes. You would know because you’ve been doing this for a while.

Another customer might be worried about fees. If so, then you can elaborate on terms and conditions while making comparisons to industry averages.

In general, you can be a voice of reason for customers and squash any worries that they may have.

8. Emphasize great customer service

Credit card issues arise all the time. For example, a customer might see a transaction that they do not recognize on their monthly statement.

Can they quickly reach someone on the phone to resolve this issue? Or will they have to wait for over an hour before being able to speak to a representative?

In general, customers are more likely to sign up for something if the customer service is top-notch.

People want to be taken care of when there is a problem. Therefore, if the credit card company has stellar customer service, then you should definitely talk about it with customers.

9. Designate a space for credit card signups

To reiterate, one of the reasons why customers do not like signing up for a credit card in-store is that they do not want to disclose their financial situation in public. They might be more willing to participate if there is a secluded space for the signup process.

Therefore, create this space. Make sure it has chairs for customers to sit down and take their time.

In addition, by having a separate space for credit card signups, you will speed up the checkout process. This is something that all customers will appreciate.