winkelcredit

Winkelcredit, also referred to as winkeltegoed or store credit, is a form of payment issued by a retailer that can be used to purchase goods or services at the issuing store or chain. It is typically issued as a replacement for cash in a return, as compensation in a complaint, as part of a promotion or loyalty program, or as a gift by the retailer.

The customer receives a credit balance, either as a physical card, a code, or digital account credit. The retailer records a liability equal to the credit amount. The balance can be used at checkout until fully redeemed; some credits allow partial redemption, transfer, or combining with other promotions.

Store credits often expire after a period, may incur fees, or have usage restrictions (only in-store or online, limited to specific products). In many jurisdictions, store credits cannot be exchanged for cash, though laws vary; if the retailer goes bankrupt, the credits may be treated as unsecured claims or become worthless depending on the insolvency process.

Customers should read the terms and keep track of balances; check for expiry, fees, and whether the credit can be redeemed if the retailer is closing. Store credits can be a convenient budgeting tool but may offer less flexibility than cash or generic gift cards.

Store credit is distinct from a general gift card in that it generally applies only to a single retailer or chain; it can also be issued as loyalty rewards or returns credit.