At checkout, it can sound tempting to sign up for a store-branded credit card and score an instant discount, but consumer experts warn it could cost you big in the long run.

During the holiday shopping season, many retailers push promotions to sign up for their credit cards — often dangling deals like 10%, 15%, or even 20% off your purchase.

But surveys show plenty of shoppers wind up regretting it. Bankrate's Ted Rossman says that's because those perks often come with a steep price.

"Retail cards charge higher interest rates generally, because they're easier to get," Rossman said. "For a lot of people, this is their first credit card."

The promised discounts sound great, but if you don't pay the balance in full every month, it will cost you.

Currently, retail credit cards carry inter

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