Our Verdict
A store card for use only at Kohl’s, the Kohl’s Card* boosts rewards over the 5% already offered by Kohl’s Rewards Membership by an additional 2.5%, meaning cardholders can earn 7.5% rewards when using a Kohl's Card as a Rewards Members or 5% otherwise. Rewards are only redeemable at Kohls.
Pros
- 35% off one purchase after opening the card
- Boosted earning rate on Kohl’s Rewards
- Monthly discount offers
Cons
- Can’t be used outside of Kohl’s stores
- High APR
Highlights
- No annual fee
- Take advantage of mobile payment options like Kohl’s Pay, hassle–free returns, online and mobile bill payment and more
- Gain access to extra savings offers throughout the year
- Enjoy a special anniversary offer every year
- Combine your Kohl’s Card discounts with Kohl’s Cash and rewards
Introduction
The Kohl’s Card* from Capital One earns 7.5% rewards when using a Kohl's Card as a Rewards Members or 5% otherwise, but membership with Kohl’s Rewards already earns 5% in rewards. The card’s rather high 31.24% variable APR on purchases is a big red flag. Though we never recommend carrying a balance, you’ll certainly want to be especially careful to avoid doing so with this card to avoid such a high penalty.
The only other significant benefits over membership the card offers are exclusive savings and an anniversary gift. Cardholders who spend at least $600 on the card at Kohl’s will receive monthly free shipping “opportunities.” Unlike some store cards that offer free shipping on every purchase, this card won’t even fully commit to offering it to those who spend the most.
The card does offer a mobile app to manage rewards, but this app is also available to Kohl’s Rewards Members. The card doesn’t add much value beyond its extra reward bonus and the convenience of financing purchases for a billing period. We don’t recommend using this card to finance purchases beyond the statement due date.
Featured Partner Offers
Quick Facts
- $0 annual fee
- Earn 35% off one transaction when card is used within 14 days of approval
- Earn 7.5% rewards when using a Kohl's Card as a Rewards Members or 5% otherwise
- Anniversary gift and cardholder exclusive deals
- Monthly free shipping opportunities for those who spend $600 or more on the card in a year
Kohl's Card Rewards
Earning Rewards
The Kohl’s Card* earns 7.5% rewards when using a Kohl's Card as a Rewards Members or 5% otherwise.
The Kohl’s Card* also includes a welcome bonus, though it’s not a traditional credit card welcome bonus: 35% off one transaction when card is used within 14 days of approval.
Redeeming Rewards
Rewards earned with the Kohl’s Card* are part of the Kohl’s Reward program and are automatically converted to Kohl’s Cash for use toward purchases at Kohl’s in $5 increments. Conversions occur on the first of the month following the month in which the reward was earned. Rewards-issued Kohl’s Cash expires 30 days after issuance.
Rewards are issued by email and can be managed with help from the Kohl’s App if your email is connected. Rewards can not be issued toward Sephora at Kohl’s purchases nor may be used to pay for Kohl’s gift cards nor charitable items.
Rewards Potential
To determine the rewards potential of the Kohl’s Card* we look at the rewards-earning categories and calculate what an average household might spend in those areas. Forbes Advisor uses data from various government agencies to determine baseline income and spending averages across various categories. The 70th percentile of wage-earning households brings in $116,000 annually and has $36,177 in annual spending that can reasonably be charged to credit cards.
Forbes Advisor estimates our example household spends $8,599 each year on shopping. If a Kohl’s-devoted household spent this entire amount at Kohl’s, kohls.com or via the Kohl’s app each year, it would earn $644.93 in rewards, which would redeem for $640 in Kohl’s Cash. So long as this household managed to use all of this Kohl’s cash before each $5 increment expired 30 days after issuance, the total result reward could be used.
Other Kohl's Card Benefits
- Digital wallet: Cardholders can add the card to mobile wallets for contactless pay.
- Exclusive offers: Product offers and deals unique to cardholders.
- Anniversary gift: Earn a special offer with each cardholder anniversary.
- Kohl’s Most Valued Customer: Spend $600 on the card to earn MVC status for a year and gain monthly free shipping opportunities.
Fine Print
Interest Rates
- Regular APR: 31.24% variable APR on purchases
- Purchase intro APR: N/A
- Balance transfer intro APR: N/A
Fees
- Annual fee: $0
- Balance transfer fee: N/A
- Foreign purchase transaction fee: None
How the Kohl's Credit Card Stacks Up
Kohl’s Card* vs. Bloomingdale’s American Express® Card*
With a much more complicated rewards system, the Bloomingdale’s American Express® Card* earns 3 points per dollar spent at Bloomingdale's or anywhere American Express Cards are welcome and 1 point for every dollar on all other purchases. Five thousand points redeems for $25 in Bloomingdale’s Rewards Cards to use on any Bloomingdale’s purchases. Compared to the Kohl’s Card*, this reward returns significantly less on purchases at the card’s store.
Like the Kohl’s Card* may only be used for Kohl’s purchases, the Bloomingdale’s Card is a closed-loop card and can only be used for Bloomingdale’s purchases. The Bloomingdale’s Card also offers free returns.
Kohl’s Card* vs. Target RedCard™ Credit Card*
Target shoppers might prefer the Target RedCard™ Credit Card*, which offers a no-extra-effort 5% discount on nearly all Target purchases, applied automatically. The card also charges a high 29.95% variable APR on purchases.
The Target RedCard™ Credit Card* also has a shipping perk—free two-day shipping on orders from Target.com. The card also offers 30 extra days of returns on in-store or online purchases.
Kohl’s Card* vs. Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card*
Don’t like getting off your couch to shop? The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card* earns 5% cash back in rewards at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market with an eligible Prime membership, 5% back on Chase Travel purchases, 2% cash back at restaurants, gas stations, drugstores, and local transit and commuting and 1% on all other purchases. Get 10% back or more in bonus rewards on rotating categories and products sold on Amazon.com but requires a Prime Membership, a $139 per-year cost.
Unlike the Kohl’s Card, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card* may be used anywhere Visa is accepted and thus offers significantly more convenience and use. It also offers several extra benefits, including a car rental collision damage waiver, extended warranty and purchase protections and a host of other travel benefits. For those who want a store-branded card that plays in the big leagues, this is a better option.
Is the Kohl's Credit Card for You?
Those who shop often at Kohl’s may find this a viable option to maximize Kohl’s rewards. Casual Kohl’s shoppers will probably earn plenty-sufficient rewards via the Kohl’s Rewards program without this card. Better credit cards can be found for use across many vendors instead of just one, and adding another account to your credit does have consequences, so consider whether the limited rewards and benefits this card offers are worth another credit account to manage.
*The information for the following card(s) has been collected independently by Forbes Advisor: Kohl’s Card, Bloomingdale’s American Express® Card, Target RedCard™ Credit Card, Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
