Kohl’s Credit Card Review

Kohl’s credit card is a store card that does not offer numerous perks and benefits to cardholders. The major perk of this Card is that you can get coupon discounts such as 35% off throughout the year as a cardholder. The Card offers this coupon discount to non-cardholders at 15%. You can receive these discounts via your online banking account or the coupons the company will send you at your mail address.

The Kohl’s Credit Card is useful for users who purchase clothes and home décor items from Kohl’s stores. But the Card does not offer any reward for other eligible purchases in stores other than Kohl’s stores. Although Kohl’s credit card offers discounts to cardholders on their purchases, unlike other rewards credit cards, you cannot earn perks like Cash back or cash points.

The issuer of Kohl’s credit card is Capital One. This Card is also called the “Kohl’s Charge” card. Kohl’s credit card allows users to earn the status of Most Valued Customer (MVC). You can get this status with your retailer by spending $600 each calendar year. This MVC status will enable you to earn more coupons, such as free shipping in the other months of the year.

The Card is well-known for providing valuable benefits to shoppers of Kohl’s stores who make frequent purchases and do shopping. On the other side, this Card also has some drawbacks. These include a reward structure that is confusing for users to understand. Also, the interest rates of Kohl’s cards are very high.

This review will give you a deep insight into what you need to know about Kohl’s cards. Suppose you are at a check-out counter and are asked to get a store credit card to save money. Of course, everyone wants to save money, but the main thing is whether Kohl’s credit card is worth buying. So you can decide whether this Card is worth buying or not.

Advantages

  • The Card offers 35% off on the first purchase made with Kohl’s credit card within the first fourteen days after approval.
  • The Card offers qualifications for special sales and discounts to cardholders throughout the year. You have the option to combine your discounts with Kohl’s rewards and Kohl’s Cash.
  • Kohl’s credit card charges no annual fee.
  • The Card offers an MVC (Most Valued Customer) status to users who succeed in spending $600 within a year with Kohl’s credit card.
  • As an MVC, you can get benefits like birthday gifts and free shipping opportunities.
  • The Card requires users to maintain a regular APR of 25.99% variable for purchases.
  • With Kohl’s credit card, users can get a pre-qualification offer.
  • Store cards offer several offers for getting qualified for the Card. So it’s easier to qualify for Kohl’s credit card than rewards cards.
  • With Kohl’s Card, you can get receipt-free returns on all your purchases.
  • The Card offers a special anniversary offer every year to its card holders.
  • The Card alerts and notifies its cardholders about any upcoming Kohl’s Charge sales events.
  • If you receive your Kohl’s Card in the mail, you will get an additional 15% discount.

Disadvantages

  • Kohl’s credit card does not offer rewards and benefits on spending.
  • Kohl’s credit card is a store card, so you can only use it at stores and nowhere else.
  • The Card offers a high rate for the regular APR variable. Users will feel difficulty in maintaining the APR if they have a balance.
  • You can’t get that again if you miss any reward or benefit of Kohl’s credit card.
  • Users are restricted to spending on categories like consumables, beauty, fragrances, skincare and cosmetics brands, premium sunglasses, sports goods from famous brands such as Dyson, Nike, and Columbia, selected electronics, and gif cards.

Features of Kohl’s Card

Kohl’s Card offers some amazing perks and benefits to its users who frequently shop at Kohl’s stores. First, you will get highlights about its features and then explain each feature in detail.

  • Rewards rate:
  • Welcome Offer: 35% Off
  • Recommended credit score: 670 to 850 Good to Excellent
  • Purchase Intro APR: None
  • Balance Transfer Intro APR: 3%
  • Regular APR: 25.99%
  • Annual Fee: None
  • Foreign Transaction fee:
  • Balance Transfer fee: 3%
  • Late Penalty fee: $38 or more
  • Best for Holiday Shopping

Welcome Offer

Kohl’s credit card offers a welcome bonus to its new cardholders when they open and use their Card. With this offer, users can get 35% off on their first purchase. Additionally, you will get a 15% discount on the other purchase if you receive your Kohl’s Charge credit card through the mail.

Exclusive Savings

With Kohl’s credit card, users can get exclusive monthly savings discounts. Also, you can get special yearly sales on Kohl’s store products. Moreover, you can get a yearly special offer on your card anniversary.

Additional Convenience

Other than the major perks, Kohl’s Card provides extra convenience. Users can get the benefit of receipt-free returns. This will let them stay at ease as they don’t need to hold their receipts for authentication. Moreover, the Card offers its mobile application to users to easily pay their credit card bills via the mobile payment option.

Become an MVC (Most Valued Customer)

Kohl’s Charge credit card offers an MVC status to its high spenders. You can get the Most Valued Customer status by spending $600 each year with your Kohl’s Charge credit card. After getting this status, you can earn a few rewards and offers, including a birthday gift and access to free shipping.

No Annual Fee

Kohl’s Charge credit card is a store card by Capital One with no annual fee. With no annual fee for a card, you don’t need to worry about any membership fee. You can receive the perks and benefits of that Card easily and smoothly. Enjoy Kohl’s credit card with your purchases and spending without balancing any annual fee. With timely payments of your balances, you can keep your Kohl’s credit card at home and manage your payments online.

What could be improved

Although Kohl’s Charge credit card is a good option for building credit, it reports to three credit bureaus. Regular shoppers of Kohl’s stores get more perks and benefits with Kohl’s credit cards compared to its non-cardholders. Still, some things can be improved, such as the spending rewards program and its unlimited coverage.

APR

Unlike other rewards credit cards, Kohl’s credit card requires a high-quality regular APR variable. If we compare the Card with other store cards, the APR variable requirement of Kohl’s credit card is still high. A high-interest rate on a credit card requires users to make monthly payments. If he can’t manage it well, he will be charged a big interest fee.

Spending Rewards Program

Kohl’s Charge credit card allows users to combine their bonus or discounts with the Yes2You Rewards program or Kohl’s Cash coupons. However, these rewards programs are available for consumers. Still, the need for a points system or rewards program for Kohl’s credit card is highly demandable. The Card should have solid and flexible rewards programs.

Limited Acceptance

Kohl’s credit card has limited links with other rewards credit cards. It is a store credit card, and users are restricted from purchasing in selected categories. You can purchase and spend rewards only on Kohl’s stores and Kohls.com. Kohl’s credit card does not have a large network of credit cards such as Mastercard or Visa. Unlike other cards, it cannot offer many perks outside its store.

Confuse Rewards Structure

When a credit card offers monthly discounts with rewards programs outside its coverage, it should be a good and exciting thing. But it is not the case with Kohl’s credit card. With Kohl’s credit card, users can combine their discount offers with two rewards programs, Kohl’s Cash and Yes2You Rewards. It is a good way to increase the monthly savings, but with Kohl’s Charge credit card, users get great confusion about the rewards structure.

Fees

Kohl’s credit card is a store card with fewer benefits and rewards. Its rewards structure is also confusing, but it charges fees on multiple things, including registration charges, late penalty payments, balance transfer fees, and foreign transaction fees. If you want to make any money transaction outside the US, you have to pay 5% charges.

Also, the Card charges a 3% and 5% fee for balance transfers and a late payment penalty of $40 or above. To avoid these fees, you have to maintain a balanced payment schedule. The Card does not charge any annual fee. Unlike other cards, Kohl’s credit card does not have any early payment r cash advance fees.

Kohl’s Charge Card Login and Account Management

Kohl’s credit cardholders can easily access their credit card details and bank accounts with an online portal named “My Kohl’s Charge.” Through this online portal, card members can log into their bank accounts and easily manage them without any issue. Users must visit Kohl’s website and perform actions according to their requirements.

On Kohl’s online platform, users can do the following:

  • Access their account information
  • Monitor their transactions
  • Pay off their bills
  • Signing up for paperless statements
  • They can request a credit line increase

Cardholders can easily log in and manage their account without reaching out to the Bank’s representative.

How the Kohl’s Card Compares to Other Rewards Cards

Kohl’s Card Vs. Citi Double Cash Card

The Citi Double Cash Credit Card offers an unlimited 1% cash back on every dollar spent on purchases. Also, you can get 1% cash back on paying off the Card on a 2% interest rate of purchases. Citi Double Cash credit card provides a limited-time offer of $200 cash back if you spend $1,500 in the first six months on eligible purchases anywhere.

In comparison, Kohl’s credit card does not offer spending rewards rates. It has an intro offer of 35% off on any first purchase. It also offers a 15% discount on one purchase if your credit card is received through the mail. Moreover, you can become the Most Valued Customer after spending $600 and get offers like free shipping and a gift card. Additionally, you can also get a special offer on your card anniversary.

Citi Double Cash Card offers an Intro APR of 0% on balance transfers for the first eighteen months. After that, you must maintain a regular APR of 16.24% to 26.24%. The Card charges a 3% fee on balance transfers for the first four months. After that, you must pay $5 or 5% for every transfer. The Card charges no annual fee.

Like the Citi Double Cash card, Kohl’s credit card does not offer any annual fee as a registration payment. The balance transfer fee of Kohl’s credit card is also like Citi Double Cash credit card. You must pay a 3% fee for the balance transfer in the four months. Later it will increase to 5% r $5 for each balance transfer. This Card does not offer a 0% Introductory offer and requires a high intro APR of 25.99%.

Kohl’s Card Vs. Target REDCard

Target REDCard offers a 5% discount on all Target purchases and the chance to get two-day shipping on Target.com. Users can only use the Target REDCard for purchases of Target. The Card is not eligible to use in other categories. The Card offers a ninety-day return policy, which is a great perk of the Card. It does not offer a welcome offer.

In comparison, Kohl’s credit card does not offer spending rewards rates. Unlike Target REDCard, Kohl’s credit card has an intro offer of 35% off on any first purchase. It also offers a 15% discount on one purchase if your credit card is received through the mail. Moreover, you can become the Most Valued Customer after spending $600 and get offers like free shipping and a gift card. Additionally, you can also get a special offer on your card anniversary.

Target REDCard does not charge any annual fee. It requires users to maintain a regular APR of 22.90% variable. Users must have a good to excellent credit score of 670 to 850. Target REDCard charges a late penalty fee of 5% or $5 if you cannot pay your balances on time. Users can contact the Bank or credit card issuer via online banking, mobile banking, or email.

Like the Target REDCard, Kohl’s credit card does not offer any annual fee as a registration payment. Also, users are required to have a good to excellent credit score. The balance transfer fee of Kohl’s credit card is also like Target REDCard. You must pay a 3% fee for the balance transfer in the four months. Later it will increase to 5% r $5 for each balance transfer. This Card does not offer a 0% Introductory offer and requires a high intro APR of 25.99%.

Kohl’s Card VS Discover it Cash Back

Discover it Cashback card offers a 5% cashback on daily purchases of grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. Also, you can get an automatic 1% cash back on all eligible purchases. The Card offers a 0% Intro APR for the first fifteen months; after that, you have to maintain an APR of 13.49% and 24.49% variable. The Card charges a 5% fee for balance transfers.

On the other hand, Kohl’s credit card does not offer any rewards rate on spending. It offers an intro offer of 35% off on any first purchase. You can also get a 15% discount on one purchase if you have received your credit card through the mail. Additionally, the Card offers a special bonus on your card anniversary. Moreover, you can become the Most Valued Customer after spending $600 and get offers like free shipping and a gift card.

Similar to the Discover credit card, Kohl’s credit card does not charge any annual fee. The balance transfer fee of Kohl’s credit card is similar to the Discover it Cash Back card. You must pay a 3% fee for the balance transfer in the four months. Later it will increase to 5% r $5 for each balance transfer. Kohl’s Charge credit card does not offer a 0% Introductory offer but requires an intro APR of 25.99%, which is high compared to Discover it Cash Back.

Kohl’s Card Vs. Chase Freedom Unlimited

The Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card offers a bonus of $200 to its new card members on the spending of $500 within the first three months. The Card offers 5% cash back on purchases of travel booked via Chase and 3% cash back on dining purchases. New cardholders can also get a 5% cashback offer on purchases of gas stations if they spend $6,000 within the first year.

Comparatively, Kohl’s credit card offers no reward rates for purchases. It has a welcome offer of 35% off on any first purchase. It also offers a 15% discount on one purchase if your credit card is received through the mail. Moreover, it offers the status of Most Valued Customer to its cardholders if they spend $600. They can get offers like free shipping and a gift card after becoming MVC. Additionally, you can also get a special offer on your card anniversary.

The Chase Credit Card does not offer any annual fee. It comes with a 0% Intro APR for the first fifteen months. After these months, users must maintain an APR of 16.49% and 25.24% variables. The Card charges multiple fees, such as a foreign transaction fee of 3%, a balance transfer fee of 3% or $5, and a late penalty payment fee of more than $40.

Similar to the Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card, Kohl’s credit card does not offer any annual fee. The balance transfer fee of both cards is the same. Kohl’s credit card does not charge a high late payment penalty. The Card also does not offer a 0% Introductory offer. Unlike Chase Freedom Unlimited Credit Card, this Card requires users to maintain a high intro APR of 25.99%.

Kohl’s Card Vs. Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express 

Blue Cash Everyday Card from American Express offers a 3% cash back on all purchases of grocery stores and supermarkets in the US after spending $6,000 yearly. Users can also get 3% cash back on purchases from US retail stores on the spending of $6,000 yearly, 3% cash back on gas stations, and 1% cash back on all other eligible purchases.

In comparison, Kohl’s credit card does not offer reward offers on spending. It has a welcome offer of 35% off on any first purchase. It also has a 15% discount on one purchase if your credit card is received through the mail. Moreover, you can become the Most Valued Customer after spending $600 and get offers like free shipping and a gift card. Additionally, you can also get a special offer on your card anniversary.

Blue Cash Everyday Card offers a 0% Intro APR for the first fifteen months on all purchases and balance transfers. After that, users are required to maintain an APR of 16.24% to 27.24% variable. Moreover, the American Express credit card offers multiple perks for different categories, including travel, shopping and entertainment, restaurant, and grocery stores.

Like the Blue Cash Everyday Card, Kohl’s credit card does not offer any annual fee. The balance transfer fee of Kohl’s credit card is also like Blue Cash Everyday Card. You must pay a 3% fee for balance transfers and $40 or above for a late payment penalty. Kohl’s credit card requires users to have an intro APR of 25.99%, which is lower.

FAQs

Which Bank Issues the Kohl’s Credit Card?

The issuer of Kohl’s Charge card is Capital One bank. The Card is a store card; you can only use it at Kohls.com or Kohl’s stores.

Does Kohl’s Credit Card Help You Build Credit?

Although Kohl’s credit card is a store card, it still needs to give reports to three credit bureaus. These reports are about your balances, credit limit, and credit history. So, Kohl’s credit card will help you build your credit. The Card needs users to have a good to excellent credit score that ranges from 670 to 850.

You must remember an important point about credit score or credit building. The cards that help you build your credit can also harm your credit score or history. And this only happens when you cannot pay the payments on time. To avoid any issues, make your payments every month and on time.

What Is the Credit Limit of Kohl’s Charge Card?

Kohl’s credit card offers users a credit limit of $300. Some users also experienced an initial credit limit of $800 with Kohl’s credit card. It is good to have a high credit limit so you can spend more and will be able to get an intro offer and other yearly rewards of Kohl’s Charge card.

Where Can You Use Kohl’s Card?

The major drawback of Kohl’s credit card is that you can’t use the Card for any other purchases of different categories. With Kohl’s Charge card, you can only be allowed to make purchases at Kohl’s stores and Kohls.com.

How Do You Pay Your Kohl’s Card?

There are several ways to pay Kohl’s credit balance. You can make payments online by online banking, phone on the provided contact number, mail or email, and by visiting the Kohl’s store.

How Does the Kohl’s Credit Card Work?

Kohl’s credit card offers an intro offer to its new cardholders. With this offer, users can get 35% off on their first purchase. The Card also offers 15% off if you receive your Card in the mail. Also, you can get multiple offers throughout the year that are specific to mail.

Is the Kohl’s Card Worth It?

The worthiness of Kohl’s credit card depends on its usage. The Card is best for you if you are a regular or frequent consumer of Kohl’s stores. You must know that you can’t use a card other than Kohl’s stores or Kohls.com. Similarly, you can also use your rewards at Kohl’s stores only.

Although, Kohl’s credit card automatically notifies its users about any upcoming Kohl’s event. But users must keep an eye on the special offers, promotional dates, or bonus coupons. Because if you miss any reward or bonus, you can’t get that again.

Conclusion

Kohl’s credit card is worthy for regular shoppers of Kohl’s stores. If you are a regular user of Kohl’s stores, this credit card will bring many benefits and perks to you. It would be best to remember that Kohl’s credit cards are not eligible for other stores, shops, and grocery items. You can only use the Card at Kohl’s stores or Kohls.com.

Kohl’s credit card automatically notifies its cardholders about any upcoming Kohl’s event, promotional days, or bonus offers. But it is necessary to keep an eye on the special offers or bonus coupons from Kohl’s credit card. Because if you miss any reward or bonus, it will not appear again.

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Robert Ferry

We are an unbiased knowledge center for finance and our goal is to help you make your own, educated decisions about getting your credit life turned around.