Kohl’s Credit Card Review

The Kohl’s Credit Card is a basic store credit card only good for shopping at Kohl’s. Like most store cards, you don’t need perfect credit to get it, but the price for relatively easy access is a high APR, so you’ll want to use this card for discounts rather than carrying a balance. 

Luckily, the discounts are plentiful, especially if you’re a frequent shopper who spends a lot with Kohl’s. Cardholders get 35% off their first purchase as well as additional discount coupons throughout the year. Perhaps the biggest draw is the ability to combine offers with Kohl’s free loyalty programs: Yes2You Rewards and Kohl’s Cash.

• Big discounts: Besides getting 35% off your first purchase once you’re approved for the card, you’ll get regular discount offers on Kohl’s merchandise, (like coupons for 15% to 30% off.) Even better, these can typically be used with other rewards from Kohl’s, like Kohl’s Cash (where you get a $10 coupon for every $50 you spend) and points from the Yes2You program.
• May be easy to qualify for: If your goal is building your credit history, this card is worth considering, since good credit is not a prerequisite, as it is with many general rewards cards. (A fair credit score of 580 to 669 is recommended for this card.) 

• Only for purchases made at Kohl’s: Since this is a store card, you can’t use it like a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
• High APR: It’s pretty standard for store cards to have higher APRs than general rewards cards, and the Kohl’s Credit Card is no exception. Avoid carrying a balance if at all possible, or the finance charges will quickly erase the benefit of all your discounts.

Once you’re approved for this card, you’ll get 35% off the first eligible purchase you charge. Other store cards offer a 10% or 20% discount, if anything, so this is more than competitive. If you combine dollar-off discounts from Kohl’s Cash or Yes2You Rewards, they will be applied before the percentage off is calculated. You’ll also receive a 15% coupon when your card arrives in the mail.

Unlike some store credit cards, the Kohl’s Credit Card doesn’t offer rewards based on your spending. Instead, you’ll receive regular discount offers in the mail throughout the year, such as coupons for a percentage off of eligible purchases.

You can, however, still earn rewards for spending at Kohl’s, and you should make sure to combine these rewards with the coupons from your card to maximize your savings. Sign up for Kohl’s Yes2You Rewards program to earn points per dollar spent. You can also shop during limited-time Kohl’s Cash events, and as long as you spend enough, you’ll earn Kohl’s Cash toward future purchases.

In addition, spending at least $600 on your Kohl’s Credit Card each calendar year makes you a “Most Valued Customer.” This qualifies you for a birthday gift, more discounts, and free shipping events. 

You can reach customer service by phone or online chat. Kohl’s also offers a mobile app, which keeps track of all your rewards and includes a mobile payment option known as Kohl’s Pay that’s integrated with your Kohl’s Credit Card. 

Kohl’s doesn’t promote any stand-out security features on its card. However, the company has started putting 3-digit CVV security codes on the back of its cards and says you may soon be required to use them when shopping at Kohls.com.

The Kohl’s Credit Card has relatively standard fees as store cards go, including a high APR.