Kat Tretina
September 13, 2019
• 3 Minute Read
Kohl’s is one of the biggest department stores in the United States. Operating over 1,100 stores in the country, the chain appeals to budget-conscious shoppers.
If you’re a frequent Kohl’s shopper and want to save even more money, you might be thinking of signing up for the Kohl’s Charge Card. But is it right for you?
How the Kohl’s Charge Card Works
The Kohl’s Charge Card is a retail card, which means it can only be used at Kohl’s stores and online at Kohls.com. That’s pretty typical of a store-branded card, but one thing to keep in mind is that the Kohl’s card has a very high APR. Carrying a balance will cost you in interest fees.
Rewards
The Kohl’s Charge Card doesn’t have a rewards program, so you won’t earn cash back or points that you can redeem when you make a purchase.
Benefits
As a store card, the Kohl’s Charge Card does offer some valuable benefits:
- 12 special offers per year: As a Kohl’s card member, you’ll get access to at least 12 special discounts and promotions throughout the year.
- 35% your first Kohl’s Charge Card purchase: Once you sign up for a Kohl’s Charge Card, you’ll get a 35% discount off your first purchase.
- 15% off when your card arrives: Once your card arrives in the mail, you’ll get a 15% off coupon to use in-store or online.
- Receipt-free returns: As a cardholder, you don’t have to worry about holding onto your Kohl’s receipts. You can return your purchases without one.
- Qualify for additional discounts: If you spend at least $600 within a calendar year, you’ll become a Kohl’s Most Valued Customer (MVC). As an MVC, you’ll get at least six additional promotional offers each year.
Terms and Fees
The Kohl’s Charge Card doesn’t have an annual fee, so there’s no cost to adding to the card to your wallet. However, it does have a much higher-than-average APR. As of June 2019, the APR was a whopping 27.24%.
However, that APR may not affect you. You can avoid paying interest charges at all by paying off your statement balance in full each month.
How to apply for a Kohl’s Charge Card
You can apply for a Kohl’s Charge Card online or in-store.
One nice perk that Kohl’s offers is the ability to see if you’re pre-qualified for a card. You can find out if you’re eligible for the card, without impacting your credit score.
Once you’re ready to apply, you’ll need to provide the following information:
- Name
- Address
- Social Security number
- Phone number
- Total household income
- Monthly housing payment
In most cases, you’ll receive a decision right away. If you’re denied, you’ll receive a letter in the mail detailing the reason why.
Alternatives to the Kohl’s Charge Card
If you shop at Kohl’s often and want to take advantage of special sales and discounts, the Kohl’s Charge Card can be a smart option. As long as you pay off your balance in full each month, you won’t have to worry about interest charges or fees, so you can just enjoy the promotional offers you’ll receive as a card member.
However, if you’re looking for a card you can use outside of Kohl’s, consider these alternatives.
1. Discover it Cash Back
You can use the Discover it® Cash Back card anywhere Discover® is accepted, including major retailers and online sites. Discover® offers a robust rewards program, allowing you to earn 5% cash back on rotating spending categories each quarter. And, you’ll earn 1% cash back on all other purchases. As an added bonus, Discover® will match the cash back you earned during your first year, doubling your rewards.
2. Secured Mastercard® from Capital One
If you’re considering a retail card because your credit score is less-than-perfect, another option is to apply for a secured credit card. The Secured Mastercard® from Capital One has no annual fee. We will monitor your account, and as you use it responsibly by doing things like making on-time payments, you may be able to earn back your deposit as a statement credit.
*Information for this card not reviewed by or provided by Capital One
Looking for a new credit card? Check out the best credit cards of 2019.
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