By now, it’s a shopping standard: you get up to the check-out counter and the associate asks if you want to save money by signing up for the store’s branded credit card.
Well… of course you want to save money! But is the credit card really worth it?
In this review, we’re taking a serious look at Kohl’s and its Kohl’s Charge card to answer that question.
The Kohl’s Charge Card at a Glance
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| Kohl’s Charge Card | |
| Main Benefits |
|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| APR | 24.99% (variable) |
| Late Fee | up to $38 |
The Kohl’s Charge card is also referred to as the Kohl’s credit card and can only be utilized at Kohl’s and kohls.com.
Who Is the Kohl’s Charge Card Best For?
This store-branded card is most useful for shoppers who frequent the retail chain often and those who aren’t bothered by combining multiple discount programs. You’ll need these to find the best possible price (we’ll explain more in the Drawbacks section of this review).
Who Should Skip This Card in Favor of an Alternative Rewards Credit Card?
Shoppers who don’t visit Kohl’s very often, or those who want a simple and straightforward rewards program with everyday rewards on every purchase.
Kohl’s Charge Card Benefits
The Kohl’s Charge card is a bit different than other store-branded cards in that it doesn’t give shoppers an everyday discount. Instead, cardholders get access throughout the year to extra savings offers, defined as additional discounts on its sale prices.
Cardholders receive their special offers in the form of mailers that arrive in the mail throughout the year. Printed on the cover of the mailer is a discount for either 15%, 20%, or 30% off of your entire purchase in-store or online for the offer period, which is usually a fairly limited amount of time (a couple days).
Another main benefit is the 35% discount on a customer’s first purchase in-store or online.
Of course, there are several restrictions including (but not limited to):
- Gift cards
- Beauty and fragrance
- Prestige brands of cosmetics and skincare
- Select electronics
- Consumables
- Premium sunglasses
- Sporting goods and sports team merchandise, including many popular brands like Nike, Columbia, Dyson, Under Armour, etc.
Additionally, shoppers get another 15% off discount when the credit card arrives in the mail. The same stipulations as the 35% off discount apply here as well.
The last main benefit of the Kohl’s Charge card is the opportunity to become an MVC (Most Valued Customer) after spending $600 on the card per calendar year. With the upgrade to MVC, shoppers will receive an additional special offers throughout the year (including a birthday gift) and free shipping events.
Additional Card Features
The Kohl’s credit card has a few additional notable features:
- $0 annual fee
- Receipt-free returns on purchases made with the card
- Advance notification of Kohl’s Charge sales events
- Access to My Kohl’s Charge online account management platform
Fees and Drawbacks of the Kohl’s Charge Card
One of the biggest drawbacks of the Kohl’s Charge card is not having the ability to use rewards anytime. Your special offers are only good for a certain period of time — if you miss it, you’re out of luck.
Additionally, your rewards can get confusing because Kohl’s offers 2 other programs independent of the Kohl’s Charge card: Yes2You Rewards and Kohl’s Cash.
- Yes2You earns shoppers 1 point for every $1 spent, earning a $5 reward for every 100 points. Yes2You members also get a free birthday gift and opportunities to earn bonus points.
- Kohl’s Cash is a program where shoppers earn $10 Kohl’s Cash for every $50 they spend. The coupon is sent via email if you shop online, given as a coupon when you shop in-store, or is available at an in-store kiosk. It is also available in your Kohl’s Wallet if you have an online account. You can’t use Kohl’s Cash for gift cards or Kohl’s Cares merchandise.
Hot Tip: The special offers from your Kohl’s Charge card can be combined with Yes2You points rewards AND Kohl’s Cash. They cannot be combined with Yes2You savings or percent-off offers. The Kohl’s Charge card percent-off coupon is applied after all other discounts are taken.
The bad news is that discounts can only be stacked when the promotion dates overlap. This can get really confusing if you have a tough time keeping track of your coupons and their respective promo dates. It can also really frustrating if you’ve got a busy schedule and miss out on the prime days to save or miss out on your promo dates altogether.
Another big drawback of the Kohl’s Charge card is the high APR. At 24.99%, cardholders who carry a balance will accrue hefty interest fees quickly, especially with low minimum payments stretched over long periods of time. Additionally, late fees will cost you up to $38.
Alternative Rewards Credit Cards (Our Recommendations)
If you don’t shop at Kohl’s very often or don’t think you can keep up with its confusing rewards program scheme, there are several other rewards-based cash-back credit cards that are worth your consideration.
Many of these cards can earn you savings anywhere — and some even have bonuses in popular everyday spending categories (vs. only at Kohl’s).
You should also consider these cards if you want the versatility of spending your cash-back rewards however you wish, instead of earning coupons that are only valid at Kohl’s.
Here are some other rewards cards to consider:
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!
(at Amex's secure site)
Apply With Confidence
Know if you're approved withno credit score impact
If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
This cash-back card offers a capped 3% at U.S. supermarkets, 3% at U.S. gas stations, and 3% on U.S. online retail purchases!
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$200
$0
19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
When it comes to cash-back credit cards, there are dozens of options to choose from. So what sets the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Expressapart from the rest?
This card is excellent at earning cash-back on your everyday purchases at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and on U.S. online retail purchases. So if you regularly spend money on everyday purchases, this could be the perfect card to add to your wallet.
Pros
- 3% back on purchases at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
- 3% back on purchases at U.S. gas stations on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
- 3% back on purchases on online retail purchases on up to $6,000 in purchases each year, then 1% back after.
Cons
- Rewards are not flexible and can only be redeemed for cash-back. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit.
Read Full Review
- Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- No Annual Fee.
- Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
- Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
- Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 15 months
- Foreign Transaction Fees:2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
HIGHEST CASH BACK
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.
(at Amex's secure site)
Apply With Confidence
Know if you're approved withno credit score impact
If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
This card is great for those who want to earn cash-back with U.S. supermarkets, U.S. streaming subscriptions, transit, and U.S. gas stations.
Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
$250
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
The Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express is a stellar cash-back credit card for those looking to maximize every purchase they make.
With bonus categories like U.S. supermarkets, select U.S. streaming services, U.S. gas stations, and transit purchases, this card rewards you for the items you spend the most on in a big way! For those looking to earn up to 6% cash-back on their purchases, this could be the card for you!
Pros
- 6% cash-back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year)
- 6% cash-back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions
- 3% cash-back on U.S. gas stations and transit (including rideshares, parking, etc.)
Cons
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95 annual fee (rates and fees)
Read Full Review
- Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Enjoy $0 intro plan fees when you use Plan It® to split up large purchases into monthly installments. Pay $0 intro plan fees on plans created during the first 12 months from the date of account opening. Plans created after that will have a monthly plan fee up to 1.33% of each eligible purchase amount moved into a plan based on the plan duration, the APR that would otherwise apply to the purchase, and other factors.
- Low Intro APR: 0% on purchases and balance transfers for 12 months from the date of account opening. After that, your APR will be a variable APR of 19.24% - 29.99%.
- 6% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%).
- 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations.
- 3% Cash Back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more).
- 1% Cash Back on other purchases.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit on Amazon.com at checkout.
- $84 Disney Bundle Credit: With your enrolled Blue Cash Preferred Card, spend $9.99 or more each month on an auto-renewing Disney Bundle subscription, to receive a monthly statement credit of $7. Valid only at Disney Plus.com, Hulu.com or Plus.espn.com in the U.S.
- Terms Apply.
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 19.24%-29.99% Variable,0% on purchases for 12 months
- Foreign Transaction Fees:2.7% of each transaction after conversion to US dollars.
Rewards Center
Redeem cash-back through your American Express account
Alternatively, if you love to travel (or want to travel more) consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred® card which is one of the best travel rewards cards.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.
A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
(at Chase's secure site)
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.
Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
60,000 points
$1,200
$95
21.49%-28.49% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)
The Chase Sapphire Preferred® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.
Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.
Pros
- 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
- 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
- 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
Cons
- $95annual fee
- No elite benefits like airport lounge access orhotel elite status
Read Full Review
- Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
- Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
- Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
- Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
- Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
- Member FDIC
Financial Snapshot
- APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
- Foreign Transaction Fees:None
Rewards Center
Chase Ultimate Rewards
These Chase points are extremely valuable when used correctly!
Applying for the Kohl’s Charge Card
You can apply for a Kohl’s Charge card in-store or online. Kohl’s indicates that if you prequalify when applying that there is no impact to your credit score, meaning no hard pull.
In general, you’ll likely need a fair credit score to be approved, although those with slightly lower scores have noted approval in the past.
Kohl’s states that upon credit review, some applicants will be approved instantly (and there are many instant approval credit cards out there). However, some applications for this credit card may need further review resulting in a 7 to 10 day waiting period. Additionally, applicants should note that the age requirement is 18 years+ to apply.
Kohl’s Charge Card Login and Account Management
Kohl’s provides cardholders with My Kohl’s Charge, an online portal where users can log in and manage their accounts.
Within this platform, users can perform the following actions:
- Access account information
- Monitor transactions
- Pay your bill
- Sign up for paperless statements
- Request a credit line increase
Cardholders can also access their account anytime once they are logged in at kohls.com.
Final Thoughts
For avid Kohl’s shoppers, the Kohl’s Charge card is a no-brainer. You’re probably already used to monitoring the promotion dates with your Yes2You Rewards and Kohl’s Cash, so what’s a few more promo periods to throw in the mix?
If you don’t shop at Kohl’s often or you simply can’t keep track of various coupons and their respective promo dates, then this isn’t the card for you.
It also isn’t the card for you if you need a card for everyday use or are looking for rewards with every purchase you make — try a more general cash-back credit card.
Finally, if you’re hopping on the points and miles train, this definitely isn’t the card for you. In that case, you’ll want a travel rewards credit card instead.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Everyday® from American Express, clickhere.
For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here.
