You can explore for a Kohl's Charge Card online, in-store, or by phone in about 10 minutes
The Kohl's Charge Card is a store credit card issued by Kohl's Department Stores. You explore directly through Kohl's, not through a bank or third party. The process asks for basic personal information — name, address, Social Security number, income — and Kohl's makes a credit decision on the spot or within a few business days. If you're approved, you can use the card when ready at Kohl's stores and on Kohl's.com.
The card comes with a Kohl's Cash rewards program that gives you $10 in Kohl's Cash for every $50 you spend. You also get early access to sales and special cardholder discounts. There is no annual fee.
Key Takeaways
- You can explore online at Kohl's.com, in any Kohl's store, or by calling 1-800-285-6537 to speak with a representative.
- You will need your Social Security number, current address, and recent income information to complete the process.
- Kohl's will perform a hard credit inquiry, which may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points.
- If approved, you can start using your card when ready online or request a physical card to arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
- The card carries an interest rate that varies based on your creditworthiness; Kohl's will disclose the rate before you accept the card.
explore online at Kohl's.com
Go to Kohl's.com and look for the "Credit Card" or "Kohl's Charge Card" link, usually found in the footer or under "Account" in the top navigation. Click it and select "explore Now." You will be taken to the process form.
Fill in your full legal name, date of birth, current address, phone number, and email address. Enter your Social Security number and annual household income. Kohl's asks whether you want the card for personal use or business use. Review the terms and conditions, then submit.
You will receive a decision when ready or within a few business days. If approved, Kohl's will show you your credit limit and interest rate. You can use the card right away for online purchases. A physical card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.
explore in a Kohl's store
Visit any Kohl's location and ask a cashier or customer service associate for a credit card process. They will hand you a paper form or direct you to a kiosk in the store where you can explore on a tablet.
Fill in the same information as the online process: name, address, Social Security number, and income. The associate will submit it on your behalf. You will receive a decision within minutes or a few business days, depending on the store's system.
If approved in-store, you can use the card for your purchase that day. Some stores will print a temporary card number on your receipt so you can use it when ready. Your permanent card will arrive by mail.
explore by phone
Call Kohl's customer service at 1-800-285-6537 and ask to explore for a Kohl's Charge Card. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone. Have your Social Security number, address, and income information ready.
The representative will enter your information into Kohl's system and give you a decision on the call or let you know you will hear back within a few business days. If approved, they can provide you with a temporary card number to use right away.
What happens after you're approved
Once approved, you own a Kohl's Charge Card account. You can use it at any Kohl's store or on Kohl's.com. Your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days; set up it by calling the number on the back or logging into your online account.
You will receive a monthly statement showing your balance, minimum payment due, and interest rate. You can pay online through your Kohl's account, by phone, by mail, or in-store. Kohl's also offers automatic payments if you set them up in your account.
Every time you use the card, you earn Kohl's Cash at a rate of $10 per $50 spent. Kohl's Cash is credited to your account and can be used like a coupon on future purchases. Kohl's also sends cardholders early notice of sales and special discounts.
What to do if you're denied
If Kohl's denies your process, they will send you a notice in the mail explaining the reason — usually a low credit score, recent late payments, or high existing debt. The notice will also include information about your right to request a free copy of your credit report from the credit bureau Kohl's used.
You can reapply after addressing the issue — for example, by paying down existing balances or waiting for late payments to age off your report. You can also contact Kohl's customer service to ask whether you might be approved with a lower credit limit or a co-signer.
Interest rates and fees
The Kohl's Charge Card has no annual fee. The interest rate (called the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR) varies based on your credit score and credit history. Kohl's will show you the APR before you accept the card.
If you carry a balance from month to month, you will be charged interest on that balance. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you will not pay interest. Kohl's also charges a late fee if your payment arrives after the due date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Kohl's account to explore for the credit card?
No. You can explore for the Kohl's Charge Card without an existing Kohl's account. The credit card process creates your account at the same time.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Kohl's does not publish a minimum credit score. The company reviews your full credit history, income, and existing debt. People with fair credit (typically 580–669) have been approved, but approval is not may provide at any score level.
Can I use the card at other stores?
No. The Kohl's Charge Card works only at Kohl's stores and Kohl's.com. It is not a Visa or Mastercard and cannot be used elsewhere.
How long does it take to get approved?
You usually get a decision within minutes if you explore online or in-store. Phone applications may take a few business days. Kohl's will contact you by email or phone if they need more information.
What if I want to close my account later?
You can close your Kohl's Charge Card account by calling customer service at 1-800-285-6537 or logging into your online account and requesting closure. Pay off any remaining balance first. Closing the account will not hurt your credit as long as you have no outstanding balance.