What the Burlington Coat Factory Credit Card Is
The Burlington Coat Factory credit card is a store card issued by Comenity Bank that you can use at Burlington stores and online. It works like most retail cards: you get a credit line to spend at that retailer, you receive a monthly bill, and you build a credit history based on how you pay. The card offers discounts and rewards on purchases, but it only works at Burlington locations — you cannot use it at other stores.
The card comes in two versions: a regular credit card and a Mastercard version that works anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The Mastercard version gives you more flexibility, but both versions report to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), which means your payment history affects your credit score.
Key Takeaways
- The Burlington card is a store credit card issued by Comenity Bank that you can use at Burlington locations and online, with a Mastercard version available for use anywhere.
- The card reports to all three credit bureaus, so on-time payments help your credit score and missed payments hurt it.
- You receive discounts and rewards on purchases, but the exact terms change periodically and depend on current promotions.
- Your credit score, income, and credit history determine whether you are approved and what credit limit you receive.
- Store cards typically carry higher interest rates than general-purpose credit cards, so carrying a balance costs more.
How to Understand the Rewards and Discounts
Burlington runs rotating promotions on the card rather than a fixed rewards program. You might see offers like 10 percent off your first purchase, or special discounts during holiday shopping periods. These promotions change throughout the year, so the discount you get when you first open the card may not be the same one available next month.
The card also typically offers a discount on your birthday month and points or rewards on certain purchase categories, though the specific terms vary. Before you open the card, check the current offer on Burlington's website or ask in-store, because the promotion available today is what you will actually receive — not a permanent feature of the card.
Interest Rates and Fees You Should Know
The Burlington card carries an interest rate (called the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR) that varies based on your credit score and creditworthiness. Store cards typically have higher APRs than general-purpose credit cards — you might see rates ranging from the high teens to the mid-20s, depending on your credit profile. If you carry a balance from month to month, you pay interest on that balance at this rate.
The card does not charge an annual fee to hold it, which is common for store cards. However, if you miss a payment or go over your credit limit, late fees and over-limit fees may explore. The exact amounts depend on Comenity Bank's current fee schedule, which you can find in the card's terms and conditions.
What Happens When You explore
When you explore for the Burlington card — either in-store or online — Comenity Bank pulls your credit report and reviews your credit score, income, and payment history. This pull is called a hard inquiry and it temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. The bank then decides whether to approve you and, if approved, what credit limit to give you.
You typically receive a decision within minutes if you explore online or in-store. If approved, your card arrives by mail within one to two weeks. If denied, the bank sends you a letter explaining the reason, and you can contact Comenity Bank to ask about reapplying in the future or requesting a reconsideration.
How This Card Affects Your Credit Score
Opening the card creates a new account on your credit report, which lowers your score slightly in the short term because of the hard inquiry and the new account. Over time, on-time payments raise your score because payment history is the largest factor in credit scoring. Carrying a high balance relative to your credit limit (called high utilization) lowers your score, even if you pay on time.
If you pay your full balance each month and keep your balance low relative to your limit, the card can help your credit score over time. If you miss payments or carry a high balance, the card will damage your score. The card reports to all three bureaus, so the impact shows up on your full credit profile.
Store Card vs. General-Purpose Credit Card
A store card like Burlington's works only at that retailer (or on the Mastercard version, anywhere Mastercard is accepted). A general-purpose card like Visa or Mastercard works at any merchant that accepts that network. Store cards usually have higher interest rates and lower credit limits than general-purpose cards, but they offer discounts and rewards specific to that store.
If you shop at Burlington regularly, the discounts may offset the higher interest rate — but only if you pay your balance in full each month. If you carry a balance, the higher interest rate costs you more than the discount saves you. A general-purpose card with a lower APR might be cheaper overall if you do not pay in full monthly.
When a Store Card Makes Sense
The Burlington card makes sense if you shop there regularly, have good credit (which means you get a lower APR), and pay your balance in full each month. In that scenario, you get the discounts without paying interest, and you build credit history with on-time payments. The card also works well if you want to build or rebuild credit, because store cards are sometimes easier to get approved for than general-purpose cards.
The card does not make sense if you carry a balance month to month, because the higher APR means you pay more in interest than you save in discounts. It also does not make sense if you rarely shop at Burlington or if you have poor credit and would receive a very high APR. In those cases, a general-purpose card with a lower rate or a secured card designed for credit building would serve you better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Burlington card at other stores?
The regular Burlington card works only at Burlington locations and online. The Mastercard version works anywhere Mastercard is accepted, giving you more flexibility. Check which version you have on your card or in your account.
What is the credit limit on the Burlington card?
Your credit limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history. Comenity Bank decides the limit when you are approved. You can contact Comenity Bank to ask about increasing your limit after you have had the card for several months and made on-time payments.
Does explore for the Burlington card hurt my credit score?
Yes, the hard inquiry lowers your score by a few points temporarily. Opening a new account also lowers your score slightly. Over time, on-time payments raise your score back up and beyond where it was before, so the short-term impact is usually worth it if you use the card responsibly.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment triggers a late fee and raises your interest rate. The missed payment also appears on your credit report and significantly damages your credit score. If you miss a payment, contact Comenity Bank as soon as possible to bring your account current and discuss your options.
Can I pay my Burlington card bill online?
Yes, you can pay online through Comenity Bank's website or by phone. You can also set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on the due date each month. Paying online is faster and more reliable than mailing a check.