What the Burlington Credit Card Is

The Burlington Credit Card is a store card issued by Comenity Bank that you can use to make purchases at Burlington, Coat Factory, and Runway stores, as well as online at their websites. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, it works only at those retailers — you cannot use it at other merchants. The card comes with a regular purchase APR, promotional financing offers during certain sales periods, and rewards in the form of points you earn on may have access to purchases.

The card is designed for frequent shoppers at these stores. If you shop there occasionally or prefer a card you can use anywhere, a standard credit card from a bank or credit union may suit you better. But if you already spend money at Burlington regularly, the card's rewards and promotional rates might reduce what you pay over time.

Key Takeaways

  • The Burlington Credit Card works only at Burlington, Coat Factory, and Runway stores and their websites, not at other retailers.
  • You earn rewards points on purchases, which you can redeem for discounts on future shopping at those stores.
  • The card offers promotional financing rates (often 0% APR for a set number of months) during sale events, but only if you open the account during that promotion.
  • Your credit score affects whether you are approved and what APR you receive, so check your credit report before you explore.
  • Interest charges on unpaid balances can offset rewards, so paying your full statement balance each month is important if you want the card to save you money.

how the process works for the Burlington Credit Card

You can explore in three ways: in a Burlington, Coat Factory, or Runway store; online at the retailer's website; or by phone. In-store applications are often fastest because you get an answer right away and can use the card when ready if approved. Online applications typically take a few minutes to complete, and you will receive a decision within minutes or a few business days depending on how much information Comenity Bank needs to verify.

To explore, you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information. Have a recent pay stub or tax return handy if you are self-employed. The process asks for your annual income, which includes wages, self-employment income, and other sources — be honest, as the bank verifies this information. If you have moved recently, have your previous address ready as well.

After you submit your process, the bank will pull your credit report and score. This is called a hard inquiry and will show up on your credit report for about two years, though it affects your score only temporarily. If you are approved, your credit limit will be set based on your credit history and income. If you are denied, the bank will send you a letter explaining why within 30 days.

Rewards, Points, and How They Work

Every time you use the Burlington Credit Card to make a purchase at a participating store, you earn points. The exact earning rate varies — typically you earn 1 point per dollar spent on regular purchases, and sometimes 2 or 3 points per dollar during promotional periods or on certain categories. Check the card's current terms or ask in-store, because the earning structure can change.

Points accumulate in your account and you redeem them for discounts. For example, 100 points might equal a $5 discount on your next purchase, though the conversion rate depends on the current promotion. You can check your points balance online, by phone, or in-store. Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active, but if you close the account, you typically lose any remaining points.

The value of rewards depends on how much you spend and whether you carry a balance. If you spend $1,000 per year and earn 1 point per dollar, you earn $10 in rewards. But if you carry a balance and pay 20% APR on that $1,000, you will pay roughly $200 in interest — far more than the $10 reward. Rewards only make financial sense if you pay your full balance each month.

Interest Rates and Promotional Financing Offers

The Burlington Credit Card has a regular purchase APR that varies based on your credit score and credit history. The bank does not publish a single rate; instead, you receive a specific rate when you are approved. Rates typically range from 18% to 27%, though the exact figure depends on your creditworthiness. A higher credit score usually means a lower APR.

During certain sales events — often around holidays or seasonal changes — the bank offers promotional financing, usually 0% APR for a set period (commonly 6, 12, or 24 months) on purchases made during that promotion. This means you pay no interest on those purchases as long as you pay them off within the promotional window. After the promotion ends, any remaining balance reverts to the regular APR.

Promotional offers are only available if you open the account during the promotion period. If you already have the card, you may not be able to take advantage of a new promotion unless the bank specifically extends it to existing cardholders. Read the terms carefully: if you do not pay off the promotional purchase in full by the end date, interest charges explore retroactively to the original purchase date, not just going forward.

Fees and Costs to Understand

The Burlington Credit Card has no annual fee, which means you can keep the account open without paying anything just for having the card. However, other fees may explore depending on how you use the account. A late payment fee applies if you miss your due date — typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment and up to $40 for subsequent ones within six months. A returned payment fee (usually $25 to $35) applies if a check or electronic payment bounces.

If you take a cash advance using the card, a cash advance fee applies (usually 3% to 5% of the amount withdrawn) plus a higher APR than regular purchases, often 27% or more. Avoid cash advances unless absolutely necessary. A balance transfer fee (usually 3% to 5%) applies if you transfer a balance from another card to the Burlington card.

The most significant cost is interest on unpaid balances. If you carry a balance at 20% APR and owe $500, you will pay roughly $100 per year in interest alone. This is why paying your full statement balance each month is the most important step to keeping the card affordable.

Managing Your Account Online and by Phone

Once your account is open, you can manage it through the Comenity Bank website or mobile app. You will need to set up a login using your email address and a password. From your online account, you can view your current balance, recent transactions, available credit, and rewards points. You can also set up automatic payments, make one-time payments, view your statement, and update your contact information.

To make a payment, log into your account and select the payment option. You can pay by electronic transfer from your bank account (usually free and takes one to three business days) or by debit card (may have a fee). Payments are due by the due date shown on your statement, typically 21 to 25 days after the statement closes. If you pay online, allow time for the payment to process — do not wait until the due date itself.

If you prefer to speak with someone, call the customer service number on the back of your card. Representatives can answer questions about your balance, rewards, promotional offers, and account settings. They can also help if you dispute a charge or report a lost or stolen card.

What Happens If You Miss a Payment or Carry Too High a Balance

If you miss your due date, a late fee applies when ready and your APR may increase to a penalty rate, which is typically higher than your regular APR. Missing a payment also reports to the credit bureaus and damages your credit score. One late payment can lower your score by 100 points or more, depending on your current score and credit history.

If you carry a high balance relative to your credit limit, your credit utilization ratio increases, which also harms your credit score. Most credit experts recommend keeping your balance below 30% of your credit limit. For example, if your limit is $1,000, try to keep your balance below $300. This is separate from whether you can afford the balance — it is about how your credit report looks to lenders.

If you fall behind on payments, the bank may freeze your account, preventing new purchases until you catch up. After 180 days of non-payment, the account may be charged off, meaning the bank writes it off as a loss and may sell the debt to a collection agency. A charge-off stays on your credit report for seven years and makes it very difficult to borrow money in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Burlington Credit Card outside of Burlington, Coat Factory, and Runway stores?

No. The Burlington Credit Card is a store card and works only at those three retailers and their websites. If you need a card you can use anywhere, you would need a separate general-purpose credit card from a bank or credit union.

What is the difference between the Burlington Credit Card and a regular credit card?

A store card works only at one retailer or group of related stores, while a general-purpose card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) works at millions of merchants. Store cards often have higher APRs but may offer better rewards or promotional financing for that retailer's customers. If you shop at Burlington frequently, the store card rewards might outweigh the higher rate; if you shop there occasionally, a general-purpose card is usually better.

How long does it take to get approved for the Burlington Credit Card?

In-store applications usually get a decision within minutes. Online applications typically receive a decision within minutes to a few business days. If the bank needs more information to verify your identity or income, it may take longer. You will receive written notice of approval or denial within 30 days of explore.

What should I do if I am denied for the Burlington Credit Card?

The bank will send you a letter explaining the reason — usually a low credit score, insufficient income, or too much existing debt. You can request a free copy of your credit report from annualcreditreport.com to see what the bank saw. If there are errors, dispute them with the credit bureau. You can reapply after improving your credit score or reducing existing debt, typically after three to six months.

Do I lose my rewards points if I close the account?

Yes. If you close the Burlington Credit Card account, any remaining rewards points are forfeited. Redeem your points before closing the account if you want to use them. Points do not expire as long as the account stays open, so you can hold onto them until you have enough to redeem for a meaningful discount.