What the Capital One Kohl's Card Does

The Capital One Kohl's Credit Card is a store card that works only at Kohl's and Kohl's.com. You use it to make purchases, and you earn rewards in the form of Kohl's Cash — a certificate you can spend on anything in the store. The card is issued by Capital One, a major bank, but the rewards and terms are specific to Kohl's.

Unlike a general-purpose credit card, this card has no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees (because you can only use it at Kohl's). The main trade-off is that you cannot use it anywhere else. If you shop at Kohl's regularly, the rewards structure may make it worth carrying alongside a general card for other purchases.

Key Takeaways

  • The Capital One Kohl's Card earns Kohl's Cash rewards at a rate that varies by purchase type — typically 1% on most items and higher on select categories.
  • Kohl's Cash is issued in certificates that expire 30 days after issue, so you must plan to spend it or lose it.
  • The card has no annual fee, but interest rates and credit limits depend on your credit history and Capital One's review of your process.
  • You can manage your account online through Capital One's website or the Kohl's mobile app, where you can view your balance and Kohl's Cash balance.
  • The card is a store card only — it cannot be used at other retailers or for cash withdrawals.

How Kohl's Cash Rewards Work

When you use the Capital One Kohl's Card, you earn Kohl's Cash based on what you buy. The earning rate is not flat across all purchases. Most regular items earn 1% Kohl's Cash, but Kohl's frequently runs promotions where certain categories — apparel, home goods, or beauty products — earn at higher rates, sometimes 2% or more. You can check the current earning rates on Kohl's.com or in the store.

Kohl's Cash arrives as a certificate in your account, usually within a few days of your purchase. The certificate has an expiration date printed on it — typically 30 days from issue. Once it expires, you cannot use it. This means you need to plan your next shopping trip around when your Kohl's Cash is set to expire, or you will lose the reward value.

You redeem Kohl's Cash by entering the certificate number at checkout, either in-store or online. There is no minimum amount you must spend to use it, and it works on sale items and clearance merchandise. However, it does not work on certain restricted items like gift cards or services.

Interest Rates and Fees

The Capital One Kohl's Card charges interest on balances you do not pay in full each month. The interest rate (called the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR) is not fixed — it depends on your credit score and history at the time you open the account. Capital One will tell you the APR when you are approved. Rates can range widely, so if you are considering this card, ask what rate you would receive before you formally open the account.

There is no annual fee to hold the card, which is standard for store cards. There are also no foreign transaction fees, though this does not matter since the card only works at Kohl's. Late payment fees explore if you miss a due date — the amount varies but is typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment. If you carry a balance, the interest charges will likely exceed any Kohl's Cash you earn, so the card works best if you pay your full balance each month.

Opening an Account and Getting Approved

You can open a Capital One Kohl's Card account in-store at Kohl's or online at Kohl's.com. In-store, a Kohl's associate can start the process at checkout or at the customer service desk. Online, you can explore through the Kohl's website. The process asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and income information. Capital One uses this to check your credit and decide whether to approve you.

Approval decisions usually come within minutes if you explore online or in-store. If you are approved, your card is either printed and mailed to you (which takes 7 to 10 business days) or activated when ready for online shopping while you wait for the physical card. If you are not approved, Capital One will tell you why — usually because of credit history or income — and you can reapply later.

You do not need an existing Capital One account to open a Kohl's Card. This is a standalone account managed through Capital One's website and the Kohl's app. Once approved, you can log in to view your balance, payment due date, and available Kohl's Cash.

Managing Your Account Online and by Phone

After you open your account, you manage it through Capital One's website (capitalone.com) or the Kohl's mobile app. Both let you view your current balance, recent transactions, and your Kohl's Cash balance and expiration dates. You can also set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on the same day each month, which helps you avoid late fees.

To make a payment, log into your account and select "Make a Payment." You can pay from a bank account or with another card. Payments typically post within one business day. If you prefer to pay by phone, you can call the number on the back of your card. Capital One also sends paper statements by mail if you request them, though online statements are the default.

If you have questions about your account, rewards, or a transaction, you can call the customer service number on the back of your card. Representatives can help you dispute a charge, explain your balance, or discuss payment options if you are having trouble paying.

When the Capital One Kohl's Card Makes Sense

This card is most useful if you shop at Kohl's regularly and can pay your balance in full each month. The Kohl's Cash rewards add up quickly if you spend $100 or more per month at Kohl's — you will earn $1 to $2 in Kohl's Cash per $100 spent, depending on promotions. Over a year, that can amount to $50 to $100 in store credit if you shop consistently.

The card is less useful if you shop at Kohl's only occasionally or if you carry a balance. Interest charges will quickly erase the value of Kohl's Cash rewards. Similarly, if you forget about the 30-day expiration on Kohl's Cash certificates, you may lose rewards before you can use them. Some people find it helpful to set a phone reminder when Kohl's Cash is issued so they remember to plan a shopping trip before it expires.

If you do not have an established credit history, opening a store card like this one can be easier than opening a general-purpose card, because store cards often have lower credit score requirements. However, the interest rate may be higher to reflect that risk.

Comparing This Card to Other Options

If you shop at multiple department stores, a general-purpose cash-back card (like a Capital One Quicksilver or a card from another issuer) may be more flexible, since you can use it anywhere and earn rewards at any retailer. However, those cards usually have an annual fee ($39 to $95) and earn rewards at a lower rate (typically 1% to 2% cash back).

If you shop primarily at Kohl's and want to maximize rewards, the Capital One Kohl's Card is designed for that purpose. The Kohl's Cash rewards are often higher than the cash-back rate on general cards, especially during promotional periods. The trade-off is that you can only use the rewards at Kohl's, and you cannot use the card elsewhere.

Some people carry both — a Kohl's Card for Kohl's purchases and a general card for everything else. This approach lets you earn higher rewards at Kohl's while keeping a card that works anywhere for other shopping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Capital One Kohl's Card outside of Kohl's?

No. The card works only at Kohl's stores and Kohl's.com. It cannot be used at other retailers, restaurants, gas stations, or ATMs. If you need a card for other purchases, you will need a separate general-purpose credit card.

What happens to my Kohl's Cash if I do not use it before it expires?

Kohl's Cash certificates expire 30 days after they are issued. Once the expiration date passes, you cannot use the certificate and the reward value is lost. There is no way to extend the expiration or transfer unused Kohl's Cash to a future date. Setting a phone reminder when Kohl's Cash is issued can help you remember to shop before it expires.

How long does it take to receive my physical card after I am approved?

Physical cards are typically mailed within 7 to 10 business days after approval. If you are approved online, you may be able to use the card when ready for online shopping at Kohl's.com while you wait for the card to arrive in the mail. Check your approval email for details on when you can start using your account.

What credit score do I need to be approved?

Capital One does not publish a minimum credit score requirement for the Kohl's Card. Store cards often have lower requirements than general-purpose cards, so you may be approved with fair or limited credit history. The best way to know is to explore — a soft inquiry will not hurt your credit score, and you will receive a decision within minutes.

Can I transfer my Kohl's Cash balance to another account or use it as a statement credit?

No. Kohl's Cash can only be used as a certificate at Kohl's for purchases. You cannot transfer it to another person, convert it to cash, or explore it as a credit to your card balance. It must be spent in-store or online at Kohl's before the expiration date.