What the Kohl's Capital One Credit Card Is
The Kohl's Capital One Credit Card is a store card issued by Capital One that you can use at Kohl's locations and online. It works like a standard credit card — you make purchases, receive a bill, and pay it back — but it comes with rewards and discounts tied specifically to Kohl's shopping. Unlike a general rewards card, you cannot use it at other retailers.
Capital One handles the account behind the scenes. They set the credit limit, determine interest rates based on your credit history, and manage payments and statements. Kohl's handles the rewards program and decides what discounts cardholders receive.
The card is designed for people who shop at Kohl's regularly and want to earn rewards on those purchases. It is not a general-purpose card, so you would still need a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express for shopping elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- The Kohl's Capital One card earns rewards points on Kohl's purchases that you can redeem for Kohl's Cash or discounts.
- You earn rewards faster during promotional periods, which Kohl's announces throughout the year.
- The card charges interest on unpaid balances, and the rate depends on your credit history at the time you open the account.
- You can use the card only at Kohl's stores and Kohls.com, not at other retailers.
- Capital One reports your payment history to credit bureaus, so on-time payments help your credit score and late payments hurt it.
How Rewards and Kohl's Cash Work
When you use the card at Kohl's, you earn rewards points on your purchases. The exact earning rate varies — Kohl's runs promotions where you earn extra points during certain weeks or on specific categories. For example, Kohl's might offer "earn 4x points" on clothing during a promotional period, or "earn 2x points" on home goods.
You accumulate these points in your account. Once you reach a certain threshold (the amount changes with promotions), the points convert to Kohl's Cash — a credit you can use toward future purchases at Kohl's. Kohl's Cash typically expires 30 days after it is issued, so you need to use it within that window or it disappears.
Kohl's also sends cardholders exclusive coupons and early access to sales. These are separate from the rewards program — you receive them by email or in the mail, and you can stack them with your Kohl's Cash for additional savings.
Interest Rates and How Payments Work
The Kohl's Capital One card charges interest on any balance you do not pay in full by the due date. The interest rate (called the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR) is not fixed — it depends on your credit score and credit history when you open the account. Capital One will tell you the rate before you finish opening the account.
You receive a monthly statement showing your balance, minimum payment due, and due date. If you pay the full balance by the due date, no interest is charged. If you pay only part of it, interest accrues on the remaining balance at your APR.
Late payments trigger two problems: Capital One charges a late fee (the amount varies), and they report the late payment to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, Capital One may increase your interest rate.
Credit Limit and How It Affects Your Credit
When Capital One approves your account, they set a credit limit — the maximum amount you can charge to the card. This limit is based on your credit score, income, and credit history. You can request a higher limit after you have had the card for a few months and made on-time payments.
Your credit limit affects your credit score through something called "credit utilization." If your limit is $1,000 and you carry a $500 balance, your utilization is 50 percent. Credit scoring models favor lower utilization — generally below 30 percent — so keeping your balance well below your limit helps your credit score.
Capital One reports your account activity to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) every month. On-time payments build your credit history. Missed payments, high balances, or closing the account can lower your score.
Annual Fees and Other Costs
The Kohl's Capital One card does not charge an annual fee. You pay no cost straightforward to hold the card, even if you do not use it.
You do pay interest if you carry a balance, and you pay late fees if your payment arrives after the due date. Some transactions may trigger additional fees — for example, if you take a cash advance (withdrawing cash against your credit line), Capital One charges a cash advance fee and starts charging interest when ready, even if you normally get an interest-free period.
Foreign transactions (purchases made outside the United States) are not typically made on a store card, but if they were, Capital One would charge a foreign transaction fee. Since you can use this card only at Kohl's, this is unlikely to explore.
How to Manage Your Account Online and by Phone
You can view your account, make payments, and update your information through Capital One's website or mobile app. You log in with your username and password, and you can see your current balance, available credit, recent transactions, and due date.
To make a payment, you can pay online through your Capital One account, set up automatic payments from your bank account, or call Capital One's customer service number (printed on your statement and card) to pay by phone. Payments made online or by phone typically post within one to two business days.
If you have questions about your rewards, Kohl's Cash, or promotions, you can contact Kohl's customer service. If you have questions about your bill, interest rate, or payment options, you contact Capital One. Both phone numbers appear on your monthly statement.
What Happens If You Close the Account
If you decide to stop using the card, you can close the account by calling Capital One. You should pay off any remaining balance first, though you can close the account with an outstanding balance — you will still owe it and will still be charged interest until it is paid.
Closing the account affects your credit score in two ways. First, it reduces the total credit available to you, which can increase your credit utilization on other cards. Second, it removes an active account from your credit history, which can lower your score slightly in the short term. However, the account remains on your credit report for several years, so the long-term impact is usually small if you maintained good payment history.
If you close the account, any Kohl's Cash you have not used expires when ready. You cannot redeem it after the account is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Kohl's card anywhere besides Kohl's?
No. The Kohl's Capital One card works only at Kohl's stores and Kohls.com. You cannot use it at other retailers, restaurants, or gas stations. If you need a card for general shopping, you would need a separate Visa, Mastercard, or American Express.
What is the difference between this card and a regular Kohl's card?
Kohl's offers both a store card (the Capital One version) and a Kohl's Cash card (a non-credit version). The Capital One card is a credit card with an interest rate and a credit limit. The Kohl's Cash card is a prepaid card where you load money onto it. The Capital One card earns rewards; the prepaid card does not.
What credit score do I need to open this card?
Capital One does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. Generally, store cards are easier to open than general credit cards, and Capital One is known for working with people who have fair or limited credit history. The best way to know if you may have access to is to start the process — Capital One will tell you whether you are approved before you finish.
Do I have to use the card to keep the account open?
No. You can hold the card without using it. However, Capital One may close inactive accounts after a long period of no activity. If you want to keep the account open, using it occasionally (even for a small purchase) keeps it active.
How do I check my Kohl's Cash balance?
You can view your Kohl's Cash balance in your Capital One account online or in the app, or you can check it at the register when you shop at Kohl's. Kohl's also sends email notifications when Kohl's Cash is issued and when it is about to expire.