The Kohl's Credit Card is issued by Capital One and works like a standard store card
The Kohl's Credit Card, issued by Capital One, is a store card you can use at Kohl's locations and online. You can also use it at Kohl's sister brands like Sephora inside Kohl's. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, you cannot use it at other retailers — only at Kohl's and its affiliated stores.
Capital One handles the account behind the scenes: they approve your request, set your credit limit, and manage the monthly billing. Kohl's handles the rewards program and decides what discounts cardholders receive. When you make a purchase, the transaction goes through Capital One's system, but Kohl's controls what rewards you earn.
The card comes with a rewards structure that gives you points on purchases, though the exact rate and redemption value depend on the card tier you receive. You receive a physical card in the mail and can also add it to digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay for contactless payments.
Key Takeaways
- The Kohl's Credit Card is issued by Capital One and can only be used at Kohl's stores, online at Kohls.com, and at Sephora inside Kohl's locations.
- Capital One sets your credit limit and interest rate based on your credit history, while Kohl's controls the rewards program and cardholder discounts.
- The card earns rewards points on purchases that you can redeem for Kohl's Cash or discounts, though the earning rate varies by card tier.
- You will receive monthly statements from Capital One showing your balance, minimum payment due, and interest charges if you carry a balance.
- The card has an annual percentage rate (APR) that varies based on your creditworthiness, and you pay interest on any balance you do not pay in full each month.
How to request the Kohl's Credit Card
You can request the card in three ways: in a Kohl's store at checkout, online at Kohls.com, or by phone. In-store requests are fastest — a cashier can hand you an process form or a tablet to complete it right there. The entire process takes about five minutes.
Online requests happen through the Kohl's website. Go to the credit card section, select "explore Now," and fill in your personal information, income, and Social Security number. Capital One will pull your credit report when ready and tell you whether you are approved, denied, or need to wait for a decision.
If you are approved, you can use your card number right away for online purchases. Your physical card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If Capital One needs more information, they will contact you by phone or email.
What Capital One will ask for and what they check
Capital One will ask for your full name, date of birth, address, phone number, email, annual income, and Social Security number. They use your Social Security number to pull your credit report from the three major credit bureaus. This is called a hard inquiry and it temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.
Capital One looks at your credit score, payment history, existing debts, and how long you have had credit accounts open. If you have a low credit score or recent missed payments, you may be denied or offered a card with a lower credit limit and a higher APR. If you have good credit, you may receive a higher limit and a lower rate.
You do not need to have perfect credit to be approved. Many people with fair credit (scores in the 580–669 range) are approved for the Kohl's card. Capital One also considers whether you have a checking or savings account with them, which can improve your chances.
Understanding the rewards and cardholder benefits
The Kohl's card earns Kohl's Cash on purchases. The earning rate depends on which card tier you receive — some cardholders earn 1.5 percent back, while others earn 2 percent or more. You redeem Kohl's Cash as a discount on future purchases: $10 in Kohl's Cash gives you $10 off your next transaction.
Cardholders also receive exclusive discounts throughout the year. Kohl's regularly sends cardholders special offers like "15 percent off for cardholders" or "Earn double Kohl's Cash" on certain days. These offers come via email and in the mail, and they are not available to non-cardholders.
You also get early access to Kohl's sales and clearance events. Cardholders can shop sales a day or two before the general public. On major sale days, the card can save you significant money if you plan to buy multiple items.
Interest rates, fees, and what you pay if you carry a balance
The Kohl's card has a variable APR, meaning the rate can change over time. Your specific rate depends on your credit score and credit history. Capital One will tell you the APR when you are approved — it typically ranges from 17 percent to 27 percent, though rates vary.
There is no annual fee to hold the card. However, if you carry a balance from month to month, you will pay interest on that balance. Interest is calculated daily and added to your statement each month. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date, you pay no interest.
Late payments result in a late fee (typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment) and a higher penalty APR if you miss a payment by more than 60 days. Missing payments also damages your credit score. To avoid interest and fees, pay at least your minimum payment by the due date shown on your statement.
How to manage your account and make payments
You can manage your Kohl's card account through Capital One's website or mobile app. Create a login using your email address and a password. Once logged in, you can view your balance, recent transactions, available credit, and payment history.
To make a payment, log into your account and select "Make a Payment." You can pay from a checking or savings account, or by debit card. Payments made online typically post within one business day. You can also pay by phone by calling the number on the back of your card, or by mail by sending a check to the address shown on your statement.
Set up automatic payments if you want to avoid missing a due date. You can choose to pay your full balance automatically each month, or just your minimum payment. Automatic payments are deducted on the date you choose.
What happens if you are denied or want to build credit first
If Capital One denies your request, you can ask why. Common reasons include a credit score that is too low, too much existing debt, or a recent bankruptcy or foreclosure. Capital One will send you a letter explaining the reason within 30 days.
If you are denied, you have a few options. You can wait 6 to 12 months, work on paying down existing debt and making all payments on time, and then request again. You can also ask a family member with good credit to add you as an authorized user on one of their accounts, which may help your credit score.
Another option is to request a Kohl's card designed for people building credit. Capital One sometimes offers a version with a lower credit limit and a higher APR for people with limited or poor credit history. This card works the same way but is easier to be approved for.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Kohl's card anywhere besides Kohl's?
No. The Kohl's card works only at Kohl's stores, Kohls.com, and Sephora inside Kohl's. You cannot use it at other retailers or restaurants. If you need a card that works everywhere, you would need a different credit card from Capital One or another issuer.
What is the difference between the Kohl's card and a regular Capital One credit card?
The Kohl's card is a store card that only works at Kohl's and earns rewards specifically for Kohl's purchases. A regular Capital One credit card works at any merchant and earns cash back or points that you can use anywhere. Store cards typically have higher APRs but offer better rewards at that specific store.
How long does it take to get approved?
In-store requests usually get an when ready decision. Online and phone requests typically get a decision within minutes to a few hours. If Capital One needs to verify information, they may take up to 30 days. Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days after approval.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Capital One does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. However, approval is more likely with a score of 600 or higher. People with scores below 600 may still be approved but could receive a lower credit limit or higher APR. The best way to know is to request and see what Capital One offers.
Can I use my Kohl's card at other stores if I add it to Apple Pay or Google Pay?
No. Even though you can add the card to a digital wallet, it remains a Kohl's-only card. Merchants outside Kohl's will decline it. Digital wallets just make it easier to pay at Kohl's without pulling out your physical card.