What Kohl's Credit Cards Are and How They Differ

Kohl's offers two main credit cards: the Kohl's Card (a store card that works only at Kohl's) and the Kohl's Visa (a Visa card that works anywhere Visa is accepted). Both are issued through Synchrony Bank. The key difference is where you can use them — the Kohl's Card gives you rewards only when you shop at Kohl's stores or online, while the Kohl's Visa works at any retailer but with different reward rates depending on where you spend.

Both cards come with a rewards program built in. When you use either card at Kohl's, you earn points on your purchase that convert to Kohl's Cash — a certificate you can spend on anything in the store. The Kohl's Visa also earns rewards at other merchants, though at a lower rate. Neither card charges an annual fee.

The cards are designed for people who shop at Kohl's regularly and want to accumulate discounts faster than they would with cash or a regular credit card. They are not designed to be your primary card everywhere — they are a tool to increase your rewards at a specific retailer.

Key Takeaways

  • The Kohl's Card works only at Kohl's stores and online; the Kohl's Visa works anywhere Visa is accepted, but earns higher rewards at Kohl's.
  • Both cards earn points that convert to Kohl's Cash, which you can spend on merchandise in the store or online.
  • You do not pay an annual fee for either card, but you will pay interest on any balance you carry month to month.
  • Approval is not may provide, and the interest rate you receive depends on your credit history and score.
  • You can request a card through Kohl's website, in a store, or by phone, and you will get a decision within minutes to a few days.

How the Rewards Program Works on Each Card

On the Kohl's Card, you earn 1 point for every dollar you spend at Kohl's. Every 100 points equals $5 in Kohl's Cash. That means for every $500 you spend, you get $25 back to spend on anything in the store. The points do not expire as long as your account is open and in good standing, but the Kohl's Cash itself expires — typically 30 days after it is issued, though Kohl's sometimes extends this during promotions.

The Kohl's Visa works differently outside of Kohl's. At Kohl's, you earn the same 1 point per dollar. At other retailers, you earn 1 point per $2 spent (0.5 percent back). Gas stations and restaurants earn 1 point per $4 (0.25 percent back). This makes the Kohl's Visa less rewarding than a general cash-back card for non-Kohl's purchases, so it is most useful if Kohl's is where you do most of your shopping.

Both cards also give you access to Kohl's promotional events. Cardholders often get early notice of sales, special discount days, and bonus point multipliers. During major shopping events like Black Friday, cardholders sometimes earn double or triple points on purchases.

Interest Rates and Fees You Need to Know

Both Kohl's cards charge interest if you carry a balance from month to month. The interest rate (called the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR) is not fixed — it depends on your credit score and credit history. Kohl's does not publish a standard rate; Synchrony Bank sets it based on your individual creditworthiness. You will see your specific APR in your card agreement after you are approved.

There is no annual fee, no late payment fee, and no foreign transaction fee. However, you will pay interest on any unpaid balance, and if you miss a payment, your APR may increase and you may face other consequences like a lower credit score. The best way to avoid interest charges is to pay your full balance by the due date each month.

If you use the card for a large purchase, Kohl's sometimes offers promotional financing — 0 percent APR for a set number of months if you make only minimum payments. These offers are advertised in stores and online, and the terms vary. Read the fine print carefully: if you do not pay off the balance by the end of the promotional period, you will owe interest on the full original amount, not just the remaining balance.

How to Request a Kohl's Credit Card

You can request either card in three ways: online through Kohl's website, in a Kohl's store at the register or customer service desk, or by phone. You will need to be at least 18 years old and have a Social Security number. Have your driver's license or state ID ready, along with your current address and phone number.

If you request the card in a store, the process is fastest. A cashier or customer service associate will hand you a tablet or paper form to fill out. You will get a decision within minutes — either approved, denied, or pending review. If you are approved on the spot, you can use the card when ready for that purchase, even if your physical card has not arrived yet.

Online requests take longer — usually a few days. You will fill out the form on Kohl's website, and Synchrony Bank will review your information and send you a decision by email or mail. Phone requests go through the same process as online requests. In all cases, Synchrony will pull your credit report, so your credit score may drop slightly for a few weeks.

What Happens After You Are Approved

Once approved, your physical card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using the card when ready online or in stores even before the physical card arrives — the store associate will give you a temporary card number, or you can use the Kohl's mobile app to add the card to your digital wallet.

Your first statement will arrive about 30 days after your first purchase. The statement shows your balance, minimum payment due, and the due date. You can pay online through your Kohl's account, by phone, by mail, or in a Kohl's store. Setting up automatic payments from your bank account is the easiest way to avoid late payments.

You can check your balance and rewards points anytime through the Kohl's website or mobile app. The app also shows you upcoming sales, lets you clip digital coupons, and tracks your Kohl's Cash balance and expiration date. This is useful because Kohl's Cash expires quickly, and the app will alert you when it is about to expire.

Comparing Kohl's Cards to Other Store Cards

The Kohl's Card earns rewards only at Kohl's, so it is less flexible than a general cash-back credit card. If you shop at multiple retailers, a card that earns 1 to 2 percent cash back everywhere will give you more value. However, if you shop at Kohl's frequently, the 1 point per dollar rate (which equals 1 percent back) plus the promotional multipliers and early sale access can add up faster than a general card.

The Kohl's Visa is more flexible because it works anywhere, but the rewards rate outside Kohl's (0.5 percent at most retailers) is lower than dedicated cash-back cards. The Visa makes sense if you do most of your shopping at Kohl's but want a backup card for other purchases.

One advantage Kohl's cards have over many store cards is that they do not charge an annual fee. Many department store cards charge $50 to $100 per year, so this saves you money if you keep the account open. However, if you do not shop at Kohl's regularly enough to earn back the value of the rewards, the fee savings do not matter.

What to Do If You Are Denied or Want to Dispute Your Credit Report

If you are denied, Synchrony Bank will send you a letter explaining the reason — usually a low credit score, too many recent credit inquiries, or insufficient credit history. You can request a copy of your credit report from Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. Review it for errors and dispute any inaccuracies with the credit bureau.

If you were denied because of a low score, you can reapply after a few months once you have paid down other balances or made on-time payments. Each on-time payment raises your score slightly. You can also ask a family member with good credit to add you as an authorized user on their card, which may help your score.

If you have questions about why you were denied, you can call Synchrony Bank's customer service number listed in your denial letter. They can sometimes provide more detail than the letter itself. However, they cannot override a denial decision — you will need to improve your credit profile and reapply later.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

No, the Kohl's Card works only at Kohl's stores and on Kohl's.com. If you want a card that works everywhere, you need the Kohl's Visa instead. The Visa works at any retailer that accepts Visa, though you earn fewer points outside of Kohl's.

What is the credit limit on a Kohl's card?

Your credit limit depends on your credit score and income. Synchrony Bank does not publish a standard limit. New cardholders often start with a limit between $500 and $2,500, but this varies widely. You can request a credit limit increase after you have had the card for a few months and made on-time payments.

Do I have to use the card to keep the account open?

No, but Synchrony may close the account if it sits unused for a long time (usually 12 months or more). To keep it active, use it at least once every few months. Since there is no annual fee, there is no cost to keeping the account open even if you do not use it regularly.

Can I transfer my Kohl's Card balance to another card?

The Kohl's Card is a store card and cannot be used outside Kohl's, so balance transfers are not an option. If you have a high balance with a high interest rate, you could pay it off with a different card that offers a 0 percent balance transfer promotion, but you would need to be approved for that card first.

What happens to my rewards points if I close the card?

Any Kohl's Cash you have earned will expire if you close the account. Points themselves do not expire as long as the account is open, but once you close it, you lose access to them. If you have pending Kohl's Cash, spend it before closing the account.