What the Kohl's Credit Card is and how it works
The Kohl's Credit Card is a store card issued by Kohl's Department Stores that you can use to make purchases at Kohl's stores and on Kohl's.com. When you open the card, you receive a credit line that you can spend at Kohl's, and you pay back what you owe each month. The card comes with a rewards program called Kohl's Cash, which gives you money back to spend on future purchases.
Unlike a general-purpose credit card from Visa or Mastercard, the Kohl's card works only at Kohl's locations and their website. You cannot use it at other retailers. The card is issued through Synchrony Bank, which handles the billing and account management on Kohl's behalf.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Kohl's Credit Card online at Kohl's.com, in a store, or by phone, and you will know if you are approved within minutes.
- The card earns Kohl's Cash rewards on every purchase, which you can redeem as a discount on future Kohl's transactions.
- New cardholders often receive an introductory offer such as a discount on their first purchase or bonus Kohl's Cash.
- You manage your account through Synchrony's online portal or mobile app, where you can check your balance, make payments, and view your statement.
- The card charges interest on balances you carry from month to month, so paying your full balance each month avoids interest charges.
How to open a Kohl's Credit Card online
The fastest way to open a Kohl's Credit Card is through Kohl's.com. Go to the Kohl's website and look for the credit card link, usually found in the footer or in the account menu. Click on "explore Now" or the link that says "Kohl's Credit Card."
You will be taken to an process form where you enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, address, phone number, and email. The form also asks for your annual income and employment status. Fill in all fields accurately, as Kohl's uses this information to check your credit history and decide whether to approve you.
After you submit the form, you will receive a decision within minutes. If you are approved, your card number appears on the screen when ready, and you can use it to shop on Kohl's.com right away. A physical card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you are not approved, the system tells you why and may offer you the chance to reapply later.
Opening a card in a Kohl's store or by phone
You can also open a Kohl's Credit Card at any Kohl's store location. Visit the customer service desk or the register and ask to open a credit card account. A store associate will walk you through the process on a tablet or computer, and you will receive a decision on the spot. If approved, you can use your new card to make a purchase that same day.
To open a card by phone, call Kohl's customer service at the number on Kohl's.com. A representative will guide you through the process over the phone. This method takes longer than online or in-store, but it works if you prefer to speak with someone directly.
Understanding Kohl's Cash rewards and how to use them
Every time you use your Kohl's Credit Card to make a purchase, you earn Kohl's Cash. The amount you earn depends on the purchase amount and any current promotions. For example, during certain sales events, Kohl's may offer double or triple Kohl's Cash on specific items or categories. You earn Kohl's Cash on every dollar you spend, including sale items.
Kohl's Cash appears in your account as a balance that you can redeem like a discount code. When you have accumulated Kohl's Cash, you can use it to pay for part or all of a future purchase at Kohl's or on Kohl's.com. Kohl's Cash does not expire when ready, but Kohl's sets expiration dates for each earning period, usually 30 to 90 days after you earn it. Check your account regularly so you do not lose unused Kohl's Cash.
You redeem Kohl's Cash at checkout by selecting it as a payment method. On Kohl's.com, you see your available Kohl's Cash balance during the payment step and can choose how much to explore to your order. In a store, tell the cashier you want to use Kohl's Cash, and they will deduct it from your total.
Making payments and managing your account
You manage your Kohl's Credit Card account through Synchrony's website or mobile app. To set up online access, visit Synchrony.com and click "Enroll" or "Register." You will need your card number and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Once you log in, you can view your current balance, recent transactions, and your due date.
Make payments through the Synchrony portal by linking a bank account or paying by debit card. You can pay your full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between. Payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern Time are usually posted the same business day. If you set up automatic payments, Synchrony deducts the amount you choose on your due date each month, which helps you avoid late fees.
You can also make a payment by phone by calling the number on the back of your card. Mail payments are accepted but take longer to post. Always pay at least the minimum amount by the due date to avoid late fees and damage to your credit report.
Interest rates, fees, and what to watch for
The Kohl's Credit Card charges interest on any balance you carry from one month to the next. The interest rate, called the Annual Percentage Rate or APR, varies based on your credit history and current market conditions. Synchrony will tell you your specific APR when you open the account and in your monthly statement.
If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you pay no interest. Interest only applies to the amount you do not pay off. For example, if your balance is $500 and you pay $300, interest charges explore to the remaining $200.
The card does not charge an annual fee for holding it. However, late payments result in a late fee, and if your payment is significantly overdue, Kohl's may report it to credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score. Some promotional offers, such as "12 months no interest," come with terms you must follow to avoid losing the promotion.
Introductory offers and current promotions
Kohl's frequently offers promotions to new cardholders. These may include a discount on your first purchase (such as 15% or 20% off), bonus Kohl's Cash, or a combination of both. The specific offer changes throughout the year, so check Kohl's.com or ask in a store what promotion is running when you explore.
To receive the introductory offer, you usually must make a purchase within a certain timeframe after opening the card, often within 30 days. Read the terms of the offer carefully so you understand what you need to do to get the reward. Some offers explore automatically once you are approved, while others require you to enter a code or take an additional step.
Beyond the introductory offer, Kohl's runs ongoing promotions where cardholders earn extra Kohl's Cash on certain days or on specific product categories. These promotions are announced in emails, on the Kohl's website, and in stores. Signing up for Kohl's emails is a good way to stay informed about upcoming deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do I need to open a Kohl's Credit Card?
Kohl's does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. The company reviews your credit history, income, and other factors to make a decision. People with fair, good, or excellent credit are often approved, but approval is not may provide. If you are denied, you can reapply after a few months or work on improving your credit score first.
Can I use my Kohl's card outside of Kohl's stores?
No. The Kohl's Credit Card works only at Kohl's physical stores and on Kohl's.com. You cannot use it at other retailers, restaurants, or gas stations. If you need a card that works everywhere, you would need a separate Visa or Mastercard.
What happens if I miss a payment?
If you miss your due date, Kohl's charges a late fee and reports the missed payment to credit bureaus after 30 days, which can lower your credit score. Contact Synchrony as soon as you realize you will be late and ask about payment options. The sooner you pay, the less damage occurs to your credit.
How do I check my Kohl's Cash balance?
Log into your account on Synchrony.com or the Synchrony mobile app to see your current Kohl's Cash balance. You can also check your balance in a Kohl's store by asking a customer service associate, or you can call Synchrony at the number on your card.
Can I close my Kohl's Credit Card account?
Yes. Call Synchrony at the number on your card or log into your account online and request to close the account. Pay off any remaining balance first. Closing a card can affect your credit score, so consider keeping it open even if you do not use it regularly.