How the Kohl’s Credit Card Can Help You Save

Savvy Kohl’s shoppers share one thing in common: we love to save money! Kohl’s is one of the more generous department stores as far as offering sales, discounts, promo codes, and rewards. And because they let you stack different promotions, you can easily trim the total bill down significantly. 

If you’re looking for a way to bump up your savings at Kohl’s even more, you might consider applying for the Kohl’s Card. Like most store cards, the real benefits come to those who are loyal, frequent shoppers. If you’re someone who is always up for a Kohl’s run or loves to order from Kohls.com, listen up… we’ve got all the details to help you decide if the Kohl’s card is wallet-worthy.

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Getting Started with the Kohl’s Card 

When you apply for a Kohl’s card either online or at the checkout counter, you’ll be considered for both the Kohl’s Rewards Visa and the Kohl’s Credit Card, issued by Capital One. If approved, you will receive one of these cards.

Both cards have mostly the same features except one is a store card (meaning that it can only be used at Kohl’s stores or Kohls.com) and the other is “open loop,” so you can use it anywhere that Visa is accepted and earn extra rewards on those purchases. Typically, you’ll be offered the Visa card when you have a stronger credit profile.

Once you are approved for either version, the first big benefit you’ll get is a 40% coupon for one transaction with your new card within 30 days of opening. This is a slightly higher discount than the 35% off Kohl’s usually offers. But either way, Kohl’s is definitely one of the most generous when it comes to new cardholder offers. For example, the Macy’s credit card offers just 20% off the first purchase.

Ongoing Rewards are Generous… But Fleeting

The main appeal of the Kohl’s card is its unusually high rewards rate. You’ll earn 7.5% back on your Kohl’s card purchases. However, it’s worth noting that you can join the Kohl’s Rewards program for free without getting the card and earn 5% back. So, in reality, the card is boosting the rate by 2.5%.

If you have the Kohl’s Visa card, in addition to the Kohl’s shopping rewards, you’ll earn 3% in rewards on gas, 2% in rewards at grocery stores, and 1% in rewards everywhere else Visa is accepted.

Kohl’s Credit Cad Kohl’s Rewards Visa
40% off coupon for one transaction with your new card within 30 days of opening X X
7.5% back on your Kohl’s card purchases X X
3% in rewards on gas X
2% in rewards at grocery stores X
1% in rewards everywhere else Visa is accepted X

Now here’s the tricky part. Say you make $100 in eligible purchases. That should mean that you’ll earn $7.50 in Kohl’s Cash. But actually, since rewards are issued in $5 increments, you’ll earn a $5 Kohl’s Cash certificate, and the other $2.50 will stay in your balance until you spend more. 

The downside is that your rewards are issued on the first of the month after your purchase date, and you’ll have just 30 days to use them or you’ll lose them. 

Pro tip: I’ve lost out on a bunch of Kohl’s cash just because I didn’t time my shopping around when I had rewards. However, there is a strategy to saving money at Kohl’s. When it’s been most effective for me is when I buy a bunch of stuff, but I hold off on an item or two that I want knowing that I’ll have Kohl’s Cash coming my way next month. But it’s hard to have that discipline sometimes, right? 

The other fine print to be aware of is that Kohl’s Cash may not be redeemed on purchases of Sephora items at Kohl’s, Kohl’s Cares merchandise, or to purchase Gift Cards. 

Save 40% off with the Kohl’s Card

Swipe, Stack and Save

If you’re a Kohl’s shopper, you will quickly learn to become a stacker – that is, you’ll learn how to combine your discounts with Kohl’s Cash and other rewards. In fact, Kohl’s lets you use up to four coupons per order, and then your Kohl’s Cash and Rewards on top.

While coupons cannot be applied on certain designer brands, Kohl’s Cash and Rewards can be used toward your total bill no matter what you’re buying.

You can pretty much always find a Kohl’s promo code, so always search those up before you checkout. As for your rewards, timing is important. The sweet spot is if you are able to shop during a 30% off promo period in which you also have rewards to stack on top.

What Not to Do with Your Kohl’s Card

Don’t run up a Kohl’s bill and then revolve the balance. With an above-average APR, you don’t want interest charges to eat away at all of those hard-fought rewards, do you?

Don’t use the Visa version of the card on outside purchases. If you qualify for the Kohl’s Rewards Visa card, then you can probably get a better general card to earn more flexible rewards or cash back. Go for one that aligns with your spending, such as a card that has bonus rewards on gas, groceries, dining out, travel, etc. Even better, then you can redeem those earnings in a variety of ways or simply get the cash back (depending on the card), rather than being forced to use it at one store.

Cardholder Perks and Benefits

Besides the higher rewards rate, there are a couple of exclusive features you’ll get as a Kohl’s Card user, especially if you meet the spending level to earn MVC status. MVC stands for Most Valued Customer, and you’ll get there once you spend $600 in a calendar year. Here’s what you’ll get:

  • A special anniversary offer every year. Extra savings are always a good thing.
  • A free birthday gift (which reminds me, my gift is coming soon!). For me, it’s usually been a $10 off any purchase coupon.
  • Receipt-free returns. Kohl’s return policy is already super consumer-friendly, and if you have the Kohl’s Card, it’s even easier. 

More Kohl’s Card Tips

Is it hard to get approved for a Kohl’s card??

As with most store cards, you’ll need fair credit to be approved for a Kohl’s card. That usually means your credit score should be around 640 or higher. Store cards are usually more lenient since the credit limit will be lower.

How do I make a payment on my Kohl’s credit card? 

There are several ways to make a payment on your Kohl’s Card: Online, via the Kohl’s app, by phone, by mail, or in a Kohl’s store.

How do you cancel a Kohl’s credit card? 

To cancel your Kohl’s Card, contact Kohl’s Customer Service Center at 855-564-5748.

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