Torrid credit card review: A store card that isn't worth it

Torrid credit card overview

Avid fans of the Torrid brand may consider adding the Torrid credit card to their wallet. Although the card provides a 5% discount on purchases and has no annual fee, it isn't worth considering unless you plan to make a large purchase with Torrid. You'll get better bang for your buck with a general cash-back or travel card. Card rating*: ⭐½

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

Many store credit cards aren't worth your time — and the Comenity Bank Torrid credit card is no exception. It doesn't offer much in terms of earnings or benefits, and almost everyone is better off with a general cash-back or travel card.

The only people who could benefit from the Torrid card are those who plan to make a large purchase with the brand since opening the card will get you 40% off an online order. Even considering that, it may be better to put that spending toward a welcome offer on another card. The Torrid credit card has no annual fee and a recommended credit score of 640 or higher.

Let's explore why this card is lackluster compared to general cash-back and travel cards.

The information for the Torrid credit card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Old Navy credit card review: Only for brand mega-fans

Torrid credit card pros and cons

Torrid credit card welcome offer

The welcome offer for this card comes in two parts. First, when you open the card, you'll automatically get a 40% discount on your same-day Torrid.com purchase. A 40% discount is pretty significant, so if you're thinking of getting this card, it may be a good idea to wait until you have a large purchase coming up.

The second part of the welcome offer comes after you've received the physical card. With your card, you'll receive a coupon for $15 off a purchase of $50 or more. When you combine those two pieces, that's not a bad offer for a no-annual-fee store card. It may justify getting the card for frequent Torrid shoppers, but consider all aspects of the card before applying.

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Torrid credit card benefits

It's important to note that this is a closed-loop store card, so it can only be used on Torrid purchases.

And when it comes to benefits, this card only has two: a 5% discount on all purchases made with the card and access to exclusive sales. The 5% discount can't be stacked with the 40% discount that comes as part of this card's welcome offer. If we want to stretch the definition of a benefit, you can pay your charges on this card online through Torrid.com.

While store cards aren't exactly known for their benefits, they usually come with more than just two. The Target Circle Card, for example, offers free two-day shipping, an extended return window, extra discounts on Target services and in-store discounts and deals. Even the lesser-known Firestone credit card has more to offer.

This card's benefits will only be worthwhile for avid Torrid fans; everyone else is better off using a regular cash-back or travel card.

The information for the Target Circle and Firestone credit cards have been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: How to choose the best credit card for you

Earning and redeeming rewards on the Torrid credit card

The credit card itself doesn't have an earnings structure, so you'll share the same earning rate as other Torrid Rewards members who don't have the store's card.

This rewards program allows you to earn 1 point per dollar spent with Torrid, and you'll need to earn at least 250 points to earn a $10, $15 or $20 reward. These rewards can be redeemed for online or in-store Torrid purchases.

You can use up to 10 rewards per purchase, but rewards are only valid for 45 days — making them hard to stack unless you spend a lot with Torrid or take advantage of deals that earn extra points.

Related: Store cards vs. cash-back cards: Which one should I get?

Which cards compete with the Torrid credit card?

It isn't hard to find competitors for the Torrid card. Here are three of them:

• If you like Citi: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) earns 2% back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% when you pay). You don't have to keep track of any complicated spending categories, nor do you have to pay an annual fee. To learn more, see our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
• If you like Capital One: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card will net you 2 miles per dollar spent on all purchases that don't qualify for a bonus. While this card has an annual fee (see rates and fees), it has some extra perks to make up for it. To learn more, read our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards.
• If you like American Express: The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express earns 3% cash back on all U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year, then 1% after). If you spend a lot on online shopping, this is definitely a card to consider. To learn more, read our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday.

For additional options, check out our picks for the best everyday spending and cash-back cards.

Related: Why I keep the Capital One Venture Rewards card in my wallet

Is the Torrid credit card worth it?

I can confidently say that the Comenity Bank Torrid credit card is not worth it. The only exception is if you plan on making one or two large purchases with Torrid and want to take advantage of the welcome offer. Even then, I advise putting that spending toward a sign-up bonus on a travel or cash-back card instead.

Related: Why there's no such thing as the 'best' credit card

Bottom line

Among all store cards available, the Torrid card doesn't stand out. It may tempt you with its welcome offer, but it's important to consider all aspects of a card before applying. Compare the Torrid card to other options to see where you'll get the most value for your spending.

Related: The best rewards credit cards for each bonus category