Burlington Credit Card review: A less-than-stellar option for Burlington shoppers
Burlington Credit Card overview
When it comes to clothes shopping for a deal, Burlington (formerly known as Burlington Coat Factory) is a well-known option for mallgoers. The most devoted Burlington loyalists may consider opening a Burlington Credit Card to earn rewards on their purchases. However, with restrictive redemption policies and practically zero card-exclusive benefits, there are much better options out there for even the most frequent Burlington shopper. Card rating*: ⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
Store credit cards are hardly ever the best addition to your wallet. Though you’ll sometimes hear a pitch at the checkout counter to rack up instant savings by getting approved for a credit card with a store you frequent, these credit cards rarely earn truly valuable rewards.
The Comenity Bank Burlington Credit Card fits into this category, as you can only use it on purchases with Burlington and its sister stores to earn points for rewards certificates that can only be redeemed within Burlington retailers. This makes it a strict closed-loop card with a stringent redemption option.
The Burlington Credit Card has no annual fee and a recommended credit score of 640 or higher.
Read on for more reasons why I wouldn't recommend applying for the Burlington Credit Card.
The information for the Burlington 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: Torrid credit card review: A store card that isn't worth it
Burlington Credit Card pros and cons
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Burlington Credit Card benefits
After you open the Burlington card, you'll receive a 10% discount on your first purchase made. If you're approved in-store, this discount can be applied on the same day. Those who apply online can expect to receive a 10% discount code in their email inbox within two days of approval.
That ends the exclusive benefits for cardmembers, as the other perks you'll get with the Burlington card can also be acquired by joining Burlington's loyalty program, which you'll be automatically enrolled in if you choose to get the card.
However, you can be added to the store's loyalty program without paying a dime by simply joining online.
Loyalty program members get extended periods to return items purchased at Burlington, advance notice on deals and new arrivals and a $5 bonus on completed layaway transactions. Again, you can get all these perks without applying for the Burlington card, though you will also receive these perks if you do choose to open the card.
Related: The best store credit cards
Earning and redeeming rewards on the Burlington Credit Card
The Burlington Credit Card earns 1 point for every dollar spent at Burlington, Cohoes Fashions and MJM Designer Shoes on the card. You can only use the card on purchases at those stores, so this is only valuable if you frequently spend with the retailer and its sister stores.
There are no bonus-earning categories or status tiers to earn more points, and you cannot use the Burlington card on any outside purchases.
One positive is that points earnings are rounded up, per these terms:
"Reward earn is rounded to the nearest whole point value using standard rounding. Earning calculations that end in .5 will round up to the next whole point value. For example, earn calculated to 1.5 points rounds to 2 points. All calculations that result in less than .5 will round down. For example, calculated earn of 1.4 points would round to 1 point."
As an example, spending $20.50 with your Burlington card would earn 20.5 points; under the above terms, you'd actually earn 21 points on that purchase.
Points can be redeemed for rewards certificates that can be used at Burlington stores. You can't use these cash certificates on "taxes, prior purchases, gift cards or services such as future layaway fees or tailoring," per the card's terms.
Perhaps one of the most limiting factors of the Burlington card's earning structure is that you can only redeem points in increments of 100 at a rate of $5 per 100 points. While this does mean that 1 point is worth 5 cents, you are restricted to redeeming rewards certificates in increments of 100.
So, if you were to spend $500 with the card, you can expect to receive a $25 rewards certificate in your account within "60-90 days of achieving your reward," per the terms. I view this as a decent return if you are loyal to Burlington, but 100 points at a rate of 1 point per dollar can be a steep threshold to reach.
Also, it's important to note that both your points and rewards certificates earned with the Burlington Credit Card expire. Points will leave your account 12 months after the date they were posted to your points balance. Rewards certificates will no longer be available 60 days from the date they were issued.
These are relatively quick turnarounds to use what you earn — especially for the rewards certificates.
Where can I use my Burlington Credit Card?
You can only use your Burlington card to make purchases with Burlington, Cohoes Fashions and MJM Designer Shoes. If you need a card for everyday use, this is not the card for you.
Related: Store vs. cash-back cards: Which one should I get?
Which cards compete with the Burlington Credit Card?
If you're open to a card that earns more flexible rewards at more places than just Burlington, here are some options for you:
- If you shop online often: The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express will get you 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%). This is a solid option to get more back for your online shopping if that's an area where you spend frequently. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. To learn more, see our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday.
- If you're looking for easy-to-earn rewards: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) earns 2% cash back on every purchase (1% when you make your purchase and 1% when you pay it off). Using this card makes stacking up cash back simple and easy, and you don't have to concern yourself with bonus categories. To learn more, see our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
- If you're interested in transferable miles: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card accumulates an unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on every purchase. These miles can be used for travel and transferred to any of Capital One's 15-plus transfer partners for maximum value. To learn more, see our full review of the Capital One Venture Rewards.
For additional options, check out our full lists of the best cards for everyday spending and the best cash-back cards.
Related: Why the Citi Double Cash will always have a place in my wallet
Is the Burlington Credit Card worth it?
Unless you spend a truly significant amount of money at Burlington and wish to earn strictly Burlington-related rewards, I recommend virtually any other card than the Comenity Bank Burlington Credit Card. With rigid rewards and few perks, it is hard to justify the hard inquiry for this card; you're practically just as well off signing up for Burlington's free-to-join loyalty program.
Related: 4 reasons store credit cards are (almost) always a bad idea
Bottom line
Applying for a store card is rarely a good idea, and the Burlington Credit Card does not contradict this guidance. If you find yourself tempted to go the store card route, consider if it would be a better idea to find a more well-rounded credit card that you can use in multiple places. You may reap more from a card with rewards that are easier to earn, redeem and keep than this one.
Related: Best rewards credit cards
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.