Kohl's credit card review: A decent earning rate for Kohl's loyalists

Kohl's credit card overview

The Kohl's credit card is one of the more valuable store-issued credit cards you'll find, with a strong earning rate even though it can only be used at Kohl's stores. If you spend a lot at Kohl's, it could make sense for your wallet, but if not, you'll want to stay away. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐

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

The first thing to know about the no-annual-fee Kohl's credit card is that it's currently only accepted at Kohl's stores. However, it seems the existing Kohl's credit card is in the process of changing to the Capital One Kohl's Rewards Visa, which you can use everywhere Visa is accepted. Still, if you don't spend a lot at the retailer, the card won't be a fit for you.

The Kohl's credit card has no annual fee and a recommended credit score of 670. It also comes with a unique one-time welcome bonus where you'll save 35% on your first purchase using your new Kohl's Credit Card within 14 days of approval.

Here's what else to know.

The information for the Kohl's 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.

Kohl's credit card pros and cons

Kohl's credit card benefits

The Kohl's card has a short list of benefits, but cardholders will periodically receive monthly exclusive discounts, either in the mail or through the Kohl's mobile app. In the app, your Kohl's Wallet keeps track of all offers and coupons, but these offers have some limitations and can't be used on certain brands and products.

That's about it — not much in the way of perks, even for a no-annual-fee retail credit card. If you're looking for hefty perks, most consumers will be much better off with a general cash-back or travel credit card.

Earning and redeeming points with the Kohl's credit card

The Kohl's card earns rewards in the form of the retailer's rewards currency, Kohl's Cash.

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Regular Kohl's Rewards members earn 5% back on all purchases in the form of Kohl's Cash, which is issued in $5 increments on the first of the following month. If you have the Kohl's Card, however, you'll instead get 7.5% back on all purchases — a great rate if you spend a lot at Kohl's, and one that makes up for the lack of other bonus categories.

The downside is that Kohl's Cash expires very quickly — 30 days from its issue date. You'll have to spend shop at Kohl's pretty often to be able to make use of your rewards.

Additionally, cardholders who spend $600 with their card in a calendar year will earn Most Valued Customer status, providing access to additional savings and offers throughout the year. You'll also get occasional benefits like free shipping, which can be combined with other Kohl's coupons.

Again, these earnings rates won't provide much value for those who don't regularly shop at Kohl's. For example, TPG writer Ryan Wilcox appreciates cards with simple cash-back value and a few straightforward benefits but rarely (if ever) shops at Kohl's, making this card a non-starter.

It is worth noting that the Capital One Kohl's Rewards Visa earns 3% on gas, 2% at grocery stores and 1% everywhere else Visa is accepted. Still, these rewards are in the form of Kohl's cash, so this card is still far more limiting than a general cash back card.

Related: Store vs. cash-back credit cards

Which cards compete with the Kohl's credit card?

There are plenty of affordable credit cards available with a greater general appeal than the Kohl's Credit Card. Here are just a couple:

• If you want a great everyday spending card: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) is a simple no-annual-fee option. You'll earn up to 2% back on every purchase — 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay your bill. For more information, read our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
• If you want a simple travel card: The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card is another everyday spending option that earns transferable rewards miles that can be used at a fixed value on eligible purchases or transferred to travel partners for potentially even more value. For more information, read our full review of the Venture Rewards.

For additional options, check out our list of the best no-annual-fee cards.

Related: How to choose a credit card

Is the Kohl's credit card worth it?

The Kohl's card will only make sense for those who spend a ton of money at Kohl's and want a way to earn a (sizable) percentage of that money back. If you're not a Kohl's loyalist, you're better off looking elsewhere.

Bottom line

The earning rate on the Kohl's credit card is one of the better ones in the store-issued credit card category. Aside from that, though, it has limited perks, and the simple fact that it's only accepted at Kohl's will likely be a dealbreaker for most.

When it comes to earning rewards, the average consumer will be much better off with a general cash-back credit card.

The information for the Kohl's 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.