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
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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.
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.
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.