JCPenney credit card review: Limited value for the average consumer
Editor's Note
JCPenney credit card overview
The JCPenney credit card comes with an interesting introductory bonus but has limited earning and redeeming options that will make it unappealing for most consumers. If you spend a lot of money at JCPenney, it could make sense for your wallet, but even then, the card has a few frustrating spending limits that will cap your earnings. Card rating*: ⭐⭐
The information for the JCPenney 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.
*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 JCPenney credit card, issued by Synchrony Bank, is that the rewards it earns can only be used at, you guessed it, JCPenney. As such, if you don't spend a lot at JCPenney, the card won't be a good fit for you.
It does offer a unique one-time welcome bonus, but even that comes with a lot of strings attached. Beyond that bonus, you'll be hard-pressed to get much value out of this card.
The JCPenney credit card has no annual fee and a recommended credit score of 670.
Here's what else to know.
JCPenney credit card pros and cons
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JCPenney credit card benefits
The JCPenney credit card has a short list of benefits but does come with "special financing" on select large purchases like furniture, mattresses, fine jewelry and more.
It does have a unique one-time welcome bonus: Get between 5% and 35% back on select items on your next JCPenney purchase. You can get 35% off select original, regular and sale-priced apparel, shoes, accessories, fine jewelry and home purchases; 20% off blinds and shades, housewares, storage and organization, watches, salon products, fragrances and select JCPenney Beauty purchases; and 5% off select electronics.
Cardholders also get access to JCPenney's Exclusive Savings Day, plus special offers throughout the year where JCPenney Credit Card members save more on select purchases.
Those are limited perks even for a no-annual-fee retail credit card, and they offer no value for those who aren't regularly spending lots of money at JCPenney. When it comes to benefits, most consumers will be much better off with a general cash-back or travel rewards credit card.
Related: 4 reasons store credit cards are (almost) always a bad idea
Earning and redeeming with the JCPenney credit card
The JCPenney credit card earns a straightforward 1 point per dollar spent on JCPenney purchases and a mediocre 0.2 points per dollar spent everywhere else.
Each point is worth 5 cents apiece at, you guessed it, JCPenney, so cardholders essentially earn 5% back on JCPenney purchases and 1% back on all other purchases.
That's a solid earning rate if you shop at JCPenney regularly, although it's worth noting that you can't earn points on more than $2,000 spent on a single purchase with the retailer. This means that big purchases will remain limited in their earning potential, which is a real drawback at a store that sells big-ticket items like furniture and mattresses.
You can redeem your points for a $10 reward for every 200 points earned, meaning you'll have to have at least that many points to redeem them for cash back — a frustrating limitation. Your points won’t expire as long as your account is active, but your cash reward certificates will, so you'll have to spend within a certain amount of time to take advantage of your rewards.
These earnings rates won't move the needle for consumers who don't regularly shop at JCPenney. For example, TPG credit cards editor Emily Thompson can get behind a card with simple cash-back value and straightforward perks but doesn't spend nearly enough money at JCPenney to justify this particular card.
Related: Store vs. cash-back credit cards: Which one should I get?
Which cards compete with the JCPenney credit card?
There are plenty of affordable credit cards available that will appeal to a larger audience than the JCPenney Credit Card. Here are just a few:
- If you want bonus rewards for online shopping: The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express has no annual fee (see rates and fees) and earns 3% cash back on U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%) and other popular spending categories. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. For more information, read our full review of the Blue Cash Everyday.
- 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: The best credit cards for online shopping
Is the JCPenney credit card worth it?
The JCPenney card will only make sense for those who spend a ton of money at JCPenney and want to earn rewards to use there. But even if that's you, the earning maximums on the card and extremely limited redemption options mean that your value will be significantly capped compared to a lot of other card options out there. Almost everyone will be better off getting a general credit card instead.
Related: How to choose a cash-back credit card
Bottom line
The JCPenney credit card isn't necessarily unique as a retailer-issued card with limited earning and redemption options. The card has decent earnings rates and a few meager perks, but its earning and redemption limitations will likely be a deal breaker for most.
When it comes to earning rewards, the average consumer will be much better off with a cash-back credit card.
The information for the JCPenney 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.