Personal Finance

Kohl’s Credit Card: Complete 2025 Guide, Benefits, Rewards & How to Apply

With the Kohl’s Card (store version) at Kohl’s you earn 7.5% back in Kohl’s Cash for qualifying purchases.

Kohl’s Credit Card: The Kohl’s Card is a branded credit-card offering linked to Kohl’s stores and website. There are actually two main versions:

  • The store-only version, usable only at Kohl’s stores or Kohl’s.com.
  • The Visa version (branded as the Kohl’s Rewards® Visa) that can be used wherever Visa is accepted.

The card has no annual fee, which is good news. It’s issued by Capital One N.A. (for the Visa version) under license from Visa.

Kohl’s Credit Card: How the Rewards Work?

Earning Rewards

If you just use Kohl’s without the card (just as a Kohl’s Rewards member) you earn 5% back (in the form of Kohl’s Cash) on purchases.

With the Kohl’s Card (store version) at Kohl’s you earn 7.5% back in Kohl’s Cash for qualifying purchases.

If you have the Kohl’s Rewards Visa version, you get 7.5% back at Kohl’s, plus:

  • 3% back on eligible gas purchases
  • 2% back at grocery stores
  • 1% back on other purchases Visa-wide

Converting to Kohl’s Cash

The rewards are converted into Kohl’s Cash in $5 increments, issued on the first day of the following month.

However, an important caveat: the Kohl’s Cash must be redeemed during its validity window, often about 30 days after issuance. If you miss it, you may lose the value.

There are exclusions: purchases of gift cards, certain brands (for example Sephora at Kohl’s) may not earn rewards, or may not allow Kohl’s Cash redemption.

Other Perks

If you spend $600 in a calendar year using your Kohl’s Card at Kohl’s stores or online, you become a “Most Valued Customer (MVC)”. That status brings additional perks (for example monthly free shipping offers) for the remainder of the year and the next.

The cardholder also receives exclusive discounts and anniversary offers.

Application, Fees, and Interest Rates

Applying & Credit Requirements

You can apply either online at Kohl’s website or in-store.

Because this is a store-affiliated card, the credit limit may be lower and the approval criteria somewhat different from general-purpose cards. Some reviewers note this card is especially designed for people with fair credit.

Fees and APR

  • Annual Fee: $0 for both versions.
  • APR: The interest rate for purchases can be very high (e.g., ~30.74% APR) for the standard card.

Note: with any credit card you should aim to pay the full balance each month to avoid accruing interest, especially with high APRs.

How to Apply for a Kohl’s Credit Card?

1. Apply Online (Most Convenient Option)

1.​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Go to www.kohls.com/creditcard or Capital One’s Kohl’s Credit Card page.

2. The page will present to you a button that says Apply Now or Apply for a Kohl’s Card.

3. If you happen to be already a Kohl’s Rewards member, then you may log in to your current account.

Otherwise, you will have to set up a new free Kohl’s account. To do this you will need your email ID.

4. The form will be asking you for your personal and financial details such as:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Social Security Number
  • Address and phone number
  • Annual income

These bits of information are indispensable for the identity confirmation and credit granting processes.

5. One of the steps by the cardholder is to check out thoroughly the provided information. The information includes the current APR, late fees, and other terms.

6. The answer is almost always given to you straight away: after filing the request, within that very minute, the approval is visible. If not, a few business days may be required for the review by Kohl’s/Capital One.

7. If you get an instant confirmation of being approved, you may be given a temporary card number of Kohl’s to be able to use your account right away for purchases online or in a physical store until the arrival in the mail of the actual card (usually 7–10 days).

2. Apply In-Store

1. Visit a nearby Kohl’s store: Be sure to communicate to the cashier or customer service associate that you want to apply for a Kohl’s Card.

2. Provide your basic data: You will undertake filling out a brief digital form that is on a secure tablet or the register system.

3. Give proof of identification: Carry a valid government-issued photo ID (like a driver’s license).

4. Instant decision: Similar to the online method, the immediate decision of approval will be made in most cases.

3. Through the Kohl’s App

Another​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ way to apply would be using the official Kohl’s app available on Android or iOS.

1. Get the Kohl’s App or use an existing installation and launch the app.

2. Visit the “Kohl’s Card” or “My Kohl’s Rewards” area.

3. Selecting “Apply Now” and completing the application process as guided by the steps displayed on the screen.

It is comfortable when you are already an app shopper and want to connect your rewards, payment, and card all in one ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌location.

Kohl’s Credit Card: Advantages

No annual fee means minimal cost to hold the card.

Great rewards rate (7.5% back) if you shop frequently at Kohl’s and redeem properly.

The Visa version adds value: rewards beyond just Kohl’s purchases (gas, groceries, etc.).

Commonly offered intro discounts: e.g., some new cardholders may receive a 40% off on first purchase.

Disadvantages

High APR: If you carry a balance, the cost may offset the rewards.

Reward redemption windows and restrictions: the 30-day redemption window for Kohl’s Cash can be tight.

Rewards are fun only if you shop at Kohl’s often and plan to use the rewards. If you rarely shop there, other cash-back cards may make more sense.

Some purchases excluded for rewards or redemption (gift cards, certain brands).

What reviewers say

On Reddit and forums:

> “I don’t believe the Kohl’s card is ‘bad’, it just doesn’t do much. It’s only purpose is to get you to shop in their store.”

“The card can only be used at Kohl’s stores or Kohls.com… the high APR of 30.24% (V)…”

So, bottom line: if you play it smart (pay in full, use the rewards quickly, shop at Kohl’s), it can be beneficial; otherwise the “benefit” may be limited.

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How to Maximize Rewards?

Pay your balance in full each month to avoid high interest charges.

Use the Kohl’s Card for Kohl’s purchases to get the higher reward (7.5%) rather than using it for unrelated purchases (unless you have the Visa version and those categories apply).

Keep track of Kohl’s Cash expiration: add the coupons to your Kohl’s Wallet (online/app) and set reminders for the redemption window.

Time your purchases with promotions: Kohl’s often runs “earn more Kohl’s Cash” events. Combining the card + such events can increase savings.

Track your MVC status goal: If you reach $600 spend at Kohl’s in a calendar year, you unlock MVC status with perks (e.g., shipping). If you’re close, plan accordingly.

Compare alternatives: If you shop rarely at Kohl’s, you might get better value from a general-purpose cash-back card that gives you rewards universally and with fewer restrictions.

Kohl’s Credit Card: FAQ

Q: Can I use the Kohl’s Card outside of Kohl’s?

The store-only version is limited to Kohl’s stores and Kohl’s.com.

The Kohl’s Rewards Visa version can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, and earns rewards in multiple categories.

Q: Is there a fee to have the card?

No annual fee.

Q: What rate of rewards will I get?

Store version: 7.5% at Kohl’s. Visa version: 7.5% at Kohl’s + 3% gas + 2% grocery + 1% elsewhere.

Q: When do I get the Kohl’s Cash and how long do I have to use it?

Rewards convert to Kohl’s Cash (in $5 increments) on the first of the following month; you’ll typically have about 30 days to redeem.

Q: Are there any major catches or risks?

Yes, high APR if you carry a balance, redemption window is limited, rewards only meaningful if you shop often at Kohl’s.

Eduvast Desk

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