What Journeys All Access offers
Journeys All Access is a rewards credit card issued by Comenity Bank, designed for people who shop at Journeys, Journeys Kidz, or Shi by Journeys retail locations. The card earns points on purchases at these stores and offers a few perks specific to cardholders, but it functions as a store card — you can only use it at Journeys-owned retailers, not everywhere.
The card charges an annual fee. You earn points on every dollar spent at Journeys locations, and those points convert to store credit. Cardholders also receive periodic bonus point offers and early access to sales. There is no foreign transaction fee because the card only works in the US at Journeys stores.
The rewards rate and specific benefits change periodically, so the terms you see when you look at the card offer may differ from what appears here. Check the issuer's current terms before you decide.
Key Takeaways
- Journeys All Access only works at Journeys, Journeys Kidz, and Shi by Journeys stores, so it is useful only if you shop at those locations regularly.
- The card charges an annual fee, which you should weigh against the points and perks you actually use in a year.
- Points earned on purchases convert to store credit, not cash back, so you can only redeem them at Journeys locations.
- Store cards typically have higher interest rates than general-purpose cards, so carrying a balance is expensive.
- The card may be easier to open than a major credit card if your credit history is limited or damaged.
How the rewards and points work
You earn points for every dollar you spend at Journeys stores using the card. The exact points rate depends on the current offer — it may be one point per dollar, or the issuer may run promotions that award bonus points on certain purchases or during certain months. Check your cardholder agreement or the Journeys website for the current earning rate.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. However, if your account is closed or becomes inactive for an extended period, you may lose unused points. Once you accumulate enough points, you redeem them for store credit at Journeys — you cannot convert them to cash or transfer them elsewhere.
Journeys often sends cardholders bonus point offers by email or mail, and the card typically gives you early access to sales and special events. These perks vary by promotion and are not may provide to continue.
Annual fee and interest rates
Journeys All Access charges an annual fee. The amount varies depending on the current offer, so check the terms before you open the account. You pay this fee once per year whether you use the card or not, so you should calculate whether the points and perks you earn will offset it.
The card's interest rate (APR) is not fixed and depends on your creditworthiness at the time you open the account. Store cards typically carry higher APRs than major credit cards — often in the 18% to 27% range. If you carry a balance, interest charges will accumulate quickly. The best strategy is to pay your full statement balance each month to avoid interest entirely.
The card also has a cash advance APR, which is usually higher than the purchase APR. Cash advances are expensive and should be avoided.
Who this card makes sense for
Journeys All Access works best for people who shop at Journeys locations multiple times per year and spend enough to earn back the annual fee in points and perks. If you buy shoes or apparel at Journeys regularly — say, several times a year — the rewards and early sale access may justify the cost.
The card is also an option if you have limited credit history or past credit problems and are building or rebuilding your credit. Store cards are often easier to open than major credit cards, and using one responsibly can help establish a positive payment history. However, the higher interest rate means you should only carry a balance if absolutely necessary.
The card does not make sense if you rarely shop at Journeys or if you can earn better rewards with a general-purpose card you use everywhere. It also does not make sense if you cannot pay your balance in full each month, because the high APR will cost you more than any points are worth.
How Journeys All Access compares to other store cards
Store cards like Journeys All Access share common traits: they only work at one retailer or chain, they charge annual fees, they offer rewards in the form of store credit, and they carry higher interest rates than major credit cards. The main differences between store cards come down to the rewards rate, the annual fee, and the perks offered.
If you shop at multiple retailers, a general-purpose rewards card — like a cash-back card or a travel card — will give you more flexibility. You can use it anywhere, earn rewards on all purchases, and often redeem for cash or travel instead of being locked into one store's inventory. General-purpose cards also tend to have lower APRs if you do carry a balance.
The trade-off is that general-purpose cards usually require better credit to open. If your credit is limited or damaged, a store card may be your more realistic option right now, and you can graduate to a better card once your credit improves.
Steps to take before opening the account
Before you explore, visit the Journeys website or ask in a store for the current card terms. The rewards rate, annual fee, and promotional offers change, so you need to know what you are actually signing up for. Write down the annual fee, the points-per-dollar rate, and any current bonus offers.
Calculate whether the card makes financial sense for you. Estimate how much you spend at Journeys in a year, multiply that by the points rate, and see how many dollars in store credit you would earn. Subtract the annual fee from that number. If the result is positive, the card may be worth it. If it is negative or close to zero, skip it.
Check your credit report before you open the account so you know what APR to expect. You can get a free copy of your report once per year from annualcreditreport.com. If there are errors on your report, dispute them before you explore — a corrected report may help you may have access to for a better rate.
What happens after you open the account
Once your account is open, you will receive your card in the mail along with a cardholder agreement that spells out the full terms, including the APR, fees, and rewards details. Read this agreement carefully and keep it for your records.
Set up automatic payments or a reminder to pay your bill on time each month. Late payments hurt your credit score and trigger late fees. If you can, pay your full balance each month to avoid interest charges. If you cannot pay the full balance, pay as much as you can and focus on paying down the balance as quickly as possible.
Monitor your account regularly through the Journeys website or mobile app. Watch for unauthorized charges, track your points balance, and check for bonus point offers. Some offers are time-limited, so you do not want to miss them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Journeys All Access anywhere besides Journeys stores?
No. Journeys All Access only works at Journeys, Journeys Kidz, and Shi by Journeys locations. You cannot use it at other retailers or online outside of Journeys' own website. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need a general-purpose credit card instead.
What happens to my points if I close my account?
Points typically expire if your account is closed or inactive for an extended period. The exact policy is in your cardholder agreement. If you plan to close the account, redeem any remaining points for store credit before you do.
Is the interest rate fixed or variable?
The APR is variable, meaning it can change over time based on market conditions and your creditworthiness. Your cardholder agreement will tell you how often the rate can change and what index it is tied to. Check your statements regularly to see if your rate has changed.
Can I use this card to build credit?
Yes. If you use the card responsibly — paying on time and keeping your balance low — it will help build your credit history. Store cards report to the major credit bureaus just like other credit cards do. However, the high APR means you should only carry a balance if you have no other option.
What should I do if I cannot pay my bill?
Contact Comenity Bank (the card issuer) as soon as you know you will miss a payment. Explain your situation and ask about hardship options or payment plans. Paying late damages your credit score and triggers fees, so it is better to call and work something out than to ignore the bill.