What the Crate and Barrel Credit Card Is
The Crate and Barrel credit card is a store card issued by Comenity Bank that you can use at Crate and Barrel and Barrel stores. It works like most retail credit cards: you get rewards when you shop there, and you can carry a balance month to month if you choose. The card is not a general-purpose card — you cannot use it outside Crate and Barrel locations — but the rewards structure is designed to make frequent shoppers save money over time.
The card comes with no annual fee, which means you pay nothing just to hold it. The main benefit is a rewards program that gives you points on purchases, which you can redeem for discounts on future orders. If you shop at Crate and Barrel regularly, the card can reduce what you spend. If you shop there rarely, the card offers less value.
Key Takeaways
- The Crate and Barrel card earns rewards points on every purchase at Crate and Barrel and Barrel stores, with bonus points during promotional periods.
- You can redeem points for discounts on future purchases, and the redemption rate varies depending on how many points you have accumulated.
- The card charges interest on balances you carry from month to month, and the interest rate is set by Comenity Bank based on your credit history.
- You do not pay an annual fee to hold the card, but you will pay interest if you do not pay your full balance by the due date.
- The card is only accepted at Crate and Barrel and Barrel locations, not at other retailers or online outside those stores.
How Rewards Points Work on This Card
Every dollar you spend on the Crate and Barrel card earns you points. The exact earning rate depends on the purchase type and whether Crate and Barrel is running a promotional offer at the time. During regular shopping, you earn a baseline rate of points per dollar. During promotional periods — which Crate and Barrel announces in-store and by email to cardholders — you may earn bonus points on certain categories or on all purchases.
Points accumulate in your account and do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. You redeem points by converting them into statement credits or discounts that reduce your next purchase. The redemption value varies: you might redeem 100 points for a $5 discount, or 500 points for a $25 discount, depending on the promotion running at the time. Crate and Barrel sets these redemption rates and changes them periodically, so the value of each point can shift.
The rewards are most valuable if you plan to shop at Crate and Barrel anyway. If you open the card specifically to earn rewards and then do not shop there, you will not see a financial benefit. The card is a tool to reduce the cost of purchases you were already going to make, not a way to save money by shopping more.
Interest Rates and Fees You Should Know
The Crate and Barrel card charges interest on any balance you do not pay in full by your statement due date. The interest rate — called the Annual Percentage Rate or APR — is determined by Comenity Bank based on your credit score and credit history. This means different cardholders pay different rates. You will see your specific APR on your cardmember agreement when you open the account, and it will also appear on your monthly statement.
The card has no annual fee, which means you will never be charged just for holding it. However, you may be charged late fees if you miss a payment, and you may be charged a fee if your payment bounces. These fees are outlined in your cardmember agreement. The best way to avoid them is to pay at least the minimum payment by the due date every month.
If you carry a balance, the interest charges add up quickly. For example, a $1,000 balance at a 20% APR costs about $200 per year in interest alone. This means the rewards you earn — typically 1% to 5% back depending on the promotion — can be wiped out by interest charges if you do not pay the full balance. Using the card only when you can pay it off in full is the lowest-cost way to use it.
When a Promotional APR Applies
Crate and Barrel sometimes offers promotional financing on the credit card, usually for large purchases like furniture. A promotional offer might say "0% APR for 12 months" or "0% APR for 24 months on purchases over $500." During the promotional period, you pay no interest on the purchase, even if you carry a balance. Once the promotional period ends, the regular APR kicks in on any remaining balance.
Promotional financing is useful for large purchases you plan to pay off over time, but it requires discipline. If you do not pay off the promotional purchase before the period ends, you will owe interest on the full remaining balance at the regular APR, and that interest is often charged retroactively — meaning you owe interest from the original purchase date, not just from the end of the promotion. Read the terms carefully before you accept a promotional offer, and make sure you have a plan to pay off the balance before the period ends.
How to Use the Card Responsibly
The Crate and Barrel card works best as a tool to reduce the cost of purchases you were already planning to make. Before you open the card, think about whether you shop at Crate and Barrel regularly enough to earn meaningful rewards. If you shop there once or twice a year, the rewards will be small. If you shop there several times a year or furnish a home, the rewards can add up.
Once you have the card, treat it like any other credit card: pay the full balance by the due date each month if you can. If you cannot pay the full balance, pay as much as you can to reduce the interest you owe. Do not open the card and then avoid using it — an unused account may be closed by the bank, which can affect your credit score. But also do not open the card and then overspend just to earn rewards. The interest you pay will almost always exceed the rewards you earn.
Keep track of your rewards balance and redemption options. Crate and Barrel sends statements by mail and email, and you can also log into your online account to check your points and available redemptions. Redeem your points before they lose value due to a change in redemption rates, and do not let points sit unused for years.
Comparing This Card to Other Retail Cards
The Crate and Barrel card is one of many retail credit cards available. Other furniture and home goods retailers offer similar cards with rewards programs and no annual fees. The main difference between them is the rewards rate, the redemption options, and the promotional financing offers each retailer provides.
If you shop at multiple retailers, a general-purpose rewards credit card — like a cash-back card from a bank or credit card company — might give you more flexibility. Those cards work anywhere and earn rewards at every store, not just one. However, they often charge an annual fee, and the rewards rate is usually lower than a store card's rate at that specific store. The choice depends on where you shop most and how much you value the rewards.
Before you open any retail card, compare the rewards rate, the APR, and the redemption options to cards you already have or other cards you are considering. A card that earns 5% back at one store but charges 25% interest is not a good deal if you carry a balance. A card with no annual fee but a 1% rewards rate might not be worth opening if you only shop there once a year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Crate and Barrel card online?
Yes, you can use the card on the Crate and Barrel website and mobile app, as well as in physical stores. The rewards and interest rates are the same whether you shop in-store or online. You cannot use the card on other websites or at other retailers.
What happens to my rewards if I close the account?
Your rewards points are tied to your account. If you close the account, you should redeem any remaining points before you close it. Once the account is closed, you may lose access to unredeemed points. Contact Crate and Barrel customer service before closing your account to confirm their policy on points.
Does the Crate and Barrel card hurt my credit score?
Opening any new credit card can temporarily lower your score because the bank makes a hard inquiry into your credit report. Over time, the card can help your score if you pay on time and keep your balance low, because it adds to your available credit and payment history. Missed payments or high balances will hurt your score.
Can I transfer a balance from another card to the Crate and Barrel card?
Most retail cards, including the Crate and Barrel card, do not offer balance transfers. You can only charge new purchases to the card. If you want to transfer a balance from another card, you would need to do that with a different card that offers balance transfer options.
What is the credit limit on this card?
Your credit limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history. Comenity Bank sets your limit when you open the account. You can request a higher limit after you have held the card for a few months and made on-time payments. Your limit will be shown on your statement and in your online account.