What Kohl's Credit Cards Offer
Kohl's offers two credit card options: the Kohl's Card (for in-store and online purchases) and the Kohl's Visa Card (accepted anywhere Visa is accepted). Both cards come with rewards on purchases, but the rewards structure and where you can use them differ. The Kohl's Card earns rewards only at Kohl's, while the Kohl's Visa Card earns rewards everywhere but at a lower rate at Kohl's than the regular Kohl's Card does.
Both cards offer promotional financing periods during certain times of the year—typically interest-free periods on purchases over a set amount. Kohl's also runs frequent cardmember-only sales and gives cardholders early access to clearance events. The cards are issued by Synchrony Bank, which handles billing and customer service.
Key Takeaways
- The Kohl's Card works only at Kohl's stores and Kohls.com, while the Kohl's Visa Card can be used anywhere Visa is accepted.
- Both cards earn rewards on purchases, but the Kohl's Card earns a higher rate at Kohl's than the Kohl's Visa Card does.
- Kohl's runs promotional 0% APR periods several times per year, usually on purchases above a minimum amount.
- You can check your process status, set up your card, and manage your account through Kohl's website or by calling Synchrony Bank's customer service number.
- The cards require a credit check, and approval depends on your credit history and income.
Comparing the Two Kohl's Cards
The Kohl's Card is a store card that works only at Kohl's locations and on Kohls.com. It earns 4x points per dollar spent at Kohl's during promotional periods (usually one week per month) and 1x point per dollar at all other times. Points can be redeemed for Kohl's Cash, which is a discount certificate you use on future purchases.
The Kohl's Visa Card is a general-purpose credit card that works anywhere Visa is accepted. It earns 2x points per dollar at Kohl's and 1x point per dollar everywhere else. The Visa version gives you more flexibility outside Kohl's, but the rewards rate at Kohl's is lower than the store card's promotional rate.
Both cards carry an annual percentage rate (APR) that varies based on your creditworthiness. Kohl's does not charge an annual fee for either card. Both cards are issued by Synchrony Bank, so the billing and payment process is the same regardless of which card you choose.
how the process works for a Kohl's Credit Card
You can start an process in three ways: in a Kohl's store at the register, on Kohls.com during checkout, or by calling Synchrony Bank directly. In-store applications are often the fastest because a store associate can submit your information when ready and sometimes give you a decision on the spot.
You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, employment status, and annual income. Kohl's will run a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. The process itself takes about 10 minutes to complete.
After you submit your process, Synchrony Bank reviews it and sends a decision by mail or email within 7 to 10 business days. If you are approved, your card arrives by mail within 1 to 2 weeks. If you are denied, the letter will explain the reason and tell you how to contact Synchrony if you want to dispute the decision.
Activating Your Card and Making Your First Purchase
When your Kohl's Card arrives in the mail, you must set up it before you can use it. You can set up the card online through your Synchrony account, by calling the number on the back of the card, or in a Kohl's store. set up is free and takes less than five minutes.
After set up, you can use the card when ready at any Kohl's store or on Kohls.com (if you have the store card) or anywhere Visa is accepted (if you have the Visa card). Your first statement will arrive 25 to 30 days after your first purchase. Synchrony sends statements by mail and email, and you can view your balance and transactions anytime through the Synchrony app or website.
Understanding Kohl's Promotional Financing Offers
Kohl's runs promotional periods where cardholders can make purchases with 0% APR for a set number of months. These promotions typically require a minimum purchase amount—often $75 or $100—and last between 6 and 12 months depending on the promotion. During the promotional period, you pay no interest on the purchase as long as you pay at least the minimum payment each month.
If you do not pay off the full promotional balance by the end of the period, Synchrony applies the regular APR (which varies by cardholder) to any remaining balance retroactively—meaning you owe interest on the entire purchase from the original date, not just from the end of the promotion. This can result in a large interest charge, so it is important to understand the terms before you make a promotional purchase.
Kohl's advertises these promotions in stores, on Kohls.com, and in emails to cardholders. You can also ask a store associate or call Synchrony to find out what promotions are currently running.
Managing Your Account and Making Payments
You can pay your Kohl's credit card bill online through the Synchrony website or app, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Kohl's store. Online and phone payments are processed when ready or within one business day. Mail payments take 5 to 7 business days to reach Synchrony, so send them early if your due date is coming up.
Your minimum payment is due on the same day each month, shown on your statement. Paying only the minimum means you will carry a balance and pay interest on it. To avoid interest charges, pay your full statement balance by the due date. You can set up automatic payments through the Synchrony website so you never miss a due date.
Late payments are reported to the credit bureaus and can lower your credit score. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, Synchrony may close your account and refer the debt to a collection agency. If you are having trouble making a payment, contact Synchrony before your due date to discuss your options.
Rewards, Redemption, and Cardmember Benefits
Points earned on your Kohl's Card are automatically converted to Kohl's Cash, which is issued in certificates that you can use on future purchases. The conversion rate depends on how many points you have earned. Kohl's Cash typically expires 90 days after it is issued, so you need to use it within that window or it disappears.
Cardholders also receive early access to Kohl's sales events, usually 12 hours before the general public. You also get cardmember-only discounts on certain days throughout the year. Kohl's sends these offers by email and displays them on Kohls.com, so check your email regularly to stay informed about upcoming deals.
The Kohl's Visa Card earns rewards at all merchants where Visa is accepted, but the rate is lower than at Kohl's. Rewards from the Visa card are also converted to Kohl's Cash, so you can only redeem them at Kohl's—not at other retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do I need to get approved for a Kohl's Card?
Kohl's does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. Synchrony Bank reviews your entire credit profile, including your score, payment history, and income. Generally, applicants with a score of 600 or higher have better chances of approval, but approval is not may provide at any score level.
Can I use my Kohl's Card outside of Kohl's?
Only if you have the Kohl's Visa Card. The regular Kohl's Card works only at Kohl's stores and Kohls.com. If you want to use your card at other retailers, you must request the Visa version when you explore or call Synchrony to upgrade your existing card.
How do I check my process status after I explore?
You can check your status online through the Synchrony website by entering your Social Security number and date of birth, or call Synchrony at the number provided in your process confirmation. Status checks are usually available within 24 hours of explore.
What happens if I miss a payment on my Kohl's Card?
A missed payment is reported to the credit bureaus after 30 days and will lower your credit score. Synchrony may charge a late fee and increase your APR. If you miss a payment, contact Synchrony when ready to make arrangements before the account is sent to collections.
Can I redeem my Kohl's Cash at other stores?
No. Kohl's Cash can only be used at Kohl's stores and on Kohls.com. It cannot be transferred, sold, or redeemed for cash. Kohl's Cash expires 90 days after it is issued, so you must use it within that timeframe.