The Kohl's Charge card is a store credit card that gives you rewards on purchases at Kohl's and Kohl's.com, plus access to exclusive sales and discounts

The Kohl's Charge (also called My Kohl's Charge) is a closed-loop credit card, meaning you can use it only at Kohl's stores and on their website. When you open an account, you get a card tied to a credit line that Kohl's extends to you. The card earns rewards on every purchase — typically 1.5 points per dollar spent — and you can redeem those points for Kohl's Cash, which works like a store coupon.

Unlike a general-purpose credit card, the Kohl's Charge does not carry a Visa or Mastercard logo. You cannot use it at other retailers. The trade-off is that Kohl's offers cardholders early access to sales, special discount days, and bonus point promotions that non-cardholders do not receive.

Key Takeaways

  • The Kohl's Charge earns 1.5 points per dollar at Kohl's, redeemable for Kohl's Cash in $5 increments starting at 250 points.
  • Cardholders get exclusive discounts on designated days each month and early access to clearance sales and special events.
  • The card has no annual fee, but interest rates and credit limits depend on your creditworthiness and Kohl's underwriting.
  • You can manage your account online through Kohl's website or by phone, and statements arrive monthly showing your balance and rewards.

How rewards and Kohl's Cash work

Every dollar you spend on the Kohl's Charge earns 1.5 points. When you reach 250 points, you can redeem them for a $5 Kohl's Cash coupon. At 500 points, you get $10 Kohl's Cash, and so on. The points appear in your account when ready after a purchase posts, and you can check your balance anytime through your online account or by calling Kohl's customer service.

Kohl's Cash works like a store coupon with an expiration date. When you redeem points, Kohl's sends you a code or adds the credit to your account, and you have a set window (usually 30 days) to spend it. If you do not use it by the important date, it expires. Bonus point promotions — such as "earn 3 points per dollar this weekend" — run periodically and are advertised in-store and online.

Cardholder-only discounts and sales access

Kohl's reserves certain discounts and sale events for cardholders only. The most common is Cardholders Day, which typically happens once a month and offers an extra percentage off your purchase. These days are announced in your monthly statement, in email, and on the Kohl's website. You also get early access to clearance sales and special events before they open to the general public.

The specific discount percentage and timing vary by promotion. Kohl's advertises upcoming cardholder events in your account dashboard and via email if you have opted in to communications. Non-cardholders do not receive these offers, so the card can pay for itself if you shop at Kohl's regularly.

Interest rates, fees, and credit terms

The Kohl's Charge has no annual fee. However, like any credit card, it carries an interest rate (called the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR) that applies if you carry a balance month to month. The APR you receive depends on your credit score and credit history — Kohl's will disclose the rate in your account agreement after you open the card.

Your credit limit is also determined by Kohl's based on your creditworthiness. If you pay your balance in full each month, you pay no interest. If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount. Kohl's may also offer promotional financing options — such as "no interest if paid in full within 12 months" — on certain purchases, though these come with terms and conditions.

How to open and manage your account

You can open a Kohl's Charge account in-store at any Kohl's location or online at Kohl's.com. The in-store process is fastest — you fill out an process, and Kohl's gives you an when ready decision in most cases. If approved, you receive a temporary card number on the spot and can use it when ready. Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Once your account is open, you manage it through your Kohl's online account or by calling Kohl's customer service. You can view your balance, recent transactions, rewards points, and available Kohl's Cash. You can also set up automatic payments, update your address, and enroll in paperless statements. Monthly statements show your balance, minimum payment due, interest charges (if any), and points earned.

When the Kohl's Charge makes sense for your spending

The Kohl's Charge is worth opening if you shop at Kohl's at least a few times a year. The 1.5 points per dollar reward rate is competitive for a store card, and the cardholder discounts add real value. If you spend $500 a year at Kohl's, you earn 750 points, which converts to $15 in Kohl's Cash — plus you gain access to monthly cardholder sales that can save you an additional 15% to 25% on top of regular prices.

The card is less useful if you rarely visit Kohl's or prefer to use a general-purpose rewards card (like a Visa or Mastercard) that earns points everywhere. Because the Kohl's Charge works only at Kohl's, you cannot consolidate rewards across multiple retailers. If you carry a balance and pay interest, the rewards value shrinks — paying 20% APR on a $500 balance costs far more than the $7.50 in rewards you earn on that same $500 purchase.

Comparing the Kohl's Charge to other store cards

Most major department stores offer their own credit cards with similar structures: no annual fee, rewards on purchases, and cardholder-only discounts. Macy's Star Rewards, Target RedCard, and Nordstrom cards all follow this model. The main differences are the rewards rate (typically 1% to 2% per dollar), the redemption structure, and the frequency and depth of cardholder discounts.

The Kohl's Charge's 1.5 points per dollar is in the middle of the range. Its cardholder discount days are frequent and well-publicized, making it straightforward to plan shopping trips around them. If you shop at multiple department stores, opening cards at each one lets you maximize rewards at each retailer — but it also means managing multiple accounts and multiple reward balances.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my Kohl's Charge card anywhere besides Kohl's?

No. The Kohl's Charge is a closed-loop card that works only at Kohl's stores and Kohl's.com. It does not carry a Visa or Mastercard logo and cannot be used at other retailers. If you need a card that works everywhere, you would need a separate general-purpose credit card.

What happens to my rewards points if I close my account?

Kohl's policy on unused points varies. Typically, you should redeem all points before closing your account, as they may be forfeited. Contact Kohl's customer service before closing to confirm what happens to any remaining balance.

How long does it take to get approved for the Kohl's Charge?

In-store applications usually receive an when ready decision. Online applications may take a few minutes to a few hours. Once approved, you get a temporary card number when ready (in-store) or via email (online), and your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Do I have to use my Kohl's Charge to get cardholder discounts?

Yes. Cardholder-only discounts and sales are reserved for people who hold an active Kohl's Charge account. You must present your card or account number at checkout to receive the discount. Non-cardholders do not have access to these offers.

What is the interest rate on the Kohl's Charge?

The APR varies based on your credit score and history. Kohl's will disclose your specific rate in your account agreement after approval. If you pay your full balance each month, you pay no interest regardless of the rate.