What the Kohl's Credit Card Is and Who Issues It

The Kohl's Credit Card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use at Kohl's stores and on Kohls.com. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, it works only at Kohl's and its sister brands. You get the card by going through Synchrony's process, which takes a few minutes online or in-store.

The card comes with rewards tied to Kohl's Cash, a promotional currency that Kohl's awards on certain purchases. When you spend money, you earn Kohl's Cash that you can spend on future purchases at Kohl's. The card also gives you early access to some sales and special promotions that regular shoppers do not receive.

Synchrony Bank handles the account itself — billing, payments, and customer service. Kohl's handles the rewards program and decides which purchases earn Kohl's Cash. You will deal with both companies, but for different reasons.

Key Takeaways

  • You can request a Kohl's Credit Card online at Kohls.com, through the Kohl's mobile app, or in a Kohl's store, and you get an when ready decision in most cases.
  • The card earns Kohl's Cash on purchases, which you can redeem for discounts on future Kohl's purchases, though the earning rate varies by promotion.
  • You must make at least a minimum payment each month to Synchrony Bank, and missing a payment will damage your credit score.
  • The card carries an annual percentage rate (APR) that Synchrony sets based on your credit history, and you can check the rate before you finish the request.

How to Request the Card Online or In-Store

To request the card on Kohls.com, go to the Kohl's Credit Card page and select "Request Now." You will enter your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and income. Synchrony will pull your credit report and give you a decision within seconds in most cases. If approved, you can use the card number when ready for online purchases, though the physical card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

In a Kohl's store, you can request the card at the register or customer service desk. A store associate will hand you a tablet or paper form to fill out. The process is the same — Synchrony checks your credit and tells you whether you are approved right away. If approved in-store, you may be able to use the card for that purchase when ready, depending on the store's system.

If Synchrony denies your request, you will see the reason — usually a credit score that is too low or insufficient credit history. You can request again, but Synchrony will pull your credit report each time, which can lower your score slightly. Wait at least a few months before requesting again if you were denied.

What Happens After You Are Approved

Once approved, you receive a card number right away if you requested online. You can use this number on Kohls.com and in the Kohl's mobile app when ready. The physical card arrives by mail and has the same number printed on it. set up the card by calling the number on the back or by logging into your Synchrony account online.

Your first bill arrives about 30 days after your first purchase. Synchrony sends it by mail or email, depending on what you chose during the request process. You can pay online through Synchrony's website, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments set up in your account. The minimum payment is usually 1 to 3 percent of your balance, but paying only the minimum means you will pay interest on the rest.

You can check your balance, recent purchases, and payment due date by logging into your Synchrony account at Synchrony.com or through the Kohl's mobile app. The app shows your Kohl's Cash balance as well, which the Kohl's website updates separately from your credit card account.

How Kohl's Cash Works and When You Earn It

Kohl's Cash is a reward you earn on certain purchases made with the Kohl's Credit Card. The amount you earn depends on the promotion running at the time. During regular periods, you might earn $10 in Kohl's Cash for every $50 you spend. During special events, the rate changes — sometimes you earn more, sometimes less.

Kohl's announces the current earning rate on Kohls.com and in stores. Check before you make a large purchase, because the rate can shift week to week. Kohl's Cash typically does not earn on certain items like gift cards, clearance merchandise, or items from specific brands, though the rules change by promotion.

Once you earn Kohl's Cash, it appears in your account within a few days. You can use it on any purchase at Kohl's or Kohls.com by selecting it as a payment method at checkout. Kohl's Cash usually expires 30 days after you earn it, so use it before the important date or it disappears. The expiration date is shown in your account.

Understanding the Interest Rate and Fees

The Kohl's Credit Card charges an annual percentage rate (APR) on any balance you carry from month to month. Synchrony sets your APR based on your credit score and credit history — people with higher scores get lower rates. You can see the APR before you finish requesting the card, so you know the cost before you commit.

If you pay your full balance by the due date each month, you pay no interest. Interest only applies to the amount you do not pay. For example, if your balance is $500 and you pay $300 by the due date, interest accrues on the remaining $200.

The Kohl's Credit Card does not charge an annual fee. However, Synchrony charges late fees if you miss a payment, and the fee amount depends on how late you are. A payment that is 30 days late costs more than a payment that is 10 days late. Paying on time avoids these fees entirely.

How to Make Payments and Manage Your Account

You can pay your Synchrony bill through several methods. Online payment through Synchrony.com is the fastest — the payment posts within one business day. You can also set up automatic payments so the minimum payment or a fixed amount comes out of your bank account each month on a date you choose. This prevents missed payments if you forget.

Paying by phone takes a few minutes. Call the number on the back of your card or on your bill. A representative will take your payment information and confirm the amount and date. Mailed payments take 5 to 7 business days to post, so send them early if your due date is soon.

Log into your Synchrony account to see your current balance, recent transactions, and payment history. You can also dispute a charge if you do not recognize it or if a merchant charged you twice. Report the dispute within 60 days of the charge appearing on your bill.

What Happens If You Miss a Payment or Carry a Balance

If you miss a payment, Synchrony reports it to the credit bureaus after 30 days. This damage to your credit score can last for years and will make it harder to get other credit cards, loans, or even rent an apartment. Synchrony will also charge a late fee and may raise your APR if you are significantly late.

If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount. The longer you carry it, the more you pay in total. For example, a $1,000 balance at 20% APR costs about $200 per year in interest alone. Paying more than the minimum each month reduces the balance faster and saves money on interest.

If you fall behind on payments, contact Synchrony before the account goes to collections. Synchrony sometimes offers hardship programs that lower your payment or APR temporarily if you explain your situation. Waiting until the account is severely delinquent makes negotiation much harder.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Kohl's Credit Card outside of Kohl's?

No. The Kohl's Credit Card works only at Kohl's stores and on Kohls.com. It does not work at other retailers or online merchants. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express instead.

What is the credit limit on the Kohl's Credit Card?

Synchrony sets your credit limit based on your credit score, income, and credit history. You will see your limit after you are approved. You can request a higher limit later by logging into your account or calling Synchrony, though approval is not may provide.

Does the Kohl's Credit Card have a sign-up bonus?

Kohl's occasionally offers sign-up bonuses like $15 or $20 in Kohl's Cash when you request the card, but the offer changes. Check Kohls.com or ask in-store to see if a bonus is running when you request. The bonus usually requires a minimum purchase within a certain timeframe.

What happens to my Kohl's Cash if I do not use it before it expires?

Kohl's Cash expires 30 days after you earn it. If you do not use it by the expiration date, it disappears and you cannot recover it. Check your account regularly to see when your Kohl's Cash expires and plan your purchases accordingly.

Can I close my Kohl's Credit Card account?

Yes. Call Synchrony or log into your account and request to close it. If you have a balance, you must pay it off before or at the time of closing. Closing the account will not remove it from your credit history, but it may lower your credit score slightly because it reduces the total credit available to you.