What Kohl's Credit Card Does
Kohl's offers a store credit card that works only at Kohl's and Kohl's.com. You can use it to make purchases, and the card comes with rewards that give you cash back or discounts on future buys. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, this card has no value outside Kohl's stores.
The card is issued by Synchrony Bank, which handles the account, billing, and customer service. When you open an account, you get an when ready discount on your first purchase — typically 15% off — which is why many shoppers open the card while they're already in the store or online.
Like any credit card, the Kohl's card reports to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so your payment history affects your credit score. Carrying a balance means you'll pay interest at a variable rate that changes with market conditions.
Key Takeaways
- The Kohl's card gives you rewards points on every purchase that convert to Kohl's Cash, a discount you can use on future shopping trips.
- You receive an when ready discount on your first purchase when you open the account, usually 15% off your entire transaction.
- The card works only at Kohl's locations and Kohl's.com — you cannot use it at other retailers.
- Your payment history on this card reports to credit bureaus and affects your credit score, just like any other credit card.
- Interest rates are variable and change over time, so the APR you see at opening may not be the rate you pay later.
How to Open a Kohl's Credit Card Account
You can open an account in three ways: in a Kohl's store, on Kohl's.com, or by phone. In-store is fastest because you get your discount when ready and can use the card right away. Online and phone applications take a few business days to process.
To start, you'll need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and a government-issued ID. Have your driver's license or passport ready. You'll also need a phone number and email address where Synchrony can reach you.
If you explore in the store, a sales associate will walk you through the form on a tablet or paper. You'll answer questions about your income, employment status, and whether you rent or own your home. The store associate submits it on the spot, and you'll get a decision within minutes in most cases.
Online applications at Kohl's.com follow the same questions. You fill out your personal and financial information, review the terms, and submit. You'll see a decision screen right after you submit, though some applications go to a review queue and you'll hear back within a few business days by email or phone.
What Happens After You're Approved
If you're approved in-store, you walk out with a temporary card number that works when ready — you can use it for that day's purchase. Your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or logging into your online account at Synchrony's website.
If you applied online or by phone, you'll receive your card by mail. set up works the same way: call the number on the back of the card or go to Synchrony's website and log in with your Social Security number and date of birth. Until you set up it, you cannot use the card.
Your first statement arrives about 30 days after your first purchase. It shows what you bought, how much you owe, the minimum payment due, and the date payment is due. You have at least 21 days from the statement date to pay.
How Rewards and Discounts Work
Every dollar you spend earns points. The exact rate depends on what you buy — regular purchases earn one point per dollar, but Kohl's frequently runs promotions where certain items or categories earn double or triple points. Check the Kohl's app or website to see what's earning extra points this week.
Points convert to Kohl's Cash, which is a discount certificate you use on future purchases. The conversion rate is typically 1 point equals 1 cent in Kohl's Cash, though Kohl's runs bonus conversion events where your points are worth more. When you reach a certain threshold — usually 200 or 500 points — you can redeem your Kohl's Cash when ready.
The 15% first-purchase discount is separate from the rewards program. You get it once, when you open the account, and it applies to that single transaction only. After that, you earn rewards on every purchase going forward.
Kohl's also sends cardholders special offers by email and mail — extra discounts, free shipping codes, or bonus point events. These are not automatic; you have to use the code or coupon when you check out. Check your email regularly if you want to catch these deals.
Making Payments and Managing Your Balance
You can pay your bill online through Synchrony's website, by phone, by mail, or in a Kohl's store. Online is fastest — log into your account, enter the amount you want to pay, and choose your payment date. The payment posts within one business day.
By phone, call the number on the back of your card. A representative will take your payment information and process it over the phone. By mail, send a check to the address shown on your statement. By store, bring your card and cash or debit card to the customer service desk at any Kohl's location.
Your minimum payment is shown on your statement. If you pay only the minimum, you'll pay interest on the remaining balance. The interest rate is variable, meaning it changes over time based on market conditions. Synchrony will tell you your current APR on your statement and online account.
If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily. The longer you carry it, the more interest you pay. Paying the full balance by the due date means you pay no interest at all.
What to Do If You're Denied or Have Questions
If your process is denied, Synchrony will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, too many recent credit inquiries, or a low credit score. The letter includes contact information for Synchrony's customer service.
You can call Synchrony to ask why you were denied and whether you can reapply. Some denials are temporary — if you were denied because of too many recent inquiries, waiting a few months and reapplying may result in approval. If you were denied because of a credit report error, you can dispute it with the credit bureau and reapply after it's corrected.
If you have questions about your account after it's open, call the number on the back of your card or log into your Synchrony account online. Representatives can explain your balance, interest rate, rewards balance, or payment options. They can also help if you notice a fraudulent charge or want to report a lost card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Kohl's card anywhere besides Kohl's?
No. The Kohl's card works only at Kohl's stores and Kohl's.com. It is not a Visa, Mastercard, or any other network card, so it has no value outside Kohl's. If you need a card for other retailers, you would need a separate general-purpose credit card.
What's the difference between the Kohl's card and Kohl's Cash?
The Kohl's card is the credit account you open with Synchrony. Kohl's Cash is the reward you earn when you use the card — it's a discount certificate that appears in your account and you redeem it on future purchases. You earn Kohl's Cash by spending with the card.
Do I have to carry a balance to keep the card open?
No. You can pay your balance in full every month and never pay interest. Synchrony will keep your account open as long as you use it occasionally and pay on time. Accounts that sit unused for a very long time may be closed, but regular use and on-time payments keep it active.
What happens if I miss a payment?
If you miss your due date, Synchrony will charge a late fee and report the missed payment to the credit bureaus, which will lower your credit score. If you're more than 30 days late, the interest rate may increase. Contact Synchrony when ready if you know you'll miss a payment — they may be able to work out a plan with you.
Can I transfer my Kohl's Cash to someone else?
No. Kohl's Cash is tied to your account and can only be used by you when you shop with that card. You cannot give it to another person or transfer it to a different account.