5 Things to Know About the Kohl’s Credit Card Before You Sign Up

If you’ve ever shopped at Kohl’s, chances are you’ve been asked at checkout: “Would you like to apply for a Kohl’s Credit Card today and save 35%?” Sounds pretty good, right? But before you jump in, it’s smart to look beyond the sign-up savings and really understand what you’re getting into.

Here’s what you actually need to know about the Kohl’s Credit Card: the good, the bad, and the fine print most people don’t read.

1. The Sign-Up Discount Is Nice — But It’s a One-Time Deal

Yes, one of the biggest perks of the Kohl’s Credit Card is the initial discount. Right now, new cardholders can get 40% off their first Kohl’s purchase after approval.

But here’s the catch:

• It’s a one-time discount.
• And you’ll need to use your new Kohl’s Card for that first purchase.

This can be awesome if you’ve been eyeing something big; think new bedding, holiday gifts, or back-to-school shopping.

Pro Tip:

Time your application around a major purchase to get the most out of that 40% off.

2. The Ongoing Rewards Are… Kind of Hit or Miss

Kohl’s cardholders earn 7.5% on all Kohl’s purchases and get extra discounts throughout the year, usually those “30% off” coupons that show up in your inbox.

But here’s what surprises some people:

• You don’t earn points or cashback just for using the card.
• It’s more of a discount card, not a rewards card.

You’ll still earn Kohl’s Cash and Kohl’s Rewards like everyone else, but that’s tied to your spending at Kohl’s, not specifically to the credit card itself.

Good for:

• Loyal Kohl’s shoppers who love stacking coupons.

Not so good for:

• Anyone looking for travel points, cashback, or rewards outside of Kohl’s.

3. The Interest Rate (APR) Is High

Like many store cards, the Kohl’s Credit Card comes with a pretty steep interest rate.

• Current APR: Around 30.24% (variable)

Translation: If you don’t pay your balance in full every month, that 40% sign-up discount could cost you way more in interest over time.

Bottom Line:

This is a card best used only if you plan to pay it off completely each month.

4. It Can Impact Your Credit Score

A lot of people wonder…
“Will applying for the Kohl’s Credit Card hurt my credit score?”

Here’s the deal:

• Applying triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report (this may slightly lower your score short term).
• The card adds to your available credit, which can help your credit utilization ratio (good for your score!).
• But late payments? Major negative impact.

So… is it good or bad for your credit?

It really depends on how you use it. If you pay on time and keep balances low, it could actually help.

5. It’s Only Usable at Kohl’s (Unless You’re Offered the Visa Version)

Most people get the standard Kohl’s Credit Card, which is a store card, meaning you can only use it at Kohl’s, either in-store or online.

However, Kohl’s does offer a Visa version of the card to some applicants. If you’re approved for that version, you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted.

Still, both cards are designed for Kohl’s fans, so if you rarely shop there, you probably won’t get much value from it.

Quick Recap: Is the Kohl’s Credit Card Worth It?

Final Thoughts

The Kohl’s Credit Card can absolutely save you money if you’re a frequent Kohl’s shopper and you pay it off in full every month.

But like any store card, it’s not free money. It works best for budget-savvy shoppers who know how to stack discounts without carrying a balance.

Thinking about applying?

Ask yourself:

• Do I shop at Kohl’s regularly?
• Will I pay it off every month?
• Am I mostly here for that one-time discount?

If yes, it could be worth it. If not, a general rewards credit card might give you more flexibility.

FAQs About the Kohl’s Credit Card