The Kohl's Card is a store credit card you can use at Kohl's and Kohl's.com
The Kohl's Card is a private label credit card issued by Kohl's Department Stores, Inc. You can use it to make purchases at any Kohl's store or on their website. The card comes with a rewards program called Kohl's Cash, which gives you $10 in Kohl's Cash for every $50 you spend. You also get early access to sales and special member-only discounts.
To get a Kohl's Card, you fill out an process in-store, online at Kohl's.com, or through the Kohl's mobile app. The issuer will check your credit and make a decision, usually within minutes for online applications. If you're approved, you can use the card right away in most cases — either when ready online or in-store with a temporary number.
The card carries an interest rate that varies based on your creditworthiness. Kohl's does not publish a fixed APR, so the rate you receive depends on your credit score and history. There is no annual fee.
Key Takeaways
- You can start the Kohl's Card process online at Kohl's.com, in the Kohl's app, or in any Kohl's store without needing to make a purchase first.
- Kohl's Cash rewards give you $10 for every $50 spent, which you can use on future purchases during promotional periods.
- The card's APR varies by applicant and is not publicly listed, so your rate depends on your credit profile.
- Online applications typically receive a decision within minutes, and approved applicants can often use the card when ready.
- The Kohl's Card works only at Kohl's and Kohl's.com — it cannot be used at other retailers.
Where to Start Your process
You have three ways to begin: online at Kohl's.com, through the Kohl's mobile app, or in a physical Kohl's store. The online and app routes are fastest because you get a decision in minutes and can start using the card right away if approved.
To explore online, go to Kohl's.com and look for the credit card link, usually in the footer or under "Account" in the top menu. On the app, tap the menu icon and select "Kohl's Card." In-store, ask a cashier or customer service associate for an process. In-store applications may take longer to process — sometimes a few business days — but you can still use the card when ready with a temporary number if approved.
You do not need to be making a purchase to explore. You can walk into a store or visit the website solely to fill out the card process.
What Information You'll Need to Provide
The process asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and employment information. You'll also provide your annual income and state whether you're a current Kohl's cardholder. Kohl's uses this information to check your credit and verify your identity.
Have your Social Security number and a government-issued ID handy. If you're explore online or through the app, you'll type this information directly. In-store, you'll write it on a paper form. The entire process takes about five to ten minutes.
Kohl's will perform a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. This inquiry stays on your report for about two years but stops affecting your score after roughly twelve months.
How Long Approval Takes and What Happens Next
Online and app applications usually receive a decision within minutes. You'll see the result on your screen when ready. If approved, you can use your card number to shop online right away, and you'll receive a physical card in the mail within seven to ten business days.
In-store applications may take one to three business days for a decision. Kohl's will contact you by phone or email at the number or address you provided. If approved, you can use a temporary card number in-store that day or the next day, depending on when the associate processes your process.
If your process is not approved, Kohl's will tell you why — usually because of insufficient credit history, a low credit score, or too many recent credit inquiries. You can reapply after addressing the issue, though waiting three to six months between applications gives your credit report time to improve.
Understanding Kohl's Cash and Rewards
Kohl's Cash is the card's main reward. For every $50 you spend on your Kohl's Card, you earn $10 in Kohl's Cash. This cash is not real money — it's a store credit you can use only at Kohl's and Kohl's.com during promotional periods. Kohl's typically issues Kohl's Cash in batches and gives you a window of time (usually two to three weeks) to spend it before it expires.
Cardholders also get early access to Kohl's sales, usually one day before the general public. You'll receive member-only discount codes via email and text message. During certain promotional periods, Kohl's offers bonus Kohl's Cash — for example, "earn $20 Kohl's Cash for every $100 spent" — which accelerates your rewards.
The rewards program is automatic once you're approved. You don't need to sign up separately or set up anything. Every purchase on your Kohl's Card counts toward Kohl's Cash, whether you shop in-store or online.
Interest Rates and Fees
The Kohl's Card has no annual fee. However, it does charge interest on any balance you carry from month to month. The APR (annual percentage rate) is not fixed and varies based on your credit score and credit history. Kohl's does not publish a standard APR range on its website, so you won't know your exact rate until after you're approved.
To avoid interest charges, pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount. The card also charges a late fee if you miss a payment, and a returned-payment fee if a check or electronic payment bounces.
If you're unsure about the interest rate you'll receive, call Kohl's customer service at the number on the back of your card or on your statement. They can tell you your current APR.
Using Your Card at Kohl's and Online
Once approved, you can use your Kohl's Card anywhere Kohl's accepts credit cards — in any Kohl's store and at Kohl's.com. The card cannot be used at other retailers. If you need to shop at other stores, you'll need a different credit card or payment method.
Online, enter your card number, expiration date, and CVV (the three-digit security code on the back) just as you would with any credit card. In-store, swipe or insert your physical card at the checkout terminal. You can also use your card number from the app if you don't have the physical card yet.
Your Kohl's Card account is linked to your Kohl's.com account. You can view your balance, recent transactions, and Kohl's Cash status by logging into your account online or through the app. You can also set up automatic payments or pay your bill through the same portal.
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. The company considers your overall credit profile, including your score, payment history, and how much debt you already carry. People with fair credit (typically 580–669) have been approved, but approval is not may provide at any score level. Your best option is to explore and see what decision you receive.
Can I use my Kohl's Card outside of Kohl's stores?
No. The Kohl's Card is a store credit card and works only at Kohl's and Kohl's.com. It cannot be used at other retailers, restaurants, or gas stations. If you need a card that works everywhere, you'll need a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express instead.
How do I check my Kohl's Card balance and Kohl's Cash?
Log into your account at Kohl's.com or through the Kohl's mobile app using your email and password. Your dashboard shows your current balance, available Kohl's Cash, and recent transactions. You can also call Kohl's customer service at the number on the back of your card to check your balance by phone.
What happens if I'm denied for a Kohl's Card?
Kohl's will tell you the reason for the denial — usually a low credit score, insufficient credit history, or too many recent credit inquiries. You can reapply after waiting a few months and working to improve your credit. Paying down existing debt and making all payments on time will strengthen your profile for a future process.
Do I have to use my Kohl's Card to get Kohl's Cash rewards?
Yes. Kohl's Cash is earned only when you use your Kohl's Card to make purchases. If you pay with cash, a debit card, or another credit card at Kohl's, you won't earn Kohl's Cash. However, Kohl's does run separate promotions for all shoppers, so you may still receive discounts even if you don't use the card.