What the Crate and Barrel Credit Card Does

The Crate and Barrel credit card is a store card issued by Comenity Bank that you can use to make purchases at Crate and Barrel and Crate and Barrel Outlet stores, both in-person and online. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, it works only at those retailers—you cannot use it at other merchants. The card comes with a rewards program that gives you points on every purchase, which you can redeem for discounts on future orders.

The card is free to open and has no annual fee. You receive a physical card in the mail after your account is approved, usually within 7 to 10 business days. Once you have the card, you can begin using it when ready for purchases and start earning rewards.

Key Takeaways

  • The Crate and Barrel credit card earns rewards points on all purchases at Crate and Barrel and outlet locations, redeemable as statement credits or discounts.
  • There is no annual fee, and the card is free to open through Crate and Barrel's website or in-store.
  • The card carries a variable interest rate that changes based on market conditions, so your APR may differ from other cardholders.
  • You can manage your account online through Comenity Bank's portal, where you can view your balance, make payments, and track rewards.
  • The card offers periodic promotional financing options, such as deferred-interest periods on large purchases, though these come with terms you must meet to avoid interest charges.

How to Open a Crate and Barrel Credit Card Account

You can start the process online at Crate and Barrel's website or in any store. On the website, look for the credit card link, usually found in the footer or under an account menu. Click through to the process form. You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, annual income, and employment status. The form takes about five minutes to complete.

In-store applications work the same way—a sales associate can hand you a tablet or paper form to fill out. Either route sends your information to Comenity Bank for review. You will receive a decision within minutes to a few hours in most cases. If approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If denied or if the bank needs more information, you will receive a letter in the mail explaining the reason.

Once your card arrives, you do not need to set up it separately—you can use it right away. However, you should set up your online account at Comenity Bank's website so you can view your balance, make payments, and track your rewards points.

Understanding the Rewards Program

The Crate and Barrel credit card earns points on every dollar you spend at Crate and Barrel and Crate and Barrel Outlet locations. The exact earning rate varies—typically you earn 1 point per dollar on most purchases, with bonus points during promotional periods. The bank periodically sends cardholders special offers, such as "earn 3 points per dollar" on specific weekends or during holiday sales.

You redeem points as a statement credit or discount on a future purchase. The redemption value depends on how many points you have accumulated. For example, 100 points might equal a $10 discount, though the exact conversion rate can change. You can redeem points through your online account or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. There is no expiration date on points as long as your account remains open and active.

Points do not earn on taxes, shipping, or returns. If you return an item, the points you earned on that purchase are reversed from your account.

Interest Rates, Fees, and Promotional Financing

The Crate and Barrel credit card has no annual fee. The interest rate is variable, meaning it changes based on the prime rate and your creditworthiness. Your specific APR will be shown in your approval paperwork and on your monthly statement. Because the rate is variable, it can increase or decrease over time.

The card offers promotional financing options on may have access to purchases. These typically appear as "12 months special financing" or "24 months deferred interest" during sales events or for large purchases. If you take advantage of a deferred-interest offer, you must pay off the full balance within the promotional period to avoid interest charges on the entire purchase amount from the original date. If you miss even one payment during the promotional period, the deferred interest is applied retroactively.

Late payments carry a penalty APR, and late fees explore if your payment arrives after the due date shown on your statement. Missing a payment by 30 days or more can damage your credit score and may result in account suspension.

Making Payments and Managing Your Account

You can make payments online through Comenity Bank's website, by phone, by mail, or in-store at Crate and Barrel. Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you are close to your due date. In-store payments are processed when ready.

Your monthly statement shows your balance, minimum payment due, and due date. You can set up automatic payments through your online account so a fixed amount or your full balance is paid each month without you having to remember. This reduces the risk of late payments and helps you avoid interest charges if you pay in full each month.

You can view your account 24/7 through Comenity Bank's website or mobile app. Log in with your card number and PIN to check your balance, see your rewards points, review recent transactions, and update your contact information. If you forget your login details, you can reset them on the login page.

What Happens If You Lose Your Card or Suspect Fraud

If your card is lost or stolen, call the number on the back of your card or contact Comenity Bank directly. A representative will cancel your current card and mail you a replacement, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges if you report them promptly—federal law limits your liability to $50, and most card issuers waive this entirely if you report the fraud before the charge posts.

If you see a charge you do not recognize on your statement, contact Comenity Bank's customer service right away. Provide the transaction date, amount, and merchant name. The bank will investigate and may issue a temporary credit to your account while the dispute is pending. The investigation typically takes 30 to 60 days.

Closing Your Account or Taking a Break

You can close your Crate and Barrel credit card account at any time by calling Comenity Bank or requesting closure through your online account. There is no penalty for closing the account, and you can reopen it later if you change your mind. However, closing an account can affect your credit score because it reduces your total available credit and may increase your credit utilization ratio on other cards.

If you straightforward want to stop using the card without closing it, you can do that too—just stop making purchases. Keep the account open if you want to preserve your credit history and available credit. If you do not use the card for an extended period, the bank may close it on its own, though this varies by issuer policy.

Any rewards points you have accumulated remain in your account as long as the account is open. If you close the account, you typically have a window of time to redeem remaining points before they are forfeited—check your account or call customer service for the specific timeframe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Crate and Barrel credit card anywhere besides Crate and Barrel?

No. This is a store card, so it works only at Crate and Barrel and Crate and Barrel Outlet locations. You cannot use it at other retailers or for online purchases outside of Crate and Barrel's website. If you need a card that works everywhere, you would need a general-purpose credit card from a different issuer.

What is the credit limit, and can I request a higher one?

Your credit limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history at the time of approval. The bank will tell you your limit in your approval paperwork. You can request a credit limit increase by calling Comenity Bank or through your online account. The bank may grant an increase without a hard credit inquiry if you have a good payment history, or it may require a new process.

Do I earn rewards on promotional financing purchases?

Yes. You earn rewards points on the full purchase amount, even if you are using a promotional financing offer. However, if you do not pay off the promotional balance in full before the offer expires, you will owe interest on the entire purchase, which can outweigh the value of the rewards you earned.

What happens to my rewards points if I return an item?

The points you earned on that purchase are removed from your account. If you had already redeemed those points, the redemption is reversed and the discount is taken back. This means your refund will be smaller than the original purchase price if you had used points as a discount.

How do I know if I was approved for the card?

You will receive a decision when ready or within a few hours if you explore online or in-store. If approved, you will see a confirmation message on the screen or receive one via email. Your card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If denied, you will receive a letter in the mail within 30 days explaining the reason and your rights under the Fair Credit Reporting Act.