When it comes to retail credit cards, Kohl’s offers two distinct options for shoppers: the Kohl’s Credit Card and the Kohl’s MasterCard. While both cards provide a range of benefits and rewards for Kohl’s shoppers, they cater to different needs and offer slightly different features. Understanding the key differences between these two cards can help you decide which one is best for you, depending on your shopping habits and financial goals.
In this article, we’ll compare the Kohl’s Credit Card and the Kohl’s MasterCard across several important factors: eligibility, rewards programs, usage flexibility, fees, and benefits. By the end, you’ll have a clearer idea of which card offers the best value for your lifestyle.
Kohl’s Credit Card vs. Kohl’s MasterCard
1. Card Type and Usage Flexibility
Kohl’s Credit Card:
The Kohl’s Credit Card (also known as the Kohl’s Charge Card) is a store-specific credit card, which means it can only be used for purchases at Kohl’s stores and on the Kohl’s website. If you’re someone who shops frequently at Kohl’s for clothing, home goods, or seasonal items, this card could be an excellent choice.
- Usage: Only accepted at Kohl’s and Kohl’s online store.
- Best For: Frequent Kohl’s shoppers who primarily buy at Kohl’s and are looking for exclusive store-based benefits like discounts, Kohl’s Cash, and Yes2You Rewards.
Kohl’s MasterCard:
The Kohl’s MasterCard, on the other hand, is a dual-purpose credit card that can be used not only at Kohl’s but also anywhere MasterCard is accepted—both in-store and online. This gives you the added flexibility to use the card for general purchases, not just at Kohl’s. If you’re looking for a retail card that offers both Kohl’s-specific perks and the ability to earn rewards on everyday purchases, the Kohl’s MasterCard is a more versatile option.
- Usage: Accepted at any merchant that accepts MasterCard, both in-store and online.
- Best For: Shoppers who want to earn Kohl’s rewards but also need a card for purchases outside of Kohl’s.
2. Rewards Programs and Earning Potential
Both the Kohl’s Credit Card and the Kohl’s MasterCard offer rewards through the Kohl’s Rewards Program (including Kohl’s Cash and Yes2You Rewards). However, there are some differences in how these rewards are earned and how they can be redeemed.
Kohl’s Credit Card:
When you use the Kohl’s Credit Card, you earn rewards primarily through the Yes2You Rewards Program and Kohl’s Cash.
- Yes2You Rewards: For every $1 spent with the Kohl’s Credit Card, you earn 1 point. Once you accumulate 100 points, you receive a $5 reward to spend at Kohl’s. The program also offers special promotions like bonus points days, which allow you to earn extra points for a limited time.
- Kohl’s Cash: For every $50 spent, you earn $10 in Kohl’s Cash, which can be redeemed on future purchases during a specific redemption period.
The Kohl’s Credit Card is ideal for shoppers who are primarily focused on saving money at Kohl’s, as it offers a direct path to Kohl’s Cash and rewards on every purchase made within the store.
Kohl’s MasterCard:
The Kohl’s MasterCard offers the same Yes2You Rewards and Kohl’s Cash benefits as the Kohl’s Credit Card, but it also provides rewards for non-Kohl’s purchases. Here’s how it works:
- Yes2You Rewards: Like the Kohl’s Credit Card, you earn 1 point for every $1 spent at Kohl’s. However, the real advantage of the Kohl’s MasterCard is that it also allows you to earn 1 point for every $1 spent on everyday purchases outside of Kohl’s (e.g., groceries, gas, and other retailers). This makes it a great option for those who want to earn rewards on all their purchases, not just those at Kohl’s.
- Kohl’s Cash: You earn Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent at Kohl’s, just like with the Kohl’s Credit Card. The key difference is that with the Kohl’s MasterCard, you can earn Kohl’s Cash on non-Kohl’s purchases too, as long as they are part of the rewards program.
In short, the Kohl’s MasterCard is a better choice if you want to earn Kohl’s rewards and Kohl’s Cash while making purchases outside of Kohl’s, making it a versatile option for frequent shoppers who also want a general-purpose credit card.
3. Interest Rates and Fees
Both the Kohl’s Credit Card and the Kohl’s MasterCard come with high interest rates compared to regular credit cards. As with any store-branded credit card, if you don’t pay off your balance in full each month, you could face significant interest charges. However, there are some differences in how the fees and interest rates are applied.
Kohl’s Credit Card:
- APR (Annual Percentage Rate): The Kohl’s Credit Card typically has a high APR, often around 25.99% for purchases and cash advances. If you carry a balance, the interest charges can add up quickly.
- Fees: Kohl’s Credit Card also has late fees, usually around $39 for missed payments, along with fees for returned payments and other penalties.
Kohl’s MasterCard:
- APR: The Kohl’s MasterCard typically has a slightly higher APR than the Kohl’s Credit Card, at around 26.99%, which is the standard rate for many store-branded MasterCards.
- Fees: Like the Kohl’s Credit Card, the Kohl’s MasterCard includes late fees (around $39) and other potential fees, such as returned payment fees.
Special Financing: Both cards offer special financing options on large purchases, such as furniture or electronics, which allows you to pay off the balance in installments over a set period without accruing interest (if paid off within the promotional period). Be mindful, however, that if you don’t pay off the balance within the agreed time frame, you’ll incur deferred interest, which can be quite costly.
4. Benefits and Perks
While both cards provide similar benefits, the key difference lies in the versatility of the Kohl’s MasterCard and the store-specific nature of the Kohl’s Credit Card.
Kohl’s Credit Card:
- Store-Specific Perks: The Kohl’s Credit Card is designed specifically for Kohl’s shoppers, offering exclusive storewide discounts and early access to special sales events like Friends & Family sales and Holiday deals. Cardholders often get invitations to exclusive sales or flash sales, providing them with opportunities to shop at even deeper discounts.
- Special Financing: For large purchases, you can access promotional financing options with the Kohl’s Credit Card, making it easier to pay for big-ticket items like appliances and furniture.
Kohl’s MasterCard:
- MasterCard Network Perks: The Kohl’s MasterCard offers all of the same store-specific perks as the Kohl’s Credit Card, including discounts and financing options. However, as a MasterCard, it also provides additional benefits associated with the global MasterCard network. This includes MasterCard’s identity theft protection, purchase protection, and extended warranties on eligible purchases, giving it an edge for those who want added security when making purchases outside of Kohl’s.
- Broader Usage: The flexibility of using the Kohl’s MasterCard anywhere MasterCard is accepted, coupled with the same rewards for non-Kohl’s purchases, makes it a more versatile choice for those looking for an all-in-one card.
5. Which One is Right for You?
Choose the Kohl’s Credit Card if:
- You shop primarily at Kohl’s and want exclusive savings and rewards.
- You’re looking for store-based benefits like Kohl’s Cash, Yes2You Rewards, and early access to sales.
- You don’t mind using a store-specific card and are looking for the simplest way to maximize savings at Kohl’s.
Choose the Kohl’s MasterCard if:
- You want a card that allows you to earn Kohl’s rewards both at Kohl’s and on everyday purchases.
- You need a credit card that can be used for non-Kohl’s purchases and want to earn Kohl’s Cash and Yes2You points on those purchases.
- You value added security and benefits like MasterCard purchase protection and extended warranties.
Also Check the Quick Guide