The Kohl’s credit card is issued by Capital One, N.A., a subsidiary of Capital One Financial Corporation. While the card carries Kohl’s branding, all financial operations including credit decisions, billing, payments, and account management are handled by Capital One.
The Kohl’s Card and the Kohl’s Rewards Visa are both issued by Capital One, N.A. Capital One took over the Kohl’s credit card program from a prior issuer, and accounts now carry the designation “CAP1/KOHL’S DEPARTMENT STORE” on credit reports. The store-only Kohl’s Card earns 7.5% back on Kohl’s purchases. The Kohl’s Rewards Visa can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. Neither card charges an annual fee.
Kohl’s is a major American department store chain headquartered in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. It partners with Capital One to manage its private label and co-branded credit card programs for millions of cardholders. Kohl’s and Capital One extended their credit card partnership agreement in 2022, confirming the multi-year relationship.
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Who Issues the Kohl’s Credit Card?
Capital One, N.A. is the issuing bank for both Kohl’s credit card products. When you apply for a Kohl’s Card, Capital One evaluates your application, makes the credit decision, sets your credit limit, and manages all account activity going forward.
A common point of confusion is that the Kohl’s card was previously associated with Synchrony Bank. Capital One became the issuer following a transition, and existing accounts were migrated to Capital One’s systems. On credit reports the account now appears as “CAP1/KOHL’S DEPARTMENT STORE.”
For all account questions including payments, billing disputes, and credit limit requests, cardholders contact Capital One directly through the Kohl’s credit card portal at kohls.capitalone.com or via the number on the back of the card.
What Are the Two Kohl’s Credit Card Options?
Kohl’s offers two distinct credit products through Capital One. The standard Kohl’s Card is a private label store card that can only be used at Kohl’s stores and Kohls.com. It earns 7.5% back on qualifying Kohl’s purchases in the form of Kohl’s Cash rewards.
The Kohl’s Rewards Visa is a co-branded card that carries the Visa network logo, meaning it can be used anywhere Visa is accepted globally, not just at Kohl’s. It earns rewards on Kohl’s purchases and general spending outside of Kohl’s, though at different rates. When you apply, Capital One considers you for both products and approves you for whichever matches your credit profile.
Neither card carries an annual fee. New cardholders typically receive a 40% discount on a single qualifying transaction within 30 days of approval, which can be a significant saving on a larger purchase.
What Benefits Does the Kohl’s Card Offer?
The core benefit of the Kohl’s Card is the 7.5% back on all qualifying Kohl’s purchases, paid in the form of Kohl’s Cash rewards that can be redeemed in store or online. This reward rate is competitive for a store card at that purchase volume.
Cardholders receive access to exclusive cardholder savings events with percentage-off discounts that can be stacked with Kohl’s Cash and other promotions. These stacking opportunities are particularly powerful during major sale events like Black Friday or holiday clearance periods.
Most Valued Customer (MVC) status is earned after spending $600 or more at Kohl’s in a calendar year. MVC cardholders receive additional exclusive offers, extra discount events, and monthly free shipping benefits. The anniversary offer each year provides an additional one-time discount for loyal cardholders.
Kohl’s Card vs Target Circle Card vs Amazon Store Card vs Macy’s Card: How Do They Compare?
The Kohl’s Card competes in the retail loyalty credit card segment alongside Target Circle Card (issued by TD Bank), Amazon Store Card (issued by Synchrony), and Macy’s Card (issued by Citibank).
The Target Circle Card offers 5% off every purchase at Target and Target.com with no annual fee, similar structure to the Kohl’s Card but with a flat discount rather than a rewards accumulation model. The Amazon Store Card provides 5% back at Amazon for Prime members. Both compete as everyday-use store cards with straightforward value propositions.
The Kohl’s Card’s 7.5% rewards rate is higher than most comparable store cards, but Kohl’s Cash must be redeemed within 30 days of issue, which creates expiry pressure that the Target and Amazon cards do not impose. For frequent Kohl’s shoppers who track redemption windows, the rewards rate is compelling. For infrequent shoppers, the expiry structure can erode value.
What Credit Score Do You Need for the Kohl’s Card?
The Kohl’s Card is designed for fair credit applicants with a score of 640 or above recommended for strong approval odds. Capital One reviews the full credit profile rather than score alone, so income and existing debt load also factor into the decision.
Applying triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report. If approved, the account will appear on your credit report and responsible use, paying on time and keeping utilization low, will contribute positively to your credit history over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Kohl’s credit card issued by Synchrony Bank?
No. The Kohl’s credit card is currently issued by Capital One, N.A. The card was previously associated with Synchrony Bank, but Capital One became the issuer following a transition. Existing accounts were migrated to Capital One’s platform and now appear as “CAP1/KOHL’S DEPARTMENT STORE” on credit reports.
Can the Kohl’s Card be used at other stores?
It depends on which version you have. The standard Kohl’s Card is store-only and cannot be used outside Kohl’s stores and Kohls.com. The Kohl’s Rewards Visa carries the Visa network logo and can be used wherever Visa is accepted. When you apply, Capital One considers you for both and approves you for whichever matches your credit profile.
How do I pay my Kohl’s credit card bill?
You can pay your Kohl’s card online at kohls.capitalone.com, through the Capital One mobile app, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Kohl’s store. Setting up autopay through the Capital One portal is the easiest way to ensure on-time payments and avoid late fees.
Does the Kohl’s Card have an annual fee?
No. Both the Kohl’s Card and the Kohl’s Rewards Visa carry no annual fee. The main cost to watch is the card’s APR for purchases if you carry a balance. Store cards typically carry higher interest rates than general purpose rewards cards, so paying the full balance each month avoids any interest charges.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.