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 credit card issued by Kohl's Department Stores through Synchrony Bank. You can use it to make purchases at any Kohl's store or on Kohl's.com. The card comes with a rewards program that gives you points on purchases, which you can redeem for Kohl's Cash — a certificate you use like store credit on future shopping trips.
You can start the process in a store or online. In-store applications are usually faster because a Kohl's associate can submit your information right away and you may get a decision within minutes. Online applications through Kohl's.com take longer — typically a few business days — because Synchrony reviews your credit history and income before deciding.
You do not need to have a Kohl's account or a Synchrony account already. The card process is separate from both. If you are approved, Synchrony will mail your physical card to the address you provide, which usually arrives within 7 to 10 business days.
Key Takeaways
- You can start a Kohl's Card process in a Kohl's store or online at Kohl's.com, and in-store decisions usually come back within minutes.
- Synchrony Bank reviews your credit report and income, so approval depends partly on your credit history and current debt.
- You will need a valid government ID, your Social Security number, and proof of income or a recent bank statement to complete the process.
- The card earns rewards points on every purchase, which convert to Kohl's Cash that you can spend like a gift certificate at Kohl's.
- If you are denied, you can ask Synchrony why and may be able to reapply after addressing the reason — usually after 6 months.
What you need to bring or have ready
Before you start, gather a valid government ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card), your Social Security number, and proof of your current income. Proof of income can be a recent pay stub, a bank statement showing regular deposits, or a tax return from the past year.
If you are explore in a store, bring these documents with you. The Kohl's associate will ask you to provide the information verbally or show the documents, and they will enter it into Synchrony's system. If you are explore online, you will type the information yourself, and Synchrony may ask you to upload a photo of your ID or income proof.
Have your current address ready, including your zip code. Synchrony uses this to verify your identity and to mail your card. If you have moved recently, use your current address, not a previous one.
In-store process: the fastest route
Walk into any Kohl's store and ask a cashier or customer service associate for a credit card process. They will either hand you a paper form or direct you to a kiosk where you can explore on a tablet. The in-store process takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
You will answer questions about your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, employment, and annual income. The associate may ask to see your ID to confirm your identity. Once you submit, Synchrony's system processes your process in real time, and you will get a decision — approved, denied, or pending — before you leave the store.
If you are approved on the spot, the associate will give you a temporary card number you can use when ready for purchases that day. Your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If the decision is pending, Synchrony will call or email you within a few days with the outcome.
Online process through Kohl's.com
Go to Kohl's.com and look for the "Credit Card" or "Kohl's Card" link, usually in the footer or under an account menu. Click "Open a New Account" or "explore Now." You will be taken to Synchrony's process page.
Fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. Then provide employment details — your employer's name, job title, and annual income. Synchrony may also ask about other credit accounts you hold or your monthly housing costs.
After you submit, Synchrony will send you a confirmation email. The review process takes 3 to 5 business days. You will receive a decision by email or phone. If approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If denied or pending, the notice will explain why and what you can do next.
How the rewards program works
Every dollar you spend on your Kohl's Card earns points. The exact rate varies — Kohl's regularly runs promotions offering bonus points on certain purchases or categories. You can check your current points balance in your Kohl's account online or ask a cashier in-store.
Points convert to Kohl's Cash at a set rate. For example, you might earn $10 in Kohl's Cash for every 500 points you accumulate, though this rate can change. Kohl's Cash is issued as a certificate with an expiration date — usually 30 to 60 days — so you need to use it before it expires or it disappears.
Cardholders also get early access to Kohl's sales and special discounts on certain days. These perks are separate from the points program and are announced in your email or in-store.
What happens if you are denied
If Synchrony denies your process, you will receive a notice explaining the reason. Common reasons include a low credit score, a history of missed payments, high existing debt, or insufficient income. The notice will also tell you that you have the right to request a free copy of your credit report from Synchrony within 60 days.
You can reapply, but Synchrony typically recommends waiting at least 6 months and addressing the reason for the denial first. If the issue was a low credit score, focus on paying down existing debt or making on-time payments. If it was insufficient income, reapply once your income has increased or stabilized.
If you want to understand what Synchrony saw in your credit report, you can request your free annual credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com, which is the official site run by the three major credit bureaus. This report does not include your credit score, but it shows your payment history and account balances, which are what lenders look at most.
Using your card responsibly
Your Kohl's Card works like any other credit card: you make purchases, receive a monthly bill, and pay what you owe. If you pay your full balance by the due date, you pay no interest. If you carry a balance, Synchrony charges interest at a rate that depends on your creditworthiness — typically between 16% and 25% annually, though the exact rate is in your cardholder agreement.
Make at least the minimum payment by the due date every month, even if you cannot pay the full balance. Missing a payment hurts your credit score and can trigger late fees. Set up automatic payments through your Kohl's account if you want to may support you never miss a due date.
Keep your credit utilization — the amount you owe divided by your credit limit — below 30% if you want to protect your credit score. For example, if your limit is $1,000, try not to carry a balance above $300. The lower your utilization, the better it looks to other lenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Kohl's Card at other stores?
No. The Kohl's Card works only at Kohl's stores and Kohl's.com. It is not a Visa or Mastercard, so you cannot use it at other retailers. If you need a card for general use, you would need to open a separate credit card with a bank or credit card issuer.
What is the credit limit?
Your credit limit depends on your credit history, income, and Synchrony's assessment of your risk. First-time cardholders often receive limits between $300 and $1,000, though some receive higher limits. You can ask Synchrony to increase your limit after 6 months of on-time payments, or Synchrony may offer an increase automatically.
Do I have to pay an annual fee?
No. The Kohl's Card has no annual fee. You only pay interest if you carry a balance past your due date. There are no hidden fees for opening the account or using the card.
How long does it take to get my card in the mail?
If you are approved in-store, your physical card arrives within 7 to 10 business days. If you are approved online, the timeline is the same. You can use your temporary card number when ready after approval, even before the physical card arrives.
What if I lose my card or it gets stolen?
Contact Synchrony when ready by calling the number on the back of your card or logging into your Kohl's account online. Synchrony will freeze your account to prevent unauthorized charges and mail you a replacement card. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges if you report the loss promptly.