You can open a Kohl's credit card online, in-store, or by phone in about 10 minutes

The Kohl's Card is a store credit card issued by Kohl's Department Stores. You can open one during checkout at any Kohl's location, through the Kohl's website, or by calling Kohl's customer service. The process asks for your name, address, Social Security number, and income information. Most decisions come back when ready or within a few business days.

You do not need an existing relationship with Kohl's to open the card. Once approved, you can use it when ready for purchases at Kohl's stores and on Kohls.com, and you will receive a physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open a Kohl's Card online at Kohls.com, in any Kohl's store, or by phone at 1-800-285-6537.
  • The process takes about 10 minutes and requires your Social Security number, income, and basic personal information.
  • Most applicants receive an when ready decision or a decision within a few business days.
  • Once approved, you can use the card when ready online or in-store, even before the physical card arrives.
  • The Kohl's Card offers rewards on purchases, including Kohl's Cash back on most items.

explore online through the Kohl's website

Go to Kohls.com and look for the credit card link, usually found in the footer or under "Credit & Loyalty." Click "explore Now" for the Kohl's Card. You will be taken to a find process form.

Fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, address, phone number, and email. Then enter your Social Security number and annual household income. The form will ask whether you are a U.S. citizen and whether you have a Kohl's account already. Answer honestly — the lender verifies this information.

Review the terms and conditions, then submit. You will see a decision on screen or receive one by email within a few business days. If approved, you can use your card number to shop online when ready.

explore in a Kohl's store at checkout

When you are ready to pay for your purchase, tell the cashier you want to open a Kohl's Card. They will hand you a tablet or paper process. Fill in your name, address, phone number, Social Security number, and income information.

The cashier will submit the process while you wait. Most decisions come back in seconds or minutes. If you are approved on the spot, the cashier will issue you a temporary card number that works when ready for that purchase and future shopping. Your physical card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If the decision is delayed, the cashier will tell you when to expect a call or email. You can still complete your purchase with another payment method while your process is being reviewed.

explore by phone

Call Kohl's customer service at 1-800-285-6537 and ask to open a Kohl's Card. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone. Have your Social Security number and recent income information ready.

The representative will ask the same questions as the online or in-store form: your name, address, date of birth, phone number, and annual household income. They will verify your identity and submit your process. You will hear a decision during the call or receive one by email within a few business days.

What information you need before you start

Gather these documents or details before you open the process:

  • Your Social Security number
  • Your current address
  • Your phone number and email address
  • Your annual household income (gross income before taxes)
  • Your date of birth
  • A valid form of identification if explore in-store

You do not need to bring pay stubs or tax returns to open the card, though the lender may ask for them later if they need to verify your income. Have your income figure ready — this is the total income of everyone in your household before taxes.

What happens after you are approved

Once approved, you can use your card number to shop at Kohls.com or in-store when ready. If you applied online or by phone, you will receive a temporary card number by email or text that you can use right away. Your physical card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

When your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or logging into your account on Kohls.com. Set up online access to your account so you can check your balance, make payments, and track your Kohl's Cash rewards.

Your first statement will arrive 25 to 30 days after your first purchase. You will have a grace period (usually 25 days) to pay your balance in full without interest charges. After that, interest accrues on any unpaid balance.

Rewards and benefits of the Kohl's Card

The Kohl's Card earns Kohl's Cash on most purchases. For every dollar you spend, you earn a percentage back in Kohl's Cash, which you can use on future purchases. The exact rate varies — some categories earn more than others, and Kohl's runs special promotions throughout the year.

Cardholders also receive early access to Kohl's sales and special discounts on certain days. You may also see personalized offers in your account based on your shopping history.

The card works only at Kohl's and Kohls.com. It cannot be used at other retailers. If you need a card that works everywhere, you would need a different type of credit card.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for a Kohl's Card?

Most applicants receive a decision when ready or within a few business days. If you explore in-store or by phone, you often hear the result during your conversation. Online applications may take up to five business days. Kohl's will contact you by phone, email, or mail with the decision.

Can I use my Kohl's Card before the physical card arrives?

Yes. Once approved, you receive a temporary card number by email, text, or in-store that you can use when ready on Kohls.com or at any Kohl's register. Your physical card will arrive within 7 to 10 business days.

What credit score do I need to open a Kohl's Card?

Kohl's does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. The lender reviews your credit history, income, and other factors to make a decision. People with fair or limited credit histories may still be approved, though approval is not may provide for everyone.

Can I open a Kohl's Card if I do not have a Kohl's account?

Yes. You do not need an existing Kohl's account to open the card. The credit card process is separate from a Kohl's shopping account. Once your card is approved, you can use it to shop whether or not you have a separate account.

What is the interest rate on the Kohl's Card?

The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. Kohl's will disclose the exact rate in your approval documents. You can avoid interest by paying your full balance by the due date each month.