Kohl’s Card vs. Target Card: Which Is Better? (July 2025)
Updated:
Writer: Brittney Mayer
Brittney Mayer, Credit Analyst
Brittney is a Credit Strategist and Finance Expert who has spent years honing her knowledge of the credit industry both personally and professionally. Brittney applies her more than a decade of research experience to crafting in-depth consumer guides designed to help CardRates readers make better, more informed financial decisions.
Lillian Guevara-Castro brings more than 30 years of editing and journalism experience to the CardRates team. She has worked at The Atlanta Journal and Constitution, Gwinnett Daily News, Gainesville Sun, and The New York Times, where she covered demographics, consumer issues, and the business and financial sectors. Lillian has a degree in journalism and communications from Georgia State University and brings her fact-checking expertise to ensure Digital Brands content is accurate and engaging.
Ashley Fricker has more than a decade of experience as a finance contributor and editor, and has specialized in the credit card industry since 2015. Her credit card commentary is featured on national media outlets that include CNBC, MarketWatch, Investopedia, and Reader's Digest, among many others. She has worked closely with the world’s largest banks and financial institutions, up-and-coming fintech companies, and press and news outlets to curate comprehensive content and media. Ashley holds a bachelor's degree in multimedia journalism from Florida Atlantic University.
Disclosure: When you apply through links on our site, we may earn a referral fee from our partners. For more, see our ad disclosure and review policy.
Look at any list of the top retailers in the United States and you’re practically guaranteed to see Kohl’s and Target appear in the rankings. While each store has its unique style and product offerings, both attract budget-conscious shoppers who seek value and reasonable prices on clothing, housewares, and other everyday essentials.
Since Kohl’s and Target share the mission of helping consumers save, it’s no surprise that both retailers have store credit cards to make shopping even more affordable. Either of the cards may be a reasonable option to spend less if you’re a regular shopper at their respective stores.
But if you want to know which card can snag you more savings at checkout, well, that requires a deeper look at what each card has to offer. We’ll attempt to answer some important questions below regarding the Kohl’s card vs. Target card debate so readers can decide which card (or cards) may be the best option for them.
Kohl’s Credit Card Overall Rating: 3.7/5.0
Kohl’s offers the Kohl’s Credit Card for shoppers who want a branded card that will also provide rewards on every purchase. This credit card is closed-loop, though, which means it can’t be used on purchases outside of Kohl’s — which restricts your opportunity for savings.
The Kohl’s Credit Card has a pretty straightforward rewards structure, and shoppers can earn 7.5% back on purchases in Kohl’s Rewards. You must have a Kohl’s Rewards account to earn the rewards, but you probably already have one if you’re considering this card.
Cardholders also have access to savings through exclusive perks like insider sales, special financing options, and about a dozen cardholder-only offers per year. Plus, the initial 40%-off coupon offer for opening an account can make it a lucrative card if you’re a regular Kohl’s customer.
Rewards: Receive special Kohl’s offers all year
Signup Bonus: One-time 40%-off coupon
APR: 30.74%.
Annual Fee: $0
Overall, the Kohl’s Credit Card’s deals really stand out because they can be combined with other Kohl’s Rewards offers to help frequent shoppers save on purchases.
Consumers can combine their earned discounts from the Kohl’s Credit Card with Kohl’s Cash® and other rewards to boost their savings on everything from premium kitchen appliances to women’s clothing.
Another perk to getting a Kohl’s Credit Card is how it simplifies your Kohl’s shopping experience. Because your information is already in their store database, in-store returns are streamlined and quick.
Approval Requirements & Application
While the Kohl’s Credit Card can offer value to regular shoppers, its high APR makes it a questionable choice for regular consumers. At the same time, reviewers with bad credit have reported being approved, which may make it a decent credit-builder card (provided you pay it off in full each month).
To submit an application for a Kohl’s Credit Card, visit any Kohl’s store location or apply online through the link above.
Advantages of the Kohl’s Card Over the Target Card
Those who own the Kohl’s Credit Card have a variety of options for maximizing their savings because the exclusive member coupons and discounts can be paired with rewards points offers on your Kohl’s purchases.
Given that the Target Circle™ Card doesn’t provide as many options to boost your discounts, the flexibility of the Kohl’s Credit Card may give it a leg up for those who revel in getting the best possible deal.
Target Circle™ Card Overall Rating: 4.1/5.0
If you’ve ever checked out at a Target store, there’s a good chance you’ve been asked to apply for a Target Circle™ Card by an associate. It stands out from most store cards by providing a flat 5% discount on all eligible purchases, both in-store and online.
Beyond offering a big discount on your checkout total, the Target Circle™ Card provides several secondary benefits, including insider discounts and exclusive promotions that can add up to significant savings over time. In addition, cardholders can receive early access to special events or first looks at new products.
Rewards: Save 5% on qualifying purchases at checkout
Signup Bonus: None
APR: 29.45%
Annual Fee: $0
Yet, while it may appear to be an enticing deal to any budget-conscious spender, the card’s high 29.45% variable APR is a pretty steep interest rate if you carry a high balance.
The Target Circle™ Card is a closed-loop card, which means that it can only be used for purchases made at any Target store location or online. This shopping restriction can prevent your ability to save especially if you aren’t a regular Target shopper.
Furthermore, the card’s 5% discount can’t be applied to all products. Prescriptions and over-the-counter pharmacy items are excluded from this benefit. Gift cards, select restaurant merchants, and Target Optical™ eye exams are also not eligible for the discount.
Moreover, any additional fees, such as gift wrapping, shipping, or protection programs on purchases, will not be discounted at checkout.
Approval Requirements & Application
Even with a bad credit score, the Target Circle™ Card may still be a viable option. According to reviews, consumers with FICO credit scores as low as 580 have been accepted. While the card’s high APR means carrying a balance is bad news, cardholders who maintain on-time payments and regularly pay in full may use it to rebuild their credit.
You can apply for a Target Circle™ Card at any Target location, or you can fill out an online application via the link above.
Advantages of the Target Card Over the Kohl’s Card
Most consumers will likely find that saving with the Target Circle™ Card requires less work than with the Kohl’s Credit Card. Unlike the multiple rewards programs Kohl’s must navigate, shoppers who use a Target Circle™ Card receive a straightforward 5% discount on every sale.
For those looking to build credit, Target’s offerings can better fit into an everyday budget, and many consumers have reported success improving their credit with the Target Circle™ Card.
Better Cards to Use at Kohl’s and Target
While the Kohl’s Credit Card and the Target Circle™ Card each have their money-saving strengths, they do share two common weaknesses: closed-loop restrictions and high APRs. In other words, these store cards may have their unique perks and exclusive savings, but they also have strict limits on how they — and their rewards — can be used.
Unless you frequently make shopping trips to either store, you’re likely better off with an open-loop rewards credit card that can offer savings anywhere you spend — or, at least, a much better APR. And, if you still want to find ways to save at Kohl’s or Target, you can easily search online for the latest coupons at both stores for the next time you shop.
Cash Back
Exclusive discounts or a percentage off your purchase is useful if you’re a brand loyalist who can make the most of their value. But, with a rewards credit card that provides cash back on every purchase, you can likely rack up even more savings in the long run. And the APR you’re offered will likely be better than what you’ll get with a store card.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
4.9/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate cash back credit cards based on earning rates, fees, signup bonuses, promotional APRs, and reward redemption value. We also compare similar cards to determine overall value. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
4.9/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
New offer! Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
With the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means the 3% choice category could go up to 3.75%-5.25%. The Preferred Rewards bonus is not applied to the 3% first-year bonus.
No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
Our experts rate cash back credit cards based on earning rates, fees, signup bonuses, promotional APRs, and reward redemption value. We also compare similar cards to determine overall value. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
INTRO OFFER: Unlimited Cashback Match for all new cardmembers–only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you’ve earned at the end of your first year! There’s no minimum spending or maximum rewards. You could turn $150 cash back into $300.
Earn 5% cash back on everyday purchases at different places you shop each quarter like grocery stores, restaurants, gas stations, and more, up to the quarterly maximum when you activate. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
Redeem cash back for any amount
Apply and you could get a decision in as little as 90 seconds. No annual fee.
Start shopping and earning rewards in minutes with your digital card, before your physical card arrives in the mail, if eligible.
Get a 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases. Then 18.24% to 27.24% Standard Variable Purchase APR applies, based on credit worthiness.
Our experts rate cash back credit cards based on earning rates, fees, signup bonuses, promotional APRs, and reward redemption value. We also compare similar cards to determine overall value. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.99% - 28.49%.
No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited® card
Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
Huge downsides of both the Kohl’s Credit Card and the Target Circle™ Card are their high APRs. Small balances, if left unpaid, can easily spiral out of control as interest fees start to multiply.
With a good 0% APR credit card offer, you can have a year or more without the stress of having to pay off your card at the end of the billing cycle to avoid interest. And better yet, many of these card offers extend to balance transfers that can help with existing balances (though balance transfer fees may apply).
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
4.8/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate 0% intro APR credit cards based on the length of the promotional rate, the regular APR, annual and other fees, and approval rates. Offers are compared to similar cards to evaluate overall value. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Bank of America® Customized Cash Rewards credit card
4.9/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
New offer! Earn 6% cash back for the first year in the category of your choice: gas and EV charging stations; online shopping, including cable, internet, phone plans and streaming; dining; travel; drug stores and pharmacies; or home improvement and furnishings. You’ll automatically earn 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, and unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases. After the first year from account opening, you’ll earn 3% cash back on purchases in your choice category.
Earn 6% and 2% cash back on the first $2,500 in combined purchases each quarter in the choice category, and at grocery stores and wholesale clubs, then earn unlimited 1% thereafter. After the 3% first-year bonus offer ends, you will earn 3% and 2% cash back on these purchases up to the quarterly maximum.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
With the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means the 3% choice category could go up to 3.75%-5.25%. The Preferred Rewards bonus is not applied to the 3% first-year bonus.
No annual fee and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
4.8/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate 0% intro APR credit cards based on the length of the promotional rate, the regular APR, annual and other fees, and approval rates. Offers are compared to similar cards to evaluate overall value. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Bank of America® Unlimited Cash Rewards credit card
4.7/5.0
About this rating
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
$200 online cash rewards bonus after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
New Offer! Earn 2% cash back on purchases for the first year from account opening, with no limit to the amount of cash back you can earn.
Thereafter, you’ll earn unlimited 1.5% on all purchases, with no expiration on rewards as long as your account remains open.
With the Bank of America Preferred Rewards® program, members can earn 25%-75% more cash back on every purchase. That means you could earn 1.87%-2.62% cash back with Preferred Rewards. The Preferred Rewards bonus does not apply to the .5% first-year bonus.
No annual fee.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
Our experts rate 0% intro APR credit cards based on the length of the promotional rate, the regular APR, annual and other fees, and approval rates. Offers are compared to similar cards to evaluate overall value. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire as long as your account remains open.
Earn 3 points per $1 spent on travel purchases booked through the Bank of America Travel Center.
Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 18.24% - 28.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%. Balance transfers may not be used to pay any account provided by Bank of America.
If you're a Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases. You could earn 3.75-5.25 points for every $1 you spend on travel purchases made through the Bank of America Travel Center.
Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.
0% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days (Balance Transfer Fee 3% for 60 days from account opening, then 4%)
18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR on purchases and balance transfers
$0
Excellent/Good
Additional Disclosure: Bank of America is a CardRates advertiser.
Finding ways to lower the cost of an upcoming trip can require a lot of digital legwork. But, with a travel rewards credit card, you can stash away savings year-round — and unleash them when booking airfare or hotel accommodations.
Even better, these open-loop cards can earn rewards anywhere they’re accepted — including popular retailers like Kohl’s and Target.
Our experts rate air miles credit cards based on miles earning rates, annual and foreign transaction fees, signup bonuses, and travel perks like insurance and statement credits. We also compare similar travel cards to assess overall value. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Our experts rate air miles credit cards based on miles earning rates, annual and foreign transaction fees, signup bonuses, and travel perks like insurance and statement credits. We also compare similar travel cards to assess overall value. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
Our experts rate air miles credit cards based on miles earning rates, annual and foreign transaction fees, signup bonuses, and travel perks like insurance and statement credits. We also compare similar travel cards to assess overall value. Issuers have no influence on our ratings.
Our experts rate credit card offers based on factors like rewards, APRs, signup bonuses, fees, and approval rates, with a focus on benefits that provide the best value. We also consider cardholder needs such as credit-building potential, issuer reputation, and customer service. Our ratings are unbiased, updated regularly, and not influenced by issuers.
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
Enjoy access to 1,300+ lounges worldwide, including Capital One Lounge locations and Priority Pass™ lounges, after enrollment
It’s difficult to directly compare the store cards at Kohl’s and Target because their rewards are so different. Both help cardholders save, just in different ways.
Budget shoppers who want to strategically boost their savings at checkout may find the Kohl’s Credit Card particularly useful. For consumers who want a big percentage off when shopping for everyday essentials may have their needs better met by the Target Circle™ Card.
Regardless of which card’s savings style you prefer, however, your purchasing power is limited with both cards due to their closed-loop restrictions. And both cards have less-than-ideal APRs that can mean high interest fees.
One of our top-rated open-loop credit cards may prove the better option for most consumers, as these all-purpose cards can help users save on purchases beyond those made at Target or Kohl’s.
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CardRates.com is a free online resource that offers valuable content and comparison services to users. To keep this resource 100% free, we receive compensation for referrals for many of the offers listed on the site. Along with key review factors, this compensation may impact how and where products appear across CardRates.com (including, for example, the order in which they appear). CardRates.com does not include the entire universe of available offers. Editorial opinions expressed on the site are strictly our own and are not provided, endorsed, or approved by advertisers.