Rewards Plan
Welcome Bonus
Credit Rating
0% Intro
Annual Fee
APR
- Special Financing Orders
- Exclusive Coupons
- Low Rewards Overall
- Can Only Be Used at JCPenney
Rewards Plan
Welcome Bonus
0% Intro
PROS
- Special Financing Orders
- Exclusive Coupons
CONS
- Low Rewards Overall
- Can Only Be Used at JCPenney
APR
30.24%
Annual Fee
$0
Balance Transfer Fee
N/A
Credit Requirements
Fair - Good
The JCPenney credit card can be a great choice if you’re a frequent shopper at JCPenney and want to boost the member rewards points you earn on each purchase. Along with earning double points, the card offers some other attractive perks that will appeal to dedicated JCPenney fans. With a bit of planning, you can make the most of the discounts and offers for maximum value.
However, it is important to note that there are some limitations and restrictions including that the card can only be used at limited vendors and that you can only redeem your rewards for certificates to be used in store or at JCPenney online.
So, if you are looking for a card that offers the highest rewards or more flexibility, this is not the card for you. But, if you are happy with these compromises, this card is worth serious consideration.
- High Cash Back On JCPenney
- Access to Special Financing Orders
- Special Savings Days and Exclusive Coupons
- First Purchase Discount
- Birthday Offer
- Can Only Be Used at JCPenney
- Low Rewards Overall
- Rewards Certificates Expire
How hard is it to get a JCPenney credit card?
If you have fair to good credit, you shouldn’t find it difficult to qualify for the JCPenney credit card.
In fact, if you have a good credit profile and meet a higher requirement standard, you may be offered the JCPenney Mastercard. This offers similar benefits, but the card can be used elsewhere as you would with a standard Mastercard.
Can I get pre-approved?
There is no option online for pre approval, but you may receive a pre approval mailer or marketing material.
When it may not be a good idea?
This card may not be a good idea for you if you are not a regular shopper at JCPenney. If JCPenney is not your go-to store, you may receive more generous rewards with another rewards credit card, which will allow you to earn rewards almost anywhere that you shop.
This will also provide you with greater flexibility to redeem your accumulated rewards including gift cards, merchandise, statement credit and more.
In this Review
Estimating Your Rewards: A Practical Simulation
This table is a simulation of rewards that illustrates how using the JCPenney Credit Card could potentially benefit you. It outlines the rewards you may earn based on your typical spending habits in different categories.
It's essential to note that these figures are estimates, and your actual rewards may differ based on your unique spending patterns and other factors. However, this table can provide you with insights into the potential benefits of the card.
| |
|---|---|
Spend Per Category | JCPenney Credit Card
|
$7,000 – U.S Supermarkets | / |
$3,000 – JCPenney | $150 |
$3,000 – Restaurants
| / |
$4,000 – Airline | / |
$4,000 – Hotels | / |
$4,000 – Gas | / |
Estimated Annual Cash Back | $150 |
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and special member-only perks.
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and special member-only perks.
Pros and Cons
Just like any other credit card, the JCPenney Credit Card has some advantages and disadvantages:
Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
High Cash Back On JCPenney | Can Only Be Used at JCPenney |
Access to Special Financing Orders | Low Rewards Overall |
Special Savings Days and Exclusive Coupons | Rewards Certificates Expire |
First Purchase Discount | |
Birthday Offer |
- High Cash Back On JCPenney
Cardholders receive 1 point for every dollar at JCPenney, 200 points worth $10 -> $10 per $200 spend on JCPenney = 5% back .
- Access to Special Financing Orders
As a card holder, you may qualify for special financing offers on certain purchases such as mattresses, furniture and major appliances. These offers may include financing for six to 60 months, but it is important to note that there is a difference between “No Interest if Paid in Full Within” and “No Interest.”
No interest means that you won’t pay interest until after the end of the promotional period (Similar to how 0% cards work). In contrast “No Interest if Paid in Full Within” means that you’re deferring interest for the promotion period. It is applied to your bill if you don’t pay off the purchase in full before the end of the promotion.
- Special Savings Days and Exclusive Coupons
Card holders can receive deeper discounts compared to the regular rewards members receive on special savings days. There are typically 150 or more credit savings days that are just for holders of the JCPenney credit card.
- Birthday Offer
If your birthday is on file, you have used your card at least once in the last 12 months and your account is in good standing, you’ll receive a special birthday offer.
- Can Only Be Used at JCPenney
The card is only usable at JCPenney stores, JCPenney.com, Rite Aid and Sephora inside JCPenney stores. Currently, you cannot use the card for purchases at stand alone Sephora locations. This severely limits the usability of the card.
- Low Rewards Overall
Besides the rewards on JCPenney, you won'e be able to earn rewards on specific categories such as travel, dining or everyday purchases as you can do with other rewards cards.
- Rewards Certificates Expire
Once you’ve earned your certificate, you should note that each one has an expiry date printed on it. So, while your points do not expire, you need to watch carefully for certificate expirations.
- First Purchase Discount
The current online application offer provides a first purchase discount depending on the purchase category. This offer is available in a variety of departments including apparel, jewelry, furniture, salon products, electronics and major appliances.
The current offer also provides a $10 coupon if you don’t receive a credit decision immediately and are approved later.
Who is the JCPenney Card Best For?
Since this is a co-branded card, it is obviously best suited to those who are highly brand loyal to JCPenney. If you’re already a JCPenney Member, you are likely to already be used to getting one point for every two dollars that you spend. So, with this card, you’ll be getting double rewards. This along with the other card perks including exclusive coupons and special savings days are likely to appeal to you.
The card could also be a good option for you if you like shopping at JCPenney, but are worried about the temptation of a credit card that could be used anywhere. Since the card has restricted usage, you won’t be able to run up a bill with other vendors.
If you are looking for an alternative co-branded, clothing store card – here are some options:
Card | Rewards | Bonus | Annual Fee | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30X – 40X
15 points Instant for cardmembers. 30 points per dollar spent at American Eagle, 20 points if you spend more than $350 annually | 30% off your first order | $0 | |
| 2X – 5X
spend $1,200 or more annually to get 5X points per dollar on purchases made at Macy's, 3X points if you spend $500 to $1199 and 2X points if you spend up to $500. Also, get 3X points at restaurants including delivery, 2X at gas stations & supermarkets and 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else
| 30% discount
30% discount on Macy's on the day you are approved and the following day, up to $100
| $0 | |
| 1% – 5%
5% back on Sears + 5% eligible gasoline purchases, 3% back on grocery stores and restaurants (limited to the first $10,000 of qualifying payments, then 1% thereafter), plus 2% back when used at eligible merchants such as Sears or Kmart, and 1% on all other purchases
| None | $0 | |
| 7.5%
7.5% cash back on Kohl’s purchases | 35%
35% off on the first Kohl’s Card purchase you make within 14 days of opening your Kohl’s Card | $0 | |
| 1X – 5X
5 points for every dollar spent at Banana Republic, Gap, Athleta and Old Navy. 1 point per dollar on all other purchases | 20% off your first order
20% off your first order at Banana Republic
| $0 | |
| 1% – 5%
5% (10 points) back in rewards at Victoria Secret or PINK, 2% (4 points) on dining, travel and streaming services and 1% (2 points) on all other purchases
| $30
$30 when you spend $500+ outside VS & PINK within 90 days of account opening
| $0 | |
| 1x – 2x
2X points per dollar spent at Nordstrom and its brands, including Nordstrom Rack, and 1X points on all other purchases
| $60
$60 bonus note if you make any purchase at Nordstrom or Nordstrom.com on the day your card is approved.
| $0 |
How To Maximize Card Benefits?
While this card is quite straightforward, there are some tips that can help you to get the most from it. These include:
-
Consider Your Purchase Amounts
While this card does offer a solid earning rate when you regularly shop at JCPenney.
However, if you spend over $2,000 in a single purchase, you won’t earn points above this level. So, consider your purchase amounts carefully to maximize your rewards.
-
Be Aware Of The Certificate Limitations
Although the certificates are an easy way to use your accumulated rewards, there are some limitations.
For example, if you purchase an item with a certificate and subsequently return it, you won’t receive a refund of your rewards. Additionally, there is a maximum redemption of 10 certificates in any one transaction.
-
Check The Financing Terms
We mentioned this earlier, but it’s worth repeating: there’s an important difference in the financing terms. If you have a “no interest if paid in full within x months” deal, make sure you pay off the entire balance before the deadline.
Even if you only have a small amount left from the original purchase, you’ll still be charged interest for the entire promotional period.
FAQs
What are card income requirements?
There are no official income requirements for this card, but you do need to have fair to good credit to qualify. Although your income will be evaluated, it is not the only factor considered when making an approval decision.
How do I redeem rewards?
You can redeem your JCPenney rewards online or instore. If you’re shopping online, you can sign into your account to view your available rewards and redeem them.
In JCPenney store, you will need to provide your email address or phone number that is associated with your account and the associate will be able to access your available certificates. The conversion rate is fixed at 200 points for a $10 certificate
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