Credit Cards » Compare Credit Cards » JCPenney Credit Card vs Target Red Card: How They Compare?
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JCPenney Credit Card vs Target Red Card: How They Compare?

The target RedCard is our clear winner, with a higher cash-back rate and estimated annual value. Here's what you can get with each card:
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: April 15, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: April 15, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

JCPenney Credit Card and Target Red Card are two retail credit cards that cater to different stores, each offering distinct advantages. Let's compare them side by side:

General Comparison

The JCPenney Credit Card is just for JCPenney shops – when you use it,  you earn points for every purchase. These points can be used to get discounts when you shop at JCPenney next time. Also, you might get cool deals, special financing options, and exclusive discounts.

Now, the Target Red Card is a bit different. When you use it at Target, you get a 5% discount on almost everything you buy, whether you're in the store or shopping online and also cashabcl on ,ore categories such as gas and dining.. And if you're someone who prefers shopping from home, the card gives you free shipping for your online orders. It's like a nice bonus for people who like to shop without leaving their couch.

target red card

jcpenney credit card

Target RedCard Credit Card
JCPenney Credit Card
Annual Fee
$0
$0
Rewards
5% off at Target and target.com, 2% on dining and gas purchases and 1% everywhere else outside of Target
1 point for every dollar at JCPenney, 200 points worth $10 -> $10 per $200 spend on JCPenney = 5% back
Welcome bonus
None
Extra 5% – 35% off on selected merchants in the first purchase on the same day the card has been opened
0% Intro APR
None
N/A
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
3%
Purchase APR
29.95% (Variable)
30.24%
Read Review
Read Review
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

JCPenney vs. Target Cashback: Which Card Gives More?

Based on our analysis, Target will drive its cardholders much more cashback than JCPenney's credit card. Unlike JCPenney, Target card offers cashback on a variety of categories. besides Target, makes it a preferred choice among the cards with much higher estimated annual cashback:

target red card

jcpenney credit card

Spend Per Category
Target RedCard Credit Card
JCPenney Credit Card
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets
$750
/
$5,000 – JCPenney
$50
$250
$5,000 – Restaurants
$100
/
$4,000 – Travel
$40
/
$4,000 – Gas
$80
/
Estimated Annual Cashback
$970
$250

* Assuming all supermarkets made via Target

Additional Retail Shopping Benefits: Comparison

When it comes to extra benefits, both cards offer retail shopping benefits for cardholders. here's what you can get with each card:

Target RedCard Credit Card

target red card

  • Swift Shipping Convenience: Experience the ease of rapid delivery with complimentary 2-day shipping on a wide array of items when making purchases on Target.com.

  • Exclusive RedCard Offers: Access special products and exclusive deals reserved solely for RedCard holders, elevating your shopping experience with distinctive advantages.

  • Extended Return Period: Enjoy an additional 30 days for returns and exchanges at Target, offering flexibility and peace of mind for your purchases.

  • Starbucks Savings: Trim 5% off your expenses at any in-store Starbucks location by utilizing your Target Red Card, providing an additional perk for aficionados of quality coffee.

  • Savings on Specialty Gift Cards: Garner a 5% discount on specialty gift cards encompassing travel, restaurants, movie tickets, and more, enabling savings on a diverse range of experiences and purchases extending beyond the confines of Target.

JCPenney Credit Card

jcpenney credit card

  • Birthday Gift: JCPenney Credit Card holders receive a special gift to celebrate their birthdays.
  • Special Savings Days: Cardholders enjoy exclusive savings on designated days throughout the year.
  • Special Financing: The credit card offers special financing options for certain purchases.
  • Passbook of Coupons: Members receive a passbook containing coupons for additional discounts.
  • Unique Offers for Top Members: Exclusive offers and benefits are provided to the top-tier members of the JCPenney Credit Card program.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Compare The Alternatives

If you're looking for a store credit card with great rewards for online shopping – there are some good alternatives you may want to consider:

Citi-costco-anywhere-visa-credit-card review

Apple card

Sam's Club® Mastercard®

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Apple Credit Card
Sam's Club® Mastercard®
Annual Fee
$0 ($60 Costco membership fee required)
$0
$0 ($50/$110 for Club/Plus membership – MUST)
Rewards
1-4% 4% cash back on on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter, 3% cash back on restaurants and most travel purchases, 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com, 1% cash back on all other purchases
1% – 3% 3% cash back at Apple and select Apple pay partners. 3% Daily Cash back at Ace Hardware, Duane Reade, Exxon, Mobil, Nike, Panera Bread, T-Mobile, Uber, Uber Eats, and Walgreens. 2% on other Apple pay purchases, and 1% on all other purchases
1-5% 5% cash back on gas anywhere Mastercard is accepted (on the first $6,000 per year, then 1% after), 3% cash back on Sam’s Club purchases for Plus members, 3% on dining and takeout and 1% on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
None None
N/A
None $30 statement credit after making $30 in Sam’s Club purchases within the first 30 days
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
$0
N/A
Purchase APR
20.49% (Variable)
15.99% – 26.99% Variable
20.40% or 28.40% Variable

Compare Target Red Card

While Target RedCard offers a less attractive cashback rewards ratio than Amazon, it still may be a better option for some. Let's compare.

Target Red Card vs. Prime Visa: How They Compare?

If you focus on groceries – the Target RedCard wins, but if you focus on travel or gas – you may want the Costco credit card.

Target Red Card vs. Costco Anywhere Visa Card: How They Compare?

If you do all your grocery and fuel shopping at either Target or Sam's Club, the cashback you get from both credit cards is pretty similar.

Sam’s Club Mastercard vs Target Red Card: How They Compare?

The Target RedCard is our winner especially if you focus on groceries and dining, with much better cashback rates than Macy's Credit Card.

Target Red Card vs. Macy's Credit Card: What Store Card Offers The Highest Rewards?

Compare JCPenney Credit Card

The Kohl's card cashback rate is higher than JCPenney, and both cards offer extra perks such as gifts, exclusive offers, and special coupons.

Kohl’s Charge Card by Capital One vs. JCPenney Credit Card: How They Compare?

Since JCPenney Credit Card offers rewards only on its brand store, the Nordstrom Credit Card takes the lead with higher annual cashback value.

Nordstrom vs. JCPenney Credit Card: Which Gives You The Most Value?

The Macy's Credit Card is a clear winner with higher points rewards ratio and overall cashback value for the same spend than JCPenney Card.

Macy’s vs. JCPenney Credit Card: Which Gives You The Most Value?

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.

Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Credit Card Reviews Methodology

In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.