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JCPenney credit card review

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Kevin Joey Chen
Last updated:  

Earn a 5% rewards rate on JCPenney purchases.

  • Get this card if you’re a frequent JCPenney shopper.
  • Pick something else, like a general cashback card, if you only occasionally shop at JCPenney.
  • You may qualify with fair credit. However, you’ll have much better odds with a good to excellent credit score of 670 and above.

Up to 2x

Points

$0

Annual fee

25.99%

Purchase APR (fixed)

670

Recommended credit score

Details

Annual fee$0
Welcome OfferLimited time offer – 9/14/20-9/20/20: Save an extra 35%
Rewards1x points on all JCPenney purchases
Purchase APR25.99% fixed
Balance transfer APRN/A
Recommended minimum credit score670
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Review by

Kevin Joey Chen is a credit cards, banking and investments writer whose work and analysis have appeared on CNN, U.S. News & World Report, Business.com, Lifehacker and CreditCards.com. He's passionate about helping you get your finances in order by expertly navigating cutting-edge financial tools — including credit cards, apps and budgeting software.

Expert review

The JCPenney credit card could be a strong pick for JCPenney frequent shoppers since it offers a strong (though roundabout) rewards rate on eligible JCPenney spending in stores and online. This card offers 1x points on all JC Penney purchases, a signup bonus that can save you up to 20% on eligible items, JCPenney Rewards benefits and carries no annual fee.

The card’s big value lay in the unusual signup bonus and rewards structure. For every 200 points you earn with the card, you’ll receive a $10 JCPenney Rewards certificate. When you break this down, the reward rate actually comes out to about 5%.

The signup bonus is a coupon that offers between 5% and 20% off of your purchases for a full 24 hours. Yes, you can use this coupon as much as you like within that 24 hour period.

Card benefits

  • No annual fee.
    A $0 annual fee helps you get more value out of your rewards.
  • Signup bonus.
    Receive a personal coupon to save 5% to 20% on select JCPenney items when you open your JCPenney credit card.After you use your coupon for the first time, you can use it as much as you’d like within 24 hours.
  • Rewards.
    You’ll automatically be enrolled in JCPenney Rewards and get up to 1x points on all eligible purchases. Through this program, you’ll earn 1 point per dollar spent with your JCPenney credit card. The maximum points you can earn per purchase is 2,000.
  • JCPenney credit card member benefits.
    You’ll qualify for entry-level JCPenney Rewards benefits such as a birthday gift, opportunities to earn bonus points, special coupons, access to exclusive benefits, savings days for cardmembers and special financing offers.
  • Work toward Gold or Platinum status.
    When you spend $500 or more in a calendar year, you’ll earn Gold status. This tier gives you perks such as a $10 birthday coupon, access to special events, coupons and special offers. When you spend $1,000 or more in a calendar year, you’ll earn Platinum status. You’ll receive Gold perks, plus a $15 birthday coupon, Sephora Bonus Points Days and Platinum Appreciation Days that offer an extra 30% off.

What to watch out for

  • Valid only at JCPenney stores.
    Because this card isn’t associated with a card network like Visa or Mastercard, you can’t use it with merchants outside the JCPenney network.
  • High APR.
    No matter your credit score, there’s just one purchase APR for the JCPenney credit card: 25.99% fixed. If you plan on carrying a balance, consider a card with a lower APR.

Save more at JCPenney

This discount department store nearly always has a flash deal or sales event going on — and if not, you can always shop the Clearance page for the lowest prices on the site.

For ultra-low prices on big-ticket items like small appliances, TVs and furniture, be on the lookout for Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales, sometimes starting as early as Thanksgiving Day.

Other times of year, grab a promo code or other special deal before checking out to get the most bang for your buck.

JCPenneyJCPenney

Up to 40% off home office furniture, storage & more

Save on select home office and back-to-school items.

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Here’s what you can save 5% to 20% on:

Save 5% in store and at the JCPenney website on:

  • Electrics and electronics
  • Smartwatches
  • Modern Bride Design Your Dream Rings

Save 20% in store and at the JCPenney website on select items in:

  • Shoes
  • Apparel
  • Fine jewelry
  • Accessories
  • Salon products
  • Furniture
  • Home items
  • Mattresses

In US stores only, save 20% on custom blinds and shades, and 5% on major appliances.

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How point redemptions work

The card’s redemption rate makes earning 1 point per dollar better than it might seem.

You’ll receive a $10 JCPenney Rewards certificate for every 200 points earned. That means you’ll get $10 in rewards for every $200 spent with your JCPenney credit card. This is a 5% rewards rate, which is excellent.

Bottom line

This card offers excellent rewards on JCPenney purchases. Consider it if you’re a frequent shopper at the retailer. Otherwise, you may want to consider a leading cashback card with no annual fee.

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