Kohl’s Rewards: How Much Cash can you Stash?
Kohl’s Rewards launched in 2020 and boasts well over 30 million customers across 1,150+ locations nationwide. This program replaced the old Yes2Rewards points-based system with a straight-up cash-back model. Kohl’s has been aggressively pushing the program, shifting from deep discounts to a rewards-driven savings approach. Let’s break down how to maximize your savings with Kohl’s Rewards.
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How you earn:
Kohl’s Rewards is free to join and the earning structure is super simple. You earn a flat 5% on every purchase, and the rewards show up in your account within 48 hours. This includes purchases on Sephora products which is great news for beauty lovers.
Then there’s the Kohl’s Cash earn period, which is open to everyone, even non-rewards members. During these periods, you get $10 in Kohl’s Cash for every $50 you spend—and Kohl’s Rewards members stack this on top of their regular 5% earnings. (Sephora purchases, however, don’t count toward the $50 spend. Annoying? Yes. A deal-breaker? No). Kohl’s Cash events typically pop up once a month, often on weekends, but timing can vary.
Members also get a birthday gift as long as they shop the month before their birthday. While the exact benefit is not disclosed, we found it to be a discount coupon typically 10-15% off.
(Kohl’s credit cardholders earn 7.5% on Kohl’s purchase and 1-3% in cashback rewards on purchases made outside Kohl’s but we will focus on the non cardmember benefits only).
How you Redeem:
On the first of every month, your previous month’s rewards balance converts into Kohl’s Cash in $5 increments. You then have 30 days to use it in-store, online, or via the Kohl’s app. Any additional Kohl’s Cash earned during special promo periods arrives via email and gets added to your rewards balance.
What if you have less than $5 in earnings? Example: If you spend $527, you earn $26.35 in rewards. The following month, you’ll get five $5 Kohl’s Cash vouchers totaling $25, while the remaining $1.35 rolls over to your next month’s balance.
A major win for Kohl’s Rewards is that Kohl’s Cash stacks with other savings coupons. (Finally, a program that understands the power of stacking!) Just note that you can’t use it on Sephora products and that Kohl’s Cash applies first, then discounts come after—which is a bit of a buzzkill, but we’re splitting hairs.
What’s the value?
Determine the value of this program is as easy as a three ingredient cake- earn, redeem, repeat.
A 5% return is already above average for a retail rewards program (where 1-3% is the norm). But Kohl’s takes it up a notch by letting you stack with their Kohl’s Cash earning periods. That $10 per $50 spend is already a 20% return—and when combined with your Kohl’s Rewards 5% earnings, the value climbs even higher.
Look at this scenario: Spend$100 during one of the special earnings period. You’ll earn…
1. $20 in Kohl’s Cash for the promotion,
2. $5 reward (5% earning) for being a Member.
3. Another $10 coupon if it’s your birthday month
Total Possible Rewards? $35 on a $100 in spend. That’s a 35% return if you play it right. Very generous.
🕵️♂️ THE Fine Print
Most of this we’ve covered, but here’s a quick recap:
· Sephora Purchases – You earn 5%, but you can’t redeem Kohl’s Cash on them.
· Rewards Expiration – You must use them within 30 days.
· Earning Restrictions – No rewards on gift card purchases (as expected).
· Stacking Rules – Kohl’s Cash applies first, then discounts.
· Rollover Earnings – Any rewards under $5 roll over to the next month.
OUR VERDICT:
Normally points program give better return than cash-back programs but Kohl’s is the exception to that. They’ve thrown out the points-playbook and instead leaned into a straightforward, rewarding program that entices you to shop frequently.
This is one of the most generous retail rewards programs out there, but—and this is a big but—you can’t be a passive member if you want to maximize savings. Here’s how to stay on top of it:
Track your Kohl’s Cash – Use it within 30 days or kiss it goodbye.
Sign up for Kohl’s emails – Stay informed about Kohl’s Cash earning periods.
Shop the month before your birthday – Ensure you get that birthday coupon.
Do these things, and you can rake in serious savings.
Rewarded or Robbed?
⭐ Definitely, Rewarded!
Leave us a comment! Do you agree or disagree? Any further tips about Kohl’s Rewards?
