Can You Use Kohl’s Gift Cards to Pay Your Credit Card Bill?

If you have a Kohl’s credit card, you may be wondering if you can use Kohl’s gift cards to make your monthly payment. Unfortunately, Kohl’s gift cards cannot be applied towards Kohl’s credit card balances. However there are still great ways to maximize the value of Kohl’s gift cards along with smarter alternatives for paying your Kohl’s credit card bill.

Why Kohl’s Gift Cards Can’t Pay Your Bill

Kohl’s gift cards act as prepaid store credit to make purchases at Kohl’s. However, they are not considered an acceptable form of payment for Kohl’s credit card bills for a few key reasons:

• Different payment systems – Gift cards draw from a separate prepaid balance, while credit card payments use your linked bank account or card.

• No cash value – Kohl’s gift cards represent merchandise credit only. They cannot be exchanged for cash or account payments.

• Risk of fraud – Allowing gift cards for bill payment would make it easier for stolen cards to pay off fraudulent accounts

• Operational challenges – The infrastructure is not in place to easily apply store credit to credit card balances.

So while inconvenient, Kohl’s restrictions on using gift card funds for credit card bills make sense from a business standpoint. But that doesn’t mean gift cards are useless if you have a Kohl’s credit account.

Smart Ways to Use Kohl’s Gift Cards

Here are some savvy tips for getting value from Kohl’s gift cards as a credit card holder:

• Use them for regular Kohl’s purchases to save your cash for paying bills.

• Stack discounts and coupons on top of gift cards for bigger savings.

• Buy Kohl’s Cash certificates to save on future purchases.

• Swap unwanted gift cards for e-gift cards to other retailers you prefer.

• Re-gift unused cards to friends and family who frequent Kohl’s.

• Exchange unused cards for current merchandise to gift or donate.

While you can’t directly pay your credit card with gift cards, they can still reduce your out-of-pocket spending at Kohl’s.

Alternative Ways to Pay Your Kohl’s Credit Card

To keep your Kohl’s credit account in good standing, use alternative payment methods like:

• Online payments – Pay instantly from your checking account using your online account access.

• Phone payments – Call 1-800-564-5740 to pay with your bank account or debit card information.

• Mail-in checks – Send a check or money order to the mailing address provided on your monthly statement.

• Automatic debits – Set up monthly auto-payments from your checking account to pay your bill on time.

• Pay at the store – Make payments at the register when checking out from new purchases.

The key is paying at least your minimum by the due date, using any method other than Kohl’s gift cards. Consistently paying late or skipping payments altogether will damage your credit standing with Kohl’s.

Benefits of Responsible Credit Card Use

Using your Kohl’s credit account wisely has advantages like:

• Earning rewards points on purchases to redeem for Kohl’s Cash.

• Getting exclusive discounts and promotions for cardholders.

• Building your overall credit history with on-time payments.

• Having access to revolving credit for convenience and emergencies.

Be sure to use your Kohl’s credit only for reasonable purchases that fit your budget. Read all terms and policies thoroughly so there are no surprises or confusion. With smart and informed use, a Kohl’s credit account can be a valuable financial tool.

While Kohl’s gift cards can’t directly pay your credit card bill, they can still help you save as part of an overall spending strategy. Weigh the benefits of paying with cash versus credit and use Kohl’s payment policies to your money-saving advantage.