In 2022, the average consumer spent about $210 a month on makeup, hair and skincare – or more than $2,500 a year. Yikes – that’s a lot of money.
While dropping money on self-care can be fun and relaxing, there’s plenty of ways to spend less. If you want to maximize rewards while shopping for your favorite beauty products, using a Sephora credit card can potentially help.
Read below to see how the Sephora credit card works – and if it’s worth adding to your wallet.
The Scoop on Sephora Credit Cards
It can be a little confusing understanding how Sephora’s credit card system works.
There are three types of Sephora credit cards:
| Sephora Credit Card | This is the most basic card and can only be used at Sephora stores or Sephora.com. However, it cannot be used at Sephora kiosks inside other stores, like Kohl’s. |
| Sephora Visa Credit Card | This card can be used at any Sephora location (and will come with extra rewards opportunities). However, it can also be used at outside merchants. |
| Sephora Visa Signature Credit Card | The main difference between this card and the Sephora Visa credit card is that this card also offers extra perks, including Visa Signature travel, Visa Concierge and roadside dispatch. |
None of the Sephora cards have an annual fee. You will receive a 25% off coupon to use on your first purchase with the card, as long as it’s within the first 30 days of having it. This coupon can be used for either in-person or online purchases.
And, unlike many other retail credit cards, you can use the 25% offer on any product or service – perfect if you want to splurge on a pricey purchase like the Dyson Airwrap. However, you need to put the whole purchase on your card to qualify for the 25% off discount.
To help entice shoppers to apply, the Sephora Visa Signature Credit Card has come with a sign-up bonus (recently as high as $150) if you meet the minimum spend requirements. Purchases made at Sephora do not count toward the spending requirement. Also, you’ll receive a $20 reward at Sephora after spending $500 outside of the beauty chain.
When you use the Sephora Credit Card at a Sephora store or Sephora.com, you’ll get 4% cash back. You’ll also get 2x Beauty Insider points for each dollar spent at Sephora – compared to just 1x points without the Sephora credit card. If you have the Sephora Visa Signature Credit Card, you’ll earn 1% cash back on all purchases outside of Sephora.
| Sephora Credit Card | Sephora Visa Signature Credit Card | |
| 25% off coupon to use on your first purchase with the card | X | X |
| 4% cash back at Sephora | X | X |
| 2x Beauty Insider points | X | X |
| 1% cash back on all purchases outside of Sephora | X | |
| Signup Bonus | Signup offers can change. See the latest offer here. | |
| No Annual Fee | X | X |
During the year, Sephora will have special days where you can earn more points than normal – as long as you have the Sephora Credit Card.
Before you Apply for the Sephora Credit Card…Some Potential Drawbacks to Consider
High APR. The basic Sephora Credit card currently has a 31.99% APR, while the Sephora Visa or the Sephora Visa Signature has either a 31.99% or 23.24% APR, depending on your credit score and other factors.
Limitations on where the card can be used. If you only have the basic Sephora Credit Card, you can only use it at Sephora or Sephora.com. It may not be worth having a credit card that can only be used at one store.
When Can I Start Using the Card?
You can use the card as soon as you’re approved – even if you don’t have the physical card with you. Once you’re approved, you’ll receive a temporary credit card number that you can use. The 25% off coupon is also eligible immediately.
It takes between seven and 14 days to receive the actual physical card. However, you don’t need to bring your card with you when shopping at Sephora. If you ever forget your card at home, you can have a Sephora associate look up your account.
Alternatives to the Sephora Credit Card
Ulta Beauty Rewards
Credit Card. Ulta is one of Sephora’s main competitors and is also popular with beauty aficionados. If you want a card just for beauty and skincare purchases, the Ulta Beauty Rewards Credit Card might be a better pick. Ulta carries drugstore brands, as well as prestige and luxury brands, which is another way to save money.
The Ulta card lets you earn double points at Ulta. Like the Sephora cards, there is no annual fee.
U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card. If you love shopping for drugstore cosmetic brands, then the U.S. Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card might be the best option for you. You’ll be able to choose which retailers you want to earn more cash back with, including stores like Target, Nordstrom, Walmart and Amazon.com. The latter two are some of the most popular places to buy beauty products.
You’ll be able to choose two retailers where you can earn 6% cash back, up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter. There is no annual fee for the first year, but a $95 fee after that. You’ll get 3% cash back in a specific category of your choice and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
More Sephora Credit Card Tips
How Do I Get a Sephora Credit Card?
You can get a Sephora Credit Card by filling out a card application online. You can also apply in-store or through the Sephora app, available for both iPhone and Android devices.
Can You Pay Your Sephora Credit Card Bill In-Store or Online?
You can pay your Sephora credit card bill through your online account. You cannot pay your credit card bill in a store.
Where Can I Use My Sephora Credit Card?
Where you can use your Sephora card depends on the type of card you have. If you have the basic Sephora Credit Card, you can only use it at Sephora or Sephora.com. Remember, you also can’t use it at Sephora kiosks within third-party retailers, like Kohl’s – only Sephora brick-and-mortar stores count.
However, if you’re shopping at the Sephora kiosk at Kohl’s, you can use your Sephora Visa or Sephora Visa Signature card.
Also, if you have the Sephora Visa or Sephora Visa Signature card, you can use them at most other retailers.
other retailers.
The post How to Save On Your Next Beauty Purchase with the Sephora Credit Card appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
