In 2022, the average consumer spent about $210 a month on makeup, hair, and skincare. That’s more than $2,500 a year. Oh my, that’s a lot of money.
Spending money on self-care can be fun and relaxing, but there are many ways to cut down on your spending. If you want to maximize your rewards while shopping for your favorite beauty products, using a Sephora credit card can help.
Free gift with $30 purchase at Sephora
Read below to find out how the Sephora credit card works and whether it’s worth adding to your wallet.
Information about Sephora credit cards
Understanding how Sephora’s credit card system works can be a little confusing.
There are three types of Sephora credit cards:
| Sephora Credit Card | This is the most basic card and can only be used in Sephora stores or on Sephora.com, but not at Sephora kiosks inside other stores, such as Kohl’s. |
| Sephora Visa Credit Card | This card can be used in all Sephora stores (and offers additional rewards opportunities), but 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 offers additional benefits like Visa Signature Travel, Visa Concierge, and curbside delivery. |
There is no annual fee for the Sephora Card. You will receive a 25% off coupon that can be used on your first purchase using the card, which must be within 30 days of receiving the card. This coupon can be used for in-store or online purchases.
And unlike many other retail credit cards, the 25% discount applies to any product or service, which is perfect if you want to splurge on a big purchase like a Dyson Airwrap. However, you must pay for the entire purchase with your card to receive the 25% discount.
Shop Sephora
To entice shoppers to sign up, the Sephora Visa Signature credit card offers a sign-up bonus (currently up to $150) when you meet the minimum spend requirement. Purchases made at Sephora do not count toward the spend requirement. You’ll also get a $20 reward at Sephora after you spend $500 outside of the beauty chain.
Earn 4% cash back when you use your Sephora credit card at Sephora stores or Sephora.com. Plus, earn 2x Beauty Insider points for every dollar you spend at Sephora. If you don’t have a Sephora credit card, you’ll only earn 1x points. If you have a 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 available on your first purchase with a card | X | X |
| 4% Cash Back at Sephora | X | X |
| 2x Beauty Insider Points | X | X |
| 1% cash back on purchases outside of Sephora | X | |
| Sign up bonus | Signup offers are subject to change. Check here for the latest offers. | |
| No annual fee | X | X |
Sephora is having a special event this year where you can earn even more points than usual – if you have a Sephora credit card.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider Before Applying for a Sephora Credit Card
High annual interest rate. The current APR for the basic Sephora credit card is 31.99%, while the Sephora Visa or Sephora Visa Signature have APRs of 31.99% or 23.24%, depending on your credit score and other factors.
There are restrictions 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. Having a credit card that can only be used at one store may not be worth it.
When can I use the card?
You can use your card as soon as it is approved, even if you don’t have your actual card with you. Once approved, you will receive a temporary credit card number that you can use. You will also be able to use your 25% discount coupon immediately.
It will take 7-14 days to receive the actual physical card. However, you do not need to carry the card with you when shopping at Sephora. If you forget your card at home, a Sephora employee can retrieve your account.
Alternatives to Sephora Credit Cards
Ulta Beauty Rewards
Credit Card Ulta is one of Sephora’s main competitors and is also popular with beauty enthusiasts. If you want a card that is dedicated to beauty and skincare purchases, try Ulta Beauty Rewards A credit card may be a better option. Ulta carries not only drugstore brands but also prestige and luxury brands, which is another way to save money.
Earn double points at Ulta with the Ulta Card. Like the Sephora Card, there’s no annual fee.
US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card. If you love shopping for drugstore beauty brands, the US Bank Shopper Cash Rewards Visa Signature card may be the best choice for you. You can choose which retailers you want to earn more cash back from, including stores like Target, Nordstrom, Walmart, and Amazon.com. The last two are some of the most popular places to buy beauty products.
You can choose two retailers where you can earn 6% cash back on up to $1,500 of combined purchases per quarter. There is no annual fee for the first year, but there is a $95 annual fee thereafter. You get 3% cash back on specific categories you choose, and 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.
Additional tips for Sephora credit cards
How do I get a Sephora credit card?
You can get a Sephora credit card by filling out the card application online, applying in store, or through the Sephora app, which is available on both iPhone and Android devices.
Can I pay for my Sephora credit card in-store or online?
Sephora credit card bills can be paid through your online account. Credit card bills cannot be paid in-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 a basic Sephora credit card, you can only use it at Sephora or Sephora.com. Keep in mind that it also can’t be used at Sephora kiosks inside third-party retailers, like Kohl’s. It’s only available at Sephora brick-and-mortar stores.
However, if you shop at a Sephora kiosk at Kohl’s, you can use your Sephora Visa Card or Sephora Visa Signature Card.
You can also use your Sephora Visa Card or Sephora Visa Signature Card at most other stores.
Other retailers.
The post How to Save Money on Your Next Beauty Purchase with Your Sephora Credit Card originally appeared on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
