You know the process. You just bought your favorite skin care products, a cute new lip gloss, and a makeup sponge while waiting in line. Why wouldn’t you? And when you get to the Ulta counter, the store associate asks if you want to apply for an Ulta credit card to get 20% off.
It's a tempting offer. And given that you've been shopping at Ulta regularly, you might think it's a good move. After all, there will be ongoing discounts and exclusive benefits for cardholders.
But you may have heard that store credit cards don't necessarily have the best interest rates. What should you do?
Whenever you consider opening a new line of credit, you should start with the card product itself. Ask yourself: What value does this card bring to you? And what are the potential downsides of opening the card?
This guide will take you through the details of the Ulta Beauty Rewards credit card. Yes, there are two! And we’ll also show you which one fits your wallet.
Information about Ulta Credit Card
Both versions of Ulta's credit card are issued by Comenity Capital Bank.
- Ulta Beauty Rewards
- Ulta Beauty Rewards
The best part about both cards is that they have no annual fee and they earn double points when you spend at Ulta Beauty stores or Ulta.com. So instead of earning just one point as an Ulta Beauty Rewards member, you’ll earn two points per dollar.
If you use the Mastercard version, you'll earn 1 point for every $3 you spend at stores other than Ulta.
Since it is a co-branded retail card, you can expect it to be relatively easy to qualify for, as it starts with a lower credit limit than a regular credit card. That means you don’t need a top-notch credit score to get approved. However, you must be the age of majority in your state or territory (almost always 18, but 19 in some areas).
In that sense, store cards like the Ulta credit card may have the added benefit of helping young consumers build a credit history. Just make sure you pay off your balance on time each month and don't use up too much of your credit limit to build a decent credit base.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider Before Applying for an Ulta Card
APR is astronomical. If you pay your bill in full each month, there is no need to worry because there is a grace period and no interest is charged. However, if you tend to roll over your balance every now and then, be aware that you will be paying an APR of up to 32.24%, which is higher than most credit cards. Even if you have good credit, the lowest APR offered by the Mastercard version is 23.24%. It won’t be long before these costs outweigh the rewards you earn.
Where you buy your Ulta products is important. Please note that Ulta Beauty Rewards cannot be used.
The non-fence rewards are not impressive. Outside of beauty retailers, you’ll need to spend $3 to earn 1 point on your Ulta Mastercard purchases, while some other store-brand rewards cards, like the Amazon Prime Visa Card , offer 2 or 3 points per dollar spent in certain outside categories.
Rewards are only available at Ulta. Of course, the point of the Ulta card is to apply the points you earn to lower your costs and save money on future Ulta purchases. But makeup Only When making a purchase, consider whether a more general cash back card might be more valuable and flexible.
Using points isn't easy. Unlike some rewards credit cards that use a point system where 100 points equals 1 dollar, Ulta’s point system is more complex. The good news is that the more points you earn, the more valuable they become.
| Use points | Discounts on all items |
| 100 | $3.00 |
| 250 | $8.00 |
| 500 | $17.50 |
| 750 | $30.00 |
| 1000 | $50.00 |
| 2000 | $125.00 |
When can I use the card?
If after reading all of the above you still think you should get an Ulta credit card, here's what you need to know to get started.
You have two main options when it comes to opening a card: Go to your favorite Ulta Beauty store and apply at the checkout counter, or apply online at Ulta.com/credit.
If approved, you’ll receive your actual credit card in the mail within 7-10 business days. But you can still shop at Ulta before you receive your card. Apply in-store and use your card to make purchases (and get a 20% discount).
If you apply online, you can use your account at Ulta stores. Just ask an employee to find your account. However, you won't be able to make any purchases outside of Ulta until your plastic arrives.
Related: Official Announcement: Ulta Sale Schedule 2024
How to use points
Ulta Beauty Rewards points accumulate in your account when you use your credit card and make purchases at Ulta. If you are a regular member, they do not last forever. They last until the end of the quarter one year after the date they are earned. So if you earn points on August 1, 2024, they will expire on September 30, 2025.
However, if you reach Platinum or Diamond level in the Ulta Beauty Rewards program, your points will not expire.
To redeem your points in-store, ask a staff member to look up your account. You need a minimum of 100 points to get started, and they can be redeemed in increments (see table above).
Related: Your Guide to Saving Everything at Ulta in 2024
Alternatives to Ulta Credit Card
Anyone can join the Ulta Beauty Rewards program without even applying for a store card. That means you earn 1 point per dollar spent, regardless of your payment method. Plus, you get a free birthday gift, which is really cool! Plus, if you want to make the most of your credit card to help offset the costs of your makeup addiction, here are some options to consider.
- You can receive a Target Circle if there is a Target Ulta Beauty store inside a Target store.TM This card offers a 5% discount on all items purchased at Target stores (including Ultimatum items).
- Look for a flat cash back card that gives you 2% cash back on all your purchases. If you have a versatile card like this, you can definitely use it to shop at Ulta (and anything else you want). There, you can redeem it for cash or a statement credit to cover part of your purchase, or even an Ulta gift card if your card issuer allows it.
- It’s also worth considering an everyday spending rewards card. Some cashback credit cards can earn you bonus cashback of 3% or more on categories like gas, groceries, and online retail purchases. This could include Ulta.com. If you primarily shop online for your beauty needs, this could be a good option for you.
Related: Tips for finding and saving on Ulta Beauty coupons
More Ulta Beauty Credit Card Tips
How much discount can I get by using my Ulta credit card?
How much you can save with an Ulta credit card depends on your spending habits and how responsibly you use your credit. Ideally, if you pay off your entire statement balance each month and avoid interest charges, the bonus points you earn as a cardholder in the Ulta Beauty Rewards program can be used to save money on future Ulta purchases.
Can I get a discount with my Ulta credit card?
Get 20% off your first purchase with the Ulta Credit Card. After that, you can earn Ulta Beauty Rewards points on your Ulta purchases, and you can earn them on other purchases with the Mastercard version of the card. Then, you can use those points to save money on Ulta purchases.
What are the benefits of using an Ulta credit card?
With the Ulta Credit Card, you can earn double Ulta Beauty Rewards points on your purchases. If you shop at Ulta stores and Ulta.com frequently, you can earn discounts on future purchases even faster. You can also get 20% off your first purchase. With the Mastercard version of the card, you can earn an additional 500 bonus points (a $17.50 value) after you spend $500 in the first 90 days outside of Ulta.
The post How to Save Money with an Ulta Credit Card first appeared on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.
