The JCPenney Credit Cards & Rewards Program – Everything You Need to Know

Q: Is the JCPenney credit card worth it?

That depends. If you’re an avid JCPenney shopper, it might be. If you shop there a lot and take advantage of their sales (beware of price inflation!), you could earn 1 point per dollar. Once you reach 200 points, you’ll earn a $10 rewards certificate. However, you’ll want to remember that this card can only be used at JCPenney (plus jcp.com, Sephora stores inside JCPenney stores, sephora.com, and Rite Aid), unless you get upgraded to the Mastercard version. Similarly, the rewards can only be used at JCPenney. So if you’re looking for a card that can earn you flexible rewards, this isn’t it. Additionally, this card comes with a ridiculously high 27.99% APR — so if you’re in danger of defaulting on your card payments, this could get you into trouble quickly.

Erin Miller

- UPDATED: April 7, 2022 |

Credit Cards

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JCPenney department stores have been around for over 100 years (seriously!). For many people, their storefronts are viewed as a cornerstone of the American shopping mall, and almost everyone recognizes the brand or has flipped through a JCPenney catalog at some point.

So what about their credit card — does it stand up to the store-branded cards offered by other retailers?

In this review, we’ll cover everything from benefits, fees, and drawbacks, to the application process, online account management, and more.

Plus, we list a couple alternative credit cards that are worth some serious consideration if you’re thinking about adding the JCPenney card to your wallet.

Table of contents

The JCPenney Credit Cards at a Glance
JCPenney Rewards (In-Depth)
Fees & Drawbacks of the JCPenney Card
Alternative Rewards Credit Cards (Our Recommendations)
Applying for the JCPenney Card
Online (Or App-Based) Login & Account Management
- Online Management
- App Management
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

The JCPenney Credit Cards at a Glance
JCPenney Rewards (In-Depth)
Fees & Drawbacks of the JCPenney Card
Alternative Rewards Credit Cards (Our Recommendations)
Applying for the JCPenney Card
Online (Or App-Based) Login & Account Management
- Online Management
- App Management
Final Thoughts

The JCPenney Credit Cards at a Glance

	JCPenney Credit Card	JCPenney Mastercard®
Main Benefits	🛍 Double Member Reward points (1 point per $1 spent at JCPenney) 💰 Receive $10 certificate per 200 points earned 📆 Special financing offers 🎉 Exclusive coupons & special savings days 👏 First purchase discount 🎂 Birthday offer	💳 Use anywhere Mastercard is accepted. 🤔 Otherwise officially undisclosed; we can assume the same as the basic card (see details below).
Annual Fee	$0	$0
APR	27.99% (fixed)	27.99% (fixed)
Late Fee	Up to $38	Up to $38

JCPenney has 2 store-branded cards issued by Synchrony Bank: a basic credit card and a Mastercard.

Potential cardholders do not get to choose which card they apply for; the initial application is submitted for a basic JCPenney credit card. When/if a current cardholder meets certain criteria, they may then be upgraded to the JCPenney Mastercard (at the card issuer’s discretion).

JCPenney Credit Card

Where Can I Use My JCPenney Card?

Currently, the JCPenney credit card can be used for purchases at JCPenney, JCPenney.com, Sephora stores inside JCPenney stores, Sephora.com, Rite Aid, and Riteaid.com.

At this time, the card cannot be used for purchases at stand-alone Sephora stores.

What Are the Perks?

🛍 Double member reward points (1 point per $1 spent at JCPenney)

Basic JCPenney Rewards members who do not hold a JCPenney credit card receive 1 point for every $2 spent, so cardholders are essentially earning double rewards at the 1:1 ratio.
We discuss points earning in detail in the in-depth rewards section below.

💰 Receive $10 certificate for every 200 points earned

This one’s pretty self-explanatory, but we go into more detail on earning/redeeming rewards in the in-depth rewards section below.

📆 Special financing offers

Certain purchases (major appliances, furniture, mattresses, fine jewelry, etc.) may qualify for special financing offers.
Offers may include special financing for 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, or 60 months.
Cardholders should absolutely differentiate between “No Interest” and “No Interest If Paid In Full Within” in the terms and conditions. (More on this in the Fees & Drawbacks section below.)

🎉 Exclusive coupons & special savings days

Cardholders will receive even deeper discounts than regular rewards members on Special Savings Days.

JCPenny Example Discount with JCPenny Credit Card — Image Credit: jcpenney.com.

👏 First purchase discount

Currently, the online application offer allows approved cardholders to save 15% on select apparel, shoes, accessories, fine jewelry, salon products, furniture and mattresses, and home purchases.
Plus, save 5% on electronics (including TV’s), Modern Bride® Design Your Dream Ring, and smart watches.
In U.S. stores only, save 15% on custom blinds and shades, and 5% on major appliances.
Current terms state that applicants who do not receive a credit decision right when they apply (but are later approved) will receive a $10 coupon in their credit card package.

🎂 Birthday offer

Cardholders will receive a special birthday offer if they meet certain conditions: their birth date is on file, they have used their card for at least 1 purchase in the last 12 months, and their account is in good standing.

JCPenney Mastercard®

Information related to the JCPenney Mastercard® is very difficult to find online.

We can assume the basic main benefits are the same as the JCPenney Credit Card including:

🛍 Double member reward points
(1 point per $1 spent at JCPenney)
💰 Receive $10 certificate per 200 points earned
📆 Special financing offers
🎉 Exclusive coupons & special savings days
👏 First purchase discount
🎂 Birthday offer

As for additional perks other than being able to utilize the card anywhere Mastercard is accepted? It’s pretty tough to tell if there are any…

Mainly, we’re wondering if cardholders earn 1 point/$1 spent anywhere, or just at JCPenney (and associated stores)? If not, do they at least earn 1 point per $2 spent anywhere, or is it simply a card to use outside of JCPenney without earning points?

Hot Tip: If you’re a JCPenney Mastercard user and can weigh-in on the above confusion — leave us a message in the comments below. We’d be grateful for the clarification!

When researching for this review, there was such a lack of information about this card that we weren’t even completely sure the Mastercard upgrade was still available.

However, when calling JCPenney Credit Services customer service on August 14, 2018, they verbally confirmed that the company/Synchrony Bank does still provide upgrades to the JCPenney Mastercard if a cardholder meets specific criteria/qualifications…which they were not allowed to disclose.

The customer service rep was also unable to provide any additional information on the terms and conditions of the JCPenney Mastercard over the phone, including added benefits or additional fees (such as cash advance APR/fees and foreign transaction fees).

The rep also responded that there is currently no PDF or online file that relates this information; cardholders are simply mailed the information once they are upgraded to the Mastercard.

Synchrony Bank Credit Card chat services also confirmed on August 14, 2018 that if an account qualifies, it can still be upgraded to a JCPenney Mastercard.

This representative stated he was able to access the terms and conditions within the employee portal, but could not send us the full file over chat at this time. He also reported that the full terms are included when the Mastercard is mailed out to new cardholders.

He was, however, able to relate some fees and penalties over chat, which have been included in the “At A Glance” table above and the “Fees & Drawbacks” section below.

Previous Card Options

Previously, JCPenney gave cardholders an avenue to achieve gold/platinum card status (with additional benefits) by hitting certain spending levels.

However, as of 2014, the gold and platinum programs were discontinued.

JCPenney Rewards (In-Depth)

Earning Your Points

JCPenney credit card holders are automatically enrolled in the JCPenney Rewards program upon approval.

As we mentioned above, JCPenney credit card holders technically earn rewards twice as fast as regular rewards members.

When using your JCPenney card for purchases at JCPenney or jcp.com, you’ll automatically earn 1 point for every $1 spent (while non-cardholders earn 1 point for every $2 spent) up to the “Point Maximum” of 2,000 points in a single transaction.

Of note: if you’re making an online purchase, the points are alotted once the item has shipped.

JCPenney Rewards Credit Card — Image Credit: jcpenney.com.

Points are earned on the dollar amount after all discounts and coupons have been applied. Of course, if you return a purchase the points are revoked.

JCPenney’s terms and conditions state that the following are not qualifying purchases:

“Sephora products that are not purchased from Sephora in JCPenney Stores or at jcp.com, gift cards, Sephora gift cards, international purchases, and dollars spent on sales tax, state fees, and charges and fees (e.g. shipping, delivery or installation charges, and restocking or recycling fees). Qualifying purchases made on a JCPenney Home Services Credit Card include Home Service purchases, e.g. HVAC, bath remodeling, hot water heaters and related services purchased through JCPenney.”

Rewards points don’t expire as long as the member’s account stays active — meaning the cardholder must make a purchase/earn points at least once in a 12-month period.

Hot Tip: Do not confuse non-expiring points with rewards certificates — your rewards certificate will have a clearly printed expiration date.

How Rewards Are Issued

Once a rewards member reaches 200 points, a $10 rewards certificate is issued. There is no limit to the number of $10 rewards certificates that an individual can earn.

In-store: A reward certificate is available almost immediately after earning it, and it can be used toward the next transaction anytime thereafter.

Online: If you have a valid email address linked to your rewards program account, you will receive your certificate via email. You can also access your certificate in your online rewards account portal or through the mobile app. They usually take about 24 hours to appear.

By Mail: If there is not a valid email address on file with your rewards account, the certificate will be sent by U.S. mail, which usually takes about 3-4 weeks after the reward is earned.

Additionally, for JCPenney cardholders, rewards are included on their respective billing statement.

Using Your Rewards

JCPenney Rewards Management — Image Credit: jcpenney.com.

Shoppers can only use JCPenney rewards certificates on eligible JCPenney purchases.

In-store, rewards members can present a printed rewards certificate or show the certificate on their mobile app to redeem. If a member does not have either option available, they can give their linked phone number or email address at checkout.

During the transaction, the rewards certificate will be applied first before any other discounts or coupons.

Online, shoppers will want to be sure they are logged into their account prior to making a purchase; this will ensure the rewards certificate is listed as an available option for payment at checkout.

Managing Your Rewards

You can view and manage your rewards through your online JCPenney Rewards account or through the mobile app.

We’ll go into this in more detail in the Login & Account Management section below.

Fees & Drawbacks of the JCPenney Card

Every single credit card on the market comes with pros and cons. In terms of fees and drawbacks, the JCPenney credit cards have some big ones.

Fees at a Glance

	JCPenney Credit Card	JCPenney Mastercard® **
Annual Fee	$0	$0
Purchase APR	27.99% (fixed)	27.99% (fixed)
Cash Advance APR	n/a	27.99% (fixed)
Cash Advance Fee	n/a	5% of the transaction or $10.00 (whichever is higher)
Foreign Transaction Fee	n/a	3% of each transaction
Minimum Interest Charge	$2	$2
Late Fee	Up to $38	Up to $38

**As mentioned earlier, there is no file accessible/available online for the terms and conditions of this card. The information included above is what was reported via a customer service representative through Synchrony Bank’s Credit Card chat services at the time of researching this piece. Customers receive the most up-to-date terms and conditions in the mail when they receive their upgraded card and welcome packet.

The biggest monster you’re battling here is the ridiculously high APR. At 27.99%, carrying a balance on this card can get you into trouble FAST.

The best way to avoid fees and penalties? Always act as a responsible cardholder.

This means monitoring your finances closely, spending wisely, and paying off your balance on time, in full, each month. If you can’t pay the balance in full, you should pay as much as you possibly can on time and pay off the rest as soon as possible.

Note: If you are looking for rewards cards with a 0% Intro APR, we have reviewed several of them.

Other Drawbacks

If you have a basic JCPenney card, you can’t use it anywhere besides JCPenney, jcp.com, Rite Aid, the Sephora stores inside JCPenney, and (most recently) online at Sephora.

So unless you’re an avid JCPenney shopper, you’re unlikely to rack up points quickly. Especially since 1:1 is not the best earnings ratio, when you consider many other rewards based credit cards offer bonus points in everyday spending categories like gas, dining, travel, etc. (We’ll have more about alternative cards in the next section.)

Lastly, it has been widely noted that JCPenney places a pretty high markup (as much as 30% by some reports) on their inventory in order to make sales more appealing to the consumer. These “SALE” prices are likely what you’ll find as baseline prices for the same item elsewhere.

So if you’re not buying a sale item, are you really saving by earning rewards on that overpriced bedding set?

A Note on “Special Financing”

Any time you take advantage of a special financing offer, you should be explicitly aware of the terms and conditions.

There is a HUGE difference between the phrase “no interest for 6 months” and “no interest if paid in full within 6 months.” The latter indicates you’ll be subject to deferred interest.

So what is deferred interest, and how could it get me in trouble?

With deferred interest, if you pay off your purchase in full within the promotional period, no interest will be applied — hooray, you’ve successfully taken advantage of the benefit!

However, if you don’t pay off your balance in full within the promotional period, interest charges will be imposed on the starting balance at the APR for regular purchases retroactively from the date of purchase.

Alternative Rewards Credit Cards (Our Recommendations)

There are a number of other excellent rewards-based cash-back credit cards out there that would likely earn you more in value than the cards offered by JCPenney, and certainly with lower APR’s initially.

For those of you who love to travel (or simply want to travel more than you do now), consider one of the most popular travel cards out there — the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card.

With this card, earn 1pt/$1 spent at JCPenney stores and outside of JCPenney, you’ll earn 2pts/$1 spent on ALL dining and travel purchases.

Lastly, don’t forget that the Chase points you’ll collect are very valuable when used for maximum value!

Bottom Line: For all of our recommendations, check out our guide to the best credit cards for shopping at department stores.

Applying for the JCPenney Card

JCPenney Online Credit Card Application — Image Credit: apply.syf.com.

Individuals who want to apply for a JCPenney credit card can do so in 2 ways:

Online
In-store

Remember, you cannot apply outright for the JCPenney Mastercard. Shoppers initially apply for the basic card and may be upgraded to the Mastercard if they qualify. Neither JCPenney nor Synchrony bank currently list the requirements for achieving this upgrade.

The JCPenney card can be approved instantly, but in some cases the application may require further review. At this point, applicants are usually notified of approval/denial within 7-10 days.

While JCPenney and Synchrony don’t list the credit requirement for this card, most review websites report that applicants should be approved if they have a credit score of “fair” or better.

Online (Or App-Based) Login & Account Management

JCPenney provides cardholders with 2 different platforms for managing their account: online and via their mobile app.

Online Management

JCPenney Credit Card Online Account Management — Image Credit: synchronycredit.com.

If it’s your first time logging in to manage your account online, you’ll need to register and link your credit card. Once you have done so, you can simply log in with your username and password.

The platform allows users to

View account activity
View billing statements
Make payments
Set up paperless billing
Set up alerts
Track your points earnings
Access your rewards certificates
…and more

App Management

JCPenney Mobile App - Account Management — Image Credit: itunes.apple.com.

The free JCPenney mobile app (for Apple and Android) provides cardholders with a quick and easy way to manage their account, and it’s actually rated really well in the iTunes app store: 4.7 stars from over 224,000 ratings.

Users can perform all the same tasks within the app that they would in the desktop/web platform:

View account activity
View billing statements
Make payments
Set up paperless billing
Set up alerts
Track your points earnings
Access your rewards certificates
…and more

Final Thoughts

If you’re an avid JCPenney shopper, you could benefit from having this card in your wallet. This is especially true if you utilize bonus shopping days make sure you’re spending on the right products (watch out for inflated prices to make sales seem more lucrative!).

But there are some serious drawbacks to consider.

Remember, you can only use this card at JCPenney (jcp.com, Sephora inside JCPenney, Sephora.com, and Rite Aid) unless you have the Mastercard version — which you can’t actually apply for, only be upgraded to. Also, when you receive your rewards certificates, they can only be utilized at JCPenney.

It’s also important to note that there’s a massive APR on this card, so be sure to you pay your statement balance in full, on time, every month. And if you choose to use a special financing option, make sure you know what you’re getting yourself into.

So, if you don’t stick strictly to JCPenney for shopping and/or you want some flexibility with the rewards you earn, this isn’t the right card for you.

There are a number of other quality cash-back rewards cards available. A lot of them have excellent reviews and can earn you some big returns in everyday spending categories like groceries, gas, dining, travel, and even some department stores. Plus, with a true cash-back card, you can use your earnings any way you want!

Featured image credit: Shutterstock.com

Frequently asked questions

Is the JCPenney credit card worth it?

That depends. If you’re an avid JCPenney shopper, it might be. If you shop there a lot and take advantage of their sales (beware of price inflation!), you could earn 1 point per dollar. Once you reach 200 points, you’ll earn a $10 rewards certificate.

However, you’ll want to remember that this card can only be used at JCPenney (plus jcp.com, Sephora stores inside JCPenney stores, sephora.com, and Rite Aid), unless you get upgraded to the Mastercard version. Similarly, the rewards can only be used at JCPenney. So if you’re looking for a card that can earn you flexible rewards, this isn’t it.

Additionally, this card comes with a ridiculously high 27.99% APR — so if you’re in danger of defaulting on your card payments, this could get you into trouble quickly.

Is the JCPenney credit card hard to get?

Neither JCPenney nor Synchrony bank lists the official requirements for approval on a JCPenney credit card. Most credit card review sites agree that applicants should be approved if they have a “fair” or better credit score.

Who issues the JCPenney credit card?

Both the JCPenney credit card and the JCPenney Mastercard are issued by Synchrony Bank.

Does the JCPenney credit card have an annual fee?

No, the JCPenney credit cards do not have an annual fee. Where you’ll want to watch out in terms of fees is the massive APR (27.99%) and the trouble you could get into if you default on the “special financing options” available with these cards.

Where can the JCPenney credit card be used?

The basic JCPenney credit card can be used at the following retailers:

JCPenney
jcpenney.com
Sephora stores inside JCPenney stores
sephora.com
Rite Aid

The JCPenney Mastercard can be used at the above stores as well as anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

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About Erin Miller

Erin currently maintains her status as Alex's adventure-seeking partner-in-crime and contributes to Upgraded Points through in-depth content creation and relationship management.

She caught the travel bug just after high school when her grandmother took her on a 2-week, whirlwind trip around Europe. That was that --- she's been gallivanting around the globe ever since (26 countries & counting)!

Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.

15 comments

Charlotte Kaukani September 15, 2018
I have been a long time shopper of jcpenneys. My credit card dates back to 1975!!! Their rewards program continues to deteriorate and be less valuable. The most recent change (without any notification) now deducts rewards BEFORE applying coupons, effectively diminishing the value of the rewards. Prior to this change, coupons could be used, and THEN the rewards deducted. I actually had a customer service supervisor tell me that I should be grateful for this “gift” that jcpenneys was giving me!!! Huh??? I had to spend $200.00 to receive this “gift”. I WILL NOT be shopping at jcp again. As their stock continues to sink, they maybe going the way of Sears.
Reply
- GB January 13, 2020
  That’s absolutely correct. The reason I stopped using there card for purchases outside JCP.
  Reply
Sharon Deal October 9, 2018
I liked my JCP credit card but the new mastercard is horrible. No bonus points earned at all even though they say you will earn points. Called the company to see if I could switch back to just a JCP card. They assured me that they would fix the problem but have not done so. It used to be a place I spent most of my money but they have really messed up the program. I will call again but feel that they will not fix the problem.
Reply
Mary R Guy December 9, 2018
Have failed to get on JCPenney.com to pay my bill. I have paper bill but it’s not the correct amount.
I need help accessing bill on line.
Reply
- Christine Krzyszton December 10, 2018
  Hi Mary. Sorry you are having trouble paying your bill. Please be advised that we are not JCPenney, we are a blog sharing information on travel and credit cards. You can contact JCPenney tech support at 800-527-4403 to help you access your bill online. You can also access your account here. https://www.jcpcreditcard.com/eSecurity/Login/login.action?clientId=jcpenney&accountType=generic&langId=en
  Reply
Anthony January 2, 2019
I have a JC Penney MasterCard and I believe we get everything the other card gets plus 1 reward point for every dollar we spend elsewhere. It is pretty useful when they offer financing appliances for no interest though.
Reply
- GB January 13, 2020
  The reward is applied before discounts so the value is less. Was pure cast rewards after the discounts few years back.
  Reply
Ana Castellanos March 28, 2019
Can you choose not to use your card for a few months? Or is a minimum that you have to spend on the card?
Reply
- Erin Miller March 28, 2019
  Hi Ana! As far as we know, there is no minimum per-month spend on this card.
  Reply
Shirley Bieser August 26, 2019
The clerk at JC Penny in Mt. Vernon opened an account in my name when I made a purchase so I would save more. Now, my husbands card #xxxxxx does not work! My account #ending in XXXX does work. Please cancel my card and reinstate my husbands card. He has had the account for many years. Thank you.
Reply
- Christine Krzyszton August 26, 2019
  Hi Shirley. Please be advised that we are not JC Penney or their card issuer. We are Upgraded Points, a blog specializing in credit card, points, and miles resources. You should call the number on the back of your card for account inquiries. We have eliminated the account numbers in your comment for security purposes.
  Reply
Adriano Miguel Vazquez April 1, 2020
Is there a number that I can call so I can know if I qualify for the MasterCard?
Reply
- Jarrod West April 1, 2020
  Hi Adriano,
  Unfortunately, there is no way to check for pre-approved offers online or via phone with Synchrony Bank – which is who issues the JCPenny MasterCard. They do periodically send out pre-approved offers in the mail though.
  Reply
Martha Hofferth November 22, 2020
I have 2 purchases that were charged to my JCPenney Mastercard that I haven’t received. I have spent some time trying to go back on old statements to verify when they were paid for. What a mess! Can you please tell me how to get this done?
Reply
- Jarrod West November 22, 2020
  Hi Martha,
  We do not have any affiliation with JCPenny or the credit card, so unfortunately I cannot say how this might have happened. I recommend you call the phone number on the back of your credit card and speak to a customer service member.
  Reply

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The JCPenney Credit Cards & Rewards Program – Everything You Need to Know