Joe McConnell
Sephora Visa Credit Card Overview
The Sephora Visa Credit Card offers a strong return on Sephora purchases. However, its limited earning rates outside of Sephora and restrictive redemption options make it a poor choice for most shoppers. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐½
*Card ratings are based on the opinion of TPG editors and are not influenced by the card issuer.
Typically, we don’t recommend store credit cards here at TPG. While store cards usually have decent earnings rates for their specific store, most shoppers are better off skipping these cards and instead keeping a more generic credit card with cash back or travel rewards in their wallets.
The Sephora Visa Credit Card is no exception. As tempting as it is to sign up for the card when a sales associate or online checkout clerk asks me if I want to save 25% on my Sephora purchase, I always decline.
It’s important to note that there are two versions of the Sephora Card: the Sephora Credit Card and the Sephora Visa Credit Card. The Sephora Credit Card is a closed-loop option, meaning you can only use it (and earn rewards) at Sephora. The Sephora Visa Credit Card, on the other hand, can be used and earn rewards anywhere Visa is accepted.
Since the Visa version is most similar to the other cards we talk about on TPG, I’ll focus on that instead of the closed-loop card in this review.
This Sephora Visa has no annual fee and a recommended credit score of 670 or higher. Now, let’s dive into the card’s details to see why it’s not right for me but might be right for you.
The information for the Sephora Credit Card and Sephora Visa Credit Card has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Pros and Cons of the Sephora Visa Credit Card
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Sephora Visa Credit Card Welcome Offer
From now through September 25, new cardholders can earn $150 in Sephora Credit Card Rewards after spending $1,500 in the first 90 days of account opening.
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In addition to this welcome offer, new cardholders will receive 25% off their first Sephora purchase when they use their card at Sephora within the first 30 days of opening their account. There are no product or service exclusions for this discount, so you can get significant value from it if you spend a lot at Sephora at once.
It’s not hard to find a better welcome offer on a cash-back card, but you can get great benefits from the Sephora Visa by earning the welcome offer and taking advantage of the 25% discount.
Related: The Best Credit Card Welcome Offers Currently Available
Sephora Visa Credit Card Benefits
The most significant benefit of the Sephora Visa is that it allows cardholders to earn double Beauty Insider points on Sephora purchases.
Beauty Insider, Sephora’s loyalty program, is free and allows members to earn points on Sephora purchases. Members can cash in 500 points for a $10 discount.
Non-cardholders earn one Beauty Insider point for every dollar spent, while cardholders earn 2 points for every dollar spent, resulting in a 4% return in Beauty Insider points on top of any credit card rewards earned.
Plus, Sephora credit card holders receive exclusive discounts and promotions.
While these benefits may offer additional savings to cardholders, the Sephora Visa does not offer the purchase protection you’ll find on other cards. If you plan to purchase electronics from Sephora, like a Dyson Airwrap or a red light therapy device, you may want to put your purchase on a different card that offers additional protection.
Related: Best Cash Back Credit Cards
Earn and redeem rewards on your Sephora Visa credit card
Sephora Visa cardholders earn 4% cash back on Sephora purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Note that purchases made at Sephora locations inside other stores, such as Kohl’s, will only earn 1% cash back.
The 4% you’ll earn with Sephora Rewards is in addition to the 4% you’ll earn with Beauty Insider rewards, so cardholders effectively earn an 8% return on Sephora purchases.
Sephora Rewards are calculated at the end of each billing cycle and released in $5 increments. If you have not reached a $5 increment, your rewards will remain in your account and will be released once you reach $5.
However, there are some restrictions on how you can use your rewards. They are issued in the form of Sephora Reward Dollars, which can only be used at Sephora. These rewards expire 90 days from the date of issuance and cannot be combined with any other discounts other than Beauty Insider redemption.
While the 8% return I could earn with the Sephora Visa is impressive, the redemption restrictions are the problem for me. I like to wait for sales and stock up on my favorite items at a discount, but I wouldn’t be able to use my Sephora Reward Dollars on those sales.
Plus, I would have had to use all of my earned rewards within the next 90 days, which I likely wouldn’t have done otherwise.
Instead, I prefer to put my Sephora purchases on a good flat cash back credit card, like the Chase Freedom Unlimited®. I still earn 2% in Beauty Insider rewards, plus cash back on the credit card that I can use for Sephora purchases or whatever else I want.
I also keep an eye out for merchant offers (I can usually grab a 5% Sephora or 10% Chase deal) and shop on Rakuten to earn additional rewards.
Related: Best Rewards Credit Cards for Every Bonus Category
Which cards compete with the Sephora Visa credit card?
If you want more flexible rewards, one of these might be the best solution for you:
For more options, check out our full list of the best credit cards.
Related: Why Citi Double Cash Will Always Have a Place in My Portfolio
Is the Sephora Visa Credit Card Worth Buying?
If you spend a significant amount at Sephora and have no problem using your Reward Dollars before they expire, the 8% you’ll earn with the Sephora Visa might be worth it. However, those who aren’t as consistent with their Sephora spending or want more flexible rewards will want to use a different card.
Bottom line
If the black and white stripes of a Sephora store are your siren song, the Sephora Visa might be a good option. It lets you earn 8% back on your Sephora purchases (4% in rewards and 4% through Beauty Insider points) and gets you exclusive cardholder discounts.
If you only have a moderate habit of purchasing beauty products, however, you may want to use a more general cash-back card.
Related: Cash Deposit vs Cash Back Credit Cards: Which Should I Choose?
To find out about Blue Cash Everyday rates and costs, click here.
