Sephora Visa Credit Card Overview
The Sephora Visa Credit Card offers strong returns on Sephora purchases. However, its limited earning rates outside of Sephora and its restricted redemption options make it a poor choice for most shoppers. Card Rating*: ⭐⭐½
*Card ratings are based on the opinion of TPG’s editors and are not influenced by the card issuer.
In general, we advise against store credit cards here at TPG. While store cards usually have an appropriate earning rate for their particular store, most shoppers are better off skipping these cards and keeping a more general cash-back or travel rewards credit card in their wallet instead.
The Sephora Visa Credit Card is no exception. As tempting as it is to sign up for a card, when a salesperson or online checkout asks if I want to save 25% on my Sephora purchases, I always say no.
It is important to note that there are two versions of the Sephora Card: the Sephora Credit Card and the Sephora Visa Credit Card. The first is a closed-loop option, meaning you can only use it (and earn rewards) at Sephora. The Sephora Visa Credit Card, meanwhile, can be used and earn rewards even where Visa is accepted.
The Visa version is similar to other cards we cover at TPG, so I’m focusing this review on that rather than the closed-loop card.
This Sephora Visa has no annual fee and a recommended credit score of 670 or higher. Now, let’s dive into the details of the card to see why it might not be right for me but might be for you.
Information for the Sephora Credit Card and Sephora Visa Credit Card is 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
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 account opening. No product or service is excluded from this discount, so it’s possible to get significant value out of it if you’re spending a lot at Sephora at once.
It’s not hard to find a more valuable welcome offer on a cash-back card, but you can get a lot of value from the Sephora Visa with this one. Earn welcome offer and avail 25% discount.
Related: Best Credit Card Welcome Offers Currently Available
Sephora Visa Credit Card Benefits
The most notable 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 to join and allows members to earn points on Sephora purchases. Members can cash in 500 points for a $10 discount.
Noncardholders earn one Beauty Insider point per dollar spent, but cardholders earn 2 points per dollar spent, giving them a 4% return in Beauty Insider points on top of the credit card rewards they earn.
Additionally, Sephora Credit Card holders receive exclusive discounts and promotions.
While these benefits can offer additional savings for cardholders, Sephora does not offer Visa Purchase protection you’ll find on other cards. If you plan to purchase electronic tools at Sephora, such as a Dyson AirVape or a red light therapy tool, you can place your purchase on a separate card that provides additional security.
Related: Best Cash-Back Credit Cards
Earning and Redeeming Rewards on the Sephora Visa Credit Card
Sephora Visa cardholders earn 4% back on Sephora purchases and 1% back on all other purchases. Note that purchases made at Sephora locations within other stores, such as Kohl’s, will only earn 1% back.
The 4% you’ll earn in Sephora Rewards is on top of the 4% you’ll earn in Beauty Insider Rewards, so cardholders earn an effective 8% back on Sephora purchases.
Sephora Rewards are calculated at the end of each billing cycle and issued in $5 increments. If you have not reached the $5 threshold, your rewards will remain in your account and will be issued once you reach the $5 threshold.
However, there are some restrictions on how you use your rewards. They are issued in the form of Sephora Rewards Dollars, which can only be used at Sephora. These rewards expire 90 days from the date of issue and cannot be combined with any other discounts except Beauty Insider redemptions.
While the 8% back I can get on the Sephora Visa is impressive, the redemption restrictions are a deal breaker for me. I love waiting for sales and stocking up on my favorite items at a discount, but I won’t be able to use my Sephora Rewards Dollars with those sales.
Plus, I get to use any rewards I earn within the next 90 days — shopping I might not do otherwise.
I prefer to put my Sephora purchases on a good flat-rate cash-back credit card, such as Chase Freedom Unlimited®. I still earn 2% back in Beauty Insider rewards, plus cash-back credit card rewards that I can use for Sephora purchases or anything else.
I also keep an eye out for merchant offers (I regularly take advantage of 5% or 10% Sephora offers from Chase) and shop through Rakuten to earn extra rewards.
Related: The 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 more suitable:
For additional options, see our full list Best Credit Cards.
Related: Why Citi Double Cash will always have a place in my wallet
Is the Sephora Visa Credit Card worth it?
If you spend a significant amount at Sephora and don’t mind using your rewards dollars before they expire, the 8% you earn with the Sephora Visa may be worth it. However, those who aren’t consistent in their Sephora spending or who want more flexible rewards will want to go with a different card.
Bottom line
If the black and white stripes of a Sephora store are your siren song, Sephora Visa might be a good option. It allows you to earn 8% back on your Sephora purchases — 4% in rewards and 4% through Beauty Insider points — and you get an exclusive cardholder discount.
If, however, you only have a moderate beauty shopping habit, you’ll be better off using a more general cash-back card instead.
Related: Store Vs. Cash-Back Credit Cards: Which One Should I Get?
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