Comenity Bank Credit Cards Bankrate
Advertiser Disclosure
We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare information for free - so that you can make financial decisions with confidence.
Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover. How We Make Money
The offers that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within the listing categories. But this compensation does not influence the information we publish, or the reviews that you see on this site. We do not include the universe of companies or financial offers that may be available to you. Main Menu Mortgages Financing a home purchase Refinancing your existing loan Finding the right lender Additional Resources Looking for the perfect credit card? Narrow your search with CardMatch Main Menu Banking Compare Accounts Use calculators Get advice Bank reviews Looking for the perfect credit card? Narrow your search with CardMatch Main Menu Credit cards Compare by category Compare by credit needed Compare by issuer Get advice Looking for the perfect credit card? Narrow your search with CardMatch Main Menu Loans Personal Loans Student Loans Auto Loans Loan calculators Looking for the perfect credit card? Narrow your search with CardMatch Main Menu Investing Best of Brokerages and robo-advisors Learn the basics Additional resources Looking for the perfect credit card? Narrow your search with CardMatch Main Menu Home equity Get the best rates Lender reviews Use calculators Knowledge base Looking for the perfect credit card? Narrow your search with CardMatch Main Menu Real estate Selling a home Buying a home Finding the right agent Additional resources Looking for the perfect credit card? Narrow your search with CardMatch Main Menu Insurance Car insurance Homeowners insurance Other insurance Company reviews Looking for the perfect credit card? Narrow your search with CardMatch Main Menu Retirement Retirement plans & accounts Learn the basics Retirement calculators Additional resources Looking for the perfect credit card? Narrow your search with CardMatch Advertiser Disclosure Guide to Comenity Bank-issued credit cards
Thomas Barwick/Getty Images Advertiser Disclosure
We are an independent, advertising-supported comparison service. Our goal is to help you make smarter financial decisions by providing you with interactive tools and financial calculators, publishing original and objective content, by enabling you to conduct research and compare information for free - so that you can make financial decisions with confidence.
Bankrate has partnerships with issuers including, but not limited to, American Express, Bank of America, Capital One, Chase, Citi and Discover. How We Make Money
The offers that appear on this site are from companies that compensate us. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site, including, for example, the order in which they may appear within the listing categories. But this compensation does not influence the information we publish, or the reviews that you see on this site. We do not include the universe of companies or financial offers that may be available to you. Written by Author, Award-Winning Writer Holly Johnson writes expert content on personal finance, credit cards, loyalty and insurance topics. In addition to writing for Bankrate and CreditCards.com, Johnson does ongoing March 14, 2022 Edited by Associate Editor Liz Bingler is an Associate Editor for CreditCards.com and Bankrate, where she focuses on product news and reviews. As an editor, her goal is to produce content that will help Reviewed by Senior Editor Cathleen's stories on design, travel and business have appeared in dozens of publications including the Washington Post, Town & Country, Wall Street Journal, Marie Claire, March 14, 2022 Share
Bankrate Logo Why you can trust Bankrate
At Bankrate we strive to help you make smarter financial decisions. While we adhere to strict editorial integrity, this post may contain references to products from our partners. Here's an explanation for how we make money. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of the offers mentioned may have expired. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Bankrate Logo Why you can trust Bankrate
At Bankrate, we have a mission to demystify the credit cards industry — regardless or where you are in your journey — and make it one you can navigate with confidence. Our team is full of a diverse range of experts from credit card pros to data analysts and, most importantly, people who shop for credit cards just like you. With this combination of expertise and perspectives, we keep close tabs on the credit card industry year-round to: Meet you wherever you are in your credit card journey to guide your information search and help you understand your options. Consistently provide up-to-date, reliable market information so you\'re well-equipped to make confident decisions. Reduce industry jargon so you get the clearest form of information possible, so you can make the right decision for you. At Bankrate, we focus on the points consumers care about most: rewards, welcome offers and bonuses, APR, and overall customer experience. Any issuers discussed on our site are vetted based on the value they provide to consumers at each of these levels. At each step of the way, we fact-check ourselves to prioritize accuracy so we can continue to be here for your every next. Bankrate Logo Editorial Integrity
Bankrate follows a strict , so you can trust that we’re putting your interests first. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. Key Principles
We value your trust. Our mission is to provide readers with accurate and unbiased information, and we have editorial standards in place to ensure that happens. Our editors and reporters thoroughly fact-check editorial content to ensure the information you’re reading is accurate. We maintain a firewall between our advertisers and our editorial team. Our editorial team does not receive direct compensation from our advertisers. Editorial Independence
Bankrate’s editorial team writes on behalf of YOU – the reader. Our goal is to give you the best advice to help you make smart personal finance decisions. We follow strict guidelines to ensure that our editorial content is not influenced by advertisers. Our editorial team receives no direct compensation from advertisers, and our content is thoroughly fact-checked to ensure accuracy. So, whether you’re reading an article or a review, you can trust that you’re getting credible and dependable information. Bankrate Logo How We Make Money
You have money questions. Bankrate has answers. Our experts have been helping you master your money for over four decades. We continually strive to provide consumers with the expert advice and tools needed to succeed throughout life’s financial journey. Bankrate follows a strict , so you can trust that our content is honest and accurate. Our award-winning editors and reporters create honest and accurate content to help you make the right financial decisions. The content created by our editorial staff is objective, factual, and not influenced by our advertisers. We’re transparent about how we are able to bring quality content, competitive rates, and useful tools to you by explaining how we make money. Bankrate.com is an independent, advertising-supported publisher and comparison service. We are compensated in exchange for placement of sponsored products and, services, or by you clicking on certain links posted on our site. Therefore, this compensation may impact how, where and in what order products appear within listing categories. Other factors, such as our own proprietary website rules and whether a product is offered in your area or at your self-selected credit score range can also impact how and where products appear on this site. While we strive to provide a wide range offers, Bankrate does not include information about every financial or credit product or service. Bankrate Logo Insurance Disclosure
Coverage.com, LLC is a licensed insurance producer (NPN: 19966249). Coverage.com services are only available in . Coverage.com may not offer insurance coverage in all states or scenarios. All insurance products are governed by the terms in the applicable insurance policy, and all related decisions (such as approval for coverage, premiums, commissions and fees) and policy obligations are the sole responsibility of the underwriting insurer. The information on this site does not modify any insurance policy terms in any way. The most popular credit card issuers on the market today-Capital One, Chase, Citi, American Express, Discover and Bank of America-really need no introduction. Most people have heard of them, and it's not uncommon for consumers to carry their credit cards. But some card issuers aren't as well-known, and this includes Comenity Bank. This card issuer offers dozens of store credit cards from popular retailers like Big Lots, IKEA and Ulta Beauty. What is Comenity Bank
Founded over 35 years ago, Comenity Bank is a specialized bank that dominantly partners with merchants to supply store credit cards. It currently offers more than 145 store credit cards with retailers around the world. It also offers high-yield savings accounts and certificates of deposit through . Unlike other banks, Comenity Bank does not have any physical locations for customers to visit. If you need to contact them, you can do so over the phone, on its website or via its mobile app. Stores that offer retail credit cards through Comenity Bank
Comenity Bank offers more than 145 credit cards with various retailers. Although many of the retailers are outside of the U.S. or only relevant on a regional basis, the bank also offers numerous cards for huge brands everyone has heard of. Some of its most popular store credit cards include: Victoria's Secret Credit Card ALL Rewards Credit Card (Ann Taylor, LOFT) Bed Bath & Beyond® Mastercard® Big Lots Credit Card Burlington Credit Card My Place Rewards Credit Card (The Children's Place) Eddie Bauer Credit Card IKEA® Visa® credit card J.Crew Credit Card Ultamate Rewards® Mastercard® (Ulta Beauty) Are Comenity Bank cards in Visa s or Mastercard s network
Some Comenity Bank cards are included in major card networks like Visa and Mastercard, which means they can be used almost anywhere. One example is the Bed Bath & Beyond Mastercard, which can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Other Comenity Bank cards are store cards, which means they can only be used in a specific store or a family of stores. A good example of this is the Big Lots Credit Card, which can only be used for purchases at Big Lots. Are Comenity Bank and Synchrony Bank the same
While consumers often confuse Comenity Bank and Synchrony Bank, these institutions are separate. Both offer an array of store credit cards with major brands, so their offerings are sometimes lumped together. Is a Comenity Bank credit card right for you
Comenity Bank offers a variety of credit cards, so making the decision to apply depends on the card you're interested in and your spending habits. That said, have unique perks and drawbacks. If you're considering a Comenity-issued card, weigh the advantages and disadvantages, and remember to read the fine print. Advantages
Earn boosted rewards for purchases from your favorite brands. If you're already spending regularly at a particular store, why not earn cash back or points for your loyalty? Receive an intro bonus or discount. Like many credit cards, plenty of Comenity-issued cards offer introductory bonuses for new cardholders. For example, the Ultimate Rewards Mastercard offers 500 bonus points when you spend $500 outside of Ulta Beauty within the first 90 days. Build credit. Retail credit cards are often easier to get approved for than the , which usually require good to excellent credit. If you're looking for a card that will help you earn rewards while you build your credit up, a store credit card can be a great entry point. Comenity's EasyPay feature. Most Comenity-issued cards offer EasyPay, a tool that allows you to pay your bill with just a few identifying pieces of information instead of having to log in to an account with a username and password. Disadvantages
Inflexible rewards programs. Retail cards can be restrictive in terms of redemption options. For example, the Eddie Bauer Credit Card earns rewards that are only good for certificates for more Eddie Bauer merchandise. Some cards have more flexible programs, however. Limited use. Some Comenity-issued cards are only usable at the associated merchant. For example, you couldn't make purchases at the grocery store with your J.Crew Credit Card-it can only be used for online or in-store J.Crew purchases. Higher-than-average interest rates. Store credit cards are notorious for charging high interest rates. If you tend to carry a balance, you may want to consider using a low-interest credit card instead. Lack of physical locations. Comenity Bank has just one location, its corporate headquarters in Wilmington, Delaware. If you like being able to talk to a representative face to face, this could be a major drawback. Alternatives to Comenity Bank credit cards
Knowing , you may want to consider credit cards that offer rewards for , not just one. Another option to consider is a cash back credit card, many of which let you earn at a flat rewards rate and come with no annual fee. You can often redeem your rewards for cash back in your bank account, gift cards, statement credits or more. Here are some alternatives to store cards to consider: U S Bank Cash ® Visa Signature® Card
The comes with no annual fee and offers 5 percent back in two eligible categories of your choice each quarter (up to $2,000 in combined purchases per quarter, then 1 percent). Two of the category options for the first quarter of 2022 are department stores and select clothing stores. You can also earn 2 percent back on one everyday category of your choice and 1 percent back on all other eligible purchases. Be sure to select your categories each quarter or you'll only earn 1 percent back on all purchases. The card also includes a welcome bonus of $200 cash back after you apply online and spend $1,000 in eligible purchases within the first 120 days of account opening. Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards credit card
The also has no annual fee and offers 3 percent cash back in the category of your choice: gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drugstores or home improvement. You'll also earn 2 percent and wholesale clubs, and 1 percent back on all other purchases. You'll earn the higher rewards rate on up to $2,500 of combined 3 percent and 2 percent categories each quarter, then 1 percent back. If you're a big online shopper, this card could offer a hefty rewards payout. The Bank of America Customized Cash Rewards card offers a welcome bonus of $200 in online cash rewards after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening. Citi Double Cash Card
The is a since you earn 2 percent back on all purchases you make-1 percent when you make a purchase and another 1 percent when you pay it off. There's no annual fee, and you can redeem your rewards for statement credits, direct deposits, checks or Citi ThankYou points. Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
The also offers unlimited 2 percent cash rewards on your purchases, and it has no annual fee. You can redeem your cash back as statement credits, physical cash (from a Wells Fargo ATM), direct deposits, gift cards and travel. New cardholders can also receive a welcome offer of $200 after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first three months. Final note Comenity Bank s debt collection practices
It should be noted by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and forced to pay a settlement due to deceptive practices regarding the marketing and servicing of credit card "add-on products." This involved Comenity telling customers its products didn't have any fees if they didn't have an account balance but then charging fees anyway. The bank also misrepresented or omitted information about product cancellations and conditions needed for earning rewards. Comenity Bank may have learned its lesson-the settlement it was required to pay surpassed $50 million. However, consumers who use its products should make sure they are not charged any undisclosed fees or held hostage by other deceptive practices. Written by Holly D. Johnson Author, Award-Winning Writer Holly Johnson writes expert content on personal finance, credit cards, loyalty and insurance topics. In addition to writing for Bankrate and CreditCards.com, Johnson does ongoing work for clients that include CNN, Forbes Advisor, LendingTree, Time Magazine and more. Edited by Associate Editor Reviewed by Senior Editor You may also like