Kohl’s is a popular department store that many people enjoy shopping at. One common question that arises is whether you can use a Kohl’s gift card to pay your Kohl’s credit card bill. Unfortunately, the short answer is no – you cannot directly use a Kohl’s gift card to make a payment on your Kohl’s credit card account. However, there are some workarounds that may allow you to indirectly use your Kohl’s gift cards towards your credit card bill.
Why You Can’t Directly Pay with a Gift Card
According to Kohl’s policy, you cannot use a Kohl’s gift card or Kohl’s merchandise credit to make a payment on your Kohl’s charge card account. This policy applies both for in-store and online payments.
The reason behind this policy is that Kohl’s wants to keep gift card funds separate from credit card payments. Gift cards are prepaid funds that can be used for future purchases, while a credit card bill reflects purchases you have already made on credit.
Kohl’s does not want customers to be able to pay off credit card debt with gift cards, as that would defeat the purpose of issuing credit. It would allow customers to continue accumulating debt on their Kohl’s card while using gifted funds to pay it off.
Workarounds to Indirectly Use Gift Cards for Payment
While you can’t directly pay your Kohl’s credit card bill with a gift card, there are some workarounds that allow you to indirectly use gift cards towards your bill:
1. Make Purchases with Gift Card
The easiest workaround is to use your Kohl’s gift cards to pay for purchases in-store or online. Then, when your credit card statement comes, the balance will be lower because you used gift cards for recent purchases. Essentially, you are offsetting future credit card charges with your gift cards.
For example, if you have a $100 Kohl’s gift card and make a $100 purchase with it, your credit card balance will ultimately be $100 lower than it would have been without using the gift card.
2. Get Store Credit for Returns
Another option is to use your Kohl’s gift card to buy merchandise and then return some items and get Kohl’s merchandise credit back. You can then use that store credit to make a payment on your account.
Kohl’s merchandise credit works differently than gift cards, and can be used to make credit card payments both in-store and online. So by getting store credit in return for gift card purchases, you find a way to apply that value towards your balance.
3. Buy Gift Cards with Store Credit
You may also be able to exchange your Kohl’s merchandise credit for new Kohl’s gift cards Then, you can use those new gift cards for purchases to indirectly lower your credit card balance
By swapping merchandise credit for gift cards, you replenish your supply of gifted funds to continue offsetting future credit card charges.
Policies for Kohl’s Cares Gift Cards
One exception to the no gift card payments rule is for Kohl’s Cares charity gift cards, These special gift cards are sold through nonprofit organizations as part of charitable fundraising efforts
Kohl’s Cares gift cards can be used to make credit card payments in-store, though not online. So if you have received any of these special charity cards, you can directly apply them towards your Kohl’s charge account at the register.
This policy provides added flexibility for those who want to support charitable causes through their Kohl’s shopping. The funds go further by allowing debt payments in addition to purchases.
Making Payments Towards Your Kohl’s Card
While you can’t directly pay with regular Kohl’s gift cards, there are still ways to use your gifted funds to offset your Kohl’s credit card balance. Making purchases with gift cards and getting store credit in return are two easy workarounds.
You can also make payments towards your Kohl’s card using:
- Cash, check, or money order in stores
- Debit card in stores
- Checking account online
So explore all your payment options if you want to use gift cards towards your Kohl’s credit card account! With some strategic shopping and returns, you can maximize the value of your gifted funds.

How to Use Kohl’s Pay
FAQ
What forms of payment does Kohl’s accept?
Can I use gift cards to pay a credit card bill?
Do you get Kohl’s cash when you use a gift card?
Can I make a payment using a Kohl’s gift card?
Although you cannot make a payment using a Kohl’s Gift Card or Kohl’s Merchandise Credit, Kohl’s Cares Gift Cards, which are Gift Cards sold by non-profit organizations as part of a fundraising program, can be used for payments at every Kohl’s store. Payments can also be made using a check, cash, or money order.
How do I pay my Kohl’s credit card bill?
Kohl’s cardholders can pay credit card bills in-store using a check, money order, electronic debit or Kohl’s Cares card. Cash or check p ayments made at the register post the same day and are accepted until the close of business. Use the store locator to find a local Kohl’s store.
Does Kohl’s accept cash or check payments?
Cash or check p ayments made at the register post the same day and are accepted until the close of business. Use the store locator to find a local Kohl’s store. Kohl’s doesn’t accept cash payments by mail, but you can make a payment on your Kohl’s credit card bill by check or money order.
Does Kohl’s have a credit card?
Kohl’s stores are best known for clothing, shoes and accessories, but they also have a robust offering of housewares, gifts and other products. The retailer’s co-branded credit card with Capital One — the Kohl’s Card — can be a decent choice for frequent customers looking to save some money.
Does Kohl’s offer a discount?
Many store credit cards, such as the Target Circle™ Credit Card, offer cardholders a discount on every purchase. The Kohl’s Card is different. Instead of knocking off 5% or so at checkout, it gives a percentage back in its loyalty currency, Kohl’s Cash, which can be used on future purchases.
How do I make kohl’s charge payments?
Kohl’s Charge customers also receive exclusive deals and special offers via mail and email. Here are your Kohl’s charge payment options to keep your account current so you can continue to enjoy your store credit card’s rewards. Register your account online at My Kohl’s Charge to make free online payments through the Kohl’s sign-in page.