Sephora Visa Credit Card Review: Full details

Overview of the Sephora Visa Credit Card

The Sephora Visa Credit Card offers solid cash back on Sephora purchases. However, its limited earnings ratings outside of Sephora and its limited redemption options make it a poor choice for many shoppers. Card rating*: ⭐⭐½

*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.

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In general, we advise against store credit cards here at TPG. Although store cards often have decent earning rates for their particular store, many consumers are better off skipping these cards and keeping a regular credit card or travel rewards in their wallets.

The Sephora Visa Credit Card is no different. As tempting as it is to sign up for a card when a salesperson or 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 spend (and earn rewards from) at Sephora. The Sephora Visa Credit Card, meanwhile, can be used and earned rewards anywhere Visa is accepted.

Since the Visa version is very similar to the other cards we cover at TPG, I’m focusing this review on it rather than the closed card.

This Sephora Visa has no annual fee and a recommended credit score of 670 or higher. Now, let’s get into the details of the card to see why it might not be right for me but it could be for you.

Sephora Credit Card and Sephora Visa Credit Card information is independently collected by The Points Guy. The card information on this page has not been updated or provided by the card issuer.

Sephora Visa Credit Card pros and cons

Sephora Visa Credit Card welcome gift

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.

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. There are no product or service exclusions in this discount, so it’s possible to get significant value out of it if you spend a lot of money at Sephora at once.

It’s not hard to find a great welcome offer on a cash back card, but you can get great value from the Sephora Visa by taking advantage of the welcome offer and using the 25% discount.

Related: The best credit card acceptance offers available right now

Benefits of the Sephora Visa Credit Card

The most important benefit of the Sephora Visa is that it allows cardholders to earn two 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 redeem 500 points for a $10 discount.

Cardholders earn 1 Beauty Insider point per dollar spent, but cardholders earn 2 points per dollar spent, giving them a 4% return on Beauty Insider points on top of the credit card rewards they earn.

Additionally, those with a Sephora credit card receive special discounts and promotions.

While these benefits can provide additional savings for cardholders, the Sephora Visa does not offer the purchase protection you can find with other cards. If you plan to buy electronic tools at Sephora, such as a Dyson Airwrap or a red light therapy tool, you may want to 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 get an effective 8% back on Sephora purchases.

Sephora Rewards are calculated at the end of each billing cycle and are issued in $5 increments. If you haven’t reached the $5 increment, your rewards will stay in your account and be released once you reach the $5 value.

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 issue date and cannot be combined with any other discounts except for Beauty Insider use.

While the 8% cash back I can earn on the Sephora Visa is impressive, the redemption limits are the deal breaker for me. I like to wait for sales and get things I like at a discount, but I can’t use Sephora Reward Dollars for those sales.

Plus, I’ll have to use any rewards I’ve earned in the next 90 days— I probably won’t make a purchase otherwise.

Instead I prefer to put my Sephora purchases on a low-rate cashback credit card, like the Chase Freedom Unlimited®. I still earn 2% in Beauty Insider rewards, and cash back credit card rewards to spend on Sephora purchases or anything else I want.

I also keep an eye out for retailer offers (I can always take advantage of Sephora’s 5% or 10% offer from Chase) and shop with Rakuten to earn extra rewards.

Related: The best credit card rewards in every bonus category

What cards compete with the Sephora Visa Credit Card?

If you’re looking for flexible rewards, one of these might be a better fit:

For more options, see our full list of the best credit cards.

Related: Why Citi Double Cash will always have a place in my wallet

Is the Sephora Visa Credit Card Right for You?

If you spend a significant amount at Sephora and have no problem using Reward Dollars before they expire, the 8% you’ll earn with the Sephora Visa may be worth it. However, those who are less consistent in their Sephora spending or want more flexible rewards will want to go with a different card.

Bottom line

If the black and white lines of a Sephora store are your siren song, the Sephora Visa may be a good option. It lets you earn 8% back on your Sephora purchases — 4% in rewards and 4% in Beauty Insider points — and gets you exclusive cardholder discounts.

However, if you have a moderate shopping habit, you may be better off using a regular cash back card instead.

Related: Save vs. cash back credit cards: Which one should I get?

For Blue Cash Everyday rates and fees, click here.