Kohl’s Cash is one of the most popular store rewards programs in the United States, attracting millions of loyal shoppers with its straightforward and appealing concept: spend money at Kohl’s, earn Kohl’s Cash, and redeem it later for future purchases. But as Kohl’s expands its offerings and forms strategic partnerships, particularly with brands like Sephora, many customers wonder about the limitations and flexibility of this promotional currency. One frequently asked question is: Can you use Kohl’s Cash at Sephora? To answer this fully and accurately, we need to explore how Kohl’s Cash works, how the integration of Sephora into Kohl’s stores affects its use, and the exact terms consumers need to know.
Understanding Kohl’s Cash
Before addressing its usability at Sephora, it’s essential to first understand what Kohl’s Cash is and how it functions.
- Earning Kohl’s Cash: Customers earn Kohl’s Cash during specific promotional events. Typically, Kohl’s offers $10 in Kohl’s Cash for every $50 spent before taxes and shipping.
- Redemption Period: Kohl’s Cash has specific redemption windows. If not used within this defined time frame, it expires and becomes invalid.
- Use Restrictions: Kohl’s Cash is a form of store credit and can be applied toward most items sold by Kohl’s. However, exclusions do exist.
While it’s similar to a coupon, Kohl’s Cash serves more like a promotional gift card. It is not cash in the literal sense, but it can significantly offset future purchases when used within its parameters.
The Kohl’s and Sephora Partnership
In 2021, Kohl’s entered a transformative partnership with Sephora, bringing Sephora’s premium beauty products into Kohl’s retail locations. These “Sephora at Kohl’s” mini-stores are present in hundreds of Kohl’s across the country, with plans for continued expansion.
This collaboration was designed to bring the beauty retail experience to areas where Sephora originally had limited presence, offering access to top beauty brands like Fenty, Tarte, Benefit, and more through Kohl’s. However, it also raised valid logistical and policy-related questions among shoppers.
Can You Use Kohl’s Cash at Sephora?
The answer to this question is both yes and no, depending on how and where you’re making your Sephora purchase. Let’s break it down.
1. Yes, if you’re shopping at Sephora inside Kohl’s—using Kohl’s point of sale (POS)
If you are shopping at a Sephora location inside a Kohl’s store, and you check out at the Kohl’s cashier, then you can use your Kohl’s Cash. From the perspective of payment processing and promotions, it’s still a Kohl’s purchase, even if the items are beauty products sold under the Sephora brand.
In this scenario:
- You can apply Kohl’s Cash toward eligible Sephora products.
- You can also stack coupons (when applicable) and use Kohl’s promotional discounts, subject to exclusions.
- Purchases you make from the Sephora shop at Kohl’s count toward earning more Kohl’s Cash during promotional periods.
This integration is seamless for shoppers who use the Kohl’s checkout counter. The key is that all transactions are processed through Kohl’s systems.
2. No, if you’re shopping at stand-alone Sephora stores or on Sephora.com
Kohl’s Cash is not valid at independent Sephora locations or on Sephora’s website. Even though Sephora and Kohl’s have a partnership, Sephora operates as a separate corporate entity with its own financial systems and promotional currencies, such as Beauty Insider points.
If you try to use Kohl’s Cash at a Sephora store or during checkout on Sephora.com, you will not find an option to redeem it, and your Kohl’s Cash will not be recognized in any capacity.
Eligible and Ineligible Sephora Items
While Kohl’s Cash can be used on Sephora products within Kohl’s stores, certain products may still fall under promotional exclusion lists. Typically, Sephora items are excluded from percentage-off coupons, but not necessarily from Kohl’s Cash usage.
Common limitations to be aware of include:
- Limited Edition Releases: Some brands may have exclusions for promotional usage.
- Gift Cards: Kohl’s Cash may not be used to purchase Sephora gift cards, even inside Kohl’s stores.
- Services: Beauty services, where available, may not qualify for Kohl’s Cash redemption.
It’s always a good idea to ask a Kohl’s team member or check online before assuming your Kohl’s Cash can be applied to a specific item or promotion.
How to Use Kohl’s Cash Toward Sephora Purchases
When you’re shopping at a Sephora at Kohl’s location and want to use your Kohl’s Cash, follow these steps:
- Select Sephora Products – Browse the beauty aisles and pick your desired items from brands available under the Sephora label.
- Proceed to Kohl’s Checkout – Make sure you’re checking out through Kohl’s POS system, not some kind of third-party kiosk or online portal.
- Present Kohl’s Cash – Physical or digital forms are accepted and will be scanned by the associate.
- Complete Your Purchase – Any remaining balance can be paid via regular payment methods like credit card or debit.
This process works similarly both in-store and for online purchases made through kohls.com, as long as you’re buying items tagged as Sephora @ Kohl’s. Simply apply your Kohl’s Cash at checkout.
Important Tips for Shoppers
Here are a few critical points to remember when using Kohl’s Cash for Sephora purchases:
- Plan Your Timing: Kohl’s Cash has a limited validity period. Check the expiration date and plan your beauty purchases accordingly.
- Watch for Exclusions: Not all promotional discounts work the same way as Kohl’s Cash—be aware of overlaps, especially during sales events or holiday seasons.
- Digital vs. In-Person Shopping: Online Sephora @ Kohl’s purchases made through the Kohl’s website allow for Kohl’s Cash usage, but you must initiate and finalize your purchase within the Kohl’s digital ecosystem.
Can You Earn Kohl’s Cash on Sephora Purchases?
Another important related question is whether you earn Kohl’s Cash when buying Sephora products at Kohl’s. The answer is yes, but with some conditions.
During Kohl’s Cash promotional periods, your Sephora purchases conducted at Kohl’s—either in-store or on the Kohl’s website—are eligible to contribute to the dollar threshold required to earn Kohl’s Cash. However, again, the key is that you are making the purchase through Kohl’s retail system and not through Sephora directly.
This means your high-end beauty splurges might land you a significant amount of Kohl’s Cash to put toward future purchases of clothes, shoes, home goods, or more beauty products.
Conclusion
In summary, you can use Kohl’s Cash to buy Sephora products, but only through Sephora locations inside Kohl’s stores or via the Kohl’s website. You cannot redeem Kohl’s Cash at standalone Sephora stores or on Sephora.com, as these operate independently.
Understanding the channel through which the purchase is made is crucial. To avoid any confusion, always confirm you’re using Kohl’s systems at checkout, whether online or in a brick-and-mortar store. By doing so, and by remaining aware of promotional schedules and product exclusions, savvy shoppers can take full advantage of Kohl’s Cash when indulging in their favorite beauty products.
Always check Kohl’s official terms and current promotions to stay updated on any changes to the Kohl’s Cash program or the Sephora at Kohl’s partnership.