JCPenney Credit Card

The JCPenney Credit Card is not tied to a network, so it can only be used for purchases at JCPenney, JCP.com, Sephora stores that are within JCPenney stores, Sephora.com, Rite Aid, and Riteaid.com. No more than 2,000 points can be earned in a single transaction, so I would recommend avoiding any transactions over $2,000 made with the card. It would be better to break them up to avoid the threshold. Other than that point maximum, there's no limit to the amount of JCPenney Member Reward Points you can earn.

1x JCPenney

Using the JCPenney Credit Card at JCPenney or JCP.com will earn 1 reward point per $1 spent up to the point maximum of 2,000 points. Since 200 points are equal to a $10 certificate, you're looking at a 5% return on JCPenney purchases which is not bad at all. If you do a great deal of shopping at JCPenney and don't mind your rewards only being redeemable at JCPenney, this isn't a bad card to have. Just note that this card has a ridiculous APR of around 28% and if you don't pay your balance in full every month, the rewards you own on this card will not matter and they will bury you in interest.

0x Other

Since this card does not have network attached to it, you will not earn Reward Points outside of JCPenney stores and JCP.com. And while you have the ability to use it a few other stores, points will not be earned unless it's directly with JCPenney or the store is inside JCPenney (such as an in-store Sephora).

There is a Mastercard version of the JCPenney Credit Card but it's terms and conditions are hidden and it's given out after some mysterious criteria has been met. While I would take a guess that it would earn points outside of JCPenney, it's earning rates are not 100% clear at this time since it is not advertised.

The JCPenney Credit Card features most of the standard perks you'll find with most retail store credit cards. Special financing, exclusive coupons, birthday gifts, and of course the first purchase discount (I count this as a sign up bonus). Below are the details of the perks & benefits of the JCPenney Credit Card.

Special Financing Offers

Using the JCPenney Credit Card for certain purchases will grant special financing. This can be for as little as 6 months and as long as 60 months (5 years). Special financing can be great for anyone looking to make a big purchase, but you should note that this card has a very high APR and you could easily be hit with fees for simpily missing a payment or not paying the full balance before the end of the promotional period (deferred financing). If you're reaching the end of your promo and know that you can't pay if off, don't let the interest consume you. Balance transfer it to another card such as the Discover IT Card, Citi Simplicity, or Citi Diamond. There are lots of choices to avoid paying high interest if you fail to meet the terms and condidtions of the promotion.

Exclusive Coupons

JCPenney Credit Card holders will receive exclusive coupons that have larger discounts than non-cardholders on 'Special Savings Days'. These coupons will be around 15%-20% off your purchase when you use your JCPenney Credit Card and will usually apply to certain categories (such as apparel, shoes, floor care, etc.) so be sure to read the fine print on the coupon.

Birthday Offer

JCPenney Credit Card members will also receive a special birthday offer if they have made at least 1 purchase in the last 12 months and the account is in good standing. The members's birthday must also be on file to receive this offer.

The JCPenney Credit Card sign up bonus is either 15% Off select apparel, shoes, accessories, fine jewlery, home and salon -OR- 5% off select major appliances and modern bride diamond vault items. This sign up bonus will slightly adjust time to time depending on the promotion, but this is the standard offer. It's tempting when they offer this at the time of checkout if you have a shopping-cart (in-store or online) full of items as it can easily save you a great deal of money.