JCPenney Credit Card Reviews for 2025 | WalletHubReviews, rates, fees, and rewards details for The JCPenney Credit Card. Compare to other cards and apply online in secondsJohn KiernanWalletHubNo membership feesUp to $125 off initial rewards bonusQualify with fair creditHigh regular APRDeferred interest
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Finance New Purchases (Store Cards)." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs.
The JCPenney Credit Card has a $0 annual fee and offers an attractive initial bonus, but its ongoing rewards aren't as valuable. Still, it's worth considering if you have fair credit and you like to shop at JCPenney.Info about the JCPenney Credit Card has been collected by WalletHub to help consumers better compare cards. The financial institution did not provide the details.
WalletHub Rating Breakdown
User Reviews
3.3/5
781 reviewsRead and write reviews
Editor’s Review
3.3/5
John Kiernan, Credit Card EditorRead full review
Market Comparison
Market Comparison
4.5
The Market Comparison is a key component of the WalletHub Rating, as it measures how appealing the terms of a card are compared to a pool of over 1,500 credit card offers monitored by WalletHub. To ensure cards are evaluated for their most relevant purpose, we score each card across various cardholder needs and select the rating for the need with the highest score, which is “Finance New Purchases (Store Cards)” for this card.
Fees
5.0
Rewards
1.7
Cost
5.0
APR
4.0
4.5/5
Compared against 1,500+ credit cards
KEY TERMS
Credit Score
Credit Score
Excellent Credit, Good Credit, Fair Credit
Annual Fee
$0
APR on Purchases
0% intro APR for 18 months, 33.74% (V) APR after that
Balance Transfer
Balance Transfers Not Allowed
Rewards
Get $35 off your first purchase of $35 or more, or $125 off your first purchase of $500 or more on select apparel, shoes, accessories, fine jewelry, watches, home, salon products, fragrances, and JCPenney Beauty when you open and use your card.
Earn 1.5 Cash Pass points per $1 on JCPenny purchases with your credit card up to the point maximum (2,000) on a single purchase.
Get a $10 JCPenney Rewards certificate for every 200 points.
JCPenney Credit Card's Additional Info
Deferred Interest Details: No interest if paid in full within 18 months on qualifying furniture & mattress purchases of at least $499 (after discounts).
One application with two options you can get approved for. You can apply for the JCPenney Store Card but the system will determine if you are eligible for either a Mastercard version or the Store Card.
The JCPenney Credit Card has a $0 annual fee and offers an attractive initial bonus, but its ongoing rewards aren't as valuable. Still, it's worth considering if you have fair credit and you like to shop at JCPenney.
JCPenney Credit Card Review Highlights
Save Up to $125 off your first purchase
This could help you save a bundle. But it’s worth noting that the JCPenney Card’s first-purchase discount is not the most straightforward initial bonus available from a store credit card. Up to $125 off only applies to certain items – such as clothing, shoes, accessories and home purchases.
Earn surprisingly valuable ongoing rewards
You will earn 1.5 points per $1 charged to your JCPenney Credit Card, which is roughly the market average for a rewards card. But while most credit card points are worth about a penny apiece, each point you earn with the JCPenney Rewards Card is worth $0.05, since you need 200 points for a $10 gift certificate.
Promotional financing is a good deal
The JCPenney Credit Card offers Deferred Interest for 18 months on qualifying purchases. Minimum purchase is required.
Offers low-cost credit improvement
With no annual fee and only “fair” credit required for approval, the JCPenney Credit Card can help you improve your credit score while spending as little as possible. You can check your credit score for free on WalletHub to see where you stand before applying, then use our free daily updates to monitor your progress over time.
Note: This review is not provided, commissioned or endorsed by any issuer. Opinions and ratings are our own.
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Finance New Purchases (Store Cards)." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs.
Editor’s Rating
3.3
User Reviews
3.3
Market Comparison
4.5
fees: 5.0
rewards: 1.7
cost: 5.0
APR: 4.0
4.4WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
4.4
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Earn Rewards (Store Cards)." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs.
Editor’s Rating
4.2
User Reviews
4.1
Market Comparison
4.5
fees: 5.0
rewards: 4.0
cost: 5.0
Other Features: 0.0
3.6WalletHub Rating
WalletHub Rating
3.6
This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Earn Gas Rewards." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs.
Can't find what you are looking for? Submit your question about JCPenney Credit Card to our community. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by the issuer of this offer. Please keep in mind that it is not a financial institution’s responsibility to ensure all posts and questions are answered. In addition, WalletHub independently collected information for some of the cards on this page.
You can make JCPenney Credit Card payment online, by phone, through the Synchrony Bank mobile app or by mail. To pay your JCPenney Credit Card bill online, log in to your online account and click on “Pay My Bill.” Then, choose how much to pay, when to pay it, and where the payment is coming from. Synchrony Bank does allow cardholders to set up automatic payments, too.
Ways to Make JCPenney Credit Card Payment
Online: Log in to your online account and click on “Pay My Bill.”
By phone: Call 1-800-542-0800 and enter your card information when prompted, then follow the prompts to make a credit card payment.
Through the mobile app: Log in to your account and select your card, then tap the payment button.
By mail: Send a check or money order (but not cash) to
SYNCB P.O. Box 960090 Orlando, FL 32896-0090
Make sure to send it early enough that it will arrive by the due date. Write your credit card number on the check, too.
At any JCPenney Department store: You can make payments with cash, check, or money order at any JCPenney store. Find your nearest location here.
In conclusion, there are multiple ways to make a JCPenney Credit Card payment, so just choose whichever method is easiest for you. The important part is to not miss payments, as that can seriously damage your credit score.
The minimum requirements for the JCPenney Credit Card include being at least 18 years old, having a fair credit score of 640 or better, and earning enough income to afford monthly bill payments. You also need to have a Social Security number or International Tax Identification Number.
It is not hard to get the JCPenney Credit Card, though it's not especially easy, either. This card is available to people with fair credit or better, which means that most people should have a shot at approval but there are also plenty of people who won't qualify.
In order to get the JCPenney Credit Card, you will have to meet the credit score requirement, have a steady income and be at least 18 years old. You'll also...
Yes, the JCPenney Credit Card may offer instant approval, but it is not guaranteed. Generally, this credit card gives instant approval to applicants who apply online or in-store and clearly meet the eligibility requirements.
What to Know About the JCPenney Credit Card Approval Process
After you submit your application, you may get approved instantly and your credit card will be ready to use right away. Making sure everything is complete and accurate on your application helps...
Yes, you can pay your JCPenney Credit Card bill by phone. To make your JCPenney Credit Card payment over the phone, call 1-800-527-4403 and follow the instructions from the automated menu, then enter your payment information. The process should only take a few minutes.
How to Pay Your JCPenney Credit Card Bill by Phone
The easiest way to apply for the JCPenney Credit Card is online, and you can get to the online application by clicking the “Learn More” button on WalletHub or by going directly to Synchrony Bank's website. Alternatively, you can apply in store.
Keep in mind that the JCPenney Credit Card requires fair credit, which means you need a 640+ credit score for high approval odds. Also note that applying for the card triggers a hard inquiry, which may temporarily...
To check your JCPenney Credit Card balance, log in to your Synchrony Bank account online or call customer service at 1-800-542-0800. It's also possible to check your JCPenney Credit Card balance through the Synchrony Bank app.
How to Check Your JCPenney Credit Card Balance
Online:Log in to your Synchrony Bank account. You will see your balance on the home page.
By Phone: Call 1-800-542-0800 and follow the prompts to connect with a customer service representative.
The JCPenney Credit Card credit score requirement is 640 or better. That means people with fair credit or better have a shot at getting approved for the JCPenney Credit Card.
Note that while your credit score is very important, plenty of other things will impact your chances of being approved for the JCPenney Credit Card. Some other key criteria include your income, existing debt load, recent credit inquiries, number of open accounts, housing status, and employment status.
Synchrony P.O.Box 71719 Philadelphia, PA 19176-1719
When paying JCPenney Credit Card bills by mail, be sure to submit either a check or money order for the payment amount. Synchrony Bank does not accept cash.
Tips for Mailing JCPenney Credit Card Payments
Include your credit card number on your payment to avoid any processing delays.
To cancel JCPenney Credit Card, call customer service at 1 (800) 527-4403 and ask a customer service rep to cancel your card account.
Be aware that if there's a balance remaining on the canceled account, you are still required to make at least the minimum payment every month until the balance is paid in full. You will also need to update the payment method for any recurring charges linked to your JCPenney Credit Card.
Share your insights and review for the JCPenney Credit Card
5
31%
4
17%
3
27%
2
10%
1
15%
3.3
781 reviews
781 reviews
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sharonldavis0410 @sharonldavis0410
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1 Star Rating
Verified Customer
I always pay my bill on time, even extra. I will pay it off, not use it for months, then use it again and pay it off quickly, etc. Yet, they always lower my limit and then raise it again. I would rather just pay it off and close the account. Why the roller coaster if your bills are always paid? It's ridiculous, and considering it's JCPenney, a place I don't shop at all the time, I don't need it.
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Dennis Colon @dennyjr0711
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1 Star Rating
Verified Customer
Shady, sketchy, and petty business practices! Do not open a credit card with this company. They are the worst retailer to deal with. They keep dropping my credit limits for no reason and charge fees out of malice.
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mareta @mareta
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1 Star Rating
Charged me interest on a zero balance and couldn't explain what the interest charge was for. They charged me another month of interest, which totaled my payoff amount to $4.00. I refused to pay it, and my account was sent to collections, which I will not pay.
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Zeynep Kaya @zarzekaya
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1 Star Rating
Charged Interest on a $0 Balance — AWFUL
I have never been more frustrated with a credit card than I am with the JCPenney credit card. I didn't even use the card—my balance was zero—yet somehow they managed to add a large amount of interest to my account out of nowhere. How is that even possible?
I contacted customer service expecting a simple fix, but instead, I was met with confusion, zero accountability, and no real explanation. They kept repeating the same vague statements and refused to reverse the charges, even though I had no purchases and no balance due. It feels like they're just looking for any excuse to squeeze money out of people.
I've had credit cards for years and never seen anything like this. Charging interest when the balance is zero? That's predatory and dishonest. I immediately closed the account and will never shop at JCPenney again.
Avoid this card at all costs—it's not worth the stress or the dubious practices.
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Valri Crain @vcrainatm_1
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1 Star Rating
Verified Customer
Do not get it. It's serviced by Synchrony Bank, and they will lower your limit if you use the card and don't pay it off monthly. So far, every single Synchrony serviced store card I have had the limit lowered multiple times. And no, it's not me or my credit. My credit score is good, and my credit cards and other store cards increase my limits regularly. Synchrony's excuse is that I "don't have a mortgage loan" on my credit report. When they lower the limit, it's a hit to your credit score. I could understand if I were behind on something or fully maxed out on the Synchrony cards, but I'm not, nor was I in the past. Since I rent, my limits are lowered.
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Steve Knauf @sscmariposa
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1 Star Rating
They issue a card with a preset limit. Then they change your limit anytime they want. I have never had a card that did it like that. You never know what your limit is. Unbelievable!
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John Barrett @John_Barrett_3
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1 Star Rating
Verified Customer
My JCPenney $8,000 credit limit was reduced by $3,000 after I made an extra $1,000 payment! I made many extra payments of $200, $300, and $400 on multiple occasions in addition to on-time payments.
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Richard Ulrich @RickActng
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2 Star Rating
Fraudulent Action by Synchrony/JCP card issuer. Their systems changed my account to AutoPay without my authorization, then claimed I changed it and set an amount above what I ever would have paid per month. They could refund the extra money taken, but they would have to do it by mailing me a check. I've changed the settings to off for AutoPay and have stopped them from using my debit card/bank for further payments. It's bad enough that I can't find much in JCP that I'd want to buy, except for national brands. They've cheapened the JCP store brands.
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Gina Christopher @WeBeMBSC
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3 Star Rating
JC Penney Credit Card is great; you can set your payment for auto-pay and make changes to your profile when needed. The bad things are that customer service is poor. When calling credit card services, the automated system can't hear half the answers and it takes 30 minutes to get a live representative. The company uses an automated computer program to determine changes in your credit limit, decreasing it unexpectedly, which can result in being over the limit, followed by an over-the-limit fee, all done without notice and for no apparent reason, even to a good customer who always makes payments on time and has never had any issues. Do I recommend this card and company? No. This is the second time this company has done this to me and has negatively impacted my credit score because of it. I only had less than $400 charged on my card, I pay most of it off at the end of the month, and they decreased it from $2500. I've been in customer service for 35 years and it's so sad that people don't matter to these companies anymore.
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Brenda Richardson @bfaadstill
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2 Star Rating
I have loved Penney's sales. Due to the rising cost of everything, I am trying to pay off bills and stick to a budget. I am up to date; I only pay for quarterly insurance, but the appreciation was increased to 34%. How does one say they don't want your business without saying it?
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