Ulta Credit Card: Rewards, Fees, Pros and Cons, How to Apply

The Ulta Credit Card is a store credit card offered by Comenity Bank that can be used to make purchases at Ulta Beauty stores and on ulta.com. Some key highlights and features of the Ulta Credit Card include:

• Earn 2X points per $1 spent at Ulta Beauty
• Earn 1 point per $3 spent everywhere else
• Points can be redeemed for products or discounts at Ulta Beauty
• Enjoy 500 bonus points on spending $500 on other product in 3 months
• Online account management and mobile app
• No annual fee

The Ulta Credit Card provides cardholders with an easy way to earn rewards on their beauty purchases from Ulta while also offering financing options. The 2X points earning rate on Ulta purchases is very generous compared to most other retail store cards.

How the Ulta Credit Card Works

The Ulta Credit Card works similarly to most other retail store credit cards. It can only be used to make purchases directly at Ulta Beauty retail locations or on ulta.com. Purchases made anywhere else will simply earn 1 point per $3 spent.

To apply, you’ll need to fill out an application either in-store, online, or over the phone. If approved, you can immediately start using your card to earn points and financing on Ulta purchases. Points will start accumulating and can be tracked via your online account.

The Ulta Credit Card is issued by Comenity Bank, so account management and billing is handled by them rather than directly by Ulta Beauty. You’ll receive a monthly statement from Comenity which you’ll pay like any other credit card bill.

Rewards, Cashbacks, and Sign-Up Bonus

The Ulta Credit Card offers a very rewarding 2 points per $1 spent on all purchases made directly at Ulta Beauty stores and ulta.com. Points can be redeemed for discounted or free beauty products.

For non-Ulta purchases, you’ll earn 1 point per $3 spent which isn’t quite as rewarding but still provides some cashback value.

New Ulta Credit Card holders receive 500 bonus points on spending $500 outside Ulta Beauty after making their first purchase within 3 months. That’s basically a $17.50 reward to use during your next visit.

Points don’t expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. There’s no maximum limit to the number of points that can be earned.

Interest Rates & Fees of Ulta Credit Card

The Ulta Credit Card has a variable APR that ranges from 19.24% to 29.99% based on your creditworthiness. There is no penalty APR.

There are no annual fees, foreign transaction fees, or cash advance fees associated with this card. However, there are penalty fees such as:

• Purchase APR: 29.99% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: 29.99% variable
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

The 0% promotional APR periods can help you make larger Ulta purchases over time without accruing interest. But if you don’t pay the full balance by the end of the promo period, deferred interest will kick in.

How to Apply for a Ulta Credit Card

Applying for the Ulta Credit Card is quick and easy. You can apply:

• Online at ulta.com
• By phone by calling 1-866-254-9971 (TDD/TTY: 1-888-819-1918)
• In any Ulta Beauty retail store

You’ll need to provide basic personal information including your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security Number. Comenity Bank will perform a credit check and determine your creditworthiness.

To qualify, you’ll typically need a good to excellent credit score of 700 or higher. If approved, you can start using your new card immediately both in-store and online.

Managing Your Ulta Credit Card

Here are some tips for managing your new Ulta Credit Card:

• Activate your card by calling the number on the sticker as soon as it arrives
• Login online or use the mobile app to check your balance, activity, and points
• Set up autopay to avoid late fees if you carry a balance
• Pay your bill in full each month to avoid interest charges
• Keep your account active by making a purchase at least every 18 months
• Redeem your rewards points before they expire
• Contact customer service with any questions at 1-866-254-9971 (TDD/TTY: 1-888-819-1918)

Setting up account alerts and monitoring your credit utilization can also help you stay on top of your Ulta Credit Card. Use it wisely to maximize rewards!

Where Ulta Credit Card Can be Used?

The Ulta Credit Card is a closed-loop card that can only be used to make purchases directly with Ulta Beauty. Purchases made at Ulta retail locations and on ulta.com will qualify to earn 2X points per dollar.

The card cannot be used at any other merchants, whether in-store or online. Any non-Ulta purchases will simply earn the standard 1 point per $3 spent.

So it’s primarily beneficial for those who regularly shop at Ulta and can maximize the 2X rewards rate to get free beauty products faster.

Pros and Cons of Ulta Credit Card

Here are some key pros and cons to consider about the Ulta Credit Card:

Pros

• Generous 2X points on Ulta purchases
• $17.50 new cardholder bonus
• No annual fee
• Special long-term financing offers
• Easy to earn and redeem rewards

Cons

• High 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR
• Must have good credit to qualify
• Can only be used at Ulta
• Deferred interest on promo purchase plans

For loyal Ulta shoppers who pay balances in full, the 5X rewards and promo financing can make this card worthwhile. But the high interest rate makes it risky for those prone to revolving balances.

Ulta Credit Card vs Other Credit Cards

How does the Ulta Credit Card compare to other credit cards on the market? Here are a few key distinctions:

• Vs General Cash Back Cards: The Ulta Card has bonus category rewards instead of flat-rate cash back. The 2X Ulta rewards can add up faster than a 20% cash back card for beauty purchases. But for non-Ulta spending, a flat-rate cash back card could earn more.
• Vs Other Store Cards: The Ulta Card has a higher rewards rate at Ulta (2X) than many other store cards which often earn 1-2X. The $17.50 new member bonus is also more generous than most store cards.
• Vs General Travel Cards: Travel cards earn more flexible rewards, often at higher rates for travel and dining spending. But for beauty spending specifically, the Ulta Card’s 2X rewards will exceed a typical 1.5X travel card rate.

So the Ulta Credit Card can be more rewarding than many other cards, but mainly for those who spend heavily at Ulta Beauty stores.

Conclusion

The Ulta Credit Card offers generous 2X point rewards on all Ulta purchases with no annual fee. Cardholders also get special financing offers to make larger beauty purchases over time. But the high interest rate makes it risky for those who carry balances. Overall, it can be a great option for frequent Ulta shoppers who pay their bill in full each month and want to earn free beauty products faster.

Frequently Asked Questions