5 Things to Know About the Ann Taylor Credit Card
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If you frequently find yourself rifling through the racks at Ann Taylor or its sister store, Loft — or if you're a fan of bargain hunting at the brands’ outlet and factory stores — you may wonder whether the credit card is as chic as its clothes.
Issued by Comenity Bank, the Ann Taylor credit card offers run-of-the-mill upsides for a retail credit card: a decent rewards rate on purchases with the retailer, with a few special perks and discounts. But as with most store cards, strict expiration dates and redemption rules make the pick a little less fashionable.
To ensure that your financial style is as smart as your wardrobe, here are five things you should know about the Ann Taylor credit card. » MORE: NerdWallet’s best rewards credit cards
1. There are 2 versions of the card
The Ann Taylor credit card comes in two styles, each tailor-made for specific credit histories. Both offer the same rewards on purchases within the Ann Taylor and Loft brands, and those rewards accrue as points in the retailer's free-to-join StyleRewards store loyalty program. But there are a few key differences beyond that:
The Ann Taylor credit card is a “closed-loop” credit card, meaning you can use it only within the Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Factory, Loft and Loft Outlet brands, both in-store and online. You'll earn extra StyleRewards points when you do.
The Ann Taylor Mastercard is an “open-loop” credit card, which means you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted. It, too, earns StyleRewards points on Ann Taylor and Loft purchases, but you'll also earn points anywhere else you use the card.
With a single Ann Taylor credit card application, you’ll be considered for both versions of the card. Applicants with strong credit will be offered the Ann Taylor Mastercard. If you’re not eligible for the Mastercard version, your application will be automatically considered for the store-only card.
2. Both cards earn 5X back on Ann Taylor and Loft purchases
All Ann Taylor credit card holders earn 5 points per $1 spent at Ann Taylor or any of its affiliated stores. Those include Ann Taylor Factory, Loft and Loft Outlet. (Online purchases also count.) The Ann Taylor Mastercard, though, also earns 2 points back on gas and groceries, and 1 point back on all other purchases.
Every 1,000 points earned translates to a $10 store reward, giving the points an industry-standard value of a penny each.
That’s a decent rewards rate, but keep in mind that all members of Ann Taylor’s StyleRewards program — independent of the credit card — already earn 2 points per $1 spent as a baseline.
To collect rewards, Ann Taylor credit card holders must be members of the brand’s free-to-join StyleRewards program, which has two tiers. You start as an "Insider," but can move up to "VIP" status by spending $500 or more with the brand in a year. VIP status confers a few extra perks, including a richer birthday reward and an additional free shipping certificate.
3. Expiration dates on rewards run small
Like many store rewards programs, the redemption timeline for Ann Taylor credit card rewards is a short one, designed primarily to keep customers shopping regularly with the brand.
Points are valid for a year after they’re earned, which is pretty standard. But each time you accumulate 1,000 StyleRewards points, Ann Taylor automatically converts those to a $10 rewards certificate sent via email. And once issued, these certificates come with a 90-day expiration timer.
That makes it difficult to save up rewards for a big purchase. And unless you’re a frequent Ann Taylor shopper, you may be hard-pressed to use rewards before they expire.
Alternate pick: Citi Double Cash® Card
If tracking expiration dates and bonus categories isn’t your style, consider a general purchase cash back credit card like the Citi Double Cash® Card. This $0-annual-fee card earns 2% cash back on all purchases: 1% when you buy and 1% when you pay them off. Combined with the 2 points back in StyleRewards earned through Ann Taylor’s free-to-join store rewards program, that adds up to 4x back in rewards.
4. Shop the first Tuesday of each month for 15% off
Ann Taylor credit cardholders benefit from 15% Tuesdays, a shopping event where cardholders get an extra 15% discount on purchases. For customers willing to schedule their shopping sprees, this is a valuable perk. The deal doesn't apply to gift cards, shipping fees or sales tax on purchases. Even so, it's a useful way to stack up savings.
As of this writing: Along with Tuesday discounts, both Ann Taylor credit cards offer a $20 discount off each cardholder's first purchase immediately upon account opening. Plus, Ann Taylor Mastercard holders who make an eligible purchase at a non-Ann Taylor retailer within 60 days of approval will earn an additional $20 reward.
5. Free shipping comes with a caveat
While the card promotes a free shipping benefit, it's limited to purchases of $75 or more. That’s a high spending threshold for shipping as a credit card benefit. Many similar retailers offer free shipping with lower minimum spending and regardless of which credit card you use.
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