If you are a frequent shopper at Ulta, you must have come across signs in-store or online promotions of the Ulta Credit Card. It offers double rewards, exclusive perks, and no annual fee for the cardholders.
Ulta Beauty isn’t just a beauty store, it’s a powerhouse with over 1,350 locations and $10.2 billion in revenue in the year 2024. Ulta continues to dominate the beauty retail space. It’s no surprise that Ulta has its own branded credit card to entice loyal customers even further.
If you found yourself spending more than you expected at Ulta, you might’ve considered signing up for the Ulta Credit Card to get a little something back.
In this Ulta Credit Card review, we’ll break down how the card works, what you get out of it, and whether it’s a smart choice for regular Ulta shoppers, or if it’s better to skip it for a more flexible alternative.
What Is the Ulta Credit Card?
The Ulta Credit Card is a retail card issued by Comenity Bank, a financial institution that partners with many big-name brands. When you plan to apply for the Ulta Credit Card, you may be offered either of the two versions of the card. The card selection depends on your financial history and creditworthiness:
- The Ulta Beauty Credit Card: This is a “closed-loop” traditional store card that can only be used at Ulta Beauty stores or online at ulta.com.
- The Ulta Beauty Rewards Mastercard: This one is an “open-loop” that works everywhere Mastercard is accepted and offers Ulta credit card rewards both inside and outside of Ulta.
Both cards have a $0 annual fee, and the cards link to the Ultimate Rewards loyalty program. It helps shoppers earn points with every dollar spent at Ulta.
Beauty enthusiasts who have enough credit to qualify for the Ulta Credit Card Mastercard version enjoy more benefits and flexibility. For instance, as of January 2025, Ulta Beauty Rewards Mastercard holders can earn a sign-up bonus.
Key Benefits of Ulta Credit Card
Here’s a breakdown of the benefits of the Ulta Credit Card that attract frequent Ulta shoppers:
- Exclusive Rewards
Cardholders earn:
- 2 points per $1 spent at Ulta with either card.
- 1 point per $3 spent elsewhere with the Mastercard.
Points are redeemable for discounts on future Ulta purchases, making this a strong loyalty-focused offer.
- Welcome Bonus
New members receive 20% off their first purchase after account opening, which can be handy if you’re planning a large beauty haul.
- Birthday Gifts and Special Offers
Cardholders receive extra perks like birthday gifts, double points on Ulta’s special events, and exclusive cardholder-only offers throughout the year.
- No Annual Fee
Casual users can enjoy the benefits without any extra cost since there is no annual fee.
- Ulta Beauty Credit Card App & Account Management
Users can pay Ulta credit card bills, track rewards, and view statements through Comenity’s online portal. It may not be an impressive app experience but, it’s functional for basic account needs.
Where the Ulta Credit Card Falls Short
As mentioned above, the card offers some decent perks, but it’s not perfect. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you apply for the Ulta Credit Card:
- High APR
The card comes with a variable Annual Percentage Rate (APR) around 30%, depending on your credit scores. That’s common for retail cards, but it means carrying a balance could get expensive fast.
If you’re not planning to pay your balance in full each month, this probably isn’t the card for you.
- Limited Redemption Options
Unlike a general cash card or rewards credit card, your points are only useful at Ulta. There’s no option for a statement credit, travel rewards, or cashback.
- Narrow Approval Odds
To qualify, you need good credit scores, ideally above 670. Since there’s no real Ulta credit card pre-approval process, when you apply, you could be faced with a tough inquiry, which can result in a lower score.
How the Card Works in Real Life
To have an idea of how the card works, let’s assume you spent at Ulta and earned 2X points on a $100 purchase, you get 200 points.
These points equal $6 off a future order. Now you, being a frequent Ulta shopper, can stretch your beauty budget with these points, especially if you’re stacking points with sales or coupons.
But for someone who shops only a few times a year, it may not be worth the extra line of credit or risk of forgetting a payment. And remember, interest can eat into those rewards fast.
How to Apply for the Ulta Credit Card
You can apply for the Ulta Credit Card online at Ulta’s credit card portal or in-store. The Ulta credit card application takes just a few minutes. You’ll need to provide:
- Full name and contact info
- Date of birth and Social Security number
- Income and housing info
If approved, you’ll get your card number instantly and can use it right away to score 20% off your first order.
How to Pay Your Ulta Credit Card
It’s easy to pay your Ulta Credit Card online through Comenity’s website or the Ulta Credit Card app. You can also set up automatic payments to avoid late fees. Just don’t forget, interest starts accumulating if you don’t pay in full by the due date.
Who Should Consider This Card?
You’ll get the most value from the Ulta Credit Card if you:
- Shop at Ulta often (both in-store and online).
- Already use the Ultamate Rewards Ulta Credit Card program.
- Can reliably pay off your balance every month.
- Don’t mind a card limited to Ulta-only rewards.
As a shopper if you check the above-mentioned, the Ulta Beauty Rewards Mastercard would be a bonus card for your wallet.
Karma Tip: Don’t Rely on Just One Way to Save
Whether or not you go for the Ulta card, you can still maximize your savings. Karma helps shoppers stay on top of discounts, price drops, and restocks. You simply need to install the free browser extension and it will do the work for you.
Moreso, if you are not sure whether the Ulta Credit Card is right for you, Karma has a helpful credit card comparison tool that lets you look at multiple card options side by side, including cards with lower APRs, better rewards, or no annual fees.
This means, even if you don’t apply for the Ulta Credit Card, you can still score deals, track your wishlist items, and make the most of your beauty hauls with Karma’s smart shopping tools.
Ulta Credit Card vs. Other Store Cards
Here’s how Ulta stacks up compared to other popular store cards:
| Feature | Ulta Beauty Card | Sephora Credit Card | Target Circle Card |
| Points Per $1 at Store | 2 | 4% back in points | 5% discount |
| Use Outside Store? | Only Mastercard version | Yes (Visa version) | No |
| Welcome Offer | 20% off first purchase | 25% off first purchase | 5% off every day |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
As you can see, Ulta’s credit card rewards are solid for Ulta loyalists, but there are better all-around cards if you want more flexibility or a better return on general spending.
FAQs About the Ulta Credit Card
Wrapping Up The Ulta Credit Card Review
This Ulta Credit Card Review shows that the card can be a great option for you if you are a loyal beauty shopper at Ulta who could enjoy exclusive cardholder perks by stacking up points.
Go ahead and give the card a shot. No annual fee and a 20% welcome discount are solid incentives that are hard to pass by.
However, if you are concerned about the high APR and limited redemption options, then you should pass. Whether you decide to apply for the card or not, tools like Karma make it easy for you to save on your favorite beauty buys.
