Ulta Beauty is a go-to destination for cosmetics, skincare, and hair products for many beauty enthusiasts. To reward loyal shoppers, Ulta offers two credit card options. Both promise rewards for their loyal customers, but are they worth it? Let’s talk more about both Ulta credit cards to see if they’re worth getting or not.
Understanding Ulta’s Credit Cards
There are two credit card options people can choose from, the Ultamate Rewards Credit Card and the Ultamate Rewards Mastercard
Ultamate Rewards Credit Card
This store-only card works exclusively at Ulta Beauty locations and Ulta.com. It offers rewards on Ulta purchases but cannot be used anywhere else.
Ultamate Rewards Mastercard
The Ultamate Rewards Mastercard works just like any other credit card, making it way more flexible than the store card. Since it’s accepted anywhere Mastercard is, you can rack up rewards beyond just Ulta purchases. That said, earning points outside of Ulta happens at a slower pace, so the overall value isn’t as high if you’re not a frequent Ulta shopper. Both cards come with perks, but the Mastercard gives you more spending freedom. Whether it’s the right pick comes down to how often you shop at Ulta!
Ulta Credit Card Benefits
If you’re a regular Ulta shopper, the Ulta credit card comes with some nice perks.
1. Welcome Offer
Both cards give you 20% off your first Ulta purchase. The Mastercard version goes a step further, offering a 500-point bonus ($17.50 value) if you spend $500 outside Ulta in the first three months.
2. Rewards Program
The earning structure varies between Ulta purchases and general spending:
- At Ulta Beauty: 2 points per $1 spent (both cards)
- Everywhere Else: 1 point per $3 spent (Mastercard only)
Points can be redeemed for Ulta purchases, with a minimum of 100 points required for a $3 reward. However, points cannot be converted to cashback or used outside Ulta.
Drawbacks of Ulta Credit Cards
There are also drawbacks to the Ulta credit cards. Not everyone will benefit from owning one.
1. Limited Ways to Use Rewards
Ulta points only work at Ulta. Unlike cash-back cards, you can’t use them for travel, groceries, or other everyday expenses. If Ulta isn’t your go-to store, these rewards won’t do much for you.
2. Low Earning Rate Outside Ulta
The Mastercard version earns just 1 point per $3 spent anywhere other than Ulta, which isn’t great. Many cashback cards offer at least 1.5% to 2% back on all purchases, making them a much better deal for everyday spending.
3. Points Expire
If your account is inactive for a year, your hard-earned points disappear. If you don’t shop at Ulta regularly, you might lose rewards before you even get a chance to use them.
4. High APR
Both Ulta credit cards come with steep APRs, so carrying a balance can get expensive fast. Any rewards you earn could easily be wiped out by interest charges.
5. Requires Good Credit
You’ll need a credit score of at least 670 to qualify. If your credit isn’t in great shape, getting approved might be tough.
My Take on the Ulta Credit Card
I don’t use an Ulta credit card, mainly because I don’t buy beauty products often, and there are plenty of other credit cards with rewards that don’t expire and can be used on things like groceries. A general cashback card just makes more sense for everyday spending. Branded credit cards like this one only work well if you’re a loyal shopper, so unless you’re constantly stocking up at Ulta, you’re probably better off with a more flexible option like a general cashback card.