Ann Taylor Credit Card Mastercard Pros and Cons for Shoppers

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The Ann Taylor Credit Card Mastercard is a popular choice among shoppers, but is it right for you? The card offers 5% rewards on purchases made at Ann Taylor and LOFT stores, which can add up quickly if you shop there frequently.

The rewards rate is a significant advantage, but it's worth noting that the card requires a $99 annual fee. Some shoppers may find this fee too high, especially if they don't make enough purchases to offset the cost.

To make the most of the card's rewards, you'll need to spend at least $2,000 per year at Ann Taylor and LOFT stores. This can be a challenge if you only shop at these stores occasionally, but for frequent customers, the rewards can be substantial.

Benefits and Features

The Ann Taylor Mastercard offers a range of benefits and features that make it a great choice for shoppers. You'll earn 5 reward points for every dollar spent online or in-store at Ann Taylor brands, and 2 reward points for every dollar spent on gas and groceries.

Woman Paying with Credit Card
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With the Ann Taylor Mastercard, you'll also get a $20 rewards card after making one purchase that isn't at any of the Ann Taylor brands. This card is a nice incentive to try out the card and start earning rewards.

Here are some of the key benefits and features of the Ann Taylor Mastercard:

  • A $20 rewards card after making one purchase that isn’t at any of the Ann Taylor brands.
  • 5 reward points for every dollar spent online or in-store at any of the Ann Taylor brands.
  • 2 reward points for every dollar spent on gas and groceries.
  • 1 reward point for every dollar spent elsewhere outside of Ann Taylor brands.
  • $20 reward card for every 2,000 reward points earned.
  • $15 birthday gift during your birthday month.
  • 15% off your entire purchase online or in-store at certain Ann Taylor brands on the first.
  • No annual fee.

You'll also get some nice perks, like free shipping on orders of $75, and 15% off your first purchase when opening the card and using it the first time. Plus, you'll get early access to events and sales at Ann Taylor brands.

In addition to these benefits, the Ann Taylor Mastercard also offers the standard Mastercard protections, including Zero Liability Protection, Mastercard Global Services, and ID Theft Protection.

Applying and Requirements

You can apply for the Ann Taylor credit card through a single application, which will consider you for both versions of the card.

Applicants with strong credit will be offered the Ann Taylor Mastercard, while those with weaker credit will be considered for the store-only card.

The Ann Taylor credit card application process is straightforward, and you can expect to receive a decision quickly.

Credit Card Score Requirements

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Credit: pexels.com, Laptop and smartphone with Mastercard logo, illustrating online shopping and digital payments.

You'll need a good credit score to get approved for the Ann Taylor credit card. Any credit score above 670 should do the trick.

The credit score requirement is pretty lenient, making it an easy card to get. Just keep in mind that you'll need to be vigilant with your points, as they expire 12 months from the date they show up in your account.

With this card, you'll have to be mindful of the 3% foreign transaction fee, which can add up quickly if you travel overseas.

Should I Apply for Mastercard?

If you're considering converting your Ann Taylor credit card to a Mastercard, it's worth noting that the APR on the store card is much higher than your regular credit cards.

You can earn points twice as fast with the Ann Taylor Mastercard if you shop at the retailer at least once every three months, and you'll also get $5 rewards.

Woman Paying with Credit Card
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However, only apply if you're certain you can pay off your monthly balance in full, as the high APR can be a drawback.

The Ann Taylor Mastercard offers additional benefits like $50 in savings for free standard shipping on purchases over $75 and 15% off on the first Tuesday of every month.

You can use the card at Loft as well, which might be a plus if you shop there.

It's worth calling the customer service representative to ask if you're pre-approved for the upgrade, as some issuers may not be upfront about the process.

Rewards

The Ann Taylor credit card Mastercard offers a decent rewards program, but it's essential to understand how it works to maximize your earnings. You can earn 5X points for every dollar spent at Ann Taylor and its affiliated stores, including LOFT and Lou & Grey.

To earn rewards, you must be a member of Ann Taylor's free-to-join StyleRewards program. This program has two tiers: Insider and VIP. You can move up to VIP status by spending $500 or more with the brand in a year, which unlocks a richer birthday reward and additional free shipping certificates.

A Customer Paying Using a Credit Card
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Each 1,000 points earned translates to a $10 store reward, giving the points an industry-standard value of a penny each. However, points are valid for a year after they're earned, and rewards certificates have a 90-day expiration timer, making it challenging to save up rewards for a big purchase.

Here's a breakdown of the rewards categories:

The Ann Taylor Mastercard also offers a welcome offer: Earn a $20 reward to use at the brand's stores when you make a qualifying purchase within 60 days of opening your card. Additionally, both elite tiers enjoy two double point days, scoring Ann Taylor credit cardholders a whopping 10X points per dollar.

Review and Decision

Now that we've explored the features and benefits of the Ann Taylor Credit Card Mastercard, it's time to review and make a decision.

The Ann Taylor Credit Card Mastercard offers a 5% rewards rate on purchases made at Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Lou & Grey stores, which can be redeemed for rewards certificates or used to pay off your statement balance.

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Ann Taylor Credit Card Mastercard holders also enjoy a 2% rewards rate on purchases made at other participating stores and restaurants, as well as a 1% rewards rate on all other purchases.

To qualify for the 5% rewards rate, you must use your Ann Taylor Credit Card Mastercard for purchases made at Ann Taylor, LOFT, and Lou & Grey stores, and you must pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.

If you're looking for a credit card with a rewards program that aligns with your shopping habits, the Ann Taylor Credit Card Mastercard is definitely worth considering.

Card Perks

You can use an Ann Taylor credit card at Loft as well, which is a bonus if you shop at both stores.

If you have multiple Ann Taylor credit cards, it's worth considering converting them to a Mastercard to potentially save 15% on purchases.

The APR on store cards can be much higher than regular credit cards, so converting to a Mastercard might lower your interest rate.

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Credit: pexels.com, Young woman in casual clothes helping senior man in formal shirt with paying credit card in Internet using laptop while sitting at table

You can call the credit card company to ask if you're pre-approved for the upgrade or if it's a new account application, which can help you avoid a hard pull on your credit report.

Comenity Bank offers several co-branded cards, but most are just store cards, so it's worth exploring your options before making a decision.

Converting an Ann Taylor credit card to a Mastercard might be a good idea if you're looking to simplify your credit profile and reduce your number of store cards.

If this caught your attention, see: Can Store Credit Cards Build Credit

Lee Kuhn

Senior Copy Editor

Lee Kuhn has spent over two decades refining his craft as a copy editor, honing a keen eye for detail and a passion for precise language. His expertise extends to a variety of fields, with a particular focus on the intricate world of Finnish banking. Lee's rigorous approach to editing ensures that every piece he touches is not only free of errors but also clear and compelling.

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