Last updated on September 1st, 2023
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Forever 21 Visa® Credit Card
Forever 21 Visa® Credit Card
Forever 21 Visa® Credit Card
- 33.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 26.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 35.24% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
For the forever fashionable, the Forever 21 Visa® Credit Card offers a convenient way to earn discounts towards future purchases alongside exclusive ongoing cardholder perks such as free shipping, a $10 birthday discount, and 21% discount twice a year as an anniversary bonus.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Free standard shipping on all orders
- 3X points on Forever 21 purchases
- 2X points on restaurants
- 1X point for all other purchases
- Earn a $5 Reward Certificate for every 300 points
- $10 birthday discount during your birthday month
- 21% off cardholder anniversary and on Forever 21's birthday
- Regular Purchase APR: 33.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 26.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of the balance transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 35.24% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of the cash advance, whichever is greater
- Foreign Transaction Fee: 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $41
- You spend a minimum of $100 at Forever 21 within two years
- You make most of your Forever 21 purchases online
- You can pay your entire balance off every month
- You want a card with no annual fee
Forever 21 Visa® Credit Card Review
The Forever 21 Visa® Credit Card rewards loyal Forever 21 customers with exclusive discounts (on top of their already very affordable prices) and a handful of practical cardholder perks. The rewards themselves aren’t remarkable, but those who shop here regularly will find the card convenient. Free shipping, a birthday discount, and an anniversary bonus – and since the Forever 21 credit card has no annual fee, it’s easy to hold on to.
Signup Bonuses
Regarding a signup bonus, the Forever 21 Visa® Credit Card is a bit disappointing and only offers a first purchase discount of 20% – not one single reward for using the card to make purchases outside of Forever 21. Cardholders should take a cue from the lack of incentive and strictly use this card for Forever 21 purchases. However, Forever 21 somewhat makes up for the underwhelming signup bonus with additional opportunities for savings throughout the year:
- $10 birthday discount ($25 minimum) valid during cardholder birthday month
- 21% off for cardholder anniversary and Forever 21’s birthday
Earning & Redeeming Forever 21 Points
Regarding earning rewards, the Forever 21 Visa® has average earning potential compared to other retail credit cards. Cardholders will earn points in the following categories, while can then converted to cash rewards, called Reward Certificates, at 300-point intervals (worth $5):
- 3X points at Forever 21, both in-store or online
- 2X at restaurants
- 1X for everything else
Cardholders will have to spend $100 to earn $5 in Forever 21 reward certificates – a fairly average spending amount that’s not terrible but not particularly attractive. Points expire 24 months (two years) from the month that they are issued, and reward certificates expire 60 days (two months) after being issued. Cardholders must monitor their rewards as the certificates are automatically generated once the point minimum has been reached. There is no limit on how many reward certificates can be used – reward redemption being one area where the Forever 21 credit card shines.
Store Card Versus Visa Credit Card
Like other retail credit card programs, the Forever 21 credit card from Comenity is actually two distinct products. First, there’s the Forever 21 Visa, which we are currently reviewing. Second is the closed-loop, store card version, the Forever 21 Credit Card.
The most significant difference between the two card products is the ability to earn rewards anywhere Visa is accepted worldwide – currently, over 200 nations worldwide. Additionally, thanks to that global acceptance, the Visa credit card earns additional rewards outside of Forever 21 locations. In contrast, the store card version is what is known as a “closed loop” store card, meaning that it is only good for purchases at Forever 21 outlet locations or at Forever21.com.
Here’s how the rewards with the two different Forever 21 credit cards work:
 Forever 21 Visa® |
 Forever 21 Credit Card |
|
| Acceptance | Worldwide | Forever 21 stores & forever21.com |
| Annual fee | None | None |
| Rewards | 3X points on Forever 21 purchases, 2X on dining, and 1X on all else | 3X points on Forever 21 purchases |
The other major difference between store cards and retail cards is the lower credit requirements for a store card. Most store cards only require average credit for approval, but with the Forever 21 credit card, that is somewhat put on its head. The store card requires the same credit score (good, around 700), making the store card option a terrible choice.
Despite this major negative, both Forever 21 credit card versions enjoy similar welcome, anniversary, and birthday bonuses. Namely, cardholders can expect the following bonuses just for being a Comenity Forever 21 cardmember:
| Perk | Explained | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| First purchase discount: | Enjoy 20% off your first purchase when you open and use your Forever 21 credit card the same day as account opening at Forever 21. | ||
| Welcome kit offer: | Cardholders also enjoy a 15% off voucher for a future purchase at Forever 21. Valid one time only. Offer will be received within 10 days of account opening as part of your new credit card package. | ||
| Birthday bonus: | Enjoy a $10 birthday discount on a purchase of $25+ at Forever 21 only. Must have made a purchase in the previous 12 months starting one month(s) before your birthday month. Accounts that opened in the cardholder’s birthday month will receive the offer the following month. | ||
| Anniversary bonus: | Enjoy 21% off on your cardholder anniversary and on Forever 21’s birthday. | ||
| Free shipping: | Receive free standard shipping events and exclusive offers throughout the year. | ||
Other Card Features
Other notable features of the Forever 21 Visa credit card from Comenity Bank include essential fraud and purchase protections courtesy of the Visa Platinum payment network. This network provides the following:
| Zero Fraud Liability | Cardholder Inquiry Services | Emergency Card Replacement |
| Roadside Dispatch and Auto Collision Damage Waiver | Lost/Stolen Card Reporting | ID Navigator from Norton |
Comenity (Bread Financial) Ratings
What’s it like living with Bread Financial (Comenity Bank) as a credit card lender? Here is a selection of reviews and ratings for Comenity:
| BestCards | Better Business Bureau | TrustPilot |
|
2.5/5 |
N/A |
1/5 |
Should You Apply for the Forever 21 Visa Credit Card?
Overall, considering the size and popularity of the trendy retail giant, one would have expected the Forever 21 credit cards to pack more of a punch. The benefits are just ‘okay’ and are more a nod of appreciation to loyal customers rather than a generous lathering of exclusive perks and groundbreaking savings.
Approval for the Forever 21 Visa® requires a surprisingly high credit score of around 700, despite the retailer’s relatively young audience. As such, young applicants with limited credit history might have difficulty qualifying for the co-branded version of the Forever 21 card – the store card is much more achievable as it only requires a score of 600. Additionally, the APR for the Forever 21 Visa® is on the higher end of the scale so cardholders who are unable to pay their monthly balance in full should steer clear of this card.
