Love Ulta and tempted to grab their credit card at checkout for extra points? The Ulta credit card rewards beauty loyalists with bonus points and a sign-up perk, but it also carries one of the highest APRs in the store-card world. Before you sign up to save on your next haul, it helps to know what this card really costs and whether a credit-builder card would do more for you.
This review covers the Ulta credit card fees, APR, and rewards for 2026, then compares it with lower-cost cards that help you build credit you can use anywhere.
What Is the Ulta Credit Card?
The Ulta credit card comes in two versions, both issued by Comenity Capital Bank. The store-only Ulta Beauty Rewards Credit Card works at Ulta, while the Ulta Beauty Rewards Mastercard can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
Both tie into the Ultamate Rewards program, so your spending earns points toward beauty products. They are aimed at frequent Ulta shoppers, and the store version is generally easier to qualify for than a major rewards card.
Ulta Credit Card Fees and APR
Both versions of the Ulta credit card have a $0 annual fee, which is a nice plus. The APR, however, is steep. As of June 2026, the store card carries an ongoing APR around 31.49%, and the Mastercard ranges from about 22.49% to 31.49% depending on creditworthiness. APRs vary by creditworthiness, and these rates apply to any balance you carry month to month.
On rewards, you earn 2 points per $1 at Ulta (one from your Ultamate Rewards membership and one from the card), and the Mastercard adds 1 point per $3 spent outside Ulta. The Mastercard also offered a sign-up bonus of 500 points after spending $500 outside Ulta within the first 90 days. Check Ulta's website for current point values and offers. Terms and conditions apply.
Who Should Consider It?
The Ulta credit card is best for devoted Ulta shoppers who pay their balance in full each month. If you never carry a balance, the high APR never affects you, and the points can add up quickly given how much beauty fans spend.
If you carry a balance, a 31% APR can wipe out the value of those points fast. And if you want a card mainly to build credit, a dedicated credit-builder card is usually the smarter, lower-risk pick. The goal is a card that grows your score without an expensive rate hanging over you.
A popular starting point is the Self Visa® Credit Card, which pairs a small savings plan with a secured card so you build credit and savings at the same time.
If you would rather skip a deposit, the Aspire Mastercard is an unsecured, no-deposit option made for people building credit. It gives you a real Mastercard you can use anywhere, not just at one store.
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard. Prequalify* For Up To $1000 Credit Limit. No security deposit. Packed with great benefits, it’s designed to give you more flexibility—and purchasing power—along with up to 3% cash back rewards!** Good anywhere Mastercard is accepted, it’s the go-to card for any lifestyle.
Standout feature
Up to 3% cashback rewards
Fees
$49 to $175; after that $0 to $49 annually; - $60 to $159 annually billed at $5 to $12.50 per month after the first year.
Pros
No Deposit Required. Prequalify for up to $1000 credit limit
Cons
High APR. 25.74% to 36%, based on your creditworthiness.
Another simple choice is the Chime Card™. It helps you build a positive payment history with no annual fee and no hard credit pull to get started, which makes it friendly if this is your first card.
Chime Card™
Chime Card™
Chime Card™ is Chime’s secured credit card and has the reliable Chime credit-building features plus 5% cash back rewards on select categories (with direct qualifying deposit) and access to cash at ATMs. [https://www.chime.com/disclosures/](link)
Fee
$0
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
5% cash back rewards on select categories (with direct qualifying deposit)
Benefit
Overdraft up to $200 without fees for eligible members.
How These Compare
The Ulta credit card rewards loyalty to one retailer, and its store version only works at Ulta. The credit-builder cards above focus on a different goal: reporting your on-time payments to the major credit bureaus so your score can grow, with the freedom to spend anywhere.
If building credit is your priority, these credit-building cards offer more flexibility than a store card. You can also compare a secured credit card against an unsecured credit card to see which fits your budget.
Tips for Building Credit
Pay on time every month, since payment history is the largest factor in your score. Keep your balance low compared with your limit, ideally under 30%. Avoid opening several new accounts at once, because each application can cause a small dip.
If your score is in the lower range, our guide to cards for a 500 credit score shows realistic options. Monitoring tools like Creditship.ai can help you keep an eye on your progress.
Is the Ulta Credit Card Worth It?
For a devoted Ulta shopper who pays in full, the $0 annual fee and generous points can make the card a reasonable pick. For anyone who carries a balance or wants broader use, the high APR makes it an expensive way to spend.
If building credit is your main goal, a low-cost credit-builder card is the smarter, lower-risk path. Grow your score first, and you will have more options, including rewards cards, down the road.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do you need for the Ulta credit card?
The store-only version is generally easier to qualify for and may approve applicants with fair credit, while the Mastercard usually wants stronger credit. Approval is never guaranteed and requirements can change.
Does the Ulta credit card have an annual fee?
No. Both the store card and the Mastercard have a $0 annual fee. The main cost is the high APR you pay if you carry a balance.
What is the difference between the two Ulta credit cards?
The Ulta Beauty Rewards Credit Card works only at Ulta, while the Ulta Beauty Rewards Mastercard can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted and earns points on outside spending too.
What is a good alternative to the Ulta credit card?
Credit-builder cards like the Self Visa, Aspire Mastercard, and Chime Card are easier to qualify for, can be used more widely, and focus on helping you raise your credit score.
