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Victoria’s Secret offers a 3-tiered credit card for cardholders to earn while making purchases. We’ll discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each card, and determine whether alternative cash back cards offer better deals for qualified applicants.
As one of the most popular lingerie retailers in the U.S., it’s no secret that Victoria’s Secret’s sultry advertisements and luxurious undergarments have been spicing up bedrooms far and wide. Unfortunately, looking fabulous in next-to-nothing can be set your wallet back a fair share. That’s why Victoria’s Secret offers its retailer credit card, the Victoria’s Secret Angel Card, to lure shoppers with its in-house benefits and rewards program. In this article, we’ll take a look at The Victoria’s Secret Angel Card to decide whether it should cozy up to your wallet or if other credit card alternatives might be a better fit.
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Overview | Victoria’s Secret Credit Cards
It’s no secret that looking sexy costs lots of money. That’s why the minds behind Victoria’s Secret created the Victoria’s Secret Angel Card, a branded credit card with some seductive rewards for cardholders:
- Earn 3X points for bra purchases
- Earn 1X points for all other purchases
- Choose Triple Point days each year
- Each month, cardholders get double points on a purchase when making a card payment in-store (excluding bra purchases, however)
- Can be used at Victoria’s Secret and PINK stores (including online), as well as Bath & Body Works (no points earned at Bath & Body Works, however)
- No annual fee
Depending on how many points you earn in a 12-month period, the Victoria’s Secret Angel Credit Card can earn you status with its 3-tier program. Basic cardholders start at the Angel card level. However, once you earn 500 points in 12 months, you can get Angel VIP status. And for those that find themselves infatuated with all that Victoria’s Secret has to offer, cardholders can earn Angel Forever status by earning 1,000 points in a 12-month period.
Essentially, the more that you buy at Victoria’s Secret, the higher your status level–meaning better access to rewards and benefits programs. Here’s the breakdown:
| Rewards Tiers | Rewards |
| Angel and Angel VIP: | 12% cash back on bra purchases at the 3X rate 4% back on everything else. |
| Angel Forever | 18% cash back equivalent on bra purchases 6% back on everything else. |
And if you’re wondering, you can choose the PINK Angel Card, which offers an alternate design (no difference in benefits/perks than the standard Victoria’s Secret Angel Card). Looks do matter, after all…
Here’s the overview of the Victoria’s Secret Angel Card.
| Victoria’s Secret Angel Card (All Tiers) | |
| Cash Back Benefits | Earn 3X points on all bra purchases Earn 1X points for shopping (1 point per $1) Choose your triple points days $15 off a future purchase “Little Book of Exclusive Perks” Free shipping on purchases that include bras Additional benefits w/ Angel VIP statuses Annual birthday gift ($10 value) |
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Average FICO Score to Qualify | 650 and above |
The Drawbacks of Victoria’s Secret Credit Cards
Perhaps the biggest drawback of the Victoria’s Secret Angel Card is the hefty APR, which can quickly rack up interest on unpaid balances in no time. Therefore, you might want to weigh those lingerie purchases with your ability to make on-time payments on your statement each month. If not, you might lose more than a shirt in no time!
Another drawback is the limited usage outside of Victoria’s Secret and PINK stores. Even its affiliated store Bath & Body Works won’t let you earn points while you spend, making this the Angel Card a high APR option with no rewards outside Victoria’s Secret other than a line of credit. Additionally, you can only earn and redeem your rewards in-store.
In short, there are simply better options unless you purchase lots of lingerie every 12 months. Let’s take a look at some better options to earn cash back, travel rewards, and more below.
How Victoria’s Secret’s Credit Card Compare to Alternative Programs
Before applying for Victoria’s Secret’s credit cards you should explore all-purpose cards that will offer more spending flexibility and favorable rewards programs. Three we recommend are:
Chase Freedom Unlimited
Chase Freedom Unlimited is a wonderful multipurpose card. You get 1.5% cash back on all your purchases .Your shopping is not just limited to a set of stores. You can earn $200 when you spend $500 within first three months of account opening on purchases.
The cash back cent value of the Victoria secret cards are higher but you can benefit only if you repeatedly keep buying at the store. You cannot redeem it for other benefits whereas the points accumulated on Freedom Unlimited can be redeemed for gift cards, statement credits,direct deposits , while shopping on Amazon.com and travel.
The cash back rewards points on your Chase Freedom Unlimited do not expire but the points on Victoria Secret credit cards will expire 12 months from the date the points are posted on your account. There is no annual fee for Freedom Unlimited, in addition, you also presented with an introductory APR offer of 0% APR rate for 15 months from the time of account opening on purchases and balance transfers thereafter variable APR rates will be applied.
In comparison the Victoria Secret cards which carry high APR rates. You also gain protection benefits with Freedom Unlimited card. Fraud protection, fraud alerts, purchase protection, extended warranty protection and zero liability for unauthorized charges made to your account are part of the package. You could be eligible for this card if you have a good credit score.
Journey® Student Credit Card from Capital One®
Journey® Student Credit Card from Capital One® is a card of convenience that can be used anywhere. It gives a 1% cash back on all your purchases and you have the potential to increase your cash back percentage to 1.25 % if you make your payments on time(that’s an extra .25).
To qualify for this card an average credit score is required. This card can help you build your credit as you can monitor your credit score through Creditwise from Capital One®.
You may also receive an extended credit line if you make the first five monthly payments on time. Any shopping done abroad using this card does not attract a foreign transaction fee.
While it may appear that the rewards offered on this card are less in the short term but in the long term having a good score can allow access to better credit cards with higher rewards. So as a beginner’s card this is a good functional card which can be used anywhere MasterCard is accepted. The APR percentage is high on this card so it is best not to carry forward a balance.
You can also claim travel benefits such as 24 hrs travel assistance, travel accident insurance, and Auto rental insurance.
Chase Sapphire Preferred
If your preference is towards the Victoria Secret products then you can still shop for them using a Chase Sapphire Preferred card worldwide at VS stores. As you do not incur foreign transaction charges with Sapphire Preferred when you shop abroad.
The card offers a welcome bonus of 60,000 points when you spend $4000 towards purchases within the first three months of account opening. If you redeem the points through Chase Ultimate Rewards towards travel then the value is above $700.
Sapphire Preferred lets you earn 2% cash back on travel and dining and 1% on all your other purchases. You can combine your points with another one of your Chase cards or even transfer the points at 1.1 value with any one of the travel and hotel partners. The best part of this card is that as long as your account stays active the points you collect do not expire.
You can choose from any of the multiple options available to redeem your points.
If you are a frequent traveler that loves to shop and dine then this card is likely to be beneficial to you. Sapphire Preferred has a lot of travel and shopping protection benefits. Your purchases are protected up to 120 days against damage or theft, you get an additional year of extended warranty. During your travels, you may be eligible for baggage delay insurance, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, trip delay reimbursement and more. To apply for Sapphire Preferred you require a good credit score.
The Bottom Line
As a store-branded credit card, The Victoria’s Secret Credit Card has one purpose–making you look great in next-to-nothing. For those that shop often for lingerie and especially bras, the rewards program can be a lifesaver.
Unfortunately, this card has some significant limitations, where points can only be redeemed and earned for purchases at Victoria’s Secret or PINK. This may not justify the high APR unless you’re a responsible cardholder. Considering that there are stronger credit card alternatives available, using the Victoria’s Secret Angel Card is only for die-hard fans of VS and PINK stores.
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