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IKEA Credit Card Review: Everything You Need to Know
A comprehensive look at both IKEA credit cards, the Visa and the Projekt card, to help you decide which option best fits your spending habits.
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Reviewed by Ricardo Laizo5 Min read | Cards
The IKEA credit card comes in two versions: the IKEA Visa Credit Card for everyday spending and the IKEA Projekt Credit Card for large furniture purchases with 0% financing. Both are issued by Comenity Capital Bank and come with no annual fee.
But are the IKEA credit card benefits actually worth it? After looking at the rewards structure, APR, and how they stack up against competing cards, here's what you should know before applying.
IKEA Visa Credit Card at a Glance
Before diving into the details, here's a quick overview of the IKEA Visa Credit Card's key terms and features.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Purchase APR | 21.99% |
| Balance Transfer APR | 26.99% |
| Cash Advance APR | 23.99% |
| Balance Transfer Fee | $10 or 5%, whichever is greater |
| Rewards at IKEA | 5% back on IKEA, Traemand, and TaskRabbit |
| Rewards on Dining/Grocery/Utilities | 3% back |
| Rewards on Everything Else | 1% back |
| Issuer | Comenity Capital Bank |
| Network | Visa |
IKEA Credit Card Rewards: How They Work
The IKEA Visa Credit Card uses a tiered rewards structure that favors IKEA shoppers. Here's the breakdown:
- 5% back on all purchases at IKEA stores, IKEA.com, Traemand, and TaskRabbit assembly services
- 3% back on dining, grocery, and utility purchases
- 1% back on all other purchases
For frequent IKEA shoppers, that 5% rate is competitive. If you spend $2,000 at IKEA over the course of a year, that's $100 in rewards. The 3% on dining and groceries also adds up quickly since those are everyday spending categories.
New cardholders can earn two sign-up bonuses: $25 off their first IKEA purchase of $25 or more (when opened and used the same day), plus a $25 IKEA Reward Certificate for making $500 in qualifying purchases outside IKEA and TaskRabbit within the first 90 days.
IKEA Family Membership Included
Both the IKEA Visa and Projekt cards automatically enroll you in the IKEA Family loyalty program, which offers members up to 15% off select items, free coffee or tea on store visits, and access to member-only deals.
Rewards Are Only Redeemable at IKEA
This is the biggest limitation of the IKEA Visa Credit Card. The Reward Dollars you earn can only be redeemed at IKEA stores or IKEA.com.
You'll receive reward certificates in $15 increments as you hit each threshold. You can track and redeem your Reward Dollars through the Comenity online portal, or you can opt to have paper certificates mailed to you.
The $15 minimum creates an awkward gap. If you have $14.99 in rewards, you can't use any of it until you earn that extra penny. Compare that to cards like the Citi Double Cash, where you can redeem any amount as a statement credit.
Watch the Expiration Dates
Reward Certificates expire 45 days after they're issued, and any unredeemed Reward Dollars expire 36 months after being posted to your account. If you're not shopping at IKEA regularly, your rewards could disappear before you use them.
IKEA Visa vs. IKEA Projekt Credit Card
IKEA offers two distinct credit cards that serve different purposes. Choosing the right one depends on whether you want everyday rewards or interest-free financing on large purchases.
The IKEA Visa Credit Card works anywhere Visa is accepted and earns rewards on all spending. It's designed for people who want to earn points on everyday purchases and happen to shop at IKEA.
The IKEA Projekt Credit Card is a store card that only works at IKEA. Its main draw is 0% interest financing on larger purchases:
- $500 to $999.99 in purchases: 0% APR for 6 months
- $1,000 to $2,499.99 in purchases: 0% APR for 12 months
- $2,500 or more in purchases: 0% APR for 24 months
After the promotional period ends, the standard purchase APR of 21.99% kicks in on any remaining balance. This makes the Projekt card a solid choice if you're furnishing a new home or doing a major renovation and need time to pay off a big IKEA order.
| Feature | IKEA Visa Credit Card | IKEA Projekt Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Everyday rewards | Large IKEA purchases |
| Where You Can Use It | Anywhere Visa is accepted | IKEA stores only |
| Special Financing | None | 0% APR for 6, 12, or 24 months |
| Rewards | 5%/3%/1% tiered rewards | No rewards |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Purchase APR | 21.99% | 21.99% (after promo) |
| IKEA Family Enrollment | Automatic | Automatic |
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What Credit Score Do You Need for an IKEA Credit Card?
Most reports suggest you'll need a credit score of at least 670 (considered "good" on the FICO scale) for the best approval odds on the IKEA Visa Credit Card. The Projekt card may have slightly more flexible requirements since it's a store-only card.
You can check your credit score for free through services like Experian or Credit Karma without affecting your score. This is a soft pull that won't show up on your credit report.
Keep in mind that applying for the card does trigger a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your score by a few points. If your score is below 670, you may want to work on building your credit before applying.
Pros and Cons of the IKEA Credit Card
Here's an honest look at what works and what doesn't with the IKEA Visa Credit Card.
Pros
5% rewards rate on IKEA purchases is competitive for a no-annual-fee card
3% back on dining, groceries, and utilities covers everyday spending
No annual fee keeps the cost of ownership at zero
Works anywhere Visa is accepted, unlike the Projekt store card
Automatic IKEA Family enrollment with extra perks and discounts
Two sign-up bonuses totaling up to $50 in rewards
Cons
Rewards can only be redeemed at IKEA, limiting their flexibility
$15 minimum certificate increments create a frustrating threshold
Certificates expire 45 days after being issued
21.99% APR is on the higher side compared to many rewards cards
No 0% introductory APR period on the Visa version
Weaker overall value compared to flat-rate cash-back cards for non-IKEA spending
Is the IKEA Credit Card Worth It?
The IKEA Visa Credit Card makes sense in a pretty narrow scenario: you shop at IKEA regularly enough to earn and use reward certificates before they expire.
If you spend at least $300 per year at IKEA, you'll earn $15 in rewards (the minimum certificate amount). That's roughly one medium-sized shopping trip. Below that spending level, you won't even earn enough to redeem anything.
For the average consumer who visits IKEA a handful of times per year, a general-purpose cash-back card is a better pick. Cards like the Citi Double Cash (2% on everything) or the Chase Freedom Unlimited (1.5% on everything, 3% on dining and drugstores) offer more flexible rewards that you can use however you want.
The IKEA Projekt Credit Card, on the other hand, has a much clearer use case. If you're about to spend $1,000 or more at IKEA and want to spread payments over 12 months at 0% interest, that's a genuinely useful benefit. Just make sure you pay off the balance before the promotional period ends to avoid the 21.99% APR.
How to Manage Your IKEA Credit Card
You can manage your IKEA credit card online through the Comenity Bank portal. From there, you can pay your bill, view statements, check your rewards balance, and set up autopay.
Comenity also offers a mobile app for on-the-go account management. If you prefer phone support, you can call the number on the back of your card to speak with a representative.
For the Projekt card, the same portal applies. Just make sure you're tracking your promotional financing periods closely, since missing the end date of your 0% window means interest starts accruing at 21.99%.
Alternatives to the IKEA Credit Card
If the IKEA credit card's limitations give you pause, consider these alternatives that offer better overall value:
- Citi Double Cash Card: Earns 2% back on every purchase (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay). No caps, no rotating categories, and rewards aren't locked to one retailer.
- Chase Freedom Unlimited: 1.5% on all purchases, 3% on dining and drugstores, 5% on travel through Chase. Great starter rewards card.
- Blue Cash Everyday from American Express: 3% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000/year), 2% at U.S. gas stations and select department stores, 1% on everything else.
All three of these cards let you redeem rewards as statement credits, direct deposits, or gift cards to any retailer. That flexibility alone makes them more practical for most people than the IKEA Visa.
IKEA Credit Card FAQ
Is the IKEA Family card a credit card?
No. The IKEA Family card is a free loyalty membership, not a credit card. It gives you access to member-only discounts, free coffee or tea at IKEA stores, and special offers. If you open either the IKEA Visa or Projekt credit card, you're automatically enrolled in IKEA Family.
What bank issues the IKEA credit card?
Both the IKEA Visa Credit Card and the IKEA Projekt Credit Card are issued by Comenity Capital Bank. You manage your account through Comenity's online portal or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.
Where can I use my IKEA Visa credit card?
The IKEA Visa Credit Card can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, both in-store and online. The IKEA Projekt Credit Card, however, can only be used at IKEA locations and on IKEA.com.
What credit score do I need for an IKEA credit card?
Most data points suggest you need a credit score of at least 670 (good credit on the FICO scale) for the best approval odds on the IKEA Visa. The Projekt card may have slightly more flexible requirements since it's a store-only card. You can check your score for free through Experian or Credit Karma.
Does the IKEA credit card offer 0% financing?
Only the IKEA Projekt Credit Card offers 0% financing. You can get 0% APR for 6 months on purchases of $500 to $999.99, 12 months on $1,000 to $2,499.99, or 24 months on $2,500 or more. The IKEA Visa Credit Card does not offer any 0% promotional financing.
How hard is it to get an IKEA credit card?
The IKEA Visa requires good credit (670+ FICO score), which puts it in line with most mid-tier rewards cards. Comenity will perform a hard inquiry when you apply, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. If you have fair or poor credit, you may want to consider a secured card first to build your credit history.
Is the IKEA credit card worth it?
For frequent IKEA shoppers who spend $300 or more per year at IKEA, the Visa card can earn meaningful rewards. For occasional shoppers, a general cash-back card like the Citi Double Cash (2% on everything) offers more flexible value. The Projekt card is worth it specifically for large purchases where 0% financing helps you avoid interest.
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