Victoria’s Secret Mastercard Credit Card review: Only for frequent Victoria's Secret shoppers
Editor's Note
Victoria's Secret Mastercard Credit Card overview
The Victoria's Secret Mastercard® Credit Card comes with a decent earnings rate at Victoria's Secret and Pink stores, and it also offers some bonus categories outside the retailers. However, the card's rewards are limited to low-value redemptions, which make it a generally poor option unless you are an extremely loyal Victoria's Secret shopper. Card rating*: ⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
With Victoria's Secret credit cards, it's important to note a distinction between the Victoria's Secret Credit Card and the Victoria's Secret Mastercard Credit Card. The Victoria's Secret Credit Card is a closed-loop card, meaning you can only use the card (and, thus, earn rewards) on purchases with Victoria's Secret and Pink stores.
Meanwhile, the Victoria's Secret Mastercard can be used to earn rewards anywhere Mastercard is accepted, which widely broadens your ability to collect points to redeem for Victoria's Secret or Pink purchases.
Since the Victoria's Secret Mastercard is more similar to the cards we typically cover at TPG, this will be the version of the card discussed in this review.
The Victoria's Secret Mastercard is issued by Comenity Bank and has no annual fee and a recommended credit score of at least 670. Let's learn more about the card and see if it could be a good fit for you.
The information for the Victoria's Secret Credit Card and the Victoria's Secret Mastercard Credit Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Victoria's Secret Mastercard Credit Card pros and cons
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Victoria's Secret Mastercard Credit Card welcome offer
The Victoria's Secret Mastercard Credit Card comes with an unimpressive welcome offer of up to $55; new cardholders can earn $25 off their first purchase (but must meet a minimum purchase requirement to redeem this offer) on top of earning a $30 reward by spending more than $500 on purchases outside of Victoria's Secret and Pink stores with your Victoria's Secret Mastercard within 90 days of account opening.
This isn't a particularly lucrative offer, as other store cards give you a percentage-based discount that can be redeemed at a higher value if you make a larger first purchase on your card.
Frankly, this isn't particularly valuable either, but it could be worth pursuing if you're a frequent Victoria's Secret or Pink shopper and could use the discount. Plus, there's no reason to leave rewards on the table if you choose to get the card.
Related: The best credit card welcome offers currently available
Victoria's Secret Mastercard Credit Card benefits
The Victoria's Secret Mastercard Credit Card comes with minimal benefits. However, it automatically offers a higher status within the Victoria's Secret and Pink Rewards program.
As a cardholder, you'll get the middle tier of status — Silver — automatically. You can reach this tier without having the Victoria's Secret Mastercard, but you must spend $300 in a program year to get there.
With Silver status on two selected days per year, cardholders can earn double the earnings rate for the basic rewards program member tier (which is 10 points per dollar spent) for a decent net of 20 points per dollar spent with the card at Victoria's Secret and Pink.
Silver members also get a 15% off anniversary gift, a $10 birthday reward and 30 points per dollar spent on bras purchased at Victoria's Secret or Pink.
You'll also receive related Mastercard benefits with this card, which include zero fraud liability.
While these perks are limited and certainly not as vast as those of many cash-back and travel rewards cards, they are decent offerings for a store credit card.
Related: How to choose the best credit card for you
Earning and redeeming rewards on the Victoria's Secret Mastercard Credit Card
On top of elevated earnings at Victoria's Secret and Pink stores, you'll also earn 4 points per dollar spent on dining, travel and streaming services and 2 points per dollar spent on all other purchases.
While it is easier to accumulate points than it is with many other store credit card offerings, you're still limited in terms of redeeming them. You'll get a $10 reward for every 2,000 points accumulated within the rewards program — meaning points are effectively worth 0.5 cents apiece.
This yields a 10% return on Victoria's Secret and Pink purchases, but there are some drawbacks. Rewards are only redeemable as discounts on purchases at Victoria's Secret and Pink and expire 90 days from when they're issued.
While earning 20 points per dollar spent on Victoria's Secret and Pink purchases on top of 4 points per dollar spent on a wide range of other purchases might seem enticing, these points are restrictive and not particularly valuable.
Plus, they expire relatively quickly, meaning you must use them when you get them or risk losing your hard-earned rewards. However, if you frequent Victoria's Secret and Pink and are looking for a way to earn money on those frequent purchases, this could be a decent option if that is truly where a sizable chunk of your spending goes.
Related: Are cash-back credit cards worth it?
Which cards compete with the Victoria's Secret Mastercard Credit Card?
If you're seeking out a card that earns flexible rewards for your purchases, here are some other options:
- If you're looking to earn flat-rate cash back: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) earns an easy 2% cash back on every purchase (1% as you buy and 1% when you pay) for no annual fee. It is a solid option to earn more on every purchase, including those at Victoria's Secret and Pink. To learn more, check out our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
- If you want to maximize spending in popular categories: The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express earns cash-back rewards at an elevated rate across multiple everyday spending categories, including 3% cash back on groceries at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online retail purchases and gas at U.S. gas stations (on up to $6,000 per year, per category, then 1%). Plus, the card comes with no annual fee (see rates and fees). Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout. To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Blue Cash Everyday.
- If you're interested in rotating bonus categories: The Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees) earns 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in rotating categories each quarter you activate, so you'll be earning more across a variety of your expenses without an annual fee. Plus, you'll always get 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases. To learn more, check out our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.
For additional options, see our full list of the best cash-back credit cards.
Related: Why I got the Chase Freedom Flex and how I'm getting max cash back this quarter
Is the Victoria's Secret Mastercard Credit Card worth it?
While you can use your Victoria's Secret Mastercard anywhere to earn points that add up to rewards, you're almost certainly better off with a card that earns more flexible rewards at a better rate. Rewards earned with the Victoria's Secret Mastercard are highly restrictive and offer little value. Still, it offers a high return on Victoria's Secret and Pink purchases, so it could be worth getting if you are extremely loyal to the brands.
Bottom line
Unless you are fiercely devoted to Victoria's Secret and Pink, the Victoria's Secret Mastercard Credit Card issued by Comenity Bank isn't the best card to add to your wallet. While it is enticing to earn points toward rewards at an especially elevated rate within the stores, you're almost certainly better off with a general-use card since the rewards are more flexible and more valuable.
For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Cash Everyday, click here.
Related: Store vs. cash-back credit cards: Which one should I get?
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.