Citi
L.L.Bean Mastercard Credit Card
Earn Bean Bucks rewards on all purchases with no annual fee. Bonus earning at L.L.Bean stores (4%) and restaurants (2%). Exclusive benefits like free shipping and monogramming at L.L.Bean.
Annual fee
None
Top rate
4x online shopping
Quick look
Earn Bean Bucks Rewards
4% at L.L.Bean, 2% at restaurants, 1% elsewhere
3.5
out of 5
Rewards
Fees
Welcome bonus
Perks
Value
Overall score is a weighted average: Rewards 20% · Fees 20% · Welcome bonus 20% · Perks 20% · Value 20%.
Ideal for
Loyal L.L.Bean customers who pay their balance in full each month and value the 4% cash back without carrying an annual fee.
The verdict
The L.L.Bean Mastercard is a competent no-annual-fee card for devoted L.L.Bean shoppers, offering 4% rewards at the retailer and an immediate 20% discount on your first purchase. The catch: outside L.L.Bean, earning rates drop sharply (2% at restaurants, 1% everywhere else), and the APR range of 19.49%-30.49% is significantly higher than mainstream competitors. You'll also face a 3% foreign transaction fee if you travel internationally.
For someone who routinely spends at L.L.Bean, the no annual fee and 4% cash-back rate justifies keeping it in your wallet. For everyone else—or for anyone who carries a balance—you'll find better options in Chase's flat-rate or category-based cards. The card's real appeal is narrow but genuine: it's a tax-free way to earn on L.L.Bean purchases without an annual fee, which matters if L.L.Bean is already part of your shopping habit.
Pros
- No annual fee, with an immediate 20% discount on your first L.L.Bean purchase
- 4% cash back at L.L.Bean—a strong rate for a co-branded retailer card
- Rewards never expire, and Bean Bucks can be redeemed at any threshold
- Free shipping and return shipping on L.L.Bean purchases
Cons
- APR range of 19.49%-30.49% is among the highest in the market; carrying any balance gets expensive fast
- Earning rates outside L.L.Bean (2% at restaurants, 1% elsewhere) rank poorly against competitors—rank 45th and 56th respectively in the catalog
- 3% foreign transaction fee makes this card a poor choice for international travel
- Requires a credit score of 700+ (good or excellent), higher than many retail cards
Reward rates
| Category | Rate | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Online shopping | 4x | 4% at L.L.Bean (shopping category) |
| Dining & restaurants | 2x | 2% at restaurants |
| Everything else | 1x | 1% on all other purchases |
The 4% rate at L.L.Bean is solid for a store-branded card and ranks 20th among all online shopping categories in the catalog. However, the 2% at restaurants trails 44 other cards, and the 1% base rate falls behind 55 competitors. This card is best treated as a specialist tool—use it at L.L.Bean, reach for another card everywhere else.
Fees and APR
Does it pay for itself?
At $0, the L.L.Bean Mastercard has no annual fee to justify. The real cost lives in the APR: at 19.49%-30.49%, it's roughly 3-5 percentage points higher than most no-fee cash-back competitors. This matters only if you carry a balance; pay in full each month and the fee structure is moot.
Welcome bonus
Is it worth chasing?
The 20% off your first L.L.Bean purchase is an immediate, tangible benefit—roughly equivalent to $50-$100 in value depending on your purchase size. It's harder to quantify than a cash bonus, but for someone already planning an L.L.Bean purchase, it's legitimate savings. The downside: this discount is tied to L.L.Bean and can't be applied elsewhere.
Similar cards
If you want rotating 5% categories and a $200 welcome bonus without the L.L.Bean lock-in
For broader online shopping rewards (5% at Amazon) and a $50 instant bonus, plus lower APR than L.L.Bean
Frequently asked questions
Who actually needs this card?
Primarily L.L.Bean loyalists—people who spend regularly at L.L.Bean stores or online and would use the 4% cash back. If L.L.Bean isn't a regular part of your spending, look elsewhere; the weak earning rates outside L.L.Bean and high APR make this card a poor general-purpose choice.
Is the 20% first-purchase discount worth applying for?
Yes, if you have an L.L.Bean purchase planned soon. A 20% discount on a $100 purchase is $20 in immediate value—essentially free money. Even if you're not sure you'll use the card long-term, the upfront benefit makes the application worthwhile for existing L.L.Bean customers.
How does the APR compare to other no-fee cards?
It's notably higher. The L.L.Bean Mastercard's 19.49%-30.49% range is 3-5 percentage points above mainstream no-fee cards like Chase Freedom Flex or Amazon Visa. If you carry a balance, this card becomes expensive fast. Apply only if you're confident you'll pay in full each month.
Can I use Bean Bucks anywhere, or only at L.L.Bean?
Only at L.L.Bean. Unlike cash-back cards that give you flexibility, Bean Bucks are locked to L.L.Bean purchases and returns. If you want flexibility, a general-purpose cash-back card is a better fit.
What happens if I travel internationally?
The 3% foreign transaction fee applies to any purchase outside the U.S., which adds up quickly on a vacation. If international travel is part of your regular routine, skip this card and choose one with no foreign transaction fee—many premium and even mid-tier cards waive this fee entirely.
Reviewed by YoungerFinance Editorial · Last updated August 10, 2026