Macy’s Credit Card: 3 Things To Know Before You Apply

Macy’s is one of the biggest US retail brands, selling most of the clothes and home goods you can think of both online and offline. Similarly to other similar stores, it has a dedicated loyalty card, which offers substantial rewards for regular shoppers.

So, should you apply for a Macy’s Card? In this Macy’s Credit Card review, we will discuss the eligibility criteria for this plastic, its pros and cons, and how you can get the most out of it.

What Do You Need to Apply for Macy’s Credit Card?

Applying for a Macy’s Credit Card is a relatively straightforward affair, and you can do so either online or in-store. When you fill out an online form, you are automatically considered for both card types the store offers: a standard in-store one and a Macy’s American Express Card. The latter can be used anywhere American Express cards are accepted. If you are approved for both cards, you can decide which one to go for.

Which bank issues Macy’s Credit Card, we hear you ask? Despite the two cards’ differences, both Macy’s American Express and Macy’s Credit are issued by Citibank.

As usual, your chances of getting a better card depend on your credit score. The minimum required score to even apply for the offer is 640. Other factors that the issuer will consider include stability of income, debt-to-income ratio, and frequency of credit inquiries.

To apply for the card, you need to go to Macy’s website and provide the following information:

• Personal details (full name, address, and contact information);
• Annual income;
• Residential status (own property or renting);
• Photo ID (scanned driver’s license or passport).

If you choose to apply in-store, you’ll need to provide the same information as well as a copy of your ID.

Macy’s Credit Card: Advantages and Disadvantages

Let’s discuss the pros and cons of the card in more detail.

Pros

• 0 annual fee;
• Welcome bonus of 20% off your first purchase;
• 2% back in rewards for those spending $499 or less annually (Silver status);
• 3% back in rewards and free shipping for those spending $500 to $1,199 annually (Gold status);
• 5% back in rewards and all perks for those spending over $1,200 annually (Platinum status);
• Occasional member-exclusive offers.

The list of Macy’s Credit Card benefits also includes birthday surprises and personalized special offers. You can also choose several Star Money Bonus Days on which you’ll earn significantly more bonuses for your purchases.

Cons

• The card can only be used at Macy’s;
• No introductory low APR period;
• Late fees of up to $41;
• Rewards are valid only for 30 days;
• No Macy’s Mastercard version.

Macy’s Credit Card vs. Other Similar Options

Top Tips to Get More Macy’s Card Benefits

Using store cards is a common way to make shopping more affordable, but it’s important to stay mindful while doing so:

• It’s easy to get carried away with shopping when you get rewards. You should remember that those only last 30 days after the purchase, so there’s really no benefit in stockpiling.
• You should keep in mind that store-specific cards, including Macy’s, have fairly high interest rates, so you should always pay bills on time to avoid unwelcome expenses.
• It is also crucial to avoid late fees. If you fail to make a Macy’s Credit Card payment before the due date, you can be charged up to $41.

If you want to earn rewards at stores other than Macy’s, you should consider the American Express variant. In this case, you get all the benefits at the brand’s stores but also earn 3% back in rewards at restaurants, 2% back at gas stations and on grocery shopping, and 1% on all other purchases. The catch, as usual, is getting your credit rating sufficiently high to get one.

Final Thought

In our review, we’ve explored the key features of the shop’s two card offers. Whether you want to get either of them depends on your current financial goals. Regular Macy’s shoppers, especially those who visit the store monthly or even more frequently, can surely get some real value from using the card.