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

Macy’s is currently one of the biggest retail brands, selling clothes and home goods both online and offline. Similar to other similar stores, it offers a loyalty card, which provides rewards for regular shoppers.

You may be one of the people who wonder, “Is it worth applying for a Macy’s card”? In this article, we will discuss the eligibility criteria for the card, its pros and cons, as well as how you can get the most out of it.

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

There are two main ways to apply for a Macy’s credit card — online or in-store. When you fill out an online form, you are automatically considered for both types of credit cards — a standard in-store one and a Macy’s American Express card. The latter one can be used not only in the stores associated with Macy’s but anywhere that American Express cards are accepted. If you are approved for both cards, you can decide which one you prefer.

Which bank does Macy’s credit card use? Despite the two cards’ differences, both Macy’s American Express and Macy’s credit cards are issued by Citibank.

As usual, your chances of getting a credit card at Macy’s will depend on your credit score. The minimum required score for this card 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 a card, you need to go to the Macy’s website and provide the following information in an online form:

• 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 and a copy of your identification.

Macy’s Credit Card: Advantages and Disadvantages

The Macy’s credit cards review wouldn’t be complete without talking about the pros and cons of these offers.

Pros

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

Some of the additional Macy’s credit card benefits include birthday surprises and personalized special offers. You may 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; 
• Absence of low introductory APR period;
• Late fees of up to $41;
• Earned 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 use them wisely:

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

Final Thought

In our Macy’s card review, we’ve explored the key features of the shop’s two offers. Ultimately, the choice to opt for them depends on your current financial goals. Regular Macy’s shoppers, especially those who visit the store monthly or more frequently, will find real value in using the card. With no annual fee, there’s no concern about whether to keep using it. Furthermore, Macy’s American Express card even allows users to earn cashback in other marketplaces and restaurants.

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