TJ Maxx Credit Card Review: What You Need to Know

If you are a frequent shopper at TJ Maxx, you might want to consider the brand’s dedicated credit card. There are plenty of general rewards cards out there, but you usually won’t get bonuses while shopping at discount outlets. However, if you opt for a TJ Maxx card, you’ll get that and more!

This review will guide you through everything you need to know about the TJMaxx credit card, from its rewards structure and fees to the pros and cons of being a cardholder. Whether you’re a casual shopper or a TJ Maxx enthusiast, we will help you decide if this card fits your spending habits and financial needs.

TJX Rewards Credit Card

The branded rewards card from the TJ Maxx network comes in two formats, namely TJX Platinum Mastercard® and TJX Rewards® Credit Card. Both are provided by the Synchrony Bank Family and are designed to reward frequent shoppers of TJX brand stores and online platforms.

TJX Credit Card

Let’s start with the biggest con of this offer: TJX Rewards Credit Card is usable only when shopping with the namesake brand. It’s ideal for loyal customers who want to maximize their rewards but won’t suit those looking for a general-purpose card.

With this card, you’ll earn 5 points for every $1 spent at any TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra, and Homesense locations, both in-store and online. That translates to 5% back in rewards on all TJX purchases.

For every 1,000 points, you’ll also automatically get a $10 rewards certificate to spend at TJX stores. There’s no need to opt into the rewards program or keep track of it. Your points will show up on your account statement.

TJX Platinum Mastercard

Unlike its non-premium cousin, TJ Maxx Mastercard offers rewards that extend beyond TJX stores. In addition to 5% back in rewards every time you shop, you’ll get 1 point for every $1 spent outside the TJX network. This means you’ll be racking up points (1% back in rewards) for purchases at grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, or any other location that accepts Mastercard.

Benefits of TJX Rewards Credit Card

TJX Rewards cards also offer a bunch of other perks meant to elevate your shopping experience.

• Welcome bonus: Right after opening your account, you’ll get 10% off your first purchase at any eligible TJX brand store. Whether you’re outfitting your home or upgrading your wardrobe, 10% off can be a substantial discount if your shopping cart is sufficiently full.
• Exclusive shopping events: You gain access to shopping events that are only available to cardholders. In practice, it means early access to products, premium discounts, member-only promotions, VIP shopping days, private sales, and other special goodies.
• Early access to sales: As a cardholder, you’ll be notified about upcoming sales before the public, giving you a jumpstart on shopping for popular items. This option is particularly beneficial when shopping at stores like T.J.Maxx or Marshalls, where inventories tend to shift very quickly.
• No annual fee: With a $0 annual fee for both cards, you can get the most out of the TJX credit card rewards without worrying about extra costs.
• No caps on points: There’s no cap on how many points you can earn. So, frequent shoppers can accumulate quite a lot of points over time. This is especially useful for those who frequently shop at TJX stores (the target audience of this card to begin with) or plan some large purchases.

How Does the TJX Rewards Credit Card Differ from the TJX Platinum Mastercard?

When you decide to apply for a TJX credit card, you may receive one of two rewards cards. Applicants don’t know beforehand which credit card they will qualify for, but the decision is based on the credit score. Those who have a decent score will be able to receive the Platinum card, while the rest of the applicants will get a TJX Rewards, which only works for in-house purchases.

The major advantages and rewards redemption options of the store-only card are identical to those of the Platinum one. Yet, its purchasing power and rewards-earning potential fall short when it comes to shopping outside the TJX family locations. Also, it won’t have the flexibility and additional benefits associated with the MasterCard network.

If you want a Platinum card specifically, the only solution is to improve your credit score so that it’s at least in the Fair range. A premium card can go a long way to improve your creditworthiness, but your initial score should be high enough to get one.

What Are Some Alternatives to TJMaxx Credit Cards?

If you don’t find the TJ Maxx credit card rewards sufficient, you may want to consider some other options.

Capital One QuicksilverOne Credit Card

One of the alternatives to the TJ Maxx credit card is QuicksilverOne from Capital One. It is not specific to any store, but you only get 1.5% back when making purchases with one. Unlike TJ Maxx one, it has a $39 annual fee, but you can redeem the cashback whenever and wherever you decide.

Discover it Secured Credit Card

The Discover it Secured Credit Card is a decent option for those who want to build their credit score and also often dine at restaurants. With this type of card, you make an initial deposit of $200 or more, which will act as your credit line. On the flip side, you won’t have to pay an annual fee.

The credit card offers you a 2% cash back at restaurants and gas stations up to a total of $1,000 in purchases every quarter. Similarly to the TJ Maxx Platinum card, you get 1% on all other purchases. If you have the money for an initial deposit, this is a great option with more benefits compared to a TJ Maxx one.

Final Thought

There are plenty of general credit cards to choose from, but if you shop at TJ Maxx all the time, there’s little reason not to consider this product. It gives you a return of 5% on all purchases in the TJ Maxx family stores, which adds up very quickly. The disadvantages of this card are its high APR and the fact that you cannot redeem certificates for cash. Also, if you get a regular rewards card instead of the Platinum one, all the benefits will be limited only to the TJ Maxx stores.

If you want additional perks and more freedom in how you can use them, it may be a good idea to consider other rewards cards, such as those from Capital One or Discover.