For avid shoppers at Macy’s, the department store offers two types of credit cards that can make your shopping experience more convenient and rewarding. Yet, before choosing any of the two Macy’s credit cards, it is crucial to know their differences, specific characteristics, and how they affect your rewards earning.
Macy’s Credit Cards 2022 Review
Intro Bonus: 20% off in the first 2 days, with a $100 limit
Regular APR: 26.74% (Variable)
Credit Score: 700 and higher (Good to Excellent)
Annual Fee: $0
Highlights:
- The card is available in closed-loop and open-loop versions.
- The 20% off welcome bonus is only valid for up to 2 days after account opening and has a cap of $100.
- The cards have three tiers: Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
- Cardholders can enjoy 25% off from their Star Passes, birthday surprises, exclusive offers, and Star Money Bonus Days.
- Every 1,000 points are equal to $10 Star Money.
- The American Express version can earn 3% back on restaurants and food delivery purchases, 2% back on gas stations and supermarket purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases.
Macy’s Credit Card Full Review:
If you often shop at Macy’s, considering a Macy’s credit card can be a good idea. It will help you earn rewards and experience the other benefits the store has to offer to cardholders. There are two cards available: an open-loop and a closed-loop card. There is almost no difference between the two, except that the open-loop version will let you use it in other stores where American Express is accepted. If you are a dedicated Macy’s fan who wants to collect points faster, Macy’s American Express card can help you earn Star Rewards quickly.
Macy’s grants Star Rewards to its cardholders.
Both cards charge a $0 annual fee but will grant you a one-time 20% off discount, which you can use within the first two days of account opening. However, take note that the deal has a cap of $100. This means if you want to maximize this welcome bonus, you need to spend at least $500 in just two days. Given the excessively minimal time frame, the offer can put pressure on new cardholders. That being said, if you are planning to open an account, it is better to do it if you know you are buying in bulk. And if you succeed in hitting the said amount within just two days, your card can be upgraded to a higher tier.
Three Tiers of Macy’s Credit Card
Indeed, Macy’s credit cards have three tiers that will be determined depending on how much you have spent within a year using the card: Silver ($1 to $499), Gold ($500 to $1,199), and Platinum ($1,200 and above). The card can be upgraded to a higher status after 7 days by hitting the spending requirements and will remain at the same tier for the remainder of the current calendar year.
Apparently, getting into a higher tier can help cardholders earn more rewards and benefits. The main highlight of the card levels is the varying back rates they can get on Macy’s purchases: 2% for Silver, 3% for Gold, and 5% for Platinum. In addition to that, only the Gold and Platinum levels can receive free shipping services from Macy’s.
On the other side of the coin, Macy’s credit card offers numerous perks regardless of the card’s tier. Some of those benefits include 25% off from their Star Passes, birthday surprises, exclusive offers, and Star Money Bonus Days, where the store can give more points.
Macy’s American Express Rewards Rate
Moreover, if you apply for Macy’s American Express version, the card can accumulate points when used on other purchases. The card offers a 3% back on restaurants and food delivery purchases, 2% back on gas stations and supermarket purchases, and 1% back on all other purchases. The card also lets you enjoy a wide variety of Amex benefits applicable for shopping, dining, travel, and more.
Star points are convertible to Star Money.
After using the cards for various purchases, the points accumulated can be redeemed for Star Money. For every 1,000 points, you will be issued a $10 Star Money. Once you get it, make sure to use it as soon as possible since it is only valid for 30 calendar days from issuance. You can use the Star Money on anything at Macy’s except on gift cards, services, and fees.
Verdict:
Is Macy’s credit card worth getting? Well, whether you are getting the closed-loop Macy’s credit card or the Macy’s American Express version, they can only benefit you if you are just frequently using the card at the said store. There are no other options in redeeming the points, so it is essential to know that the card can only benefit Macy’s loyalists. Also, the welcome bonus is not impressive due to its limited time frame. If you observe other credit cards like JCPenney’s, you can get a total of 20% off without time restrictions. Another is Kohl’s credit card that boasts 35% off on your first purchases, and although it is only valid within 14 days of credit approval, it has no spending limit and even comes with another 15%-off coupon when your card arrives in the mail. With this, you might want to check on other options available out there before finalizing your decisions.
