What the Saks Fifth Avenue Credit Card Offers
The Saks Fifth Avenue credit card is a store card issued by Saks Fifth Avenue and Synchrony Bank. It works only at Saks Fifth Avenue and saksoff5th.com, not at other retailers. The card offers rewards on purchases, special financing options, and early access to sales — benefits designed to reward frequent Saks shoppers.
The card comes in two versions: the regular Saks Fifth Avenue card and the Saks Fifth Avenue Prestige card. The Prestige version requires higher spending to maintain and offers additional perks like annual credits and concierge services. Both cards charge no annual fee, though the Prestige card's benefits are structured around higher purchase volumes.
Unlike a general-purpose credit card, a store card can only be used at that retailer. This limits flexibility but often means the rewards rate is higher for that specific store than you would get from a cash-back card used anywhere.
Key Takeaways
- The Saks card earns points on every purchase at Saks Fifth Avenue and saksoff5th.com, with bonus points during promotional periods.
- Cardholders receive special financing offers, typically 10 or 12 months interest-free on purchases above a certain amount.
- The Prestige version requires higher annual spending but includes benefits like an annual credit toward purchases and access to exclusive events.
- Points can be redeemed only for Saks merchandise, gift cards, or statement credits toward Saks purchases.
- The card is issued by Synchrony Bank, and payments are made through Synchrony's online portal or by mail.
How to Open a Saks Fifth Avenue Credit Card Account
You can open an account online at saksoff5th.com or in a Saks Fifth Avenue store. The online route is faster — you fill out the process, provide your Social Security number, and receive a decision within minutes in most cases.
You will need your name, address, date of birth, income, and employment information. Have a government-issued ID ready to verify your identity. Saks will check your credit report as part of the approval process, which may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points.
Once approved, your card number appears on screen when ready. You can use it for online purchases right away. A physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you applied in store, you may receive a temporary card number to use that day.
Activating Your Card and Making Your First Purchase
If you received your card by mail, you must set up it before use. Call the number on the back of the card or visit the Synchrony website to set up. Online set up takes less than a minute — you confirm your card number and personal details, and the card is ready to use when ready.
Your first purchase can happen as soon as the card is activated. If you applied online and received a card number on screen, you can shop when ready without waiting for the physical card. Rewards post to your account within one to two business days of purchase.
Set up online account access through Synchrony's portal so you can view your balance, make payments, and track rewards. You can also enroll in paperless statements to receive billing information by email instead of mail.
Understanding Rewards, Points, and Redemption
The Saks card earns points on every dollar spent at Saks Fifth Avenue and saksoff5th.com. The exact earning rate varies — typically 1 point per dollar on regular purchases, with bonus points during special promotions or during specific shopping periods. Saks frequently runs promotions offering 5x or 10x points on certain categories or dates.
Points accumulate in your Saks account and can be redeemed for merchandise, gift cards, or as a statement credit toward Saks purchases. There is no expiration date on points as long as your account remains open and active. You redeem points through your online account or by speaking with a Saks associate in store.
The Prestige card often includes an annual points bonus just for holding the card, in addition to earning on purchases. This bonus is meant to offset the higher spending requirement and make the card worthwhile for customers who shop at Saks regularly.
Special Financing and Promotional Offers
Saks frequently offers special financing through the card — typically 10 or 12 months interest-free on purchases of $500 or more. These offers appear at checkout when you shop online or in store. You must accept the offer at the time of purchase; you cannot go back later and request it retroactively.
Interest-free financing means you pay no interest if you pay off the full purchase amount within the promotional period. If you carry a balance past the end of the period, interest accrues on the remaining balance at the card's regular APR, which varies based on your creditworthiness. Missing a payment during the promotional period may end the offer and trigger interest charges on the full original purchase.
Saks also runs seasonal sales and early-access events for cardholders, allowing you to shop sales before the general public or receive additional discounts. These events are announced through email and in your online account.
Making Payments and Managing Your Account
Payments are made through Synchrony Bank, not directly to Saks. You can pay online through the Synchrony website or mobile app, by phone, or by mailing a check. Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. Mail payments take 5 to 7 business days to arrive and post.
Your billing cycle is set when you open the account. Your statement is due 21 days after the end of your billing cycle. You can set up automatic payments to avoid missing a due date — choose to pay the full balance, a fixed amount, or the minimum payment each month.
The minimum payment is calculated as a percentage of your balance plus any interest and fees. Paying only the minimum means you carry a balance and pay interest on it. Paying the full statement balance by the due date means you pay no interest.
You can view your account 24/7 through Synchrony's website or app. This is where you check your balance, review recent purchases, see your rewards balance, and make payments. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card to speak with a representative.
Comparing the Regular and Prestige Cards
The regular Saks card and the Prestige card serve different shopping patterns. The regular card has no annual fee and no spending requirement, making it the right choice if you shop at Saks occasionally or spend less than $5,000 per year. You earn points on every purchase with no strings attached.
The Prestige card requires higher annual spending — typically $5,000 or more — but includes an annual credit of $100 to $200 and bonus points just for holding the card. It also offers access to exclusive Prestige events and a concierge service. The Prestige card makes sense if you spend at least $5,000 per year at Saks, because the annual credit and bonus points offset the higher spending threshold. Both cards charge no annual fee.
| Feature | Regular Saks Card | Prestige Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | None | None |
| Earning Rate | 1 point per dollar | 1 point per dollar, plus annual bonus points |
| Annual Spending Requirement | None | Typically $5,000 or higher |
| Annual Credit | None | $100 to $200 annual credit (varies) |
| Special Events | Standard cardholders | Exclusive Prestige events and early access |
| Concierge Service | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Saks card anywhere besides Saks Fifth Avenue?
No. The Saks Fifth Avenue credit card works only at Saks Fifth Avenue stores and saksoff5th.com. It cannot be used at other retailers, restaurants, or gas stations. If you need a card that works everywhere, you would need a different credit card.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment is reported to the credit bureaus after 30 days and damages your credit score. You may also be charged a late fee. If you have a promotional financing offer (like 12 months interest-free), missing a payment can end the promotion and trigger interest charges on the full purchase amount. Contact Synchrony when ready if you miss a due date to discuss your options.
How do I check my rewards balance?
Log into your account through the Synchrony website or mobile app and navigate to the rewards section. Your current points balance and redemption options appear there. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card to ask a representative for your balance.
Can I transfer my Saks points to another rewards program?
No. Saks points can only be redeemed for Saks merchandise, gift cards, or as a statement credit toward Saks purchases. They cannot be transferred to airline miles, hotel points, or other loyalty programs.
What is the interest rate on the Saks card?
The APR (annual percentage rate) varies based on your credit score and creditworthiness. It is disclosed in your approval documents and in your online account. Typical rates range from 18% to 27%, but your specific rate depends on your individual credit profile. You can call Synchrony to ask about your rate before opening an account.