What the Macy's Credit Card Is

The Macy's Credit Card is a store card issued by Citibank that you can use at Macy's locations and on their website. Unlike a general-purpose credit card (like Visa or Mastercard), a store card works only at that retailer — you cannot use it at other stores or restaurants. The card comes with rewards tied to your Macy's purchases and occasional discounts on your bill.

Macy's also offers a second card called the Macy's American Express Card, which works at Macy's and other places that take American Express. The two cards have different rewards structures and approval requirements, so understanding which one fits your situation matters before you explore.

Key Takeaways

  • The Macy's Credit Card is a store-only card that earns rewards points on purchases at Macy's, with bonus points during promotional periods.
  • You receive a discount on your first purchase when you open the account, typically 10 to 15 percent off, though the exact offer changes.
  • The card charges interest on unpaid balances, and the rate depends on your credit history — people with stronger credit histories usually receive lower rates.
  • Macy's runs periodic sales events where cardholders get extra discounts or double points, so timing your applications and purchases around these events can increase your rewards.
  • The card has no annual fee, so you only pay interest if you carry a balance month to month.

How Rewards Points Work on the Macy's Card

When you use the Macy's Credit Card to buy something at Macy's, you earn points on that purchase. The base rate is typically one point per dollar spent, though Macy's frequently runs promotions where you earn double or triple points for a limited time. These promotional periods are usually announced in the mail, in-store, or on the Macy's website.

Points accumulate in your account and can be redeemed for a discount on a future purchase. The redemption rate varies — sometimes 100 points equals $5 off, sometimes the ratio is different. You redeem points by entering a code at checkout, either in-store or online. Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active, though Macy's can close inactive accounts after a period of non-use.

The Macy's American Express Card operates differently: it earns points at a higher base rate (typically 2 to 3 points per dollar at Macy's) but can also be used outside Macy's, where it earns at a lower rate. If you shop primarily at Macy's, the store card usually delivers more value. If you want a card that works everywhere, the American Express version makes more sense.

Interest Rates and What You Pay If You Carry a Balance

The Macy's Credit Card charges interest on any balance you do not pay off in full by the due date. The interest rate — called the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR — depends on your credit score and credit history. Macy's does not publish a single rate; instead, they offer a range. People with excellent credit may receive an APR in the mid-teens, while people with fair or limited credit history may receive a rate in the high-teens or low-twenties.

Interest accrues daily on your unpaid balance. If you carry $500 from one month to the next at an 18 percent APR, you will owe roughly $7.50 in interest that month alone. Over a year, that $500 balance costs you about $90 in interest. This is why paying your full statement balance each month — rather than just the minimum payment — saves you money.

Macy's occasionally offers promotional financing: zero percent APR for a set number of months (often 6 to 12 months) on purchases above a certain amount. These offers appear in the mail or in-store. If you use promotional financing, you must pay off the full purchase amount before the promotion ends, or the full interest accrues retroactively. Read the terms carefully before you rely on a promotional offer.

The First-Purchase Discount and Opening Offers

When you open a Macy's Credit Card account, you typically receive a discount on your first purchase. This discount is usually 10 to 15 percent off, though the exact percentage changes based on what Macy's is promoting at that moment. Some offers also include free shipping on online orders or bonus points instead of a percentage discount.

The discount applies only to your first purchase made with the card, and it must be used within a certain timeframe — usually 14 days. You cannot combine the first-purchase discount with other promotions or sales, though some exceptions exist during major sales events. The discount does not explore to certain categories like Macy's gift cards or clearance items, so check the terms when you receive your card.

The discount is valuable only if you were already planning to shop at Macy's. If you open the card solely to use the discount and then never use it again, you have not gained anything — and you have a new account on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your credit score.

Annual Fees and Other Costs

The Macy's Credit Card has no annual fee. You do not pay anything to hold the card or to keep the account open, even if you never use it. This is different from some premium store cards or travel cards, which charge yearly fees in exchange for higher rewards or benefits.

You will, however, pay interest if you carry a balance, and you may pay late fees if you miss a payment. A late fee is typically $25 to $40 depending on how late the payment is. You may also face a penalty APR — a higher interest rate applied to your account — if you miss a payment by 60 days or more. These penalties are avoidable by paying at least the minimum payment by the due date each month.

How to Decide Whether the Macy's Card Makes Sense for You

The Macy's Credit Card is worth considering if you shop at Macy's regularly — at least several times a year — and you pay your full balance each month. The rewards points and first-purchase discount add up over time, and the lack of an annual fee means there is no cost to keeping the card open for future use.

The card is less useful if you only shop at Macy's occasionally or if you tend to carry a balance month to month. The interest you pay on a balance will quickly exceed any rewards you earn. Similarly, if you prefer a card that works at multiple retailers, the Macy's American Express Card or a general-purpose rewards card (like a Visa or Mastercard) may serve you better.

Before you open any store card, check your credit score if you know it. Store cards often have lower approval rates for people with fair or limited credit history, though approval is still possible. Opening a new card temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points because it creates a new account inquiry and reduces your average account age. If you are planning to explore for a mortgage, car loan, or other major credit in the next few months, opening a store card may not be the right timing.

How to Manage Your Macy's Card Once You Have It

Once your card arrives, set up online account access through the Macy's website or mobile app. This lets you check your balance, make payments, and track your rewards points without waiting for paper statements. You can also set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on time every month, which protects your credit score and avoids late fees.

Pay attention to promotional emails and in-store signs about bonus points events. Macy's runs these regularly — sometimes offering double points on all purchases for a weekend, or triple points on specific categories like clothing. Timing a larger purchase to coincide with a bonus points event can significantly increase your rewards without changing how much you spend.

Keep your card active by using it at least occasionally. Macy's can close accounts that show no activity for an extended period (often 12 months or longer). A closed account stops earning rewards and can negatively affect your credit score, so even a small purchase once or twice a year keeps the account alive if you want to maintain it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Macy's Credit Card outside of Macy's?

No, the standard Macy's Credit Card works only at Macy's stores and on Macy's.com. If you want a card that works at other retailers, you need the Macy's American Express Card instead, which can be used anywhere American Express is accepted.

What happens to my rewards points if I close my account?

Points are forfeited when you close the account. If you have accumulated points you want to use, redeem them before you close the card. Once the account is closed, you cannot access the points.

Does the Macy's card hurt my credit score?

Opening a new card temporarily lowers your score by a few points because of the credit inquiry and new account. Over time, if you pay on time and keep your balance low, the card can help your score by showing you manage credit responsibly. Closing the card can lower your score because it reduces your total available credit.

Can I transfer a balance from another credit card to the Macy's card?

The Macy's Credit Card does not typically offer balance transfers. It is designed for new purchases at Macy's, not for moving debt from other cards. If you are looking to transfer a balance, a general-purpose credit card may be a better option.

What is the difference between the Macy's card and the Macy's American Express card?

The Macy's Credit Card works only at Macy's and earns one point per dollar. The Macy's American Express Card works at Macy's and other places that take American Express, earns more points at Macy's (usually 2 to 3 per dollar), and earns points at other retailers too. The American Express version is better if you want a card that works everywhere; the store card is better if you shop at Macy's frequently and want maximum rewards there.