how the process works for a Macy's credit card
You can explore for a Macy's credit card online through Macy's website, in a store at the register, or by phone. The online route is fastest — you'll get a decision in seconds to minutes. In-store applications take a few minutes at checkout. Phone applications go through a customer service representative and may take longer. All three routes lead to the same card and the same underwriting process.
Before you start, have your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information ready. The process itself takes about five minutes. You'll be asked for your annual income, current debts, and employment status. Macy's will pull your credit report to make a decision.
Key Takeaways
- Online applications at Macy's.com give you an when ready or near-when ready decision, while in-store and phone applications may take a few business days.
- You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and employment details to complete any process.
- Macy's will check your credit report, so your credit score and payment history affect whether you're approved and what interest rate you receive.
- If you're approved, you can use the card when ready in-store or online, though the physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
- If you're denied, you have the right to know why — Macy's will send you a notice with the specific reason within 30 days.
explore online at Macy's.com
Go to Macy's.com and look for the credit card link, usually found in the footer or under "Credit Cards" in the main menu. Click "explore Now" or the equivalent button. You'll be taken to a Comenity Bank process form — Comenity is the bank that issues the Macy's card on Macy's behalf.
Fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and phone number. Then enter your employment information: employer name, job title, annual income, and how long you've been employed. Be accurate — Macy's verifies income and employment details. If you're self-employed, enter your business income from your most recent tax return.
Review the terms and conditions, then submit. You'll see a decision on screen when ready or within a few minutes. If approved, you'll receive a confirmation number and instructions for setting up your online account. If denied, you'll see the reason on screen and receive a written notice by mail.
explore in a Macy's store
Ask a cashier or customer service associate for a credit card process. They'll hand you a paper form or direct you to a kiosk. Fill out your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, and employment information. The associate will scan or submit your process at the register.
You'll receive a decision within a few minutes to a few hours. If approved, you can use the card when ready for your current purchase — the associate will set up it at the register. Your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If denied, you'll be told at the register and will receive a written explanation in the mail.
explore by phone
Call Macy's customer service at the number on the back of any Macy's card or on your Macy's account statement. If you don't have a Macy's account, call 1-800-289-6229 and ask to speak with someone about a credit card process. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone.
Have your information ready: Social Security number, date of birth, address, employment details, and annual income. The call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. You'll receive a decision during the call or within one to two business days. The representative will explain next steps and tell you when to expect your card in the mail.
What happens after you're approved
If you're approved, you can use your Macy's card when ready. In-store, the associate will set up it at the register. Online, you'll receive a temporary card number that works right away for purchases on Macy's.com. Your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.
Once your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or logging into your online account. Set up a payment method — you can pay online, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments. Your first billing statement will arrive 25 to 30 days after your first purchase.
The Macy's card comes with an interest rate that depends on your credit score and credit history. You'll see your rate in your approval notice or in your online account. Macy's also offers periodic promotions like 10% off your first purchase or special financing on larger purchases — check your approval notice or account for current offers.
What to do if you're denied
If your process is denied, you'll receive a written notice within 30 days that explains the reason. Common reasons include low credit score, too much existing debt, insufficient income, or a short employment history. The notice will also tell you how to contact Comenity Bank if you want to discuss the decision.
You can request a copy of your credit report for free from the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — through AnnualCreditReport.com. Review your report for errors. If you find mistakes, dispute them with the bureau directly. You can reapply after correcting errors or after your credit situation improves.
Understanding the Macy's card terms
The Macy's credit card is a store card, meaning you can use it only at Macy's and Macy's.com. It is not a Visa or Mastercard, so it won't work at other retailers. The card has an annual percentage rate (APR) that varies based on your creditworthiness — typically between 17% and 24%, though this varies.
There is no annual fee for the Macy's card. You pay interest only on balances you carry from month to month. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you pay no interest. Late payments result in late fees and may increase your APR. Macy's reports your payment history to the credit bureaus, so on-time payments help your credit score.
The card comes with a credit limit — the maximum amount you can charge. Your limit depends on your income, credit history, and credit score. You can request a credit limit increase after you've had the card for at least six months and have made on-time payments.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get approved for a Macy's credit card?
Online applications get a decision in seconds to minutes. In-store and phone applications may take a few minutes to a few hours. If your process needs manual review, you may wait one to two business days for a decision. You'll receive written notice by mail if your process is denied.
Can I use my Macy's card before the physical card arrives?
Yes. If you're approved in-store, the associate activates your card when ready and you can use it that day. If you're approved online, you receive a temporary card number for online purchases right away. Your physical card arrives in 7 to 10 business days and can be used in stores once it arrives.
What credit score do I need to be approved?
Macy's does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. Approval depends on your overall credit profile — your score, payment history, existing debt, income, and employment. People with fair credit (typically 580 to 669) are sometimes approved, but approval is not may provide at any score level.
Can I explore if I'm self-employed?
Yes. Enter your business income from your most recent tax return as your annual income. Have your tax return available if you're asked to verify your income. Self-employed applicants are reviewed the same way as salaried employees.
What should I do if I'm denied?
Request a copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com and review it for errors. Dispute any mistakes with the credit bureau. You can reapply after correcting errors or after improving your credit score by paying down debt or making on-time payments for several months.