What the Michaels Credit Card is and who offers it
The Michaels credit card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use at Michaels stores and online at michaels.com. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, a store card works only at that retailer and its affiliated locations. Synchrony handles the account behind the scenes — they set the credit limit, process payments, and manage your account.
Michaels promotes the card mainly for the rewards and financing offers it provides to frequent shoppers. If you shop at Michaels regularly, the card's rewards structure may save you money on purchases. If you rarely visit, a general credit card with broader rewards may serve you better.
Key Takeaways
- The Michaels card earns rewards points on every purchase at Michaels, with bonus points during promotional periods that Michaels announces in-store and online.
- The card offers special financing options — typically 12 or 24 months interest-free on purchases above a certain amount, though interest applies if you do not pay in full by the end of the period.
- You can open the card in-store at checkout or online through Michaels' website, and Synchrony Bank will review your credit history to decide your credit limit.
- The card has no annual fee, but it only works at Michaels locations and michaels.com, not at other retailers.
- Your payment goes to Synchrony, not to Michaels, and you can pay online, by phone, or by mail using the account number on your statement.
How rewards points work on the Michaels card
Every dollar you spend at Michaels earns you points. The base earning rate is typically one point per dollar, though Michaels runs promotional periods where you earn bonus points — for example, double or triple points on certain categories or during holiday shopping weeks. Michaels announces these promotions in-store, on receipts, and on their website, so check before you shop if you want to time larger purchases.
Points accumulate in your Synchrony account and you can redeem them for Michaels rewards certificates, which work like store credit. The redemption threshold varies — you might need 500 points for a $5 certificate, for example — but Michaels publishes the current rates on their website and in your account. Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active, though Synchrony may close inactive accounts after a period of no use.
Special financing and promotional offers
The Michaels card frequently offers interest-free financing on purchases over a minimum amount — commonly $50 or $100 — for a set period like 12 or 24 months. This means you can make the purchase now and pay it back over time without paying interest, as long as you pay the full amount by the important date. Michaels displays these offers at checkout, on receipts, and online.
If you do not pay the full amount by the end of the promotional period, interest kicks in on the remaining balance at the card's regular rate. That rate varies based on your creditworthiness and current market conditions, so Synchrony will tell you the specific rate when you open the account. Read the terms carefully before you accept a financing offer, because the interest can be substantial if you carry a balance past the important date.
How to open a Michaels credit card account
You can open the card in two ways: at a Michaels store during checkout, or online at michaels.com. In-store, a cashier will offer the card and hand you an process form or tablet to complete. Online, you can find the card offer on Michaels' website, usually in a banner or under an account section.
The process asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and income. Synchrony will pull your credit report to review your history and decide whether to approve you and what credit limit to offer. You will get a decision within minutes if you explore online, or within a few minutes in-store. If approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, though some stores let you use the card when ready at checkout on the day you open it.
Making payments and managing your account
Your Michaels card bill goes to Synchrony, not to Michaels. You can pay online through Synchrony's website (go to mysynchrony.com), by phone at the number on your statement, or by mailing a check to the address printed on your bill. Set up a due date that works for your budget — Synchrony typically gives you at least 21 days from the statement date to pay.
You can also set up automatic payments so the full balance or a minimum amount withdraws from your bank account each month. This removes the risk of missing a payment, which would damage your credit score and trigger late fees. Check your account online anytime to see your balance, available credit, rewards points, and recent transactions.
Annual fees and interest rates
The Michaels card has no annual fee, so you will not be charged just for holding it. However, if you carry a balance from month to month, you will pay interest on that balance. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) depends on your credit score and history — Synchrony will tell you your specific rate when you open the account.
If you miss a payment, Synchrony charges a late fee and may raise your interest rate. If you pay only the minimum amount each month, interest will accumulate and you will pay more over time than if you paid the full balance. The card's main value comes from rewards and promotional financing, so using it strategically — paying in full each month or taking advantage of interest-free periods — keeps costs down.
When the Michaels card makes sense and when it does not
The card is most useful if you shop at Michaels frequently — at least several times a year — because the rewards points add up faster and you will use the financing offers. If you spend $1,000 or more per year at Michaels, the points alone may save you $10 to $20 in rewards certificates, plus you get access to the promotional financing deals.
The card is less useful if you shop at Michaels only occasionally or if you prefer to use a general credit card that earns rewards everywhere. Store cards typically offer lower rewards rates than premium general cards, and they only work at one retailer. If you already have a credit card with strong rewards, adding a Michaels card may not be worth the extra account to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Michaels card at other stores?
No. The Michaels card works only at Michaels stores and michaels.com. It will not work at other retailers, even if they sell similar products. If you need a card for shopping elsewhere, you will need a separate general-purpose credit card.
What happens if I do not pay off a promotional financing purchase in time?
Interest will be charged on the remaining balance at the card's regular APR, usually retroactively to the original purchase date. This can result in a large interest charge, so set a calendar reminder for the important date and plan to pay in full before it arrives.
How do I check my rewards points balance?
Log into your account at mysynchrony.com using your card number and PIN, or call the number on your statement. Your points balance appears in your account dashboard. You can also ask a cashier at Michaels to check your balance when you shop.
What credit score do I need to open a Michaels card?
Synchrony does not publish a minimum credit score, but store cards are generally easier to open than premium general credit cards. If you have fair credit or higher, you have a reasonable chance of approval. If you are denied, you can ask Synchrony why and try again after improving your credit.
Can I close my Michaels card account?
Yes. Call Synchrony at the number on your statement or log into your account online and request to close it. Pay any remaining balance first. Closing the account will not hurt your credit score, though it may slightly lower your average account age if this is one of your older cards.