What the Saks Fifth Avenue Credit Card is and who issues it
The Saks Fifth Avenue credit card is a store card issued by Saks Fifth Avenue in partnership with Synchrony Bank. It works only at Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks OFF 5TH locations — you cannot use it at other retailers. The card comes in two versions: the regular Saks card and the Saks Prestige card, which has different rewards and annual fees.
Synchrony Bank handles the account management, billing, and customer service. When you receive statements or need to check your balance, you interact with Synchrony, not Saks directly. The card is issued as a Visa, so you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, but the rewards and benefits only explore to Saks purchases.
Key Takeaways
- The Saks card earns points on every purchase at Saks and Saks OFF 5TH, with higher earning rates for Prestige cardholders.
- Points convert to Saks dollars that you can spend on anything in the store, with no expiration date as long as your account stays open.
- The regular Saks card has no annual fee; the Prestige card charges an annual fee and requires a higher credit score to be considered.
- You can request a credit limit increase after six months of responsible use, and Synchrony reports your payment history to the three major credit bureaus.
How rewards and points work on the Saks card
Every dollar you spend at Saks or Saks OFF 5TH earns points. On the regular Saks card, you earn 1 point per dollar spent. On the Saks Prestige card, you earn 2 points per dollar on Saks purchases and 1 point per dollar on Saks OFF 5TH purchases. Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
Points convert to Saks dollars at a fixed rate: typically 100 points equals $5 in Saks dollars. You can redeem your Saks dollars whenever you want — there is no minimum redemption amount. The dollars appear as a statement credit or can be used at checkout in-store or online. Unlike some store cards, there are no blackout dates or restrictions on when you can use them.
The Prestige card also includes an annual bonus: you receive a statement credit on your card anniversary each year. The amount varies, but it is typically $50 to $100 depending on your spending in the previous year. This benefit is designed to offset the annual fee for active cardholders.
Annual fees and costs
The regular Saks Fifth Avenue card has no annual fee. You can hold it indefinitely at no cost, even if you do not use it.
The Saks Prestige card charges an annual fee, which varies by year and is typically in the range of $95 to $150. Synchrony will notify you of the exact amount before your card anniversary. You can call Synchrony to confirm the current fee before you request the card. The anniversary bonus credit is meant to offset some of this cost for cardholders who spend regularly at Saks.
Both cards charge interest on unpaid balances. The APR (annual percentage rate) varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. Synchrony will disclose the exact APR in your card agreement and on your statements. If you carry a balance, you will pay interest on that amount until it is paid off.
How to request the Saks card and what happens next
You can request the card online through the Saks website, in a Saks store, or by phone through Synchrony. Online is usually fastest — you fill out a short form with your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Synchrony performs a hard credit inquiry, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.
You will receive a decision within minutes to a few business days. If you are approved, your card ships to the address on file within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, you set up it through Synchrony's website or app, or by calling their customer service number on the back of the card. You can then use it when ready at Saks locations or online.
If you are denied, Synchrony will send you a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, a recent late payment, or a credit score below their minimum threshold. You can request reconsideration by calling Synchrony, though this does not may provide approval.
Using your Saks card for purchases and payments
At checkout in-store, hand the card to the cashier like any other credit card. Online at saks.com, enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV in the payment field. The card processes as a standard Visa, so it works anywhere Visa is accepted — but you only earn Saks rewards when you use it at Saks or Saks OFF 5TH.
You can make payments online through Synchrony's website or mobile app, by phone, or by mail. Online and phone payments usually post within one business day. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days, so plan ahead if you are close to your due date. Your minimum payment and due date appear on your monthly statement.
You can set up automatic payments so the full balance, minimum payment, or a fixed amount is paid each month. This reduces the risk of missing a due date and helps you avoid late fees and interest charges.
Credit limit increases and account management
Synchrony typically allows you to request a credit limit increase after six months of on-time payments. You can request an increase online through your account, by phone, or in a Saks store. A soft inquiry (which does not affect your credit score) or a hard inquiry (which does) may be performed depending on the amount you request.
Your payment history on the Saks card is reported to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit bureaus. On-time payments help your credit score; late payments hurt it. A single late payment can lower your score by 100 points or more and stay on your credit report for seven years.
If you need to close your account, you can do so by calling Synchrony. Pay off any remaining balance first. Closing the account does not erase your payment history, but it does stop you from earning new rewards. If you have unused Saks dollars, spend them before closing the account, as they may not be redeemable after closure.
Comparing the regular and Prestige cards
The two versions of the Saks card serve different spending patterns. The regular card works best if you shop at Saks occasionally or want to avoid annual costs. The Prestige card makes sense if you spend at least $2,000 to $3,000 per year at Saks, because the doubled points and annual bonus will exceed the fee.
| Feature | Regular Saks Card | Saks Prestige Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | None | $95–$150 (varies) |
| Points per Dollar at Saks | 1 point | 2 points |
| Points per Dollar at Saks OFF 5TH | 1 point | 1 point |
| Annual Bonus Credit | None | $50–$100 (varies) |
| Credit Score Required | Fair to Good (typically 650+) | Good to Excellent (typically 700+) |
The Prestige card requires a higher credit score and carries an annual cost, but the extra point per dollar at Saks and the anniversary credit reward frequent shoppers. If you are unsure which card fits your spending, start with the regular card — you can always request the Prestige card later once you have established a payment history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Saks card outside of Saks stores?
Yes, because it is issued as a Visa. However, you only earn Saks rewards (points) when you use it at Saks Fifth Avenue or Saks OFF 5TH. Purchases elsewhere earn no points and carry the standard APR if you carry a balance.
What happens to my points if I close my account?
Points expire if your account is closed or becomes inactive. Spend your Saks dollars before closing the account. If your account goes inactive for an extended period, Synchrony may close it, which would forfeit any remaining points.
How long does it take to receive my card after I am approved?
Approved cards ship within 7 to 10 business days. You can set up it as soon as it arrives by visiting Synchrony's website, using their mobile app, or calling the number on the back of the card. You can use it when ready after set up.
What should I do if I miss a payment?
Contact Synchrony when ready. A single late payment can trigger a late fee (typically $25 to $40) and a higher APR. If you are more than 30 days late, it will be reported to the credit bureaus and damage your credit score. Synchrony may offer a one-time courtesy waiver if you have a good payment history.
Can I transfer my Saks dollars to another person or account?
No. Saks dollars are tied to your account and cannot be transferred, gifted, or sold. They can only be used by the cardholder on purchases at Saks or Saks OFF 5TH.