Macy's Star Rewards is a loyalty program, not a credit card
Macy's Star Rewards is a free membership program that earns you points on purchases at Macy's and Macy's.com. You do not need a credit card to join or use it. You can earn and redeem points whether you pay with cash, debit, another credit card, or a Macy's card.
The confusion often happens because Macy's also offers a separate Macy's credit card (the Macy's Card). That is a different product. The credit card gives you extra benefits if you use it to pay, but the Star Rewards program itself is just a points system that works with any payment method.
Key Takeaways
- Macy's Star Rewards is a free loyalty program you can join without a credit card or any payment method.
- You earn one point per dollar spent at Macy's stores and online, regardless of how you pay.
- The Macy's Card is a separate credit card product that offers bonus points and other perks if you choose to use it.
- You can use Star Rewards with any payment method — cash, debit, another bank's credit card, or the Macy's Card.
- Points can be redeemed for Macy's merchandise or discounts, with no annual fee to maintain your membership.
How to join Macy's Star Rewards without a credit card
You can sign up for Star Rewards in a Macy's store or online at macys.com. You will need a valid email address and a phone number. The program is free to join and there is no credit check or financial information required.
Once you are enrolled, you can link your membership to any payment method you use at checkout. When you shop, give the cashier your phone number or email, or provide your Star Rewards number online. Points post to your account when ready after the transaction goes through.
How Star Rewards points work
You earn one point for every dollar you spend on may be able to access purchases at Macy's. Some items — like gift cards, services, and certain clearance merchandise — may not earn points. You can check the terms on macys.com or ask in-store.
Points accumulate in your account and you can redeem them for rewards. Typical redemption options include discounts on future purchases (such as $10 off $50) or merchandise. The exact rewards available change, so check your account or the Macy's website to see current options.
The difference between Star Rewards and the Macy's Card
Star Rewards is the base loyalty program available to anyone. The Macy's Card is a credit card issued by Citibank that you explore for separately. If you are approved for the Macy's Card and use it to pay, you earn bonus points on top of your regular Star Rewards points — typically two or three times the points per dollar, depending on the promotion.
Cardholders also get other benefits like early access to sales, birthday rewards, and special financing offers. However, the card comes with an annual percentage rate (APR) if you carry a balance, so it is only worth using if you plan to pay off the balance each month or take advantage of promotional financing periods.
When to use Star Rewards versus the Macy's Card
Use Star Rewards alone if you want to earn points without taking on credit card debt. You will earn points at a slower rate than cardholders, but there is no interest to pay and no annual fee.
Consider the Macy's Card if you shop at Macy's regularly and can pay off the full balance each month. The bonus points and sale access can add up to real savings over time. If you carry a balance and pay interest, the extra points may not be worth the cost.
You can also use both: keep your Star Rewards membership active and use a different credit card (or cash) for most purchases, then use the Macy's Card only during bonus point promotions or when you know you can pay it off when ready.
How to check your Star Rewards balance and redeem points
Log into your account on macys.com or use the Macy's mobile app to see your current points balance. You can also ask a cashier in-store to check your balance when you shop.
To redeem points, go to the rewards section of your account online or tell the cashier you want to use points at checkout. You select the reward you want (usually a discount code), and it applies to your purchase. Some rewards are one-time use and some can be stacked, so read the terms before you redeem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do my Star Rewards points expire?
Macy's does not publicly state a fixed expiration date for points. However, points may expire if your account is inactive for a long period. Check your account regularly and redeem points within a reasonable timeframe to avoid losing them.
Can I use Star Rewards points at other stores?
No. Star Rewards points can only be redeemed at Macy's stores and macys.com. They cannot be transferred to other retailers or loyalty programs.
What if I don't have a credit card but want to earn points faster?
You earn points at the standard rate (one per dollar) with Star Rewards alone. To earn bonus points, you would need to open the Macy's Card. If you are not comfortable with a credit card, stick with the free Star Rewards program — the points still add up over time.
Can I combine Star Rewards points with a coupon or sale?
Yes. You can usually use a Star Rewards discount reward at the same time as a Macy's sale or coupon, though some promotions exclude rewards. Check the terms of each offer before checkout to confirm they can be combined.