The Macy's credit card comes in two versions, and you can request one online, by phone, or in a store
Macy's offers two credit cards: the Macy's Card (for use only at Macy's and Macy's.com) and the Macy's American Express Card (accepted anywhere American Express is taken). Both are issued by Citibank. You can request either one through Macy's website, by calling the customer service number on a Macy's receipt or statement, or by speaking to a sales associate in a Macy's store. The process takes about 15 minutes, and you will get an when ready decision in most cases.
The main difference between the two is where you can use the card. The Macy's Card works only at Macy's locations and online. The Macy's American Express Card works at any merchant that accepts American Express, which gives you more flexibility outside of Macy's. Both cards earn rewards on purchases, but the reward structure and benefits differ slightly between them.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a Macy's Card or Macy's American Express Card online at Macy's.com, by phone, or in store, and most decisions come back within minutes.
- The Macy's Card works only at Macy's; the American Express version works anywhere American Express is accepted.
- Both cards require you to be at least 18 years old and have a valid Social Security number or ITIN.
- Approval depends on your credit history, income, and existing debt — there is no minimum credit score published, but most approvals go to people with fair credit or better.
- If you are denied, you can request reconsideration by phone or ask what factors led to the decision.
How to request online through Macy's website
Go to Macy's.com and look for the credit card offer, usually found in the footer or under an "Account" or "Credit Cards" link. Click on the card you want (Macy's Card or Macy's American Express Card) and select "Request Now" or "Open an Account." You will be taken to a Citibank process page.
Fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number or ITIN, current address, phone number, and email. You will also enter employment information, including your employer name, job title, and annual income. Be honest about income — lenders verify this information. Once you submit, the system will tell you whether you are approved, denied, or pending review. If approved, your card number appears on screen, and you can use it for online purchases right away while you wait for the physical card to arrive by mail.
How to request by phone or in store
To request by phone, call the number on the back of any Macy's receipt, statement, or gift card, or call Macy's customer service at 1-800-289-6229. A representative will walk you through the process over the phone. Have your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information ready. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes, and you will hear the decision before you hang up.
In a Macy's store, visit the customer service desk or a sales associate on the floor. They can hand you a paper process or direct you to a kiosk where you can request online with help. Store associates cannot approve or deny the card themselves — the decision still comes from Citibank — but they can answer questions about the card's rewards and benefits.
What information you need to provide
Macy's and Citibank will ask for the following before they can process your request:
- Full legal name and date of birth
- Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN)
- Current residential address
- Phone number and email address
- Current employer name and job title
- Annual income (gross income before taxes)
- Whether you own or rent your home
Citibank will also check your credit report with one or more of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). This is called a "hard inquiry" and may lower your credit score by a few points temporarily. If you are denied, Citibank will send you a notice by mail explaining the reason, and you have the right to request a free copy of your credit report from AnnualCreditReport.com to see what they saw.
Credit score and approval odds
Macy's does not publish a minimum credit score for either card. However, most people approved for a Macy's Card have a credit score of 600 or higher, and approval is more common for scores above 650. If your score is lower, you may still be approved, especially if you have a steady income and low existing debt, but denial is more likely.
Approval also depends on your debt-to-income ratio (how much you owe compared to how much you earn), your payment history, and how long you have had credit accounts open. If you have recent late payments, collections, or a bankruptcy, approval is less likely. If you have no credit history at all, Macy's may deny you or offer a card with a lower credit limit.
If you are denied, you can call Citibank's reconsideration line (the number will be in your denial letter) and ask a representative to review your case. Sometimes providing additional information — such as proof of income or an explanation of past credit problems — can change the outcome. You can also request reconsideration only once per process, so think through what you want to say before you call.
What happens after approval
If you are approved online or by phone, you will receive a temporary card number when ready that you can use for online purchases at Macy's or (if you chose the American Express version) anywhere American Express is accepted. Your physical card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You will also receive a welcome packet with your card, a PIN, and information about your credit limit and rewards program.
Before you use the card, set up online account access at Citibank.com or through the Citi Mobile app so you can monitor your balance, make payments, and track rewards. Your first statement will arrive about 30 days after your first purchase. Pay at least the minimum amount due by the due date shown on your statement to keep your account in good standing and protect your credit score.
Rewards and benefits of each card
The Macy's Card earns rewards points on every purchase at Macy's and Macy's.com. The exact earning rate varies by card tier and current promotions, but typically ranges from 1 point per dollar spent to bonus points during special events. You can redeem points for discounts on future purchases. The card also offers exclusive sales events, early access to promotions, and birthday rewards.
The Macy's American Express Card earns similar rewards at Macy's but also earns points on purchases outside Macy's when you use it at American Express merchants. This makes it useful if you want a card that works beyond Macy's. Both cards may offer introductory benefits, such as bonus points after your first purchase or a discount on your first statement, though these offers change seasonally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between being approved and pending review?
Approved means Citibank has made a final decision to issue you a card. Pending review means they need more information or time to make a decision, usually because your process raised questions about income or credit history. You will receive a letter or call within a few business days with the final decision. Do not assume pending means denied — many pending cases result in approval.
Can I request a Macy's card if I have no credit history?
You can request one, but approval is less certain. Macy's may deny you, offer you a card with a very low credit limit, or ask you to become an authorized user on someone else's account first to build history. If denied, consider becoming an authorized user on a family member's credit card for a few months, then requesting again.
What if I am denied for a Macy's card?
You will receive a letter explaining the reason. You can call the reconsideration line (on the letter) to ask a representative to review your case once. You can also wait 6 months and request again, especially if you have paid down debt or improved your credit score in the meantime. Alternatively, you can explore other retail cards with lower approval requirements.
Can I use my Macy's card at other stores?
Only if you have the Macy's American Express Card — it works anywhere American Express is accepted. The regular Macy's Card works only at Macy's stores and Macy's.com. If you need a card that works everywhere, request the American Express version instead.
How long does it take to receive my physical card?
Physical cards usually arrive within 7 to 10 business days of approval. If you are approved online or by phone, you get a temporary card number right away that you can use for online purchases. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, contact Citibank customer service to check the status.