The Macy's Credit Card is a store card that gives you rewards on purchases at Macy's and partner stores

The Macy's Credit Card is issued by Citibank and works only at Macy's, Macy's.com, and a small number of partner locations. It is not a Visa or Mastercard — you cannot use it anywhere else. The card offers rewards in the form of points on your spending, with higher earning rates during promotional periods. Like most store cards, it comes with a higher interest rate than a general-purpose credit card, which means carrying a balance is expensive.

The card comes in two versions: the standard Macy's Card and the Macy's American Express Card. The American Express version earns rewards faster but requires you to pay the full balance each month (it is a charge card, not a revolving credit card). The standard card lets you carry a balance month to month, but charges interest on what you owe.

Key Takeaways

  • The Macy's Card earns points on purchases at Macy's and select partner stores, with bonus point periods throughout the year.
  • The card charges a variable interest rate (currently in the 24% to 29% range, though this varies by creditworthiness) if you carry a balance.
  • There is no annual fee, but the rewards are only useful if you shop at Macy's regularly enough to redeem them before they expire.
  • The Macy's American Express version requires full monthly payment but earns points faster — it is best for people who pay off the card completely each month.

How the rewards program works

The Macy's Card earns points at a base rate of 1 point per dollar spent at Macy's. During promotional periods — typically several times a year — the earning rate jumps to 2, 3, or sometimes 4 points per dollar. Macy's announces these periods in email and on its website, and they usually last a few weeks.

Points can be redeemed for a discount on a future purchase. The redemption rate varies, but typically 100 points equals $5 off. This means your base earning rate of 1 point per dollar translates to roughly 0.5% cash back. During a 3x points promotion, you earn the equivalent of about 1.5% back. These rates are lower than what you would earn with a general-purpose rewards card (which often offer 1% to 2% on all purchases), so the card makes sense only if you shop at Macy's frequently and time your purchases to promotional periods.

Points expire after a period of inactivity. Macy's does not publish a fixed expiration date, but points can be lost if your account is inactive for an extended period. Redeeming points regularly or making purchases at least once a year helps prevent this.

Interest rates and fees

The Macy's Card charges a variable interest rate, which means the rate can change over time. Current rates range from about 24% to 29% depending on your credit score and creditworthiness at the time you explore. This is higher than most general-purpose credit cards, which typically range from 18% to 25%. The exact rate you receive depends on your credit history and Citibank's assessment of your risk.

There is no annual fee. However, if you carry a balance, the interest charges will quickly outpace any rewards you earn. For example, a $1,000 balance at 27% interest costs you roughly $270 per year in interest alone — far more than the $5 to $15 in rewards you might earn on that same $1,000 in spending.

Late payments trigger a late fee (typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment, higher for subsequent ones) and can raise your interest rate further through a penalty APR. Missing a payment also damages your credit score.

When the Macy's Card makes financial sense

The card is worth considering if you shop at Macy's regularly and pay off your balance in full each month. In that scenario, you earn rewards with no interest cost. The key is timing: if you can concentrate your Macy's purchases during promotional periods, you maximize your earning rate.

The card is a poor choice if you carry a balance month to month. The interest rate is too high to justify the modest rewards. If you need to finance a purchase, a general-purpose credit card with a lower interest rate or a personal loan would cost you less.

The Macy's American Express version is better suited to people who already pay off their cards monthly and want to earn rewards faster. It earns points at a higher base rate and offers additional perks like early access to sales. The trade-off is that you must pay the full balance each month — there is no option to carry a balance.

How to compare this card to other options

Before explore, compare the Macy's Card to a general-purpose rewards card you might already have or could open. A card that earns 1.5% to 2% cash back on all purchases will likely give you more value than the Macy's Card unless you shop at Macy's very frequently and take advantage of promotional periods.

If you do not carry a balance and shop at Macy's at least a few times a year, the Macy's Card costs nothing and the rewards add up over time. If you carry a balance or shop there rarely, a general-purpose card is almost always better. Some people benefit from having both — using the Macy's Card only during promotional periods and paying it off when ready, while using a general-purpose card for everyday spending elsewhere.

What happens when you explore

Macy's allows you to request a card in-store, online at Macy's.com, or through the Macy's mobile app. The process takes a few minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Citibank pulls a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.

You typically receive a decision within minutes. If approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use it in-store when ready by providing your phone number at checkout, even before the physical card arrives. If denied, Citibank sends you a notice explaining the reason, and you can contact them to understand what factors led to the decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Macy's Card anywhere besides Macy's?

No. The Macy's Card works only at Macy's stores, Macy's.com, and a very small number of partner merchants (primarily other Macy's-owned brands). You cannot use it at other retailers, restaurants, or gas stations. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express from a bank.

What is the difference between the Macy's Card and the Macy's American Express Card?

The standard Macy's Card lets you carry a balance and pay interest. The Macy's American Express Card requires you to pay the full balance each month but earns points faster and includes additional benefits like early sale access. Choose the American Express version only if you can pay off the balance monthly.

Do points expire?

Yes. Macy's does not publish a specific expiration date, but points can be lost if your account is inactive for an extended period. Making at least one purchase or redemption per year helps keep your account active and your points safe.

What should I do if I cannot pay my balance?

Contact Citibank when ready. Missing a payment damages your credit score and triggers late fees and a higher interest rate. Citibank may offer a payment plan or hardship program if you explain your situation. Ignoring the debt makes it worse.

Is the Macy's Card worth it if I only shop there occasionally?

Probably not. The rewards rate is low compared to general-purpose cards, and the interest rate is high if you carry a balance. If you shop at Macy's fewer than four or five times a year, you will earn more value from a card that rewards you on all purchases.