The Macy's Credit Card gives you rewards on purchases at Macy's and Macy's.com, plus a few perks that kick in right away
The Macy's Credit Card is a store card that works only at Macy's locations and their website. When you use it to buy clothes, home goods, or anything else Macy's sells, you earn points on every dollar spent. Those points turn into discounts you can use on future purchases. You also get a birthday bonus and early access to some sales — benefits that start as soon as your account opens, not after you spend a certain amount.
The card does not work at other retailers. If you want rewards everywhere you shop, you would need a different card. But if you shop at Macy's regularly, the rewards rate here is higher than what a general-purpose card offers.
Key Takeaways
- You earn one point per dollar spent at Macy's, and points convert to a $5 reward once you reach 1,250 points.
- The card comes with a birthday bonus (usually extra points or a discount) that you can use in the month of your birthday.
- Cardholders get early access to Macy's sales and special shopping events before the general public.
- There is no annual fee, but the card only works at Macy's — it cannot be used at other stores or restaurants.
How the rewards points system works
Every time you swipe the Macy's card at checkout, you earn one point per dollar. If you buy a $60 shirt, you get 60 points. Once you reach 1,250 points, Macy's converts them automatically into a $5 reward certificate that shows up in your account. You then use that certificate like a coupon at the register or online — it reduces your total by $5.
The conversion rate is fixed: 1,250 points always equals $5. This means you earn roughly $1 in rewards for every $250 you spend. That is a 0.4% return, which is lower than what you would get from a general cash-back card (typically 1% to 2%), but higher than most store cards offer.
Points do not expire as long as your account stays open and active. If you do not use the card for a long time, Macy's may close the account, which would erase any points you had saved. Using it once or twice a year should keep the account alive.
Birthday bonus and early sale access
During your birthday month, Macy's sends you a bonus — either extra points or a one-time discount code. The exact offer changes, but it is usually worth $10 to $15 in value. You have to use it during your birthday month, so mark your calendar if you plan to shop then.
Cardholders also get notified about sales and special events before they are announced to the public. This means you might hear about a clearance event or a one-day sale a day or two early, giving you first pick at discounted items. This perk is most valuable during major shopping seasons like back-to-school or holiday.
Annual percentage rate and interest charges
The Macy's Credit Card charges interest on balances you do not pay off in full each month. The annual percentage rate (APR) varies based on your credit history — people with stronger credit scores typically get lower rates. Macy's does not publish a single APR; instead, they offer a range. You find out your exact rate when you open the account.
If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount. For example, if you charge $500 and pay back $200, you owe interest on the remaining $300 until you pay it off. The longer you carry the balance, the more interest you pay, which can erase the value of your rewards. To avoid this, pay the full statement balance each month if you can.
Macy's occasionally runs promotional offers like "12 months no interest" on purchases over a certain amount. These are advertised in-store and online. If you use one of these offers, make sure you understand the terms — if you do not pay off the full amount before the promotion ends, you owe interest on the entire original purchase, not just the remaining balance.
When the Macy's card makes sense to use
The card is worth carrying if you shop at Macy's at least a few times a year. Someone who spends $1,000 annually at Macy's would earn about $4 in rewards — not life-changing, but real. If you spend $3,000 a year, you earn roughly $12. The rewards add up faster during sale season when you buy more items.
The card is less useful if you only shop at Macy's once a year or less. You would earn rewards slowly and might not hit the 1,250-point threshold before your account closes from inactivity. In that case, you are better off just paying with cash or a general rewards card.
The card also makes sense if you value the early sale access and birthday bonus more than the points themselves. Some shoppers use the card mainly to get notified about events and to grab the birthday discount, treating the points as a bonus on top.
How the Macy's card affects your credit
Opening a new credit card temporarily lowers your credit score because the process triggers a hard inquiry and adds a new account to your credit report. The impact is usually small — 5 to 10 points — and your score recovers within a few months as you use the card responsibly.
Using the card and paying on time actually helps your credit over time. It shows lenders you can manage credit responsibly. However, if you carry a high balance relative to your credit limit, it can hurt your score. Credit bureaus look at your utilization ratio — the percentage of your available credit you are using. Keeping this below 30% is ideal.
If you already have several credit cards, opening another one adds complexity. You have to track multiple due dates and balances. If you miss a payment on any card, it damages your credit score. Only open the Macy's card if you are confident you can manage another account.
Comparing the Macy's card to other options
A general cash-back card like the Chase Freedom or Capital One SavorOne gives you 1% to 2% back on all purchases, including Macy's. Over time, this usually beats the Macy's card's 0.4% return. However, general cards charge annual fees (usually $95 to $550), while the Macy's card has no annual fee.
If you only shop at Macy's and nowhere else, the Macy's card wins because there is no fee. If you shop at multiple stores, a general card with no annual fee (like the Chase Freedom Student or Discover It) usually gives you better value overall.
Some people carry both — they use the Macy's card at Macy's to earn the higher rewards rate and early sale access, and they use a general card everywhere else. This strategy works if you are organized enough to manage two accounts and remember which card to use where.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Macy's card outside of Macy's?
No. The Macy's Credit Card only works at Macy's stores and Macy's.com. You cannot use it at other retailers, restaurants, or gas stations. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need a different card.
What happens to my points if I close the account?
Any unused points are lost when you close the account. If you have points saved up, use them before closing. You can also keep the account open even if you do not use it often — just charge something small once a year to keep it active.
Is there a sign-up bonus when I open the card?
Macy's occasionally runs promotions for new cardholders, such as extra points or a discount on your first purchase. These offers change frequently. Check Macy's website or ask in-store to see what is currently available.
Do I have to pay an annual fee?
No. The Macy's Credit Card has no annual fee. You only pay interest if you carry a balance from month to month.
How do I check my points balance?
You can see your points balance online through your Macy's account, in the Macy's mobile app, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. Points are updated after each purchase.