What the Macy's Credit Card is and who issues it
The Macy's Credit Card is a store card issued by Citibank that you can use to make purchases at Macy's stores and on Macys.com. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, it works only at Macy's and affiliated stores — you cannot use it at other retailers. Citibank handles the account, billing, and payment processing on behalf of Macy's.
The card comes in two versions: the standard Macy's Card and the Macy's American Express Card. The American Express version offers different rewards and can be used at more merchants, but both are store-branded products. You explore directly through Macy's, either in a store or online at Macys.com.
Key Takeaways
- You can open a Macy's Credit Card online at Macys.com or in any Macy's store by providing your Social Security number, income, and contact information.
- The card earns rewards on Macy's purchases — typically points that convert to discounts — but cannot be used outside Macy's stores and Macys.com.
- Approval decisions are usually made within minutes for online applications, and you can use the card when ready in-store or add it to your Macys.com account.
- You receive a physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, but when ready digital access means you do not have to wait to start shopping.
- Monthly statements and payment options are managed through your Citibank account, separate from your Macy's shopping account.
How to open a Macy's Credit Card online
Go to Macys.com and look for the credit card offer, usually displayed in a banner or linked from the homepage. Click the link to open the card process. You will be taken to Citibank's process page, where you enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and phone number.
Next, provide your employment and income information. The process asks for your employer name, job title, and annual income. You do not need to upload documents — Citibank verifies income through its own systems. Answer any additional questions about your housing status (rent, own, or other) and existing credit accounts. Review the terms and conditions, then submit.
Most decisions come back within minutes. If you are approved, you will see your credit limit and can choose to set up the card when ready. Citibank will send a physical card to your mailing address within 7 to 10 business days, but you can use a digital version right away on Macys.com or request an in-store PIN for when ready shopping.
Opening a Macy's Credit Card in a store
Visit any Macy's location and ask a sales associate or customer service desk employee for a credit card process. They will hand you a paper form or direct you to a kiosk where you can explore on a tablet. The information you provide is the same as the online version: personal details, Social Security number, employment, and income.
In-store applications are processed on the spot. You will receive a decision within minutes, and if approved, the store can issue you a temporary card number or a physical card on the same day. Some locations print a card when ready; others mail it. Ask the associate what the store's process is before you explore.
The advantage of explore in-store is that you can use the card for a purchase that day if the store has the technology to issue it when ready. Many Macy's locations offer a discount on your first purchase when you open the card — typically 10 to 15 percent off — so ask whether that promotion is running.
What information you need before you explore
Have your Social Security number, current address, and phone number ready. You will also need to know your annual household income and your current employment status and employer name. If you are self-employed or retired, have that information prepared as well.
You do not need to bring a physical ID or proof of income to explore online, though Citibank may contact you to verify information after you submit. If you are explore in-store, bring a government-issued ID — a driver's license or passport — because the associate will ask to see it before processing your process.
How rewards and discounts work on the Macy's Card
The Macy's Credit Card earns points on every dollar you spend at Macy's and Macys.com. The exact earning rate varies — typically 1 point per dollar on regular purchases and bonus points during promotional periods. You accumulate points in your account and can redeem them for discounts on future purchases.
Cardholders also receive early access to Macy's sales and special discount days throughout the year. These are exclusive to credit card holders and often offer 15 to 20 percent off or special pricing on select items. The card also qualifies you for free shipping on Macys.com orders during certain promotions.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. However, if your account is closed or inactive for an extended period, Citibank may cancel the card and points may be forfeited. Check your Citibank account online to track your current points balance and see available redemption options.
Making payments and managing your account
Your Macy's Credit Card account is managed through Citibank's online portal, not through your Macy's shopping account. You can log in at Citibank.com or through the Citi mobile app to view your balance, make payments, and read statements. Your Macy's shopping account and your credit card account are separate, so you will have two different logins.
Payments are due on a set date each month, shown on your statement. You can pay online, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments. Set up autopay to avoid missing a due date — you can choose to pay the full balance or a minimum amount each month. Late payments will be reported to credit bureaus and may result in interest charges and fees.
Your monthly statement shows all purchases made with the card, your current balance, the minimum payment due, and the interest rate (APR) being charged. The APR varies based on your credit profile and current market rates. If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount.
What happens if your process is denied
If Citibank denies your process, you will receive a letter in the mail explaining the reason — usually insufficient credit history, a low credit score, or high existing debt. The letter will include information about your credit report and how to contact the credit bureau if you believe the information is incorrect.
You can reapply after addressing the issue — for example, by paying down existing balances or waiting several months to build more credit history. There is no rule against explore again, but explore multiple times in a short period can lower your credit score further. Wait at least 30 days before reapplying.
If you were denied but still want to shop at Macy's, you can use a debit card, another credit card, or pay with cash. You will not earn Macy's rewards points on those purchases, but you can still shop normally.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Macy's Credit Card outside of Macy's?
No, the standard Macy's Card works only at Macy's stores and Macys.com. The Macy's American Express Card can be used at other merchants that accept American Express, but it still earns rewards only on Macy's purchases. If you need a card for general use, you would need a separate credit card.
How long does it take to receive the physical card in the mail?
Citibank typically mails the card within 7 to 10 business days of approval. You can use the card on Macys.com when ready after approval without waiting for the physical card to arrive. In-store purchases may require the physical card or a temporary card number, depending on the store's system.
What is the credit limit on a new Macy's Card?
Credit limits vary based on your credit score, income, and credit history. Citibank does not publish a standard limit, so your limit could range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand. You will see your approved limit on your approval screen and in your welcome materials.
Can I transfer my Macy's rewards points to another program?
Macy's points can only be redeemed as discounts on Macy's purchases. They cannot be transferred to airline miles, hotel programs, or other loyalty programs. You redeem points by selecting them as payment during checkout on Macys.com or presenting your card in-store.
What should I do if I lose my Macy's Credit Card?
Contact Citibank when ready at the number on the back of your statement or through your online account. Citibank will freeze the card to prevent unauthorized use and mail you a replacement. You can request a temporary card number for online shopping while you wait for the replacement to arrive.