If you consider yourself a frequent shopper at a particular retailer, you might consider signing up for the store credit card that they offer.
There are a number of reasons you might sign up for a store credit card. For starters, some store credit cards come with additional perks that traditional credit cards can’t offer, such as in-store discounts and coupons. Additionally, a person who frequents a particular store might benefit from having a store credit card, as loyal customers are often offered unique experiences.
Macy’s is a luxury department store that offers their own credit card. Depending on your current budget and spending habits, you might benefit from a store credit card if you frequent this retailer. If you’re considering signing up for a Macy’s card, here’s everything you need to know.
Table of Contents
Macy’s Store Credit Card
The Macy’s store credit card can be used for purchases in Macy’s retailers and online at Macys.com. Macy’s customers who want to earn rewards at other locations might consider signing up for the Macy’s American Express Card, which they can use at outside retailers to accumulate rewards on other purchases.
There is no annual fee for a Macy’s store credit card. All cardholders are Macy’s Star Members who are eligible for special perks, savings, surprises, and more.
Application Process
To apply for a Macy’s store card, you can fill out paperwork in the store with a sales associate or apply online at the Macys.com website. To apply, you’ll need:
- A fair credit score.
- Your Social Security number.
- Full name.
- Date of birth.
- Contact information, including phone number and home address.
- Proof of income.
- Monthly mortgage or rent payment information.
How to Use the Macy’s Store Card
Unlike a regular credit card, the Macy’s store card can only be used in Macy’s retail stores or by shopping online through the Macy’s website. However, Macy’s American Express cardholders have a bit more freedom when it comes to shopping.
The Macy’s American Express card offers all of the rewards a traditional Macy’s store card does but you can use it at external retailers, too. This card allows you to accumulate more rewards on purchases at a wider variety of stores.
Rewards Program
As a Macy’s store cardholder, you are eligible for their rewards program. Cardholders have benefits that the general public does not have access to and are eligible for other benefits, including:
- Savings at checkout.
- A surprise on your birthday.
- Star money days, which are specific days when customers can use their “Star Money” (Macy’s cashback incentive) on purchases.
- Registry star rewards.
- Star passes, which equate to 25% off at checkout on designated days.
- Free shipping (for Gold and Platinum members).
- 5% back in rewards (Platinum members only).
How to Make a Payment on Your Macy’s Store Card
As with any credit card, it’s important to make payments on time and in full to your Macy’s store card. To make a payment on your Macy’s card, you can call 1-888-257-6757, but be sure to have your Macy’s account number ready.
Other ways to make a payment on your Macy’s store card include mailing your payment via snail mail to the appropriate address or paying at a register in store with cash, debit, check, or money order. You can also pay your Macy’s bill online through their credit card portal.
Pros and Cons of a Store Credit Card
As with any kind of credit card, opening a card that is specific to a single store has its own pros and cons. It’s important to consider both, as well as your spending habits and personal budget, before signing any kind of store credit card agreement.
Pros
If you frequent Macy’s, opening a store credit card can be good if you’re initially trying to establish a line of credit. Knowing that you’ll be spending money in-store and able to pay your credit card off can help you do that with ease.
Additionally, there is often a discount offer that comes with being a new credit card customer. Typically, when you sign up, you’ll receive a coupon or gift card to use on your first purchase. In addition to these discounts, cardholders are often offered discounts at various times throughout the year.
Yet another pro to store credit cards is that you can buy what you want when you want it. You don’t have to wait until you have the cash saved up or on hand.
Cons
Unfortunately, there are a few cons that come with store credit cards. One of the most prevalent is the high-interest rates associated with this type of credit card. Currently, Macy’s credit card users are subject to a 26.74% APR and late fees of $39. This could be especially problematic for users who are unable to pay their balance in full, which can damage your credit score.
Conversely, if you use a store credit card too much, that can have negative effects on your credit score. Each credit card you have will have a credit limit, and if you use too much of your available credit, you could skew your utilization ratio.
Another problem with store credit cards is that they can be less beneficial than other types of rewards credit cards. Because you can only use them in one place, you’re limited to the ways in which you can earn rewards.
Macy’s is unique in this case, however. While regular Macy’s store cardholders are limited to shopping with Macy’s, those who sign up for the Macy’s American Express card can shop anywhere. Macy’s American Express cardholders are eligible to earn 3% back in restaurants, 2% on gas and supermarket purchases, and 1% everywhere else.
Remember that choosing the best credit card comes down to your spending habits and personal budget. However, if you frequently shop at Macy’s, whether in-store or online, you might benefit from a store credit card and the rewards that come with it.
Image Source: https://depositphotos.com/
