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Macy's American Express® Card Review

overall rating
2.4

Modest rewards up to Gold level, plus coupon for new members

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While Macy's shoppers might think that the Macy's American Express® card will earn them valuable rewards at the store immediately, you'll start off by earning 2% back in rewards, with the ability to earn up to 5% back after spending $1,200 annually at the store using your card. Meanwhile, you'll get 3% back at U.S. restaurants, 2% back at U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets, and 1% cash back elsewhere.

Rewards points are automatically redeemed for a $10 Star Money reward once you've accumulated 1,000 points, and you must use rewards within 30 days or they expire. The card has no annual fee, and it comes with some nice shopping and travel perks.

Macy's American Express® Card

Overall Rating
2.4
Macy's American Express® Card
On Department Stores National Bank's Secured Site.
Current Offer

Open a Macy's Credit Card and save 20% during your first two days of card membership, up to a total of $100.

Recommended Credit
Score Our recommended ranges are based off of the FICO® Score 8 credit-scoring model. Credit score is one of the many factors lenders review in considering your application.
350 579
580 669
670 739
740 799
800 850
Good - Excellent
Regular APR (%) 31.24% variable
Annual Fee $0
Rewards Earning Rate Earn up to 5% in rewards at Macy's, plus 3% back at restaurants, 2% at gas stations and supermarkets, and 1% everywhere else.
Foreign transaction fee (%) 3%
how this card stacks up
When compared among all rewards cards in our database:
Rewards
Benefits
Low Fees
Security/Customer Experience
Low Interest
worst best

The Macy's American Express Card is not one of our top-rated rewards credit cards. You can review our list of the best rewards credit cards for what we think are better options.

Full Review of Macy's American Express® Card

Pros
  • Two-day coupon for new cardholders

  • Higher rewards rate at restaurants, supermarkets, and gas stations

  • Travel and shopping benefits

Cons
  • Subpar rewards at Macy’s until Gold level

  • Confusing application process

  • Rewards expire after 30 days

Overview

Macy's was founded in 1858 and is headquartered in New York, NY. Macy's Inc. owns Macy's, Bloomingdales, and Bluemercury. It employs approximately 90,000 individuals. To provide anytime shopping via any channel that a customer prefers, Macy's focuses on providing successful e-commerce and mobile experiences as well as its in-store shopping across the U.S.

Pros Explained

  • Two-Day Coupon for New Cardholders: If you apply for the Macy's American Express® card and are approved, you'll get a 20% off coupon to use at Macy's, Macy's Backstage, or macys.com from the day you're approved through the next day. The coupon can save you up to $100. It can be a welcome benefit if you're planning an expensive purchase, like a new suit or handbag. 
  • Higher Rewards Rate at Restaurants, Supermarkets, and Gas Stations: You can earn 3 points per $1 spent at U.S. restaurants, 2 points per $1 spent at U.S. gas stations and U.S. supermarkets, and 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else besides Macy's. Cardholders will earn 2% back in rewards at Macy's until they reach a higher earning tier.
  • Travel and Shopping Benefits: As a cardholder, you'll get access to extra travel benefits, including up to 10% off Delta Airlines flights, up to 25% off qualifying car rentals, and hotel discounts. You'll also have Entertainment Access, where you can buy tickets to major events before the general public. Depending on how much money you spend at Macy's, you'll also qualify for these shopping benefits:
  • $1 to $499 annual spend: Silver rewards status gives you a 25% off Star Pass, along with special sales and a "birthday surprise." Cardholders are automatically granted Silver status.
  • $500 to $1,199 annual spend: Gold rewards status gets you all the perks of the Silver level, plus free shipping. You'll also earn 3% back in rewards when using your Macy's card. 
  • $1,200+ annual spend: Platinum rewards status gives you all the perks of Gold level, and you'll also earn 5% in rewards on Macy's purchases.

Cons Explained

  • Subpar Rewards at Macy's Until Gold Level: Despite being called the Macy's American Express® card, this credit card doesn't offer much in the way of rewards for shopping at Macy's unless cardholders reach Gold status by spending at least $500 a year there. You'll still earn 3 points per $1 spent at restaurants, 2 points per $1 spent at gas stations and supermarkets, and 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else. If you attain Platinum status, your Macy's purchases will earn 5 points per dollar.
  • Confusing Application Process: The application process for the Macy's American Express® Card can be confusing. When you submit your application, you're considered for both the Macy's American Express® card and the Macy's credit card, a store card that can only be used at Macy's. If your credit is good enough, you'll be approved for both cards, and you can choose which one you want. However, if your credit isn't good enough to qualify for the American Express card, you may still be approved for the Macy's credit card. 
  • Rewards Expire After 30 Days: When you earn rewards, you have to use them quickly. Once you accumulate 1,000 points, you'll receive $10 in Star Money rewards, which you can use in-store at Macy's or online at Macys.com. However, your Star Money rewards expire 30 days after they're issued. 

While Star Money rewards expire after 30 days, Star Rewards points only expire if your card account is closed or you fail to make a qualifying purchase using your card or rewards at Macy's within a 12-month period.

Expiring rewards is a major drawback. With many other rewards credit cards, points never expire, and you can redeem them at any time. For example, the Discover it Cash Back card offers 5% cash back at different places each quarter, up to a quarterly maximum, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Your cash-back rewards never expire, and you can redeem your rewards when you've accumulated as little as $0.01 worth.

This Card is Best For

  • Avatar for Annual Fee Averse Persona
    Resists or refuses an annual fee on principle or due to cost
    Annual Fee Averse
  • Avatar for Rewards Strategist Persona
    Seeks to maximize points or miles earnings across spending categories
    Rewards Strategist

The Macy's American Express® card is best suited for Macy's devotees who regularly shop at the store and spend at least $1,200 per year there. 

With this card, you'll earn a higher rewards rate at U.S. restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. supermarkets. And, if you become a Platinum level member by spending $1,200 per year at Macy's, you'll get extra perks like 5% back in rewards on Macy's purchases, free shipping, and special discounts. 

This card also gives you access to travel benefits that can help you save money, such as discounts on hotels and cruises.

Macy's American Express® Card Bonus

With most credit cards that offer a bonus, you have to spend a certain amount within the first few months of opening an account to qualify. The Macy's American Express® card works differently. When you're approved for the card, you'll get a coupon for 20% off at Macy's that must be used within the first two days of your account opening. It's worth up to $100 in savings. While that's a decent bonus for a card with no annual fee, other cards offer more generous bonuses and give you more time to spend them.

For example, the Quicksilver card from Capital One offers a $200 cash bonus if you spend $500 on purchases within the first three months of opening an account. The card has no annual fee, and you'll earn unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase.

Rewards Earning Details

As a Macy's American Express® cardholder, you'll earn the following rewards: 

  • 3 points per $1 spent at restaurants
  • 2 points per $1 spent at gas stations and supermarkets
  • 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases, outside of Macy's

If you spend $1,200 or more per year at Macy's and become a Platinum level member, you'll also earn 5 points per $1 spent at Macy's, Macy's Backstage, and Macys.com.

Rewards Redemption Details

With the Macys American Express® card, there's only one redemption method: Star Money. When you have accumulated 1,000 points, you'll automatically receive $10 in Star Money. You can use your Star Money rewards at Macy’s stores, Macy's Backstage, or at Macys.com. Star Money rewards can't be used to purchase gift cards or Beauty Box subscriptions. Nor can they be used at restaurants located inside a Macy’s store.

Star Money rewards expire 30 days after they’re issued. If your credit card account is closed, or if you fail to make a qualifying purchase with your card for 12 months, you’ll lose your Star Rewards points.

How to Maximize Your Rewards

If you want to get the most value from this card, you should aim to spend at least $1,200 per year at Macy's so you can reach Platinum status and earn 5 points per $1 spent on your Macy's purchases. 

The card offers 3 points per $1 spent at restaurants, which is a fairly high rate of return. You'll also earn 2 points per $1 spent at gas stations and supermarkets. So use the card whenever you dine out, grocery shop, or fill up your car to earn more points for your routine expenses.

Macy's American Express® Card's Outstanding Benefits

  • Up to $150 back on Celebrity Cruises
  • Discounts on select hotels
  • Up to $100 back on RV rentals through Cruise America

Standard Benefits

  • Entertainment Access for advance ticket sales

Cardholder Experience

The Macy's American Express® card is issued by Department Stores National Bank, an affiliate of Citibank. Department Stores National Bank, which also issues Bloomingdale's American Express card, is not rated in J.D. Power's 2021 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study. Citibank scored 805 out of 1,000 in that study, compared with the national average of 809.

The Macy's credit card customer service team can be reached by calling 888-257-6757. An automated system is available 24 hours a day. However, customer support is only available to answer questions Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST.

If you have a problem with your account after hours, you may find the limited customer support frustrating. That's a big difference compared to most major credit cards, which offer 24-hour support.

Security Features

The card has standard security features, such as liability protection and chip technology. 

Final Verdict

If you spend a significant amount of money at Macy's—$1,200 or more per year—you may find the Macy's American Express® card valuable. When you reach Platinum level, you'll receive 5 points per $1 spent at Macy's, along with the card's regular higher rewards rates at restaurants, gas stations, and supermarkets. The card also offers extra perks like special discounts, free shipping for select cardholders, and travel benefits. Plus, it has no annual fee.

However, this card won't be as useful if you spend less than $1,200 a year at Macy's. If you don't meet that threshold, you will earn rewards points at a lower percentage on your Macy's purchases. And, the Star Money rewards expire 30 days after being issued.

FAQs

Is Macy's Credit Card American Express?

Macy's offers two credit cards. The Macy's credit card is a store card that one can only use for purchases at Macy's. The Macy's American Express credit card can be used at Macy's and anywhere else the American Express card is accepted.

How Does a Macy's American Express Card Compare to a Macy's Store Card?

Both cards participate in the Macy's Star Rewards loyalty program that earns you rewards by shopping at Macy's. They both offer the 20% new account bonus (valid for two days). But the Macy's American Express card lets you earn additional reward points by spending everywhere else—at restaurants, gas stations, supermarkets, and other establishments. Plus you get special discounts and travel/entertainment bonuses that only American Express offers.

What Credit Score Do You Need for a Macy's American Express?

You need a score of 670 to 850, which is Good to Excellent. Bear in mind that information you provide on your application is also considered.

Should You Get a Macy's American Express Card?

As long as you have good to excellent credit and you love shopping frequently at Macy's, then the card is worth considering. It has no annual fee, solid rewards, and attractive special offers.

Next Steps
For Macy's American Express® Card
on Department Stores National Bank's Secured Site.
Compare This Card
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CURRENT CARD
Macy's American Express® Card
overall rating
2.4
Recommended Credit
Score Our recommended ranges are based off of the FICO® Score 8 credit-scoring model. Credit score is one of the many factors lenders review in considering your application.
350 579
580 669
670 739
740 799
800 850
Good - Excellent
Regular APR (%) 31.24% variable
Annual Fee $0
Rewards Earning Rate Earn up to 5% in rewards at Macy's, plus 3% back at restaurants, 2% at gas stations and supermarkets, and 1% everywhere else.
Investopedia Credit Card Rating Methodology
Investopedia is committed to delivering the best credit card recommendations in the industry. We’ll tell you when a card is good, we’ll tell you when a card is bad, and we’ll only call a card the best if we would recommend it to our friends or family members.
Overall Star Rating Explained
To rate credit cards we objectively assess, score and weight nearly 100 individual card features which roll up into five major feature sets: fees, interest, rewards, benefits and security/customer service. Here’s how we weighted those feature sets for the overall star rating of a card:
We have applied our proprietary rating methodology to every generally-accepted credit card in the U.S. domestic market to allow consumers to make fully informed choices. It’s important to note that for our overall score that we make a number of assumptions about how you would be using your credit card:
  1. While we make no assumption as to whether balances are carried on a given card we do assign varying weights to all credit cards’ introductory APR (if present) in addition to the regular, long term purchase and balance transfer interest rates.
  2. We utilize BLS (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics) income and average category spending data to calculate annual earnings rates for rewards cards that offer cash back, points or miles rewards at a set rate on all spending or in consideration of bonus rewards for certain spending categories, like gasoline, groceries, restaurants or travel.
  3. We determine the maximum points value of rewards cards by dividing the points, cash back or miles required to exchange for the retail price of the most valuable redemption option (for example, in the case of a card that offers a domestic roundtrip airline ticket as a redemption option vs. another redemption option of lesser value that requires the same amount of points or miles to acquire, we would base the rewards value on the airline ticket).
  • Cards that are selected best overall in their respective categories generally feature most if not all of the following attributes:
  • Low or Reasonable Fees Credit card fees come in many forms but the primary ones involve those for annual card membership and balance transfer. There are a myriad of reward and non-reward card options that charge no annual fee but for the many that do assess an annual fee the cost is often justified by their lucrative ongoing rewards and initial signup bonuses. Balance transfer fees are occasionally waived during introductory periods with certain cards, a factor which is heavily and positively weighted in our scoring model for cards offering this benefit. When charged, balance transfer fees range between 3% - 5%, which we grade accordingly. Other standard fees can generally be avoided, such as those for paying late or taking cash advances but we rate those relative to other cards in the market for reference, though with less weight assigned
  • Competitive Interest Many cards offer 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for varying lengths and then revert to a permanent or regular APR (based on a variable rate tied to the prime rate) that applies to any balances not paid in full. We rate both introductory APR percentage and length (in months) along with the midpoint of the variable regular APR interest rate range.
  • Valuable Rewards Credit card reward programs can be based on cash back, points or travel rewards (which can be generic or travel partner-specific, as with airline and hotel co-brand card programs). For cards that offer rewards we determine the value per dollar spent along with average redemption values and assign more favorable ratings to cards that offer superior consumer value. We also assign value to sign-up bonus offers and their initial spending requirements, when present.
  • Excellent Benefits Credit card benefits cover a range of offerings like concierge service, TSA Pre-check, auto rental coverage, travel accident insurance, lost luggage assistance and free credit scores. We rate cards on the number and level of over a dozen standard and upscale benefits and provide extra weighting emphasis for those travel-related perks that apply to premium travel cards when present.
  • Solid Security/Customer Service Security and customer service features like lost or stolen card replacement, being able to lock one’s card from an issuer app and 24 hour customer support are becoming more standard across the card market and we provide a significant amount of weighting to features in this area.
  • You can also read the full version of our methodology for a more in-depth look at how we assess cards and award them the best in various categories.