Macy's Credit Card: Star Rewards, Fees, Alternatives

You are at the Macy's register, and the associate offers a discount if you open a card right now. It is tempting, especially during a big sale. The macy's credit card comes with a real rewards program and a worthwhile welcome offer, but it also carries a steep APR that can cost you if you are not careful. Here is exactly what to know before you say yes, including who actually gets approved and what limit to expect.

At Firstcard, we help people with no credit, low credit, or bad credit choose tools that genuinely support their goals. A department-store card can fit, but it is not always the best path to a stronger score, so we cover the Macy's card in full first.

Key Facts at a Glance

All figures as of June 2026.

What Is the Macy's Credit Card?

The macy's credit card is a department-store card issued by Citibank (through Department Stores National Bank). There is a store-only version that works at Macy's (closed-loop), plus a co-branded Macy's American Express version that can be used anywhere American Express is accepted (open-loop). Both feed into the Star Rewards loyalty program.

Store cards like this are often easier to qualify for than premium travel cards, which can appeal to shoppers with limited credit history. Application is a hard pull, and the card reports to all three major bureaus, Experian, TransUnion, and Equifax. If you are new to this, our primer on how to choose a credit card can help you weigh a store card against other options.

Star Rewards and the Sign-Up Offer

Star Rewards is the loyalty engine behind the card, and it is tier-based. As of June 2026, new accounts open at Silver status, earning 2 points per $1 at Macy's. Spend $500 to $1,199 at Macy's and you move up to Gold (3 points per $1); spend $1,200 or more and you reach Platinum (5 points per $1). Points convert at 1,000 points to $10 in Star Money. Silver members get free shipping with a $25 minimum, while Gold and Platinum get free shipping with no minimum.

The welcome offer is concrete: new cardholders approved at checkout get 20% off eligible purchases in Macy's stores and 30% off on macys.com on the day of approval, capped at $100 in total savings over the first two days.

The co-branded Macy's American Express version earns outside Macy's too, and at real rates: 3 points per $1 at restaurants, 2 points per $1 at gas stations and supermarkets, and 1 point per $1 on everything else, on top of your Star Rewards rate when you shop at Macy's. American Express defines these categories narrowly, so only stand-alone restaurants and stand-alone gas stations count. A supermarket or warehouse club that also sells fuel does not trigger the gas bonus. Those points still convert at 1,000 points to $10 in Star Money.

Will You Qualify, and What Limit to Expect?

Approval depends on which version you want. The store-only Macy's card typically calls for a credit score around 640 or higher, which puts it within reach for many people with fair credit. The Macy's American Express version is harder to get, generally needing good credit around 700 or higher, since it works anywhere American Express is accepted. Your income, existing debt, and recent credit applications also weigh on the decision, so a score in range is not a guarantee.

Starting credit limits tend to be modest. Reported limits cluster around $600 for many new store-card approvals, with an average closer to $2,100 once stronger credit profiles are included. That low starting point is the catch for credit building: even light spending can push your credit utilization high, which can hold your score back. Terms and conditions apply, and approval is never guaranteed.

Fees and APR

Here is the part that needs your full attention. According to the Citibank cardholder agreement on file with the CFPB, the macy's credit card carries a variable purchase APR of 32.74% as of late 2025 (Prime Rate plus a 25.99% margin), with no annual fee and no monthly fee. The agreement also sets a minimum interest charge of $2 and late and returned-payment fees of up to $41 each. There is no separate intro-APR promotion.

The rule of thumb is straightforward: pay your full statement balance each month and interest does not apply, so the rewards and welcome discount are pure savings. Carry a balance and a 32.74% APR can erase the value of any points you earned. Because the APR is variable, it moves with the Prime Rate.

Stronger Alternatives for Building Credit

This card can help your credit because Citibank reports your activity to all three bureaus, but the low starting limit and 32.74% APR make it a weak primary credit-building tool. If your real goal is a healthier score rather than Macy's perks, a card you can use anywhere is usually a smarter place to start.

The Self Visa® Credit Card is one of the simplest ways to build history. It is backed by your own savings, reports to all three bureaus, and has high approval odds.

Worried about approval, or want a card you can use everywhere instead of only at Macy's? The Aspire Mastercard is an unsecured option with no security deposit. It accepts scores around 580 and up, reports to all three bureaus, and pays up to 3% cash back, so it works as an everyday card while your score grows.

The Bottom Line

The macy's credit card rewards frequent Macy's shoppers through Star Rewards, offers a solid 20%-off welcome discount, and can help your credit if you pay on time. To keep it in your favor, pay in full every month to dodge the 32.74% APR, use only a small slice of your limit, and avoid spending just to chase Gold or Platinum tiers. But the high APR and likely low starting limit make it a weak primary tool for building credit. If a stronger score is your goal, a card you can use anywhere, like the Self Visa Credit Card or the Aspire Mastercard, is the better foundation. Free tools like Creditship.ai help you watch your progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do you need for the Macy's credit card?

The store-only Macy's card generally needs a score around 640 or higher, which is within reach for fair credit. The Macy's American Express version usually calls for good credit around 700 or higher. Application is a hard pull, and income, debt, and recent applications also affect approval, so a qualifying score is not a guarantee.

What credit limit does the Macy's card start with?

Starting limits are usually modest. Many new store-card accounts come in around a $600 limit, while the average across all approvals is closer to $2,100 for stronger credit profiles. Higher income and a higher score generally earn a higher starting limit.

How does Star Rewards work, and does the Amex version earn more?

New accounts start at Silver (2 points per $1 at Macy's), then unlock Gold (3 points) at $500 and Platinum (5 points) at $1,200 in annual Macy's spend; 1,000 points equal $10 in Star Money. The Macy's American Express version adds 3 points per $1 at restaurants, 2 points per $1 at gas stations and supermarkets, and 1 point per $1 elsewhere.

Does the macy's credit card have an annual fee?

No. The Citibank agreement confirms a $0 annual fee and no monthly fee. The main cost to watch is the 32.74% variable APR charged on any balance you carry, plus late and returned-payment fees of up to $41.