You are at the Macy's register, and the associate offers you 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 shopper perks, but it also carries terms that can cost you if you are not careful. Here is what to know before you say yes.
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.
What Is the Macy's Credit Card?
The macy's credit card is a department-store card program. There is usually a store-only version that works at Macy's, plus a co-branded American Express version that can be used more widely. 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. 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.
Check Macy's website for current card options, since the lineup and partner can change over time.
Star Rewards Explained
Star Rewards is the loyalty engine behind the card. As of June 2026, members earn points based on annual spend tiers. Higher spending unlocks higher tiers with stronger earning rates and extra perks like free shipping days and special savings events.
The Tiers
Generally, members move up tiers as their yearly Macy's spending grows, with the top tier earning the most points per dollar. The co-branded American Express version also earns rewards on purchases outside Macy's, such as at restaurants, gas stations, and supermarkets. If broad earning is your priority, one of the best personal credit cards for rewards may beat a store card outright. Check Macy's website for current tier thresholds and earning rates.
Fees and APR
Here is the part that needs your full attention. As of June 2026, the macy's credit card carries a variable purchase APR around 32.74%, with no annual fee reported. That high APR is typical for store cards and is the reason a carried balance gets costly fast.
The rule of thumb is straightforward: pay your full statement balance each month and interest does not apply. Carry a balance and the interest can erase the value of any rewards you earned. Check Macy's website for the current APR and fees. Terms and conditions apply, and APRs vary by creditworthiness.
Does the Macy's Credit Card Build Credit?
This card can help your credit, because the issuer generally reports your account activity to the major credit bureaus. On-time payments and low balances are positive signals over time.
There are still tradeoffs that make it less than ideal as a primary credit-building tool.
Low Starting Limits
Store cards often start with modest limits. A small limit makes it easy to push your utilization ratio high even with light spending, which can hold your score back.
High-APR Pressure
The steep APR punishes any month you do not pay in full. For credit building, you want a card you can use lightly and clear without stress.
Stronger Alternatives for Building Credit
If your real goal is a healthier score rather than Macy's perks, a dedicated credit builder card is usually a smarter place to start. Firstcard partners with several worth comparing, and each one fits a different kind of shopper. It is also worth reviewing other credit card alternatives if a traditional card is not the right fit for you yet.
The Self Visa® Credit Card pairs a credit-builder account with a secured card so you build savings and credit at the same time. That makes it a good fit for the Macy's shopper who wants to channel money into a growing savings balance instead of chasing Star Rewards tiers, because every payment builds both a cushion and a payment history.
If you would prefer to build credit through everyday spending rather than a separate savings deposit, the Current Build Card is designed to report your activity as you spend and pay. It fits the shopper who wants one flexible card to use everywhere, not just at the department store, while still turning routine purchases into positive credit history without a 32% store-card APR looming over a carried balance.
Current Build Card
Current Build Card
$0 annual fee. No minimum deposit required. No credit check required. 1 point per dollar on eligible categories. Reports to Experian, TransUnion, Equifax.
Fee
$0
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
1 point/dollar on eligible categories (with qualifying payroll deposit)
Benefit
No credit check, no deposit minimum
For a low-cost option focused squarely on building credit, the Kikoff Secured Credit Card is built to report your activity and support your profile while keeping costs minimal. It fits the budget-minded shopper who liked the no-annual-fee aspect of the Macy's card but wants a product designed to build credit rather than to drive more spending. A traditional secured credit card works the same way, and it helps to know how to apply for a secured credit card before you begin. OpenSky offers a secured card with no credit check to apply, which helps if past problems are weighing you down, and Chime offers a secured card with no annual fee for eligible members. Compare these through Firstcard to find your fit. None can promise a specific score result, and Terms and conditions apply.
Kikoff Secured Credit Card
Kikoff Secured Credit Card
Kikoff Secured Credit Card works like a debit card & checking account and performs like a credit builder. Build credit with your everyday purchases.
APR
0%
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
Yes
Benefit
0% interest. No credit check.
How to Use a Store Card Wisely
If you open the macy's credit card, use it with discipline.
Pay in Full Monthly
This avoids the high interest entirely and keeps the card working in your favor.
Keep Utilization Low
Use only a small portion of your limit. Lower utilization tends to support a healthier score.
Do Not Chase Tiers
Spending more just to reach a higher Star Rewards tier rarely pays off. Earn rewards only on purchases you were already going to make.
The Bottom Line
The macy's credit card can reward frequent Macy's shoppers through Star Rewards, and it may help your credit if you pay on time and keep balances low. 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, compare dedicated options like the Self Visa® Credit Card, OpenSky, and the Current Build Card through Firstcard first. Terms and conditions apply, and APRs vary by creditworthiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the macy's credit card have an annual fee?
As of June 2026, the macy's credit card is reported to have no annual fee. Fees can change, so check Macy's website for current details before applying. The main cost to watch is the interest charged if you carry a balance.
How does Star Rewards work?
Star Rewards is a tiered loyalty program where higher annual spending unlocks higher earning rates and extra perks. The co-branded American Express version also earns rewards outside Macy's. Check Macy's website for current tier thresholds and earning rates.
Does the macy's credit card help build credit?
It can, because the issuer generally reports your activity to the major credit bureaus. On-time payments and low balances help your profile. A low starting limit and high APR make it less ideal than a dedicated credit-building card for many people.
What are good alternatives for building credit?
Dedicated products like the Self Visa® Credit Card, OpenSky, the Kikoff Secured Credit Card, the Current Build Card, and Chime are designed around credit building. You can compare them through Firstcard. Terms and conditions apply, and results vary by person.
