Picture earning points that climb the more you shop at one of the most famous luxury stores in the country. The Saks credit card is built for loyal Saks Fifth Avenue shoppers, with tiered rewards and perks that scale with your spending.
But a store-linked card is not for everyone, and the version you get depends on your credit. This guide explains how the Saks credit card works, who tends to qualify, and a few credit-building cards that may fit better if that is your goal.
What Is the Saks Credit Card?
The Saks credit card comes in two flavors. There is a basic Saks store card that works only at Saks, and the SaksFirst World Elite Mastercard, which you can use anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
Both are part of the SaksFirst loyalty program, which rewards shoppers with points and tiered benefits. The Mastercard version is the more flexible choice, since it works far beyond the store.
As of June 2026, neither card charges an annual fee. The World Elite Mastercard also skips foreign transaction fees, which can be handy when traveling abroad.
How the Rewards Work
The Saks rewards structure is tiered and grows with how much you spend at Saks each year. As of June 2026, you earn 2 points per dollar on your first $2,499, 4 points per dollar from $2,500 to $9,999, and 6 points per dollar once you cross $10,000 in eligible yearly Saks spend.
With the World Elite Mastercard, purchases outside Saks earn 2 points per dollar. That makes the card useful for everyday spending, not just luxury shopping.
Points are best for shoppers who spend heavily at Saks. If you only visit occasionally, the higher tiers may be hard to reach.
SaksFirst Tiers and Perks
The SaksFirst program has tiers based on yearly Saks spending, and the perks improve as you climb. Premier members get point events, free standard shipping, and early sale access.
Elite members add a $25 services reward card and priority event access. Platinum members can earn complimentary valet where available, faster shipping, and an exclusive service line.
The World Elite Mastercard also layers on perks like concierge service, extended warranty protection, and trip protection. Terms and conditions apply, and benefits can change.
Who Can Get Approved?
Approval depends on which card you want. The basic store card is often more accessible, while the World Elite Mastercard generally calls for a good credit score.
Applying triggers a hard inquiry, which can lower your score by a few points temporarily. APRs vary by creditworthiness, and store-linked cards often carry higher interest rates.
If you carry a balance, that interest can quickly outweigh the points you earn. These cards reward people who pay in full each month, not those who finance purchases.
Cards That May Build Credit Further
If your main goal is building credit rather than luxury perks, an unsecured card with no deposit may serve you better. If you are early in the process, a primer on how to build credit at 18 is a good starting point. These cards report to the major bureaus and work anywhere their network is accepted.
The Aspire Mastercard is an unsecured option with no security deposit, made for people working on fair credit. Because it runs on the Mastercard network, it works far beyond a single retailer.
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard
Aspire® Cash Back Rewards Mastercard. Prequalify* For Up To $1000 Credit Limit. No security deposit. Packed with great benefits, it’s designed to give you more flexibility—and purchasing power—along with up to 3% cash back rewards!** Good anywhere Mastercard is accepted, it’s the go-to card for any lifestyle.
Standout feature
Up to 3% cashback rewards
Fees
$49 to $175; after that $0 to $49 annually; - $60 to $159 annually billed at $5 to $12.50 per month after the first year.
Pros
No Deposit Required. Prequalify for up to $1000 credit limit
Cons
High APR. 25.74% to 36%, based on your creditworthiness.
The Perpay Credit Card is another unsecured card structured around steady payments, which can help you build positive history. For a savings-plus-credit approach, the Self Visa® Credit Card pairs a credit builder account with a card. If you would rather start with a deposit-backed option, a secured credit card can be a gentle on-ramp. Watching your progress with a tool like Creditship.ai can help you see your score move over time.
Perpay Credit Card
Perpay Credit Card
Meet the only card powered by your paycheck. With automatic transfers from your paycheck, you can manage payments stress-free and build credit with ease.
Fee
$9/month plus $9 account opening fee
APR
Marketplace: 0% / Credit Card: 27.74% to 29.99% depending on your creditworthiness.
Minimum Deposit Amount
$0
Credit Check
No
Cashback
2% reward on purchases made in Perpay Marketplace
Benefit
2% rewards, no security deposit
Is the Saks Card Worth It?
The answer depends on how you shop. If you spend a lot at Saks each year, the tiered points and perks can add real value.
If you only shop there now and then, the rewards may be too thin to matter. And if your priority is building credit, a card you can use everywhere usually does more.
Pay in Full When You Can
The rewards only pay off if you avoid interest. Aim to pay your balance in full each month so points are not eaten by finance charges.
Keep Utilization Low
Using a small share of your limit, known as your credit utilization, can support a healthier score. Try to keep balances well below your credit line.
Next Steps
The Saks credit card can reward devoted luxury shoppers, especially through the flexible World Elite Mastercard. Before applying, weigh how often you really shop there against the rewards you would earn.
If building credit you can use anywhere matters more, an unsecured starter card paired with credit monitoring may take you further. Read the terms, compare your options, and pick the path that fits your budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Saks store card and the World Elite Mastercard?
The basic Saks store card works only at Saks Fifth Avenue, while the SaksFirst World Elite Mastercard works anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The Mastercard version also earns points on purchases outside Saks and skips foreign transaction fees. The store card is often easier to qualify for.
Does the Saks credit card have an annual fee?
As of June 2026, neither the Saks store card nor the SaksFirst World Elite Mastercard charges an annual fee. The World Elite Mastercard also has no foreign transaction fee. Terms and conditions apply and can change.
What credit score do I need for the Saks credit card?
There is no published minimum, but the basic store card is generally more accessible than the World Elite Mastercard, which typically calls for stronger credit. Approval is never guaranteed and depends on your full credit profile.
What are good alternatives for building credit?
If your goal is building credit you can use anywhere, unsecured options like the Aspire Mastercard or the Perpay Credit Card may help with no deposit. The Self Visa® Credit Card pairs saving with credit building. A monitoring tool like Creditship can help you track your progress.
