Citi Macy's American Express Card Review: Earn Rewards Exclusively at Macy's
Love shopping at Macy's? The Macy's American Express card lets you earn Star Money on purchases, but the high APR means it's only worth it if you pay your balance in full each month.
| Annual Fee | $0.00 |
| Sign-up Bonus | Up to $100, 30% off |
| Rewards Rate | 1x-5x Points |
| Regular APR | As of December 16, 2025, Purchase, Balance Transfer, and Cash Advance APR: 32.74% (rates may vary with the market based on the Prime Rate). |
| Other Fees | Minimum Interest Charge: $2.00. Cash Advance Fee: The greater of $5.00 or 4% of the amount of each cash advance. Transaction Fee for Purchases in Foreign Currency: 3% of the U.S. Dollar amount of each purchase. |
Overview
For die-hard Macy's shoppers, the Macy's American Express Card offers a compelling way to earn rewards on every purchase, with no annual fee. Its primary appeal lies in a tiered rewards system that gives you more back the more you spend, earning up to 5 points per dollar at Macy's. The card extends its value beyond the department store, offering a solid 3 points per dollar at restaurants and 2 points at U.S. gas stations and supermarkets. New cardholders also receive a one-day discount on Macy's purchases, which can save them up to $100 right away.
However, the card's value is tightly linked to the Macy's ecosystem. Rewards are paid out as "Star Money," which can only be redeemed on future Macy's purchases, offering little flexibility. The biggest drawback is its exceptionally high regular APR, which can quickly erase any rewards earned if you carry a balance. For this reason, the Macy's American Express Card is best for loyal customers who will spend enough to benefit from the rewards tiers and are disciplined about paying their bill in full each month to avoid the steep interest charges.
Pros & Cons
What's great
- No annual fee
- Generous sign-up bonus
- High rewards rate
- Cashback on purchases
- Luxury perks
- Store-specific benefits
Things to consider
- High regular APR
- No intro APR period
- Foreign transaction fees apply
Benefits
Rewards for Macy's and More
The Macy's American Express Card is built for the department store's loyal shoppers, offering a rewards structure that improves with your spending. You'll start by earning 2 points per dollar on Macy's purchases, but that rate can climb to 3 points (for Gold status) or even 5 points (for Platinum status) as you spend more throughout the year. What makes this card stand out from a typical store card is its value outside of Macy's. Cardholders also earn an impressive 3 points per dollar at restaurants (including delivery) and 2 points per dollar at gas stations and supermarkets, with 1 point per dollar on everything else. This makes it a surprisingly well-rounded card for everyday spending, not just for your shopping trips at the mall.
Valuable Perks and Easy Redemptions
As a new cardholder, you'll receive a straightforward welcome offer: a 30% discount on your Macy's purchases for the day you open your account, good for up to $100 in savings. While not as lucrative as some cash-back bonuses, it provides immediate, easy-to-use value. Rewards are redeemed as "Star Money" in $10 increments for every 1,000 points you earn, which can be spent like cash on almost anything at Macy's. Beyond the rewards program, the card comes with no annual fee and provides tangible benefits like free shipping on Macy's purchases and a birthday surprise. Perhaps one of its most underrated features is access to Amex Offers, which provides valuable statement credits and discounts at a wide range of other retailers and restaurants, adding value well beyond Macy's aisles.
Drawbacks
The card's most significant drawback is its exceptionally high regular APR. This rate is well above average, even for store credit cards, making it a risky choice for anyone who might carry a balance from one month to the next. Any interest charges incurred could quickly wipe out the value of the rewards earned, so this card is best suited for those who are certain they can pay their bill in full every month.
Furthermore, the rewards program is highly restrictive. While you can earn bonus points in useful everyday categories like restaurants, gas stations, and supermarkets, all rewards can only be redeemed for "Star Money" to be used on future Macy's purchases. This lack of flexibility is a major downside compared to general cash-back or travel rewards cards that let you use your earnings wherever you wish. The card also charges a 3% foreign transaction fee, making it a poor choice for international travel or for making purchases from foreign merchants.
Decision Guidance
This card is an excellent choice for loyal customers who spend enough to maximize the tiered rewards and will use them for future Macy's purchases. While the bonus rewards at restaurants and gas stations are a nice perk, the card's exceptionally high APR makes it suitable only for those who are certain they can pay their balance in full each month. If you don't shop at Macy's regularly or tend to carry a balance, a general cash-back card would offer far more flexibility and value.
Summary
The Macy's American Express Card is a powerful tool for dedicated Macy's shoppers, offering a top-tier rewards rate at the department store and surprisingly solid earnings on dining, gas, and groceries. However, its value is entirely tied to the Macy's ecosystem, as rewards can only be used for store purchases, and the punishingly high APR makes it a risky choice for anyone who might carry a balance. This card best serves loyal customers who pay their bill in full each month and can take full advantage of the in-store rewards.