Macy's Star Rewards is a loyalty program, not a credit card — but it works best when you pair it with a Macy's credit card
The Macy's Star Rewards program is a points-based loyalty program that tracks your spending at Macy's and Macy's.com. You earn points on purchases whether you pay with a credit card, debit card, cash, or gift card. However, Macy's also offers a branded credit card — the Macy's Card — that earns bonus points and unlocks additional perks that the loyalty program alone does not provide.
The confusion exists because the two programs are linked: you can join Star Rewards without a credit card, but the credit card accelerates your rewards. Understanding which one you actually have, and what each one does, determines how much value you get from your Macy's spending.
Key Takeaways
- Macy's Star Rewards is a free loyalty program you can join without a credit card, earning one point per dollar spent at Macy's.
- The Macy's Card is a separate credit card that earns bonus points (typically two to four points per dollar depending on the category) and offers cardmember-only discounts.
- You must enroll in Star Rewards to earn any rewards at Macy's, whether you use a credit card or not.
- Points from both the loyalty program and the credit card go into the same Star Rewards account, so you can combine earnings from multiple payment methods.
- The Macy's Card charges interest on balances you carry month to month, so the bonus points only add value if you pay off purchases within the promotional period or in full each month.
How the Macy's Star Rewards loyalty program works without a credit card
If you shop at Macy's but do not want a credit card, you can still earn rewards through Star Rewards. You enroll in the program for free — either in-store, online at Macy's.com, or through the Macy's mobile app. Once enrolled, you earn one point for every dollar you spend on most purchases at Macy's locations and online.
You accumulate points in your Star Rewards account and can redeem them for a discount on a future purchase. Macy's typically lets you redeem 100 points for a $5 reward, though the redemption rate can vary by promotion. Points do not expire as long as your account remains active (which usually means at least one purchase or account activity every 24 months).
This version of the program costs nothing and has no spending requirements. The trade-off is that you earn at a slower rate than cardmembers and miss out on exclusive member discounts that Macy's Card holders receive.
How the Macy's Card credit card accelerates your rewards
The Macy's Card is a store credit card issued by Citibank. When you open the card and use it at Macy's, you earn bonus points on top of the base Star Rewards points. The exact bonus varies — Macy's typically offers two to four points per dollar spent, depending on whether you are shopping during a promotional period or on specific categories.
For example, during a "Star Rewards Bonus" promotion, Macy's Card holders might earn four points per dollar on all purchases. Outside of promotions, the card typically earns two points per dollar. Non-cardmembers earn one point per dollar during the same periods, so the card doubles or quadruples your earning rate.
The Macy's Card also gives you access to cardmember-only discounts, which Macy's advertises regularly through email and in-store signage. These discounts are often 15% to 25% off, and they apply only to Macy's Card purchases.
The cost of carrying a Macy's Card
The Macy's Card has no annual fee, which is one reason it is popular. However, it is a credit card, which means it charges interest on any balance you do not pay off by the due date. The card's variable APR (annual percentage rate) is set by Citibank and changes based on your creditworthiness and current market rates.
If you carry a balance, the interest charges will quickly outweigh the value of bonus points. For example, if you earn an extra 100 points (worth roughly $5) but pay 20% APR on a $500 balance for one month, you will owe about $8.33 in interest — a net loss. The card only makes financial sense if you pay off the full statement balance each month or use it only for purchases you can pay off immediately.
Macy's also offers promotional financing periods — typically 0% APR for 6 to 12 months on purchases over a certain amount — which can make the card worthwhile for larger planned purchases if you pay them off before the promotional period ends.
Comparing Star Rewards-only versus the Macy's Card
| Feature | Star Rewards Only | Macy's Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | None | None |
| Base earning rate | 1 point per $1 | 2–4 points per $1 (varies by promotion) |
| Cardmember discounts | No | Yes (typically 15–25% off) |
| Interest charges | No (not a credit card) | Yes, if you carry a balance |
| Promotional financing | No | Yes (0% APR periods available) |
| Best for | Occasional shoppers; those who pay cash or debit | Frequent shoppers who pay off balances monthly |
When the Macy's Card makes sense financially
The Macy's Card delivers real value in specific situations. If you shop at Macy's regularly — at least several times per year — and you pay off your balance in full each month, the bonus points and cardmember discounts can add up to meaningful savings. A frequent shopper who spends $2,000 per year at Macy's and earns an average of three points per dollar would accumulate 6,000 points annually, worth roughly $300 in rewards.
The card is also useful if you plan a large purchase and Macy's is offering a promotional 0% APR period. You can spread the cost over several months without interest, earn bonus points on the full amount, and potentially stack a cardmember discount on top. Just make sure you have a plan to pay off the balance before the promotional rate expires.
The card makes less sense if you shop at Macy's only once or twice per year, or if you tend to carry balances. In those cases, the interest charges and lack of frequent discounts mean you will lose money compared to the free loyalty program.
How to enroll and manage your account
To join Star Rewards without a credit card, visit Macy's.com, use the Macy's app, or ask a sales associate in-store. You will need an email address and a phone number. Enrollment is instant, and you can start earning points on your next purchase.
If you decide to open a Macy's Card, you can do so online at Macy's.com, in-store, or by phone. The application takes a few minutes, and Macy's will tell you immediately whether you are approved. Once approved, you can use the card right away in-store or online (though the physical card arrives by mail in 7–10 business days).
Both the loyalty program and the credit card are managed through the same Macy's account. You can check your Star Rewards balance, view your points history, and redeem rewards through Macy's.com or the app. If you have the credit card, you can also view your statement, make payments, and check your APR in the same place.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to have a Macy's Card to earn Star Rewards points?
No. You can earn Star Rewards points with any payment method — credit card, debit card, cash, or gift card — as long as you are enrolled in the free loyalty program. The Macy's Card simply earns bonus points on top of the base rate.
Can I use my Star Rewards points at other stores?
No. Star Rewards points can only be redeemed at Macy's and Macy's.com. They cannot be transferred to other loyalty programs or used elsewhere.
What happens to my Star Rewards points if I close my Macy's Card?
Your Star Rewards account and points remain active even if you close the credit card. You can continue to earn and redeem points using the free loyalty program. Closing the card does not affect your points balance.
How often does Macy's run bonus points promotions?
Macy's typically runs bonus points promotions several times per year, often around major shopping seasons like back-to-school, holiday, and clearance events. Cardmembers are notified by email and can check Macy's.com for current offers. The bonus rates and terms vary by promotion.
Is the Macy's Card accepted anywhere besides Macy's?
No. The Macy's Card is a store credit card and can only be used at Macy's locations and Macy's.com. It is not a Visa, Mastercard, or Amex, so it cannot be used at other retailers.