Regrlar APR (%)：26.74% variable

Annual fee：$0

Rewards earning rate：Earn up to 5% in rewards at Macy's, plus 3% back at restaurants, 2% at gas stations and supermarkets, and 1% everywhere else.

Balance transfer fee：None

Foreign transaction fee (%)：3%

Pros Explained

Two-Day Coupon for New Cardholders: 

If you apply for the Macy's American Express card and are approved, you'll get a 20% off coupon to use at Macy's, Macy's Backstage, or macys.com the day you’re approved and the next day. Using the coupon, you can save up to $100. That coupon can be a nice benefit if you’re planning an expensive purchase, like a new suit or handbag. 

Higher Rewards Rate at Restaurants, Supermarkets, and Gas Stations: 

With the Macy's American Express card, you can earn 3 points per $1 at restaurants, 2 points per $1 at gas stations and supermarkets, and 1 point per $1 everywhere else besides Macy's. Cardholders will earn 2% back in rewards at Macys until they reach a higher tier of earning.

Travel and Shopping Benefits:

 As a cardholder, you'll get access to extra travel benefits, including up to 10% off on Delta Airlines flights, up to 25% off qualifying car rentals, and hotel discounts. You'll also have Entertainment Access, where you can buy tickets to major events before the general public. Depending on how much money you spend at Macy’s, you’ll also qualify for these shopping benefits:  

• $1 to $499 annual spend: If you spend up to $499 per year at Macy's, you'll achieve Silver rewards status. This level gives you a 25% off Star Pass, along with special sales and a "birthday surprise." Cardholders are granted automatic Silver status.

• $500 to $1,199 annual spend: You'll reach Gold level if you spend between $500 and $1,199. At this level, you get all the perks of the Silver level, plus free shipping. You'll also earn 3% back in rewards when using your Macy's card. 

• $1,200+ annual spend: If you spend $1,200 or more per year at Macy's, you’ll reach Platinum level. You get all the perks of Gold level, and you’ll also earn 5% in rewards on Macy’s purchases. 

Cons Explained

Subpar Rewards at Macy's, Except for Gold Level: 

Despite being called the Macy's American Express card, this credit card doesn't offer much in the way of rewards for shopping at Macy's unless cardholders reach Gold status by spending at least $500 a year there. You'll still earn 3 points per $1 at restaurants, 2 points per $1 at gas stations and supermarkets, and 1 point per $1 everywhere else. If you attain Platinum status, your Macy’s purchases will earn 5 points per dollar.

Confusing Application Process: 

The application process for the Macy's American Express Card can be confusing. When you submit your application, you’re considered for both the Macy's American Express card or the Macy's credit card, a store card that can only be used at Macy's. If your credit is good enough, you’ll be approved for both cards, and you can choose which one you want. However, if your credit isn’t good enough to qualify for the American Express card, you may still be approved for the Macy's credit card. 

Rewards Expire After 30 Days: 

When you earn rewards, you have to use them quickly. Once you accumulate 1,000 points, you'll receive $10 in Star Money rewards, which you can use in-store at Macy's or online at Macys.com. However, your Star Money rewards expire 30 days after they’re issued, so you’ll lose your rewards entirely if you don't use them by then. That's a major drawback. With many other rewards credit cards, your points never expire, and you can redeem them at any time. For example, the Discover it Cash Back card offers 5% cash back at different places each quarter, up to a quarterly maximum, and 1% cash back on all other purchases. Your cash-back rewards never expire, and you can redeem your rewards when you’ve accumulated as little as $0.01 worth. 

This Card is Best For

The Macy's American Express card is best suited for Macy's devotees who shop regularly at the store and spend at least $1,200 per year there. 

With this card, you'll earn a higher rewards rate at restaurants, gas stations, and supermarkets. And, if you spend $1,200 per year at Macy’s and automatically become a Platinum level member, you’ll get extra perks like 5% back in rewards on Macy's purchases, free shipping, and special discounts. 

This card also gives you access to travel benefits that can help you save money, such as flight, rental car, and hotel discounts.