The Macy’s American Express® Card is a co-branded card that combines Macy’s Star Rewards earning with the ability to pay anywhere.
The card is part of the Macy’s Star Rewards ecosystem, with rewards tracked as points that convert into “Star Money”.
What is a Macy’s American Express card
It is a Macy’s-branded American Express credit card tied to Macy’s loyalty program and designed to earn rewards at Macy’s.
The program is issued and administered by Department Stores National Bank under an American Express license.
Macy’s American Express benefits
The Macy’s American Express benefits focus on rewards rates and how they convert into Star Money.
3% back in rewards at restaurants (including delivery), 2% back at gas stations and supermarkets, and 1% back on everything else..
Macy’s also ties cardholding to Star Rewards status and perks such as Star Passes, shipping benefits by tier, and member-exclusive offers.
Star Rewards and how points turn into “Star Money”
Star Rewards is a loyalty program with four statuses: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum.
If you do not have a Macy’s credit card you are eligible for Bronze, and new Macy’s cardholders open with Silver status.
Cardholder status based on annual credit card purchases at Macy’s.
1,000 points = $10 Star Money that can be used at Macy’s (subject to exclusions).
Macy’s American Express application: what to prepare
A typical application asks for identity and contact information and evaluates creditworthiness under the issuer’s underwriting standards.
The issuer may request later, if you seek a higher limit, annual income, residential status, and monthly housing payment.
Practical items to have ready before applying include:
- Legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number or other required identifiers (as applicable to U.S. credit applications).
- Current address and phone number.
- Employment and income details.
- Monthly rent or mortgage amount (commonly used for affordability checks).
Eligibility can vary, and credit cards are generally intended for adults.
Credit guidance also references special rules for joint account holders under age 21 in the context of credit limit actions.
How to apply online and link the card to your Macy’s account
Macy’s directs customers to manage credit activity through its account tools and credit pages, including adding a card to a macys.com profile.
Start the application through Macy’s credit card pages (online) or by applying in-store when offered.
Complete identity and financial fields requested in the application form. Review disclosures and submit for a credit decision.
After approval, create or sign in to a macys.com account and add the card so you can view statements, make payments, and manage settings.
Account setup
Two different “activation” actions can get mixed up:
Activating or confirming the physical American Express card so it can be used.
Activating or registering the online account access so you can manage billing and settings.
For the card itself
American Express publishes a “Confirm/Activate” process that asks for the card number, the security code, and personal details for verification.
That guidance is the core reference for shoppers searching “Macy’s American Express activate.”
Separately
Macy’s customer service explains how an online account setup can be activated via a link delivered by email or text.
This is in some enrollment scenarios, followed by submitting an online form.
Interest rates and key fees to know
A disclosure table for the Macy’s American Express disclosures lists:
- APR for Purchases: 32.74% (variable)
- APR for balance transfers (completed within 4 months of opening): 32.74% (variable)
- APR for cash advances: 32.74% (variable)
- Minimum interest charge: $2
- Late payment and returned payment fees: up to $41
- Foreign purchase transaction fee: 3%
Because variable APRs can change with market conditions, the most reliable approach is to confirm the current rates in the latest disclosures.
Customer service phone and mailing address
Macy’s publishes a dedicated credit customer service line and payment-by-mail addresses in its help center:
Macy’s Credit Customer Service: 1-888-257-6757 (TTY: 711), with published service hours.
Mail payments (Macy’s American Express Account Payments): PO Box 9001108, Louisville, KY 40290-1108.
Express payments: Attn: Consumer Payment Dept., 6716 Grade Lane, Bldg. 9, Suite 910, Louisville, KY 40213.
Is Macy’s American Express card good
It depends on how you shop and how you manage credit.
The card is positioned to earn Star Rewards at Macy’s and provide category rewards for restaurants, gas stations, and supermarkets.
Plus general rewards elsewhere, with redemption centered on Macy’s Star Money.
On the cost side, the published APR is high compared with many general-purpose cards, which makes paying in full each month an important factor.
Macy’s Star Rewards vs Star Rewards Platinum
See:
| Feature | Macy’s Star Rewards (Credit Cardholder – usually Silver by default) | Macy’s Star Rewards Platinum (Credit Cardholder) |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Macy’s credit card + Star Rewards status (new accounts open at Silver) | Same Macy’s credit card + Star Rewards status upgraded to Platinum |
| How you get it | Open a Macy’s credit card (subject to approval) → starts at Silver | Spend $1,200+ at Macy’s on your Macy’s credit card in a calendar year; upgrade typically posts ~7 days after you qualify |
| Annual spend band (status basis) | $1.00–$499.99 (Silver band shown for cardholder status tracking) | $1,200+ (Platinum band shown for cardholder status tracking) |
| Points earned at Macy’s (rewards-earning purchases) | 2 points per $1 at Macy’s/Macy’s Backstage/macys.com when paying with the Macy’s credit card | 5 points per $1 at Macy’s/Macy’s Backstage/macys.com when paying with the Macy’s credit card |
| Star Money conversion | Points accumulate toward Star Money; 1,000 points = $10 Star Money | Same conversion; 1,000 points = $10 Star Money |
| Free shipping (when using a Macy’s credit card) | Free shipping with a $25 minimum (standard shipping, terms apply) | Free shipping with no minimum (standard shipping, terms apply) |
| Status timing | Status is reviewed annually; upgrades can occur after meeting thresholds | Status is reviewed annually; upgrades can occur after meeting thresholds |
Conclusion
The Macy’s American Express® Card is built around Star Rewards, with points converting into Star Money for Macy’s purchases.
There is a clear path for cardholders who later want to request a higher credit limit, based on income and housing details.
Before applying, compare the rewards you expect to earn against the current APR and fees in the latest disclosures.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not financial, legal, or tax advice. Credit card terms—including APRs, fees, rewards, and eligibility requirements—can change, and approval depends on the issuer’s underwriting criteria and your credit profile. Always review the current disclosures and your card agreement and contact Macy’s credit customer service for account-specific questions.
