Macy's Star Rewards: Is it Worth it? A Detailed Review

Shopping at Macy’s can be more rewarding than you might think. The department store giant’s Macy’s Star Rewards loyalty program offers various perks designed to enhance your shopping experience and save you money. But is joining the Macy’s loyalty program actually worth your time and effort? This comprehensive review breaks down everything you need to know about the Macy’s Star Rewards program to help you decide if it’s right for you.

As a frequent Macy’s shopper myself and someone who’s analyzed countless retail rewards programs, I’ve put together this detailed guide to help you understand how the Macy’s Star Rewards review stacks up against other loyalty programs and whether it deserves a place in your wallet.

Table of Contents

What is Macy’s Star Rewards?

Macy’s Star Rewards is the retailer’s comprehensive loyalty program designed to reward customers for their shopping frequency and spending habits. Unlike many retail loyalty programs that offer a one-size-fits-all approach, Macy’s program features a tiered structure that provides increasingly valuable benefits as customers reach higher spending thresholds.

At its core, the Macy’s loyalty program is free to join at the basic level, with premium tiers available for those who qualify through their annual spending or by opening a Macy’s credit card. The program was significantly revamped in 2018 and has undergone further refinements since then to enhance customer benefits and simplify the rewards structure.

The program revolves around the accumulation of Macy’s rewards points, which can be converted to Macy’s Money certificates for future purchases. Beyond points, members receive various other benefits, including birthday gifts, exclusive shopping events, and free shipping offers depending on their tier level.

“Our Star Rewards program is designed with our customers at the center. We’re delivering an experience that makes it easier to shop, gives you access to the best benefits and rewards you for the shopping you do.”

– Rich Lennox, Macy’s Chief Customer Officer

Explanation of Different Tiers: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum

The Macy’s Star Rewards program is structured into four distinct tiers, each offering a progressively more valuable set of benefits. Understanding these tiers is crucial to determining whether the program will be worthwhile for your shopping habits.

Bronze Tier

The Bronze tier is the entry-level membership available to all shoppers without any spending requirements.

How to qualify: Free to join for anyone, no credit card required

Key benefits:

Star Money Bonus Days (periodic opportunities to earn bonus points)
Birthday surprise offer
Personalized promotions and offers
Access to shopping events

Bronze membership essentially serves as an introduction to the Macy’s loyalty program, offering modest benefits with no financial commitment required.

Silver Tier

The Silver tier represents the first level of enhanced benefits for Macy’s credit cardholders.

How to qualify: Open and use a Macy’s credit card

Key benefits:

All Bronze benefits
2% back in rewards when using your Macy’s credit card
Star Money Bonus Days
Birthday surprise offer
Personalized promotions and offers
Access to shopping events

Silver status marks your entrance into the world of Macy’s rewards points earning, making it considerably more valuable than Bronze membership for regular Macy’s shoppers.

Gold Tier

Gold membership is where the Macy’s Star Rewards program begins to offer substantial value for loyal customers.

How to qualify: Spend $500-$1,199 annually on a Macy’s credit card

Key benefits:

All Silver benefits
3% back in rewards when using your Macy’s credit card
Free standard shipping on all Macy’s purchases with no minimum spend (online only)
Star Money Bonus Days
Birthday surprise offer
Personalized promotions and offers
Access to shopping events

The free shipping benefit alone can provide significant value for online shoppers, potentially saving hundreds in shipping fees annually.

Platinum Tier

Platinum represents the elite level of the Macy’s loyalty program for the most dedicated Macy’s shoppers.

How to qualify: Spend $1,200+ annually on a Macy’s credit card

Key benefits:

All Gold benefits
5% back in rewards when using your Macy’s credit card
Free standard shipping on all Macy’s purchases with no minimum spend
Additional exclusive offers for Macy’s VIP customers
Star Money Bonus Days
Birthday surprise offer
Personalized promotions and offers
Access to shopping events

The 5% back in rewards represents one of the more competitive earn rates among department store loyalty programs, making Platinum status particularly valuable for frequent Macy’s shoppers.

Benefits of Each Tier: Rewards Points, Free Shipping, Birthday Offers, etc.

Let’s take a deeper dive into the specific benefits offered at each tier of the Macy’s Star Rewards program and analyze their actual value.

Rewards Points Earning Structure

The cornerstone of the Macy’s Star Rewards program is its points earning structure. Here’s how it breaks down by tier:

Tier	Rewards Earning Rate	Points Value	Minimum Required for Redemption
Bronze	Limited to bonus events	$1 = 10 points	1,000 points ($10)
Silver	2% back (20 points per $1)	$1 = 10 points	1,000 points ($10)
Gold	3% back (30 points per $1)	$1 = 10 points	1,000 points ($10)
Platinum	5% back (50 points per $1)	$1 = 10 points	1,000 points ($10)

Macy’s rewards points are converted to Star Money at a rate of 1,000 points = $10 in Star Money. The program automatically converts your points once you reach the 1,000-point threshold, and Star Money certificates are generally valid for 30 days from issuance.

Free Shipping Benefits

Free shipping benefits can provide substantial savings, especially for frequent online shoppers:

Bronze: No free shipping benefit
Silver: No free shipping benefit
Gold: Free standard shipping with no minimum purchase
Platinum: Free standard shipping with no minimum purchase

For context, standard shipping at Macy’s typically costs around $10.95 for orders under $99. If you place just one order per month below the free shipping threshold, Gold or Platinum status could save you over $130 annually in shipping costs alone.

Birthday Offers

All Macy’s loyalty program members receive a birthday surprise, but the value increases with tier status:

Bronze: Small birthday discount or offer
Silver: Enhanced birthday offer
Gold: Premium birthday offer
Platinum: Most valuable birthday offer

While Macy’s doesn’t publicly disclose the exact value of these tiered birthday offers, Macy’s VIP customers in higher tiers typically report receiving more substantial birthday rewards, sometimes worth $10-$25.

Exclusive Events and Offers

Macy’s periodically runs Star Money Bonus Days, where members can earn additional bonus points on purchases:

All Tiers: Access to Star Money Bonus Days
Gold & Platinum: Often receive early access or enhanced earning rates during these events
Platinum: Receive exclusive Macy’s VIP events and offers

These events typically allow members to earn 50-100% more points than they would during regular shopping periods, significantly boosting the overall value of the program.

How to Earn Star Rewards Points

Spending at Macy’s

The primary method of earning Macy’s rewards points is through purchases at Macy’s stores, Macy’s.com, or through the Macy’s app:

In-store purchases: Present your Macy’s credit card or provide your phone number at checkout
Online purchases: Sign into your Macy’s account before checkout or use your linked Macy’s credit card
App purchases: Ensure you’re signed into your account on the Macy’s app

Points are typically awarded as follows:

Bronze: Points only during special events
Silver: 20 points per $1 spent (2% back)
Gold: 30 points per $1 spent (3% back)
Platinum: 50 points per $1 spent (5% back)

It’s worth noting that certain purchases may be excluded from earning points, including:

Gift cards
Services like alterations
Taxes and shipping fees
Purchases made with store credit

Bonus Events

Throughout the year, Macy’s offers numerous opportunities to accelerate your Macy’s rewards points earning:

Star Money Bonus Days:

Periodic events where members can earn bonus points on purchases
Typically occur several times per quarter
Often feature 50-100% bonus on point earnings

Category Promotions:

Special promotions offering extra points in specific departments
Examples include bonus points on beauty purchases, home goods, or seasonal items

Anniversary Events:

Personal anniversary of joining the program or opening a Macy’s credit card
Often includes point bonuses or special offers

Strategic Shopping Tip: By planning your larger Macy’s purchases around these bonus events, you can dramatically increase your rewards earning rate, sometimes effectively doubling the standard rate.

For those looking to maximize their Macy’s loyalty program benefits, combining these bonus events with store sales can create substantial savings opportunities.

How to Redeem Star Rewards

Macy’s Money

Macy’s rewards points are automatically converted to Macy’s Money once you accumulate 1,000 points ($10 worth). Here’s how the redemption process works:

Points are converted to Macy’s Money certificates
You’ll receive notification by email or through the Macy’s app
Macy’s Money is stored in your account and can be accessed online or in-store
Present your Macy’s Money during checkout (in-store or online)
Multiple Macy’s Money certificates can be combined in a single transaction

Important redemption notes:

Macy’s Money typically expires 30 days after issuance
No minimum purchase requirement to use Macy’s Money
Cannot be used to purchase gift cards
Cannot be redeemed for cash
Can be combined with most Macy’s coupons and offers

Gift Cards

While the Macy’s Star Rewards program doesn’t directly allow you to redeem points for gift cards, you can effectively accomplish the same goal by using Macy’s Money to purchase merchandise of equivalent value. Some members strategically use their Macy’s Money for gift purchases or items they would have bought anyway, essentially converting their rewards into savings.

For those interested in actually earning Macy’s gift cards through other methods, you might want to check out our guide on How to Earn Macy’s Gift Cards: Top 7 Free Ways for alternative approaches.

Pros of Macy’s Star Rewards

The Macy’s loyalty program offers several compelling advantages that make it worth considering:

1. No Cost to Join at Basic Level

The Bronze tier is completely free to join, allowing you to test the program without any financial commitment. This no-risk entry point is a significant advantage compared to some competitors that require a purchase or credit card application to join.

2. Respectable Earn Rates for Higher Tiers

At 5% back for Platinum members, the Macy’s rewards points program offers one of the more generous return rates among department store loyalty programs. This compares favorably to competitors like Nordstrom (3%) and Kohl’s (5% for credit card holders).

3. Automatic Redemption Process

Unlike programs that require members to actively redeem their points, Macy’s Star Rewards automatically converts points to Macy’s Money once you reach the threshold, eliminating the risk of forgetting to use your rewards.

4. Free Shipping for Gold and Platinum Members

The unlimited free shipping benefit for Gold and Platinum members provides exceptional value for online shoppers, potentially saving hundreds of dollars annually in shipping costs.

5. Integration with Sales and Coupons

Macy’s loyalty program benefits can generally be combined with the store’s frequent sales and coupons, allowing for “stack-and-save” opportunities that maximize value.

Cons of Macy’s Star Rewards

Despite its benefits, the Macy’s Star Rewards program has several limitations worth considering:

1. Credit Card Requirement for Best Benefits

To access Silver, Gold, or Platinum tiers, you must open a Macy’s credit card. This requirement excludes shoppers who prefer not to open store credit cards due to credit score concerns or personal financial policies.

2. Short Expiration Window for Rewards

Macy’s Money typically expires just 30 days after issuance, creating pressure to shop frequently and potentially encouraging unnecessary purchases.

3. High Spending Thresholds for Top Tiers

Reaching the Gold ($500) and especially Platinum ($1,200) tiers requires significant annual spending at a single retailer, which may not align with diversified shopping habits.

4. Limited Benefits for Bronze Members

The Bronze tier offers minimal benefits compared to other retailers’ free membership tiers, with most meaningful rewards reserved for credit cardholders.

5. Complex Program Structure

Some shoppers find the tiered structure with varying benefits and specific exclusions unnecessarily complicated compared to simpler “percentage back” programs offered by some competitors.

For a comparison of different rewards programs, you might be interested in our article on Are Online Survey Sites a Scam? which discusses various ways to earn rewards including retail loyalty programs.

Is Macy’s Star Rewards Worth It? (Honest Assessment for Different Types of Shoppers)

The value of the Macy’s Star Rewards program varies significantly depending on your shopping habits and preferences. Let’s break it down by shopper type:

For Occasional Macy’s Shoppers (1-3 visits per year)

Verdict: Minimally Worthwhile

If you shop at Macy’s only a few times per year:

Bronze membership is worth having (it’s free) but will provide limited benefits
The credit card and higher tiers likely aren’t worth pursuing
Better to combine your rare Macy’s shopping with their public sales events

Recommendation: Join the free Bronze tier and focus your limited Macy’s shopping during major sales events rather than pursuing higher tier status.

For Regular Macy’s Shoppers ($300-$500 annually)

Verdict: Moderately Worthwhile

If you’re already spending a few hundred dollars annually at Macy’s:

Silver tier offers meaningful value through the 2% rewards rate
The Macy’s credit card might be worth considering if you don’t carry balances
Combined with sales and coupons, can provide decent savings

Recommendation: Consider the Silver tier if you’re comfortable with a store credit card. Your existing spending habits would generate approximately $6-10 in rewards annually, plus access to additional bonus events.

For Frequent Macy’s Shoppers ($500-$1,000 annually)

Verdict: Definitely Worthwhile

If you’re spending over $500 annually:

Gold tier’s 3% rewards rate provides tangible returns ($15-30 annually)
Free shipping benefit alone can save substantial money for online shoppers
Enhanced birthday offers and exclusive events add additional value

Recommendation: The Gold tier represents the “sweet spot” for many shoppers, offering significantly enhanced benefits without requiring extremely high spending levels.

For Macy’s Enthusiasts ($1,200+ annually)

Verdict: Highly Worthwhile

If you’re a dedicated Macy’s shopper spending over $1,200 annually:

Platinum’s 5% rewards rate generates significant returns ($60+ annually)
Free shipping and Macy’s VIP events provide substantial additional value
Combined with strategic shopping during bonus events, can effectively yield 7-10% back

Recommendation: The Platinum tier is unquestionably worth pursuing for those already spending at this level, potentially providing hundreds of dollars in annual value through combined benefits.

For those interested in maximizing rewards across multiple shopping platforms, you might also want to explore options like Swagbucks Review and Fetch Rewards Review to complement your Macy’s Star Rewards strategy.

Credit Card Considerations

When evaluating the Macy’s loyalty program, it’s important to consider the credit implications:

Macy’s credit cards typically have higher APRs than general-purpose credit cards
Carrying balances can quickly negate any rewards benefits
The card application will result in a hard inquiry on your credit report

For a more detailed analysis of Macy’s credit card options, check out our comprehensive guide on Best Macy’s Credit Cards for Rewards & Shopping.

Strategic Ways to Maximize Your Macy’s Star Rewards Value

To get the most from your Macy’s Star Rewards membership, consider these expert strategies:

1. Time Your Purchases Strategically

Plan major purchases around:

Star Money Bonus Days
Friends & Family sales events
One Day Sales
End of season clearances

Combining these events with your rewards can effectively double or triple your savings.

2. Stack Your Savings

The true power of Macy’s rewards points comes from strategic stacking:

Use Star Money during sales events
Add publicly available Macy’s coupons
Shop through cashback websites for additional returns
Consider paying with a rewards credit card (if not using the Macy’s card)

3. Make the Most of Free Shipping (Gold & Platinum)

If you qualify for free shipping:

Don’t hesitate to place smaller orders when needed
Split orders to ensure items ship quickly rather than waiting for backorders
Use the ship-to-store option for items that would otherwise incur delivery fees

4. Set Rewards Expiration Reminders

Given the short 30-day expiration window for Macy’s Money:

Create calendar alerts when rewards are issued
Plan a specific “redemption shopping trip” when Star Money is available
Consider small, needed purchases to use expiring rewards

Conclusion: Is Macy’s Star Rewards Right for You?

After this comprehensive Macy’s Star Rewards review, we can draw some clear conclusions about the program’s value.

The Macy’s loyalty program delivers the most value for shoppers who:

Already spend $500+ annually at Macy’s
Are comfortable using a store credit card responsibly
Shop online regularly (to benefit from free shipping)
Can time their purchases around bonus events

For these shoppers, the program genuinely enhances the Macy’s shopping experience while providing meaningful financial benefits.

However, the program offers limited value for occasional Macy’s shoppers and those unwilling to open a store credit card. These consumers may be better served by focusing on Macy’s public sales events or exploring alternative rewards platforms.

The bottom line: Macy’s Star Rewards is worth it if your existing shopping habits align with the program’s structure. The free Bronze tier is a no-risk starting point, but the program’s true value emerges at the Gold and Platinum levels for dedicated Macy’s customers.

Ready to get started? Visit the official Macy’s Star Rewards page to join or learn more about the program.

Have you had experiences with the Macy’s Star Rewards program? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!