TJ Maxx Credit Card Rewards, Benefits, and Drawbacks - 2023 Review

An Overview of the TJ Maxx Credit Card

The TJ Maxx credit card, officially known as the TJX Rewards Credit Card, is a store-branded credit card offered by TJ Maxx that can be used to make purchases at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Sierra stores in the United States. The TJX Rewards program allows cardholders to earn points on their purchases which can then be redeemed for reward certificates to use at TJX stores. There are a few key features and benefits offered by the TJ Maxx credit card that make it an attractive option for frequent TJ Maxx shoppers.

Earning Rewards Points

The primary perk of the TJ Maxx credit card is the ability to earn TJX Rewards points on every qualifying purchase made with the card. Cardholders earn 5 points for every $1 spent at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra, and tjmaxx.com. Purchases made at other retailers only earn 1 point per $1. There is no limit to the number of points that can be earned.

Redeeming Rewards

TJX Rewards points can be redeemed for reward certificates that can be used like cash at any TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods or Sierra store. Every 2,500 points is worth a $10 reward certificate. Certificates are issued in increments of $10, $25, $50, and $100. Points do not expire as long as the credit card account remains open and in good standing.

Special Financing Offers

From time to time, the TJ Maxx credit card offers special financing promotions on qualifying purchases. For example, no interest if paid in full within 6, 12, or 18 months. These deferred interest promotions allow cardholders to make large purchases and pay them off over time without accruing interest charges. Normal credit rules apply.

Credit Needed for Approval

The TJ Maxx credit card is issued by Synchrony Bank. The credit bureau they tend to check is TransUnion. In general, you will need good to excellent credit (690 FICO score or higher) to qualify. However, those with limited credit history or fair credit scores around 640 have also reported being approved. The credit limit and APR you receive will depend on your creditworthiness.

Benefits of the TJ Maxx Credit Card

Here are some of the top benefits that come with the TJ Maxx credit card:

Earn Reward Points Faster

You can earn TJX Rewards points 5x faster using the credit card compared to the free TJX Rewards membership program. Credit card members earn 5 points per $1 spent versus just 1 point per $1 with the free rewards program. This allows you to rack up rewards certificates quicker to save on future purchases.

Special Cardholder Offers

Cardholders get access to exclusive offers and savings events throughout the year. For example, extra bonus points days, 10-20% off coupons, and early access to Friends & Family sales. These special offers provide additional savings on top of the rewards you already earn.

Free Shipping

Standard shipping is free on online orders at tjmaxx.com when you pay with your TJ Maxx credit card. Saving on shipping costs allows you to order more affordably from the convenience of home.

Return of TJX Rewards Points

If you need to return an item purchased with your TJ Maxx credit card, any TJX Rewards points initially earned from that purchase will be deducted from your account. This helps prevent credit card members from unfairly accumulating points on purchases that end up being returned.

No Annual Fee

There is no annual fee to have the TJ Maxx credit card. The account remains free as long as it is open. This perk saves you from paying an annual fee just to have access to the card's benefits and rewards program.

Drawbacks of the TJ Maxx Credit Card

While the TJ Maxx credit card has nice perks, there are a few drawbacks to consider as well:

High APR

The regular variable APR on the TJ Maxx card is 26.24%. This is over 10 percentage points higher than the average for retail credit cards. If you sometimes carry a balance from month to month, that high interest rate can quickly cancel out any rewards you earn.

Foreign Transaction Fee

Making purchases outside the U.S. with the TJ Maxx card incurs a 3% foreign transaction fee. So it is not the best card to use on international trips. You'll want to rely on a card with no foreign transaction fees instead.

Product Restrictions

You can only redeem TJX Rewards certificates on regularly priced merchandise. So you cannot use rewards on discounted, clearance, or bonus buy items. There are also other exclusions like gift cards, statutes, and services.

Credit Inquiries

Applying for the TJ Maxx credit card requires a hard inquiry on your credit reports. Too many inquiries in a short period can temporarily ding your credit scores. However, a single inquiry for one new retail card is generally not a big concern for most consumers.

How to Apply for the TJ Maxx Credit Card

You can apply for the TJ Maxx credit card in a few different ways:

Apply Online

The quickest and easiest way to apply is online at tjxmaxx.com/creditcard. You will need to provide personal information and answer some security questions to submit the application form. Online applications are often processed within seconds, allowing near instant decisions.

Apply by Phone

Call 1-800-816-2453 and select the apply by phone option. A customer service rep will take you through the application process over the phone. This option is good if you need to talk through any questions with a real person before submitting.

Apply In-Store

Stop by the credit desk at any TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods or Sierra store and ask for a credit card application. An associate can provide you with the form and help submit it. In-store applications may take a bit longer to process than online/phone applications.

Get a Pre-Approval

You can check if you pre-qualify for the TJ Maxx card by filling out the short pre-approval form on their site. The pre-approval is quick and doesn't require a hard credit check. If pre-approved, you can apply with greater confidence of being accepted.

How to Use the TJ Maxx Credit Card

Once approved, here are some tips for making the most of your TJ Maxx credit card:

Activate Your Card

Call the number on the sticker on your new card to activate it and set your PIN. You cannot use the card until it has been properly activated. Avoid accidentally damaging your card before activation.

Link It to Your TJX Rewards Account

Stop by any TJX store and have an associate link your existing TJX Rewards account to your new credit card. This ensures your rewards memberships are merged. Any points earned on the card are automatically added to your account.

Shop Strategically

Use your card for all purchases at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Sierra stores to maximize 5x points per dollar. Limit use to 1x points transactions at other retailers. Pay your balance off each month to avoid interest.

Pay on Time

Always make at least the minimum payment by the due date to avoid late fees and penalties. Set up autopay or payment reminders to help you pay on time. Missed payments can result in penalty APRs.

Track Your Rewards

Log in online or use the mobile app to monitor your rewards activity. Keep tabs on your points balance and redemption history. Receive alerts when new offers become available or your rewards certificates expire.

Redeem Points Strategically

Aim to redeem points only when you can maximize the value of your rewards. For example, using a $50 certificate on a $60 purchase is better than using a $25 certificate on a $30 purchase. Check current promotions before deciding when to redeem.

FAQs

Is there an annual fee for the TJ Maxx credit card?

No, there is no annual fee to have the TJ Maxx credit card. It is free to maintain the account as long as it remains open.

What is the foreign transaction fee?

The TJ Maxx card charges a 3% foreign transaction fee on all purchases made outside the United States. So it is not the most economical card option for international travel.

Can the TJ Maxx credit card be used outside TJX stores?

Yes, the TJ Maxx card can be used for purchases anywhere Mastercard is accepted. You will earn 1 point per $1 spent at non-TJX merchants.

How long do TJX Rewards points last?

TJX Rewards points do not expire as long as your credit card account remains open and in good standing. Your points will only expire if you close the account.

Can I use TJX Rewards certificates on sale items?

Unfortunately no, rewards certificates cannot be used on discounted, bonus buy, or clearance merchandise per the terms of the program.

The Bottom Line

The TJ Maxx credit card can provide nice rewards value for frequent TJX shoppers. Just be mindful of the high ongoing APR if you sometimes carry a monthly balance. Weigh the pros and cons and compare to other retail card options before applying. Use smart credit card habits to get the most from your TJ Maxx credit card.

FAQs

What is the minimum credit score needed?

There is no official minimum credit score published by Synchrony Bank for the TJ Maxx card. However, you generally need good to excellent credit of 690 FICO or higher for the best approval odds. Those with scores around 640 may still qualify for the card with a lower credit limit.

Can I track my rewards balance online?

Yes, you can register for an online account at tjxmaxx.com/creditcard to view your current TJX Rewards point balance, redemption history, and track new points earning. You can also access rewards info via the TJX Rewards app.

How do I redeem TJX Rewards?

You can redeem rewards points for certificates online or by bringing your card and ID to any TJX store register. Certificates are issued in $10 increments and redeemable for merchandise purchases in-store and online, excluding many exclusions.

Is there a TJ Maxx credit card login?

Yes, you can login online at tjxmaxx.com/creditcard to access your TJ Maxx credit card account, make payments, check your balance, view statements and more. First-time users will need to register their account.

How do I contact customer service?

You can call the TJX Rewards Credit Card customer service line at 1-800-816-2453. Support is available 24/7 for any account-related questions. You can also login online and use the message center to contact customer service.