Is the TJ Maxx Credit Card Worth Applying For? | Rewards and Tips

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 through Synchrony Bank that can be used to make purchases at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Sierra stores in the United States. It offers benefits like rewards points on purchases and special financing offers exclusively for cardmembers.

Rewards and Perks of the TJ Maxx Credit Card

One of the main benefits of the TJ Maxx credit card is the rewards program. Cardholders earn 5 points for every $1 spent at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Sierra stores as well as tjmaxx.com, marshalls.com, and sierra.com. Points can then be redeemed for reward certificates to use for future purchases.

Another perk for TJ Maxx credit cardholders is special financing offers held a few times per year. These include options like no interest if paid in full within 6, 12, or 18 months on purchases over a minimum amount. There are also sometimes offers of 0% APR for a certain time period after the card is opened.

Other Features of the TJ Maxx Credit Card

The TJ Maxx credit card does not charge an annual fee, so it can be a convenient option for shoppers who regularly make purchases at TJX stores. Approved cardholders also get to take 10% off their first in-store purchase when they open the account and use it that same day.

As the TJ Maxx credit card is open-loop, it can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. However, it will not earn additional rewards points on non-TJX purchases. One risk to be aware of is that the regular APR is relatively high at 26.74%. Interest charges can add up quickly if a balance is carried from month to month.

Pros and Cons of the TJ Maxx Store Credit Card

Below is an overview of some of the key advantages and disadvantages associated with the TJ Maxx credit card:

Pros:

• Earn 5 points per $1 spent at TJX stores
• Rewards can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases
• Special financing promotions offered periodically throughout the year
• No annual fee
• Take 10% off first in-store purchase when account opened
• Can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted

Cons:

• High regular APR of 26.74%
• Interest charges can add up quickly if balance carried month to month
• No introductory 0% APR period when account opened
• Not the most rewarding card for non-TJX purchases

Who Should Apply for the TJ Maxx Credit Card?

The TJ Maxx credit card makes the most sense for those who frequently shop at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Sierra. The 5 points per $1 spent can quickly add up to reward certificates that can be used to lower the cost of future shopping trips. It can be worthwhile for someone who spends hundreds or thousands of dollars per year at these stores.

However, those who only occasionally shop at TJX stores may be better off using a different credit card. The high 26.74% APR and lack of intro 0% financing means interest charges can erase some of the rewards value if carrying a balance month to month. A card with a lower rate or broader rewards structure may be preferable.

Tips for Managing the TJ Maxx Credit Card Responsibly

As with any credit card, being responsible with the TJ Maxx version is important. Some tips to manage it well include:

• Pay the full statement balance by the due date each month to avoid interest charges
• Create automatic payments for at least the minimum amount due as a safety net
• Save reward certificates to use only during planned TJX shopping trips
• Check your account frequently for fraudulent activity
• Inform Synchrony Bank promptly about issues like fraudulent transactions, statement errors, or if your card becomes lost/stolen

The Bottom Line on the TJ Maxx Credit Card

The bottom line is that the TJ Maxx credit card can offer nice perks and rewards for loyal TJX shoppers. Earning 5 points per $1 spent leads to reward certificates that lower costs on future purchases. And special financing deals a few times per year provide additional savings opportunities.

However, those who only occasionally visit T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Sierra may find better options. Make sure to pay balances in full each month because the 26.74% APR is quite high. Use the card responsibly and leverage the rewards as discounts on already-planned purchases.

FAQs

How do I apply for the TJ Maxx credit card?

You can apply for the TJ Maxx credit card online at https://www.tjmaxx.tjx.com/store/shop/credit-card or in-store at checkout. In most cases, applicants can receive an instant decision.

What is the rewards rate for the TJ Maxx credit card?

The TJ Maxx credit card offers 5 points per $1 spent at all T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and Sierra stores in the U.S. as well as their websites. So for every $100 spent, you would earn 500 points to redeem for rewards certificates off future purchases.

Does the TJ Maxx card have an annual fee?

No, there is no annual fee to have the TJ Maxx credit card. It is a free rewards card for TJX store shoppers.

What is the APR for the TJ Maxx card?

The regular purchase and balance transfer APR for the TJ Maxx credit card is currently 26.74%. This relatively high interest rate makes carrying a balance from month to month expensive, so you'll want to pay in full if possible.