What Macy's is and how to shop there
Macy's is a department store chain where you can buy clothing, shoes, home goods, beauty products, and accessories in person or online. You walk into a store, browse items on shelves and racks, and pay at a checkout counter — or you visit macys.com, add items to a cart, and check out using a credit or debit card. Macy's operates hundreds of locations across the United States, and you can also order online for delivery to your home or pick up at a nearby store.
The store is organized by department: women's, men's, children's, shoes, home, beauty, and others. Each department has its own section, and staff members work in those areas to help you find what you need. Prices vary widely depending on the item and brand — a basic t-shirt might cost $20, while a designer handbag could cost several hundred dollars. Macy's regularly runs sales and discounts, especially during holiday seasons and clearance events.
Key Takeaways
- You can shop at Macy's in a physical store or online at macys.com, and you can pick up online orders at most store locations.
- Macy's accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and its own Macy's credit card, which offers rewards and special discounts to cardholders.
- You can create a free Macy's account online to track orders, save your payment information, and view your purchase history.
- Macy's has a return policy that typically allows returns within 30 days with a receipt, though some items like clearance merchandise have different rules.
- The Macy's Star Rewards program gives you points on purchases that you can redeem for discounts on future shopping.
Creating and using a Macy's account
You do not need an account to shop at Macy's, but creating one makes repeat shopping easier. To set up an account, go to macys.com and click "Sign In" in the top right corner, then select "Create Account." You will enter your email address, create a password, and provide your name and address. Macy's will send a confirmation email to verify your address.
Once your account is active, you can log in before you shop. Your account stores your shipping addresses, payment methods, and order history. If you shop online and forget to log in, you can still check out as a guest — you just will not have your information saved for next time. In a physical store, you do not use an account to make a purchase; you straightforward pay at checkout.
Your account also enrolls you automatically in Macy's Star Rewards, the store's free points program. Every dollar you spend earns points, and you can redeem those points for discounts. You can view your points balance and rewards offers by logging into your account online or by asking a cashier in the store.
The Macy's credit card and how rewards work
Macy's offers its own credit card, called the Macy's Card, which is different from a regular credit card you might use elsewhere. If you explore for a Macy's Card in a store or online, you get a credit line that you can use only at Macy's and macys.com. The card earns rewards faster than the free Star Rewards program: cardholders typically earn more points per dollar spent and get special discounts on certain days.
You do not have to open a Macy's Card to shop there — you can use any major credit card, a debit card, or cash. But if you shop at Macy's regularly, the card's rewards and discounts may save you money. The card comes with an annual fee in some cases, so read the terms before you explore. You can explore online at macys.com or ask a cashier in the store for an process.
The Star Rewards program itself is free and available to everyone, whether or not you have a Macy's Card. You earn one point per dollar spent, and you can redeem points for a $5 discount when you reach 250 points, a $10 discount at 500 points, and so on. Points expire after a certain period of inactivity, so check your account regularly to see your balance.
How to return items and Macy's return policy
Macy's allows you to return most items within 30 days of purchase if you have a receipt. You can return items in a physical store or by mail. To return in a store, bring the item in its original condition with the receipt or your order number. A cashier will process the return and refund the money to your original payment method — usually within 5 to 10 business days.
To return an online order by mail, print the prepaid shipping label that comes with your order confirmation email, pack the item securely, and drop it off at a carrier location. Macy's will refund your money once the item arrives at their warehouse and is inspected. Some items, like clearance merchandise, final sale items, and beauty products that have been opened, cannot be returned.
If you do not have a receipt, you can still return an item if you have your order number from your email confirmation or your Macy's account. The store can look up your purchase and process the return. If you paid with a credit or debit card, the refund goes back to that card. If you paid with cash, you may receive store credit instead of a cash refund, depending on the store's policy.
Payment methods and checkout
At a Macy's store, you can pay with cash, a debit card, a credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Discover), or a Macy's Card. You can also pay with digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay if the store's checkout system supports them. The cashier will tell you the total, you provide your payment, and the transaction is complete. You will receive a receipt showing what you bought and the amount you paid.
Online at macys.com, you enter your payment information during checkout. The site accepts all major credit cards, debit cards, and the Macy's Card. You also choose a shipping address and a delivery method — standard shipping, expedited shipping, or in-store pickup. Once you submit your order, you will receive a confirmation email with your order number and tracking information.
If you use a debit card, the money comes out of your bank account when ready. If you use a credit card or Macy's Card, the charge appears on your statement, and you pay the card issuer later according to your billing cycle. Macy's does not hold your payment information on file unless you save it to your account.
Shipping, delivery, and in-store pickup
When you order online, Macy's offers several delivery options. Standard shipping typically takes 5 to 10 business days and may be free if your order meets a minimum amount (this varies by promotion). Expedited shipping is faster but costs extra. You can also choose to pick up your order at a nearby Macy's store, usually within 2 to 3 business days, often at no extra charge.
To use in-store pickup, select that option during checkout and choose which store location you want to pick up from. Macy's will send you an email when your order is ready. You go to the store, give your order number or phone number to the customer service desk, and they bring your items to you. You do not pay again — you already paid online.
For shipped orders, Macy's sends you a tracking number via email so you can see where your package is. If your order arrives damaged or does not arrive at all, contact Macy's customer service with your order number and they will investigate or send a replacement.
Macy's sales, clearance, and how to find deals
Macy's runs sales throughout the year, with major events around holidays like Thanksgiving, Christmas, and back-to-school season. During these sales, items are marked down from their regular price. You can see sale prices in the store on price tags and online on product pages. Clearance items are marked down even further and are usually final sale, meaning you cannot return them.
To find deals, check the Macy's website for a "Sale" or "Clearance" section, or sign up for Macy's email newsletters to get notified of upcoming sales. If you have a Macy's Card, you often get early access to sales or extra discounts on sale days. You can also ask a store associate about upcoming promotions.
Prices at Macy's can vary between stores and online, and the same item may be on sale in one location but not another. If you see a price difference, ask a cashier or contact customer service — they may be able to match a lower price depending on the circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I return something without a receipt?
Yes, if you have your order number from your email confirmation or you can look up the purchase in your Macy's account. The store can process the return using that information. If you paid with a card, the refund goes back to that card. If you paid with cash, you may receive store credit instead.
What is the difference between the Macy's Card and Star Rewards?
Star Rewards is a free program everyone can join that earns one point per dollar spent. The Macy's Card is a credit card that earns rewards faster and comes with special discounts and early sale access. You do not need the card to earn rewards, but it offers more benefits if you shop at Macy's regularly.
How long does shipping take for online orders?
Standard shipping usually takes 5 to 10 business days. Expedited options are faster but cost extra. In-store pickup is typically ready within 2 to 3 business days and is often free. You will receive an email with tracking information or a pickup notification.
Can I use my Macy's Card outside of Macy's?
No, the Macy's Card works only at Macy's stores and macys.com. If you want a credit card you can use anywhere, you would need a different card from a bank or credit card company.
What items cannot be returned?
Clearance items, final sale items, opened beauty products, and some other merchandise cannot be returned. Check the price tag or product page for return restrictions before you buy. If you are unsure, ask a cashier or customer service.