T.J. Maxx Credit Card: 5 Things You Must Know Before You Apply

Are you a savvy shopper always on the lookout for incredible deals on high-quality products? If so, the T.J. Maxx credit card might be your ticket to unlocking more benefits from purchases you make at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra Trading Post, and Homesense — all brands in the parent company TJX Companies, Inc. Among the perks are online and in-store discounts, rewards certificates, and exclusive shopping events.

The basics about the T.J. Maxx credit cards

You can get two different types of credit cards from T.J. Maxx, both are issued by Synchrony Bank:

• The TJX Rewards Credit Card: This is a store card that can only be used at T.J. Maxx and its partner brands in the U.S. and Puerto Rico or through any of the brands’ websites. 
• The TJX Rewards Platinum Mastercard: This is a credit card that can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

We'll focus primarily on the TJX Rewards Credit Card, but will also discuss how the Platinum Mastercard version works.

You can apply for the TJX Rewards Credit Card online or at a T.J. Maxx store. If you meet the credit requirements for the Platinum Mastercard, you may be offered that card. If you apply for the Platinum and aren’t approved, you might be offered the store card instead. Both will earn you points toward reward certificates.

Most of the specific terms for each of the cards are the same. Both have a high variable annual percentage rate (APR) that can fluctuate depending on the prime rate, a form of interest rate that commercial financial institutions use. If the prime rate goes up, so will your APR. The same is true if the prime rate goes down.

How does the TJX Rewards Credit Card work?

Once you’re approved for a TJX Rewards Credit Card, you’ll get 10% off your first online or in-store purchase, which is a nice welcome offer and can help you benefit from a shopping trip for new arrivals or a number of items you needed. You’ll also start to earn points in the rewards program.

Every time you reach 1,000 points, you earn a $10 Rewards Certificate, which you can use at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra Trading Post, and Homesense stores. Cardmembers are also invited to participate in exclusive private shopping events.

5 things you need to know about the TJX Rewards Credit Card

1. Earn 5% back on T.J. Maxx purchases

T.J. Maxx promotes “5% back in rewards” when you use a TJX Rewards Credit Card at its stores. This rewards rate means you earn five rewards points for every dollar you spend using your card at T.J. Maxx or another TJX store.

Points don’t expire and will accumulate in your account until you reach 1,000 points, at which time a $10 certificate will be generated. Essentially, you get $10 back for every $200 you spend.

A physical certificate is mailed with your statement within one to two billing cycles after you earn 1,000 points, but you can also access and print your certificates from your online account. The certificates are good for up to two years from the date they’re issued.

You can use the certificates online at TJMaxx.com or in-store at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra Trading Post, and Homesense stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. They can’t be used for buying gift cards, gift certificates, e-gift cards, or any third-party gift cards, nor can they be traded for cash.

2. Get 10% off your first purchase

A discount is always a nice perk when you open up a new credit card with a store. For T.J. Maxx, you’ll get a 10%-off coupon good for your first purchase after you’re approved for a TJX Rewards Credit Card. There are a few conditions to this sign-up bonus, however.

First, you have to use your new TJX Rewards Credit Card for the purchase in order to get the discount. Second, if you apply online and get a coupon code, it’s only good for use on the store website that you applied from. However, you also have the option of printing out the coupon so you can use it at any U.S.-based TJX store, like T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra Trading Post, or Homesense store.

Third, if you apply for a card through a mobile device and are approved, you can only use your 10% coupon in-store.

3. Special discounts for cardholders

One of the exclusive perks of having a TJX Rewards Credit Card is getting special discount opportunities, such as exclusive private shopping events. When you sign up for the card, you can also opt into receiving special offers, via email.

4. Relatively high APR

Like most retail cards, the variable APR of the TJX Rewards Credit Card is pretty high. If you don’t plan on paying off your balance every month, you’re likely to end up paying much more than you bargained for your purchases when you add in the interest.

And paying high interest means your rewards won’t go as far. If you earned a $10 rewards certificate but paid $20 in interest charges, you’re coming out behind.

5. Must be used at T.J. Maxx stores (and related brands)

One drawback of just about any store credit card is that you can often only use it to make purchases with that one brand. T.J. Maxx is a little better in that you can use your TJX Rewards Credit Card at any of the TJX stores in the U.S.-based TJX family. That means you can use it to shop at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra Trading Post, or Homesense.

While you can use the TJX Rewards Platinum Mastercard anywhere Mastercard is accepted, you’d be paying a high interest rate if you don't pay off your balance each month and not getting much in rewards (only one point per dollar spent at outside brands).

Who the T.J. Maxx credit card is best for

The TJX Rewards Credit Card is really best for those who spend a lot with T.J. Maxx or its associated brands, as well as those who are loyal to the brand. If you can keep a close eye on your rewards points, maximize the discount opportunities that pop up during the year, and pay off your balance off each month, you may be able to get some decent value out of using this card.

In addition, the T.J. Maxx credit card also doesn't charge a foreign transaction fee. So if you are planning to travel abroad and don't have time to or can't open a new credit card account, you could use your T.J. Maxx card and not incur any costly fees.

How to apply for the T.J. Maxx card

You can apply for a TJX Rewards Credit Card at any T.J. Maxx store. A customer service representative will walk you through the application, which will be processed immediately.

You’re also able to apply online at the T.J. Maxx website. For either application, you’ll need to provide your name, address, phone number, email, Social Security number, and annual income. Unfortunately, you can’t apply for a card over the phone.

Once you’re approved, you can manage your credit card account online. You’ll receive monthly statements, and you can choose for them to be paper or electronic. You can pay your bill through your online account, via mail, or over the phone. T.J. Maxx doesn’t have an in-store payment option.

Alternatives to the T.J. Maxx card

Though the TJX Rewards Credit Card does have some useful features, you may want to look into an everyday rewards card to get the most bang for your buck. These cards offer more flexible spending opportunities, plus the chance to get cashback rewards you can use anywhere.

The Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card gives you unlimited 1.5% cash back on every purchase; plus 5% unlimited cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.

Rewards can be redeemed for any amount at any time. It also has no foreign transaction fees and cardholders receive automatic consideration for a higher credit line as soon as six months after opening their account. 

With the Chase Freedom Unlimited^®, you can earn 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

You can also earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). 

You’ll get a 0% introductory APR on purchases for 15 months (then 20.49% - 29.24% Variable).

Lastly, the Citi Double Cash^® Card is another option to investigate. You can earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases; plus, for a limited time, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/24.

T.J. Maxx credit card FAQ

T.J. Maxx credit card: bottom line

The TJX Rewards Credit Card offers perks and rewards for loyal shoppers of T.J. Maxx and its affiliated brands. It can be a good choice for frequent T.J. Maxx shoppers who can pay off their balance each month and maximize the card's benefits.

However, While the TJX Rewards card provides discounts, rewards certificates, and exclusive shopping events, it has a relatively high APR and can only be used at T.J. Maxx family of stores and partner brands. 

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

Wells Fargo Active Cash^® Card

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Rates and fees

Current Offer

$200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months
• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
• Intro APR on purchases and qualifying balance transfers
• $0 annual fee

Drawbacks

• Has foreign transaction fee
• No bonus categories

Card Details

• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $500 in purchases in the first 3 months.
• Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
• 0% intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and qualifying balance transfers. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% Variable APR thereafter; balance transfers made within 120 days qualify for the intro rate and fee of 3% then a BT fee of up to 5%, min: $5.
• $0 annual fee.
• No categories to track or remember and cash rewards don’t expire as long as your account remains open.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.