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

Whether you get the store card or the Mastercard version, this rewards card is best for T.J. Maxx brand loyalists who don’t carry a balance.

Updated Oct. 15, 2024
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If you’re like me, you love the treasure hunt of shopping at T.J. Maxx. The deals! The finds! But you could be unlocking even more benefits by paying with the TJX Rewards Card when you shop at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra Trading Post, and Homesense — the family of brands under parent company TJX Companies, Inc.

Perks include 5% rewards on every purchase at those brands, plus there’s no annual fee. The APR is high, though, and rewards can only be redeemed at T.J. Maxx brands, so this card is best for die-hard T.J. Maxx fans who pay their bill in full each month.

Here’s everything you need to know about the T.J. Maxx credit card.

T.J. Maxx credit card pros and cons

Pros
  • Earn 5% rewards on purchases at T.J. Maxx and related brands
  • No annual fee
  • No foreign transaction fees
Cons
  • High APR
  • Store card can only be used at T.J. Maxx brands
  • Rewards only good for T.J. Maxx brands

T.J. Maxx credit card basics

TJX Rewards Credit Card TJX Rewards Platinum Mastercard
Card type Store card (used in-store only) Mastercard (anywhere it is accepted)
APR 34.99% (variable) 34.99% (variable)
Rewards 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases across the family of brands 5 points per dollar on eligible purchases across the family of brands, plus 1 point per dollar on other purchases
Welcome offer 10% off your first purchase 10% off your first purchase
Annual fee None None
Foreign transaction fee None None

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

1. There’s a store card version and a Mastercard version

T.J. Maxx offers two versions of its rewards credit cards, each issued by Synchrony Bank: a store card and a Platinum Mastercard.

  • The TJX Rewards Credit Card: This is a store card that can only be used in-store or online at T.J. Maxx and its partner brands (Marshalls, HomeGoods, HomeSense, and Sierra) in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.
  • The TJX Rewards Platinum Mastercard: This is a rewards credit card that can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

Both cards will earn you points toward reward certificates. I recommend going with the Mastercard version if you qualify, since you can use it at more places than the store card. That means you can pay for groceries, gas, and bills and still earn rewards towards your T.J. Maxx shopping (more on that in a minute).

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 version, you may be offered that card. If you apply for the Platinum and aren’t approved, you might be offered the store card instead. You can prequalify online to see if you’re likely to be approved; prequalifying won’t impact your credit score, but a formal credit application will.

2. T.J. Maxx purchases earn 5% rewards

You can earn an unlimited 5% back in rewards when you use the card at any T.J. Maxx brand in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, meaning you earn five rewards points for every dollar you spend.

Platinum Mastercard holders also earn 1% back on all other purchases.

Points don’t expire and will accumulate in your account until you reach 1,000 points, at which point you’ll earn a $10 reward certificate good on purchases at a TJX brand. Digital rewards will be issued within 48 hours; mailed certificates will be included with your billing statement within one or two billing cycles. 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.

3. You’ll get 10% off your first purchase

As a welcome bonus, you’ll receive a 10%-off coupon good on your first TJX brand purchase after you’re approved for a TJX Rewards Credit Card. There are a few conditions to this sign-up bonus, however.

  • You have to use your new TJX Rewards Credit Card for the purchase to get the discount.
  • 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.
  • If you apply for a card through a mobile device and are approved, you can only use your 10% coupon in-store.

4. Cardholders get special perks and discounts

One of the exclusive perks of having a TJX Rewards Credit Card is getting special discount opportunities, such as:

  • Exclusive private shopping events.
  • Free shipping offers only for cardmembers
  • Monthly sweepstakes entry toward a $100 gift card

When you sign up for the card, you can also opt into receiving special offers via email.

5. The APR is pretty high

The variable APR for both of the TJX Rewards Credit Cards is very high compared to other cards. If you don’t pay off your balance every month, you’ll pay more than you earn in rewards.

For example, if you make $200 in purchases, you could earn $10 in rewards – but at 34.99% APR, you’d pay more than that in interest in just two months of carrying a balance.

How does the TJX Rewards Credit Card work?

The TJX Rewards Card is a credit card, not a loyalty program. That means you can use it to make purchases and pay them off. The Platinum Mastercard works like any credit card; you can use it wherever Mastercard is accepted. The TJX store card, on the other hand, is only accepted at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra Trading Post, and Homesense stores.

Both cards let you earn rewards towards future purchases.

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

The TJX Rewards Credit Card is obviously best for those who spend a lot at T.J. Maxx or its associated brands. If you’re a brand loyalist and 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 each month, you may be able to get some decent value out of using this card.

In addition, the T.J. Maxx Mastercard 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 Mastercard credit card and not incur any transaction fees for overseas spending.

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 can also apply online at the T.J. Maxx website. You’ll typically be able to use your in-store discount right away if you apply in-store.

Regardless of where you apply, you’ll need to provide your name, address, phone number, email, Social Security number, and annual income. 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, an everyday rewards credit card will probably offer more bang for your buck. Rewards cards offer more flexible spending opportunities, plus the chance to get cashback rewards you can use anywhere.

Capital One QuicksilverOne Cash Rewards Credit Card

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.

Chase Freedom Unlimited®

With the Chase Freedom Unlimited®, you can earn 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service and 3% cash back on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, 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 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 19.99% - 28.74% Variable).

Citi Double Cash® Card

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, a special travel offer, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on the Citi Travel℠ portal through 12/31/25.

FAQs

What credit score is needed for a T.J. Maxx card?

You'll likely need a credit score of 620 or above to qualify for a T.J. Maxx credit card.

If your credit score is 670 or above you might be better off with one of the better cashback cards such as the Chase Freedom Flex®. The rewards you earn would have much more flexible and potentially lucrative redemption options and there’s no annual fee.

What bank issues the T.J. Maxx credit card?

Synchrony Bank is the financial institution that is the credit card issuer of The TJX Rewards Credit Card. The card is a Mastercard.

Why does the T.J. Maxx credit card ask for my Social Security number?

You will have to undergo a hard credit inquiry to apply for a T.J. Maxx credit card. The bank uses your Social Security number to confirm your identity and check your credit. However, you can prequalify online at the T.J. Maxx website to see if you could be approved without a hard pull on your credit.

How do I check the balance on my T.J. Maxx card?

You can check the balance on your T.J. Maxx credit card by logging into your account online. You can also check your TJX rewards points and pay your bill in your online account.

How do I cancel my T.J. Maxx credit card?

To cancel your T.J. Maxx Rewards card, call 800-952-6133. If you have the Platinum MasterCard, call 877-890-3150.

Can you transfer a balance to a T.J. Maxx credit card?

No, you cannot transfer a balance to your T.J. Maxx credit card. If you would like to do a balance transfer, we recommend choosing a credit card with a 0% intro APR. You can also explore our list of the best balance transfer credit cards.

Bottom line

Both versions of the TJX Rewards Credit Card offer perks and rewards for loyal shoppers of T.J. Maxx and its affiliated brands. They 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 a TJX Rewards card provides discounts, rewards certificates, and exclusive shopping events, it has a relatively high APR, and the store card version (and rewards you earn) can only be used at the T.J. Maxx family of stores and partner brands.

Lucrative, Flat-Rate Cash Rewards

5.0
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Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card

Current Offer

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

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks
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