T.J. Maxx Credit Card Review

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• 2 card options: TJX Rewards Card and TJX Rewards Platinum Mastercard
• High APR can quickly negate rewards if you carry a balance
• Earn 5% back in points at all TJX brand stores
• Redeem points for certificates, not for cash or statement credits
• Introductory 10% discount on your first purchase provides immediate savings

About T.J. Maxx credit card

T.J. Maxx is a popular retail chain that sells brand-name clothing, footwear, and home goods at discount prices. It operates under parent company TJX Companies Inc., which also owns popular stores Marshalls and HomeGoods. 

T.J. Maxx offers two popular store credit cards: the TJX Rewards Card and the TJX Rewards Platinum Mastercard. These cards allow frequent shoppers to earn rewards points and redeem them for purchases made at TJX stores or on their websites:

Source: T.J. Maxx 

Read on because we’re breaking down how T.J. Maxx credit cards can save you money—or become a financial trap.

T.J. Maxx credit card rates, rewards, and more

So you’re considering a T.J. Maxx credit card. Let’s find out whether it’s a good fit for you.

Here’s what the two T.J. Maxx credit cards offer:

Feature	TJX Rewards Credit Card	TJX Rewards Platinum Mastercard
Introductory offer	10% off first purchase	10% off first purchase
Rewards	5% back at TJX brands	5% back at TJX brands + 1 point per $1 elsewhere
Regular APR	32.24%*	32.24%*
Cash advance APR	N/A	29.99%*
Annual fees	None (up to $38 late fee)	None (up to $38 late fee)
Where to use	TJX stores and websites only	Anywhere Mastercard is accepted
Unique features	Exclusive shopping invites	Exclusive invites + no foreign transaction fees

*Rates as of October 2023

Here’s a summary of the differences:

• Rewards: Both cards offer 5% back at TJX brands, but the Platinum Mastercard also allows you to earn points elsewhere.
• Cash advance: Only available with the Platinum Mastercard, and it comes with a steep APR and fee.
• Where to use: The Platinum Mastercard has the edge in flexibility; you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
• Additional perks: Both cards offer exclusive shopping invites, but the Platinum Mastercard comes with no foreign transaction fees.

T.J. Maxx Credit Rewards Program 

Here’s what you need to know about the rewards program:

• Earn points with every eligible purchase, and get a $10 rewards certificate for every 1,000 points to spend in any TJX store.
• Points don’t expire, but certificates do—after two years.
• Certificates are digital and available within 48 hours via TJX apps or websites.

Let’s say you spend $500 per month at T.J. Maxx and its affiliated stores:

TJX Rewards Credit Card	TJX Rewards Platinum Mastercard
$500 x 5% back = $25 rewards per month	Same $25 rewards + additional rewards for spending outside TJX stores
	If you spend another $500 elsewhere, you’d earn an additional $5 rewards with the Platinum Mastercard.

Both cards could serve you well if you’re a frequent TJX shopper. If you plan to use the card elsewhere or travel abroad, the Platinum Mastercard is your best bet. However, the high APR is a major downside for both, so think twice if you might carry a balance.

Compare your rewards to the cost of carrying a balance

High APRs can wipe out any rewards you might earn. 

For example, you’d earn $25 in rewards if you charged $500 to your TJX Rewards Credit Card in a month. But if you didn’t pay off the balance within that month, TJX would charge about $13.44 in interest that month—so it might only take two months to negate your rewards.

The Platinum Mastercard offers more flexibility, but still—don’t ignore the APR. Always aim to pay off your balance in full each month. If you think you’ll carry a balance, this card may not be for you.

Who’s eligible for a T.J. Maxx credit card?

A credit check is part of T.J. Maxx’s application process. But you can prequalify with a soft credit check, which won’t affect your credit score.

Tip

Wondering where your credit stands? Multiple services allow you to check your credit score online—usually for free Websites such as Credit Karma or your bank’s online services can help.

If your credit is at least fair, you might have a shot at approval.

• Fair credit score: FICO score generally falls between 580 and 669. You’re might be approved for the TJX Rewards Credit Card.
• Good credit score: Scores between 670 and 739. You’re likely to be approved for the TJX Rewards Credit Card.
• Very good credit score: 740 or better. You’re more likely to be approved for the TJX Rewards Platinum Mastercard.

TJX will review your credit score and decide whether you qualify and, if so, which card—the Rewards Card or the Platinum Mastercard.

Checking your credit score before you apply can help you know which card is within reach and spare you from any surprises.

How do you make a T.J. Maxx credit card payment?

Paying your TJX credit card bill is straightforward. Synchrony Bank issues the Rewards Card and the Platinum Mastercard, so you can head to Synchrony’s website or mobile app to make a payment.

Just follow these steps:

• Visit Synchrony’s website or app: Go to the Synchrony Bank credit card login page or open the app from your phone.
• Log in: Use your username and password to log in. If you haven’t registered, you’ll need to do that first.
• Select your card: If you have more than one card issued by Synchrony, choose your T.J. Maxx credit card.
• Navigate to payments: Look for a tab or section labeled “Payments.”
• Enter payment info: Enter the amount you’re paying, your bank account number, and your bank’s routing number.

Now, just confirm all the details are correct and submit your payment. It’s a simple process, but making on-time payments is crucial, especially considering the cards’ high APRs. 

So set a reminder or consider scheduling autopay to ensure you never miss a due date.

Pros and cons of T.J. Maxx credit cards

Here’s a handy list of pros and cons to help you make an informed decision about whether a T.J. Maxx credit card is right for you.

Pros

• Generous rewards

  Earn 5% back on purchases made at T.J. Maxx and other TJX brands.

• Brand versatility

  Use your TJX Rewards Card at T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra, or HomeSense.

• Wide acceptance

  If you’re eligible for the TJX Rewards Platinum Mastercard, you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

• Sign-up discount

  Get 10% off your first purchase, which can add up to significant savings on a large purchase.

• No annual fees

  Certain credit cards charge membership fees, but neither T.J. Maxx card assesses annual fees.

Cons

• Higher-than-average APR

  The interest rates mean carrying a balance can quickly negate any rewards or discounts you might earn.

• Limited redemption

  You can’t exchange your rewards for cash or statement credits, which limits your options.

Balancing these pros and cons can help you determine whether a T.J. Maxx card’s benefits outweigh its drawbacks. The high APR means it’s crucial to pay off the balance each month to make the most of the rewards.

Is T.J. Maxx credit card reputable?

Reading reviews about credit card companies gives you a real-world glimpse of the cardholder experience. It helps you make an informed decision. Here’s more about T.J. Maxx’s credit card reputation.

Source	Customer rating	Number of reviews
Trustpilot	1.8 out of 5 (“Poor”)	190
Better Business Bureau	1.2 out of 5	45

Data collected October 5, 2023

The sources we consulted were:

• Trustpilot: A global platform where consumers can post reviews, providing a broad perspective.
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): A U.S.-based nonprofit that accredits businesses and provides a platform for consumer complaints and reviews.

On Trustpilot, T.J. Maxx earns a low 1.8 out of 5 rating. Its BBB rating is even lower, at 1.2 out of 5. T.J. Maxx has a B-minus rating and is not BBB-accredited.

Customer complaints about T.J. Maxx credit cards:

• Payment issues: One Trustpilot review mentioned a larger-than-selected payment applied to their credit card without a possibility of a refund.
• Account changes: Several BBB reviews pointed out sudden credit card cancellations or lowered limits with no prior notification.

Many of the reviews on both websites address in-store experiences and website purchases, not specifically the credit card. But it’s clear T.J. Maxx could improve its customer service and transparency, considering the low ratings from reputable sources.

It’s crucial to weigh these reviews alongside the card’s benefits and drawbacks to make the best decision for you.

Does T.J. Maxx credit card have a customer service team?

When it comes to credit cards, a reliable customer service team can make a notable difference. Here are your options if you need to reach out to T.J. Maxx:

• Phone support:
  • TJX Rewards Credit Card: 1-800-952-6133.
  • TJX Rewards Platinum Mastercard: 1-877-890-3150.
• Postal mail: You can write to The TJX Companies, Inc., 770 Cochituate Road, Framingham, MA 01701.
• Online chat: A chat option is available on the T.J. Maxx website.

Customer service accessibility can make or break your card experience. T.J. Maxx offers multiple avenues for contact, so if you have questions or run into issues, help is just a phone call, letter, or chat away.

How to apply for a T.J. Maxx credit card 

If you’ve weighed the pros and cons and decided a T.J. Maxx credit card fits your shopping habits, applying for one is straightforward. You can complete the process online, and in many cases, get instant approval.

Steps to apply for a T.J. Maxx credit card:

1. Visit the T.J. Maxx website: Start by clicking the “Apply now” button.

Source: T.J. Maxx

2. Prequalify: Input the last four digits of your Social Security number and your mobile phone number.

Source: Synchrony

3. Fill in details: Confirm your address, and provide your email address and income information.
4. Wait for approval: In many cases, you’ll get instant notification about whether you’re approved, the type of card you qualify for, and your credit limit.
5. Make a purchase: If you’re shopping online, you can apply the new account to your purchase immediately.
6. Get your card: TJX will mail the card to you, which often arrives within a few days.

Prequalifying typically involves a soft credit check, so have your Social Security number ready. Most steps take just a few minutes, making it a quick and efficient process.

What are my options if I get declined for a T.J. Maxx credit card?

If T.J. Maxx declines your applications, you can take steps to understand why it happened and improve your chances for future applications:

• Understand the reasons: By law, you’re entitled to know why you were declined on a credit card application. The card issuer will send you a letter explaining the reason, often within 10 business days.
• Review your credit report: Check for any errors or discrepancies that could have led to your denial. You can get a free weekly credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus.
• Improve your credit score: Work on reducing debt, making on-time payments, and not applying for multiple new lines of credit in a short period.
• Consider other cards: Look for cards that are more forgiving of lower credit scores or are designed for people looking to build or rebuild credit.
• Reapply later: After spending time and effort to improve your creditworthiness, you can consider applying for the T.J. Maxx credit card again. We recommend waiting at least six months.

Remember, every application can result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can reduce your credit score by a few points. Be strategic about reapplying.

T.J. Maxx credit card FAQ

How soon do rewards points expire?

Rewards points on both T.J. Maxx credit cards don’t expire. However, the certificates issued for rewards expire after two years.

Does the card offer a 0% introductory APR?

No, the T.J. Maxx credit cards do not offer a 0% introductory APR. The regular APR is 32.24% as of October 5, 2023.

What are the cash advance terms?

Cash advances are only available with the TJX Rewards Platinum Mastercard. The APR for cash advances is 29.99%, and the cash advance fee is the greater of $10 or 4% of the amount of the cash advance.