5 Things to Know About the T.J. Maxx Credit Card - NerdWallet (2024)

The TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®, issued by Synchrony Bank, can be a worthy sidekick for the deal-savvy shopper who hunts bargains at T.J. Maxx and its affiliated stores.

Typically, general credit cards don’t earn bonus rewards on purchases at discount outlets, so for T.J. Maxx loyalists who are already getting a marked-down price, this $0-annual-fee card is extra valuable.

It can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted, but if you don’t frequently shop under the TJX brand umbrella, you’ll rack up rewards slowly and may find redemptions limiting.

Here are five things to know about the card:

🤓Nerdy Tip

There's also a store-only version of this card. It offers some of the same perks, but can be used only at T.J. Maxx and its family of stores. This review focuses solely on the open-loop TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®, which can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

1. T.J. Maxx loyalists can rake in rewards ...

The TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® offers a high in-brand rewards rate whether you’re shopping off the rack or on the web:

  • 5 points per $1 spent at stores in the TJX family (T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra Trading Post and Homesense).

  • 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.

Points are worth a penny each, but there's only one redemption option: For every 1,000 points earned, you’ll get a $10 rewards certificate to spend on purchases in store or online at the above retailers. (Certificates can be issued in either $10 or $20 denominations.)

If you shop at T.J. Maxx at every opportunity, for all occasions — back to school, birthdays, holidays and such — you can score some serious points.

2. ... But it's not ideal for everyday purchases

Of course, you can't buy everything at T.J. Maxx. Your everyday spending on things like groceries, gas and restaurant meals will earn a paltry 1 point per $1, and you'll be locked in to using those rewards in only one place: within the T.J. Maxx family of brands.

If you're looking for more flexible earning and redemption options, a cash-back credit card will work better for you.

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card, for example, offers 2% cash back on all purchases. That can add up much more quickly, and you can redeem your cash back as a qualifying bank account deposit, a statement credit or a check to use however you’d like. The annual fee is $0.

And, of course, you don't necessarily have to settle for just one card. You could use the TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® on TJX purchases and the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card everywhere else.

3. There's an upfront incentive, but it won't fund a shopping spree

The TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® shaves 10% off your first purchase online or in store. That can make a decent dent in a big purchase, but a general rewards credit card may offer more valuable introductory incentives.

4. You may get first dibs on merchandise ...

The TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® snags you invitations to exclusive shopping events in store and online.

You can sort through the merchandise before other customers get access to it. Depending on the event, you might also snag some treats or prizes.

5. ... But you won't want to carry a balance

There's no introductory APR period with this card, so if you need to finance a new wardrobe for work or some furniture for a remodel, you should probably look elsewhere.

The ongoing APR is 31.74% Variable. Carrying a balance will chip away at any rewards you earn, so it's best to pay your balance on time and in full every month.

If you need breathing room on interest for a large purchase, a general rewards card with an introductory 0% APR period will be a better choice.

For a look at other options that may better suit your spending, see NerdWallet's roundup of best credit cards to get.

5 Things to Know About the T.J. Maxx Credit Card - NerdWallet (2024)

FAQs

What is the TJ Maxx credit card scandal? ›

The massive computer data breach at TJX may have affected 94 million Visa and MasterCard accounts — nearly double the previous estimate by the retailer — according to court filings last year. The charges name three people from the USA, three from the Ukraine, two from China, one from Belarus and one from Estonia.

How high is the limit on TJ Maxx card? ›

T.J. Maxx credit cards often have low credit limits, and many cardholders start with a credit limit of $200. There is the possibility of receiving a higher credit limit depending on your creditworthiness. Where can I use a T.J.

Is it hard to get approved for a TJ Maxx credit card? ›

Yes, the TJX Store Card will do a hard pull. You will need a credit score of at least 640 to get it, which is on par with what most store cards require. There is no way to pre-qualify for the TJX Store Card.

What credit score do you need for a TJX card? ›

You need fair credit to get approved for the TJX credit card, which means a credit score of 620 or above.

What is TJ Maxx being sued for? ›

(T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and HomeGoods) to pay $2.05 million for the unlawful disposal of hazardous waste. San Luis Obispo County DA and numerous other California DAs jointly settled a civil lawsuit against TJX Companies, Inc.

Can I use my TJ Maxx card at Target? ›

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.

Can I use my TJ Maxx card as a regular credit card? ›

The TJX Rewards Platinum card and TJX Rewards World card can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The TJX Rewards card can only be used within the TJX Family. This includes T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, Home Goods, Homesense, Sierra Trading Post, and online at tjmaxx.com and sierratradingpost.com.

Does closing a credit card hurt your credit? ›

Will Closing a Card Damage My Credit History? Not really. A closed account will remain on your reports for up to seven years (if negative) or around 10 years (if positive). As long as the account is on your reports, it will be factored into the average age of your credit.

Can I use my T.J. Maxx credit card at Walmart? ›

It can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted, but if you don't frequently shop under the TJX brand umbrella, you'll rack up rewards slowly and may find redemptions limiting. There's also a store-only version of this card. It offers some of the same perks, but can be used only at T.J. Maxx and its family of stores.

What is the highest card limit? ›

On our list, the card with the highest reported limit is the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card, which some say offers a $100,000 limit. We've also seen an advertised maximum credit limit of $100,000 on the First Tech Odyssey Rewards™ World Elite Mastercard®, a credit union rewards card.

What is a good card spending limit? ›

Adam McCann, Financial Writer

A good credit limit is above $30,000, as that is the average credit card limit, according to Experian. To get a credit limit this high, you typically need an excellent credit score, a high income and little to no existing debt.

How long does it take to get approved for a TJX credit card? ›

Most TJX Store Card approval decisions are issued immediately. If you aren't instantly approved, you'll be notified of Synchrony Bank's decision approx. 2-4 weeks after reviewing your application. If 4 weeks have passed since submitting your application, please call Synchrony Bank at 877-890-3150.

Can I cancel my TJ Maxx credit card? ›

You can cancel your card by calling 1-877-890-3150 for the TJX Rewards Platinum MasterCard or 1-800-952-6133 for the TJX Rewards Credit Card. Please note that when you close a credit card account, the total amount of credit that you have available falls, and that puts a dent in your credit score.

How long is TJ Maxx store credit good for? ›

You can make T.J. Maxx returns after 30 days for store credit. You actually can initiate your return outside the 30-day window with a receipt for a full refund.

What is the minimum payment for TJ Maxx credit card? ›

Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by any company. The TJX Credit Card's minimum payment is $25 or 1% of your balance plus any past due amounts, late fees, and interest - whichever is greater.

What is the Maxx credit score? ›

FICO scores range from 300 to 850.

What is good score for credit? ›

Although ranges vary depending on the credit scoring model, generally credit scores from 580 to 669 are considered fair; 670 to 739 are considered good; 740 to 799 are considered very good; and 800 and up are considered excellent.

Why are brands pulling out of TJ Maxx? ›

Top apparel brands are moving away from discount chains such as TJ Maxx, Burlington and Ross amid supply chain pressures. Even before the pandemic, these brands were trying to move away from off-price companies because they are the least profitable outlets for brands.

What was stolen from TJ Maxx? ›

MENOMONEE FALLS, Wis. - Menomonee Falls police are looking for a woman who they say stole handbags and fragrances from TJ Maxx on March 2. Police said the woman went into the store on Falls Parkway and removed anti-theft devices from several handbags.

What is the 13 million lawsuit with TJ Maxx? ›

The parent company of department store chain T.J. Maxx has agreed to pay a $13 million fine for the sale of roughly 1,200 recalled products over a five-year period, including products determined to have put infants at risk of suffocation and death, a federal agency said on Tuesday.

What does a blue tag at TJ Maxx mean? ›

“Blue price tags indicate coordinates; however, these items can be sold separately,” a representative for T.J. Maxx explained of the blue-tinged tags, which indicate that a matching piece may be available nearby.

What is the best day of the week to go to TJ Maxx? ›

When you shop matters. Most T.J. Maxx Stores do markdowns on Monday mornings, making this the best time of the week to shop if you're looking for a deal. You'll want to take a look around the store for yellow tags on items, showing they're on clearance.

What day does TJ Maxx restock? ›

Shop on Wednesday Mornings

Maxx stores typically receive new merchandise shipments three to five days a week, but Wednesday is usually the day they mark everything down. Get there in the morning to ensure you'll have access to the most robust selection.

How does a T.J. Maxx card work? ›

How the TJX Rewards Credit Card works. After being accepted for a TJX Rewards Credit Card, shoppers receive 5 points for each dollar spent at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods and Sierra Trading Post. When certain thresholds are met, rewards are paid out in certificates for customers to redeem.

Can I use my T.J. Maxx credit card at an ATM? ›

How can I get a cash advance with my TJX credit card? You can get a TJX cash advance at any ATM that display the Mastercard logo (virtually all ATMs). Just make sure you have your cash advance PIN. If you don't, call 1-877-890-3150 to get it.

Can I pay my T.J. Maxx credit card with a debit card? ›

Note that you can only make a payment with your debit card via the automated system. Call the customer service number for your card type: TJX Rewards credit card: 800-952-6133. TJX Rewards Platinum Mastercard: 877-890-3150.

Is 5 credit cards too many? ›

How many credit cards is too many or too few? Credit scoring formulas don't punish you for having too many credit accounts, but you can have too few. Credit bureaus suggest that five or more accounts — which can be a mix of cards and loans — is a reasonable number to build toward over time.

Is 3 credit cards too many? ›

It's generally recommended that you have two to three credit card accounts at a time, in addition to other types of credit. Remember that your total available credit and your debt to credit ratio can impact your credit scores. If you have more than three credit cards, it may be hard to keep track of monthly payments.

Is it better to have a zero balance on credit cards? ›

It is not bad to have a lot of credit cards with zero balance because positive information will appear on your credit reports each month since all of the accounts are current. Having credit cards with zero balance also results in a low credit utilization ratio, which is good for your credit score, too.

Who does T.J. Maxx pull credit from? ›

The TJX Store Card mainly uses TransUnion for approval. That doesn't mean it won't use Experian or Equifax, or all of them when doing a hard pull on your credit report. But don't worry about the randomness of it. If you're using your credit responsibly, all of these reports should reflect that.

Does T.J. Maxx credit card work at Ross? ›

No, you cannot use your TJX Store Card card everywhere you want, as you can only use it for purchases at TJ Maxx brands.

Can I pay by T.J. Maxx credit card bill in the store? ›

The easiest way to pay your TJX Credit Card is online. Alternatively, you can make a payment over the phone at (800) 952-6133 or via mail. You cannot pay your credit card bill at a T.J. Maxx store.

How much should I spend if my credit limit is $1000? ›

A good guideline is the 30% rule: Use no more than 30% of your credit limit to keep your debt-to-credit ratio strong. Staying under 10% is even better. In a real-life budget, the 30% rule works like this: If you have a card with a $1,000 credit limit, it's best not to have more than a $300 balance at any time.

What is the credit limit for 50000 salary? ›

What will be my credit limit for a salary of ₹50,000? Typically, your credit limit is 2 or 3 times of your current salary. So, if your salary is ₹50,000, you can expect your credit limit to be anywhere between ₹1 lakh and ₹1.5 lakh.

Is $5000 a good credit card limit? ›

A $5,000 credit limit is good if you have fair to good credit, as it is well above the lowest limits on the market but still far below the highest. The average credit card limit overall is around $13,000. You typically need good or excellent credit, a high income and little to no existing debt to get a limit that high.

How much should I spend on my credit card if my limit is $2000? ›

What is a good credit utilization ratio? According to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, experts recommend keeping your credit utilization below 30% of your available credit. So if your only line of credit is a credit card with a $2,000 limit, that would mean keeping your balance below $600.

How much should I spend on my credit card with a limit of 500? ›

What's Your Credit Card Balance To Limit Ratio?
Credit LimitFair Utilization (40%)Good Utilization (30%)
$500$200$150
$2,000$800$600
$3,000$1,200$900
$5,000$2,000$1,500
1 more row
Jun 12, 2023

How much of my 500 dollar limit should I spend on my credit card? ›

Lenders generally prefer that you use less than 30 percent of your credit limit. It's always a good idea to keep your credit card balance as low as possible in relation to your credit limit. Of course, paying your balance in full each month is the best practice.

What bank issues the TJ Maxx credit card? ›

The TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard is issued by Synchrony Bank pursuant to a license by Mastercard International Incorporated.

What bank does TJX use? ›

Store loyalists can apply for the TJX Rewards® credit cards offered through Synchrony Bank that allow you to earn rewards at the TJX family stores, including T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Homesense and Sierra.

What is TJ Maxx credit card rate? ›

Very High Regular APR: You do not want to carry a balance from month to month with the TJX Credit Card, as you will be charged interest at an astronomic rate: 31.49% (V).

Can I use my TJ Maxx credit card everywhere? ›

Customers who qualify will receive the TJX Rewards Mastercard Platinum, which can be used anywhere that Mastercard is accepted. In addition to the rewards earned at TJX stores, the cardholder will earn 1% on all other purchases. This card also offers general purchase protections from Mastercard.

What credit score is needed for TJ Maxx? ›

Yes, the TJX Store Card will do a hard pull. You will need a credit score of at least 640 to get it, which is on par with what most store cards require. There is no way to pre-qualify for the TJX Store Card.

How often should you use a store credit card? ›

If you want to play it safe, use them at least once every 3 months, especially if the cards are store credit cards. Every credit card issuer is different. Some issuers cancel a card after a few months of inactivity, while others take years.

How many times can you be late at TJ Maxx? ›

For tardies, T.J. Maxx employees first receive a formal counseling if they are tardy six times within a twelve-month period (Doc. 39-1, p. 12).

What happened in the TJX breach? ›

The intruders who broke into TJX's payment systems remained undetected for 18 months, during which time they downloaded a total of 80GB of cardholder data. TJX eventually said that 45.6 million card numbers belonging to customers in multiple countries were stolen from its systems.

How did TJX get hacked? ›

Though the hack wasn't discovered until 2007, hackers had first gained access to the TJX network in 2005 through a WiFi connection at a retail store, and were eventually able to install a sniffer program that could recognize and capture sensitive cardholder data as it was transmitted over the company's networks ...

What was the breach of data at TJX? ›

During the TJX breach, hackers stole an undetermined number of credit card accounts, some of which dated back to 2003; as a result, dozens of banks reported incidents of fraud from the compromised cards.

Who were the victims in the TJX breach? ›

The data breach affected customers of its T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods and A.J. Wright stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Also affected were customers of its Winners and HomeSense stores in Canada and TK Maxx stores in the U.K.

Is TJX an ethical company? ›

We hold ourselves to high ethical standards and expect our Associates to comply with these standards set forth in the TJX Global Code of Conduct. Likewise, our Vendor Code of Conduct sets our expectations of the vendors with whom we do business.

Which major retailer was compromised resulting in the loss of 45 million credit and debit card records? ›

TJX Companies said 45.7 million accounts were compromised over nearly a two-year period, in an update Wednesday of an investigation into a data breach of customer records. The scope of the breach, which was initially disclosed in January, is far wider than previously believed.

Why are brands pulling out of T.J. Maxx? ›

Top apparel brands are moving away from discount chains such as TJ Maxx, Burlington and Ross amid supply chain pressures. Even before the pandemic, these brands were trying to move away from off-price companies because they are the least profitable outlets for brands.

Why does stuff end up at T.J. Maxx? ›

We take advantage of a wide variety of opportunities, which can include department store cancellations, a manufacturer making up too much product, or a closeout deal when a vendor wants to clear merchandise at the end of a season, as well as lots of other ways to bring our customers tremendous value.

Why can T.J. Maxx sell so cheap? ›

These chains have flexible buying models and are able to scoop up unwanted merchandise from suppliers at steep discounts to their initial wholesale price. Unlike brands and stores that lock in their inventory six months to a year in advance, TJX and other off-price chains buy surplus merchandise to sell it right away.

How much did TJX security Breach cost? ›

Effects of the Data Breach on TJX

The total cost of the data breach to TJX exceeded $250 million (Kerber, 2007).

Does TJ Maxx have loss prevention? ›

At T.J. Maxx, you'll learn that behind our phenomenal success is a company-wide commitment to shrink reduction. It's a team effort, and the responsibility for managing and driving that effort belongs to T.J. Maxx's outstanding Loss Prevention team.

What are the 4 pillars of TJX? ›

Our reporting is organized around the pillars where we believe we can make a significant difference for our stakeholders – Workplace, Communities, Environmental Sustainability, and Responsible Business.

What was the largest data breach payout? ›

T-Mobile's $350 million settlement was one of the largest data breach payouts in US history. After a 2021 cyberattack exposed millions of customers' personal information, T-Mobile agreed to a $350 million settlement to resolve claims that its negligence led to the breach.

How much did TJ Maxx get fined for selling recalled items? ›

TJX Agrees to Pay $13 Million Civil Penalty for Selling, Offering for Sale and Distributing Recalled Products | CPSC.gov.

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