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If you’re someone who is good at managing credit cards and you often shop at T.J. Maxx or its related stores, having either the TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® or the TJX Rewards® Credit Card could be beneficial for you.
These cards offer rewards. However, it’s important to be cautious about the relatively high annual percentage rate (APR) that comes with both of these cards, meaning you’ll pay more in interest if you carry a balance.
Are you a Maxxinista?
Being a “Maxxinista” means you’re someone who loves style and getting great deals at T.J. Maxx, a well-known discount department store. If you often shop at T.J. Maxx or its related stores, you might be thinking about getting a T.J. Maxx® store credit card.
There are TJX Rewards® credit cards available through Synchrony Bank for store enthusiasts. These cards let you earn rewards when you shop at TJX family stores, which include T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Homesense, and Sierra.
If you want to enhance your relationship with T.J. Maxx and TJX stores, you can consider the TJX Rewards® Credit Card or TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®. But you might be wondering which card is better for you, and we’ll provide our insights to help you decide.
TJX Rewards® Credit Card vs. TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®
Here’s a detailed comparison between the TJX Rewards® Credit Card and the TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®:
- Annual Fee:
- TJX Rewards® Credit Card: $0
- TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®: $0
- Sign-Up Bonus:
- Both cards offer a coupon for 10% off your first purchase at a TJX store.
- Rewards:
- TJX Rewards® Credit Card:
- Earn 5 points for every $1 you spend at TJX stores.
- Points earned never expire.
- TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®:
- Earn 5 points for every $1 you spend at TJX stores.
- Earn 1 point for every $1 you spend everywhere else.
- Points earned never expire.
- TJX Rewards® Credit Card:
- Point Value:
- Both cards allow you to redeem every 1,000 points for a $10 reward certificate to spend at TJX retailers.
- Reward certificates expire two years from the date of issue.
- Variable Purchase APR:
- Both cards have a variable purchase APR of 26.99%.
- Where You Can Use It:
- TJX Rewards® Credit Card:
- Only usable at TJ Maxx, HomeGoods, Homesense, Marshalls, Sierra, tjmaxx.com, and sierra.com.
- TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®:
- Can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
- TJX Rewards® Credit Card:
- Cash Advances:
- TJX Rewards® Credit Card:
- Cash advances are not available.
- TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®:
- Cash advances are available at a 29.99% APR and for a fee (4%, minimum $10).
- TJX Rewards® Credit Card:
- Other Benefits:
- Both cards offer no foreign transaction fees, making them suitable for international purchases without extra charges.
In summary, the main difference between these two cards is where you can use them. The TJX Rewards® Credit Card is limited to TJX stores and affiliated websites, while the TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted and also offers rewards for non-TJX purchases. However, both cards have the same point value, APR, and similar rewards for purchases at TJX stores.
Why we prefer the TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®
In short, the TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® is preferred over the TJX Rewards® Credit Card because it offers everything the Credit Card provides and more. Both cards offer the same rewards when you shop at TJX family stores and have the same variable purchase APR.
However, the key difference is that the TJX Rewards® Credit Card can only be used at TJX stores, whereas the TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® is a globally accepted credit card that can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted, with no foreign transaction fees. Additionally, the platinum card may come with extra benefits and protections for certain Mastercard holders.
Furthermore, both cards give you 5% rewards on TJX purchases, but the TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® also earns you 1% rewards on all non-TJX purchases made with the card, and there’s no limit to the number of rewards points you can accumulate.
Why you might want the TJX Rewards® Credit Card instead
You might consider getting the TJX Rewards® Credit Card instead of the TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® if you’re concerned about controlling your spending at non-TJX retailers.
While both cards allow you to earn store rewards at TJX retailers, the TJX Rewards® Credit Card restricts your purchases to TJX stores only. This limitation can help you avoid making impulsive purchases at other retailers and manage your spending more effectively.
What to consider when applying for a TJX Rewards® card
When applying for a TJX Rewards® card, there are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Limited Card Selection: Unlike some credit cards where you can choose the specific card you want, with the TJX Rewards® card, you don’t have a choice. The type of card you receive is determined by your application and creditworthiness.
- Card Types: There are two types of TJX Rewards® cards: the TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® and the TJX Rewards® Credit Card. If your application qualifies you for the Platinum Mastercard, that’s the one you’ll get. If not, you may receive the TJX Rewards® Credit Card. You don’t get to choose between them.
- Higher APR: Both TJX Rewards® cards typically have higher Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) compared to the national average. This means that the interest charges on any outstanding balances can be relatively high. To make the most of these cards, it’s advisable to pay off your balance in full each month to avoid these high interest fees.
In summary, when applying for a TJX Rewards® card, be prepared for limited card options based on your creditworthiness, and make sure you can manage your finances in a way that avoids carrying a balance to minimize interest charges.
Can TJ Maxx Platinum Mastercard be used anywhere?
Yes, the TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. Unlike the TJX Rewards® Credit Card, which is limited to use only within TJX stores, the Platinum Mastercard offers the flexibility of a widely accepted credit card that can be used globally, and it doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees.
So, you can use the TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® for purchases at any merchant that accepts Mastercard, both domestically and internationally.
The bottom line
If you frequently shop at TJX family of stores, a TJX Rewards® credit card might be a good choice for you. These cards allow you to earn five points for every $1 you spend at TJX stores year-round, which is a generous rewards rate compared to other cards. However, it’s essential to know that you can’t convert these rewards into cash. If you don’t shop at TJX stores often, you might end up with unused rewards.
The TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® also lets you earn points for non-TJX purchases, but the rewards rate for these purchases is lower, at one point per $1 spent. If you want to maximize your overall rewards, you might consider a cash back rewards card instead.
Both TJX Rewards® cards have high APRs (interest rates), so if you decide to use one, make sure you pay your balance in full and on time each month to avoid expensive interest fees. If not, the interest charges could outweigh the rewards you earn.