If you‘re a bargain hunter with a penchant for designer deals, chances are you‘ve found yourself browsing the aisles of TJ Maxx a time or two. The off-price retailer, which is part of the TJX Companies, Inc. along with Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra, and Homesense, is known for its ever-changing selection of discounted clothing, accessories, home decor, and more.
But before you fill up your shopping cart with fabulous finds, it‘s important to know what payment methods TJ Maxx accepts. One common question among shoppers is whether TJ Maxx takes American Express. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll explore the answer to that question and delve into the many ways you can save money while shopping at TJ Maxx, no matter your preferred payment method.
Does TJ Maxx Take American Express? The Short Answer
Let‘s cut to the chase: yes, TJ Maxx accepts American Express credit cards as a form of payment, both in-store and online. You can also use American Express gift cards to make purchases at TJ Maxx. This policy applies to other TJX brands as well, including Marshalls and HomeGoods.
However, it‘s worth noting that not all American Express cards are accepted at TJ Maxx. According to the retailer‘s website, TJ Maxx currently does not take American Express traveler‘s checks or international American Express cards that are not authorized for use within the United States.
The Benefits of Using American Express at TJ Maxx
So why might you choose to pay with American Express at TJ Maxx? For starters, many American Express cards offer generous rewards programs that allow you to earn points, miles, or cash back on your purchases. Here‘s a closer look at some of the perks you can enjoy as an American Express cardholder:
Membership Rewards Points
If you have an American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points, such as the American Express Green Card or the American Express Gold Card, you can rack up points on your TJ Maxx purchases that can be redeemed for travel, gift cards, merchandise, and more. According to ValuePenguin, Membership Rewards points are worth an average of 1 cent each when redeemed for flights, making them a valuable rewards currency for frequent travelers.
Cash Back
Some American Express cards, like the Blue Cash Everyday Card and the Blue Cash Preferred Card, offer cash back rewards on purchases. With these cards, you‘ll earn a percentage back on every dollar you spend at TJ Maxx, which can add up to significant savings over time. For example, the Blue Cash Preferred Card offers 6% cash back on up to $6,000 in U.S. supermarket purchases per year, and 1% back on all other eligible purchases.
Purchase Protection
Many American Express cards come with built-in purchase protection that can give you peace of mind when shopping at TJ Maxx. If you buy an eligible item with your American Express card and it gets stolen or accidentally damaged within a certain timeframe (usually 90 days), American Express may reimburse you for the loss. Some cards also offer extended warranty coverage on purchases, which can come in handy for big-ticket items like electronics or appliances.
Limited-Time Promotions
American Express frequently runs limited-time promotions that can help you save even more money at TJ Maxx. In the past, cardholders have received exclusive discounts, bonus rewards points, and statement credits for shopping with select retailers, including TJ Maxx. For example, in 2021, select American Express cardholders could earn 5x Membership Rewards points on up to $1,500 in combined purchases at various retailers, including TJ Maxx, when using their enrolled card.
Other Payment Methods Accepted at TJ Maxx
While American Express is a popular choice among TJ Maxx shoppers, it‘s far from the only payment option available. In fact, TJ Maxx accepts a wide variety of payment methods to suit every shopper‘s needs and preferences. Here‘s a quick rundown of the other ways you can pay for your TJ Maxx haul:
- Credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and Discover
- Debit and bank cards
- Contactless mobile payments like Apple Pay (in-store only)
- PayPal (online only)
- TJX Rewards and other store-branded credit cards (more on this below)
- Gift cards from American Express, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and store brands
- Cash (in-store only)
- Personal checks (in-store only)
Saving Money with the TJX Rewards Credit Card
If you‘re a frequent TJ Maxx shopper, you may want to consider applying for a TJX Rewards credit card. This store-branded card, which is issued by Synchrony Bank, allows you to earn rewards points on purchases made at TJ Maxx and other TJX brands, including Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra, and Homesense.
With the TJX Rewards credit card, you‘ll earn 5 points for every $1 spent at TJX brands, both in-store and online. Once you accumulate 1,000 points, you‘ll receive a $10 rewards certificate that can be redeemed for merchandise at any TJX store. You‘ll also receive exclusive benefits like a birthday gift and invitations to special shopping events.
However, it‘s worth noting that the TJX Rewards credit card does have some drawbacks compared to other rewards credit cards. For one, the points you earn can only be redeemed at TJX brands, which limits your flexibility. Additionally, the card has a high APR of 27.99%, which means you‘ll pay significant interest charges if you carry a balance from month to month.
If you do decide to apply for a TJX Rewards credit card, be sure to use it responsibly by paying your balance in full and on time each month. And if you tend to overspend, you may be better off sticking with a traditional rewards credit card that offers more versatile redemption options.
Expert Tips for Saving Money at TJ Maxx
No matter how you choose to pay for your TJ Maxx purchases, there are plenty of ways to stretch your dollar and score amazing deals. Here are some expert tips from seasoned TJ Maxx shoppers and retail industry insiders:
Know the Tag Colors
At TJ Maxx, the price tags can tell you a lot about the item‘s potential for future markdowns. According to shopping experts, here‘s what each tag color means:
- White tags: Regular price
- Red tags: Clearance price (usually 20-30% off the white tag price)
- Yellow tags: Final clearance price (typically 50% or more off the white tag price)
- Purple tags: Designer or high-end brands
If you see an item you like with a white or red tag, it may be worth waiting a few weeks to see if it gets marked down further. However, if you spot something with a yellow tag, snap it up fast – these deeply discounted items tend to sell out quickly!
Shop During Mark-Down Events
TJ Maxx typically marks down items every other Wednesday, with additional clearance events around holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day. By timing your shopping trips around these mark-down events, you can take advantage of even deeper discounts on already low-priced merchandise.
Compare Prices Online
While TJ Maxx is known for its in-store treasure hunt experience, don‘t forget to check the retailer‘s website before making a purchase. TJ Maxx often offers exclusive online deals and clearance items that you won‘t find in stores. You can also use the website to compare prices and read customer reviews before deciding on a purchase.
Use Price Matching
Did you know that TJ Maxx offers a price matching policy? If you find an identical item priced lower at a competitor‘s store or website, TJ Maxx will match the price at the time of purchase. This policy applies to both in-store and online purchases, and includes competitors like Marshalls, Ross, and Burlington.
To take advantage of price matching, simply bring in a copy of the competitor‘s ad or show the lower price on your phone at the register. For online purchases, contact TJ Maxx‘s customer service team with the competitor‘s information and they‘ll adjust the price before processing your order.
The Bottom Line
As a picky shopper with a keen eye for bargains, you can‘t go wrong with TJ Maxx. The off-price retailer offers an ever-changing selection of high-quality, brand-name merchandise at deeply discounted prices, making it a go-to destination for savvy shoppers.
When it comes to paying for your TJ Maxx purchases, you have plenty of options. American Express credit cards and gift cards are accepted both in-store and online, and offer valuable perks like rewards points, purchase protection, and limited-time promotions. However, TJ Maxx also accepts a wide range of other payment methods, including credit and debit cards, mobile payments, PayPal, and even good old-fashioned cash and checks.
If you‘re a frequent TJ Maxx shopper, consider applying for a TJX Rewards credit card to earn points on every purchase. Just be sure to use the card responsibly and pay your balance in full each month to avoid costly interest charges.
No matter your payment method of choice, there are plenty of ways to save money at TJ Maxx. By shopping strategically, keeping an eye out for mark-down events, comparing prices online, and taking advantage of price matching, you can score amazing deals on everything from designer clothing to home decor.
So the next time you find yourself in the mood for a little retail therapy, head to your nearest TJ Maxx store or browse the website from the comfort of your couch. With a savvy shopping strategy and the right payment method in hand, you‘re sure to snag some incredible bargains that will make your inner bargain hunter sing with joy.
