Review of the SaksFirst Store Card and SaksFirst Mastercard
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Saks Fifth Avenue provides two options for customers: the SaksFirst Store Card and the SaksFirst Mastercard. They’re both issued by Capital One.
These cards are designed for fairly frequent Saks shoppers, both Saks Fifth Avenue and Saks OFF 5th outlets. They’ll reward you more depending on how much you spend, so if you’re spending thousands of dollars at Saks each year they could end up being pretty valuable. You’ll get a SaksFirst Membership with both cards.
The regular store card offers rewards and benefits only at Saks, while the Mastercard offers a wider selection of features and can be used anywhere.
Neither card has an annual fee, but the regular store card will give you a higher interest rate.
You could be using one of these cards to get discounts and benefits at Saks, but should you? Keep reading our review to find out.
securely on the issuer's website
- Different rewards depending on how much you spend throughout the year, up to 6X points at Saks
- Double and Triple Points Days at Saks
- No annual fee
The information related to SaksFirst Store Card has been collected by Credit Card Insider and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product.
SaksFirst Mastercard
Details
securely on the issuer's website
- Different rewards depending on how much you spend throughout the year, up to 6X points at Saks
- Double and Triple Points Days at Saks
- 3X points for every $1 spent at salons and spas, 2X points on dining, groceries & gas
- No annual fee
The information related to SaksFirst Mastercard has been collected by Credit Card Insider and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product.
Our Rating: 3 & 4 Out Of 5 Stars
We gave the SaksFirst Store Card 3 out of 5 Stars for its rewards, benefits, and costs. You’ll get some small rewards and a nice set of benefits to start out, but you need to spend quite a bit of money to raise your membership tier.
We gave the SaksFirst Mastercard 4 out of 5 Stars because it’s a bit better than the regular store option. It provides everything the store card does, along with the ability to earn points anywhere, some extra benefits, and a lower interest rate. So it’s a better option if you can get it.
Why We Like Them
- Potential for high rewards for frequent Saks shoppers
- Strong benefits at the lowest membership tier, not requiring any extra spending
- Saks discounts
- No annual fee
Why They Could Be Better
- High spending qualifications for upper benefit tiers
- Benefits may not always equal the cost of raising your member status
- Interest rates are very high, but that’s to be expected for most store cards
Where Can I Use My Saks Credit Card?
The SaksFirst Store Card can only be used at Saks locations, which includes Saks Fifth Avenue, Saks Fifth Avenue OFF 5th, saks.com, and saksoff5th.com.
The SaksFirst Mastercard can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted, which is pretty much everywhere.
Can I Upgrade my SaksFirst Store Card to A Mastercard?
Yes. To upgrade your store card to the Mastercard version, just click this link and apply or visit a Saks store.
Insider Advice: Getting the Most Out of Your Card
- Keep an eye out for advance access: You’ll get advanced knowledge of merchandise before non-members, giving you a shot at getting there first.
- Pounce on sales: You’ll be notified of designer sales before they happen, so you’ll have extra time to capitalize on savings.
- Spend enough to reach the higher tiers: Some useful benefits like a concierge and valet parking are unlocked at the higher membership tiers.
- Store your furs: Saks offers the unique perk (at the Platinum tier) of caring for your fur. If you have an extra fur you need stored, Saks will take it off your hands and hold it.
- Utilize the fashion consultant: Saks offers in-store fashion consultants for cardholders, whose job is to make sure you’ll walk out looking your best.
- Take advantage of the double/triple reward days: Depending on your membership tier, these days could really have you reaping in the rewards.
- Don’t dawdle with your reward gift cards: Every 2,500 points will get you a $25 gift card, which will expire on 12/31 of the year it was issued, unless otherwise noted on the card.
The Rewards
The SaksFirst Store Card and Mastercard give you more points per dollar for higher membership tiers. The more you spend each year, the higher your tier will be. You’ll begin earning 2X SaksFirst points per dollar, leading up to 6X points per dollar (after spending $10,000 or more).
Points are worth 1 cent each; every time you earn 2,500 points, you’ll get a $25 Saks gift card.
Initial Offer
When you get your card, you’ll be able to get one of the following:
- 10% off your first day purchases at Saks (SaksFirst Store card only)
- $25 Saks Welcome Gift Card when you make your first purchase outside Saks (SaksFirst Mastercard only)
SaksFirst Membership Rewards
These rewards apply to both the SaksFirst Store Card and the SaksFirst Mastercard.
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The more you spend each year, the more points you’ll earn. The following tiers also include additional benefits to reward you for spending more (explained in the next section).
| Spend | Tier | Points Per Dollar |
| Up to $5,000 | Premier | 2 |
| Up to $10,000 | Elite | 4 |
| Up to $25,000 | Platinum | 6 |
| More than $25,000 | Diamond | 6 |
So these cards will be much more rewarding if you’re a big spender at Saks, especially if you’re making use of the double and triple point days – potentially earning 18 points per dollar if you’re in the highest tiers.
Once you reach the $10,000 Elite tier, the card gets twice as rewarding at 4 points per dollar. But take note that you need to spend 1.5 times as much to reach the next Platinum tier at $25,000, which only provides 6 points per dollar. And after that there isn’t a bump in rewards for spending more.
Whenever you reach 2,500 points, you’ll be given a $25 Saks gift card.
SaksFirst Mastercard Rewards
In addition to the rewards above, the Mastercard version also provides:
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The Benefits
The following benefits may or may not be available to you depending on your SaksFirst Membership tier. The more you spend, the higher your tier.
These features apply to both the SaksFirst Store Card and the SaksFirst Mastercard. The Mastercard benefits below are only available with the Mastercard version.
If you’re not exactly sure what benefits you have, check your Guide to Benefits or log on to your account.
SaksFirst Membership Tiers
Premier & Elite Status — Spend up to $9,999 per year
- Advance notice of designer sales: Get notified about sales before non-cardmembers do.
- Advance access to Saks merchandise: Cardholders get access to merchandise on saks.com before non-cardholders.
- Free standard shipping at saks.com (within the U.S.)
- Exclusive SaksFirst Unlocked events: Get invites to member-only events.
- Saks award-winning catalogs: Get free Saks catalogs in the mail.
- Personal fashion consultant upon request: Get access to a personal fashion consultant in-store to help you pick out the best clothes for you.
- Exclusive phone number: Call 1-800-871-7257 to access your customer service reps.
Platinum Status — Spend $10,000-$24,999 per year
- Complimentary valet parking
- Complimentary storage of one fur
Diamond Status — Spend $25,000+ per year
- Exclusive Diamond Concierge service number
Mastercard Benefits
These benefits are only available with the Mastercard version of the Saks card.
If you have a SaksFirst Mastercard some of your benefits will depend on if you qualified for the World Elite or Platinum version. Just check your Guide to Benefits, which came with your card, to learn exactly what features are available for you.
- World Elite Mastercard Concierge Service: Assistance planning your travel, reminders for important events and more.
- Mastercard Airport Concierge: Get a 15% savings on eligible airport meet and greet services.
- Price Protection: If you made a purchase in the U.S. that you find advertised at a cheaper price, you can be reimbursed for the difference.
- Purchase Assurance: Eligible purchases are covered against theft or damage.
- Extended Warranty Protection: Warranties can be extended by up to an additional year on eligible purchases.
- Travel Assistance Services: Offers help with travel planning and reservations.
- Master RoadAssist Service: 24/7 assistance with travel emergencies such as jump starts, towing, gas delivery, tire changes.
- MasterRental Coverage: Provides coverage against theft and collision, as long as the car rental company’s own insurance is declined.
- Trip Cancellation Insurance: If a trip is disrupted for an eligible reason, you can be reimbursed for non-refundable costs.
- Luggage Coverage: If your luggage is lost or damaged, you can be reimbursed up to a certain amount per incident.
- $0 Fraud Protection: You will not be held responsible for unauthorized purchases made on your card.
The Terms & Fees
| Card | Purchase APR | Balance Transfer APR | Cash Advance APR |
|---|---|---|---|
| SaksFirst Store Card | 23.99% Variable | None | None |
| SaksFirst Mastercard | 19.24%–21.24% Variable | 19.24%–21.24% Variable | 25.49% Variable |
| Card | Annual Fee | Foreign Transaction Fee |
|---|---|---|
| SaksFirst Store Card | $0 | None |
| SaksFirst Mastercard | $0 | None |
| Card | Balance Transfer Fee | Cash Advance Fee |
|---|---|---|
| SaksFirst Store Card | None | None |
| SaksFirst Mastercard | 3%, $15 minimum | 3%, $15 minimum |
| Card | Penalty APR | Late Fee | Returned Payment Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| SaksFirst Store Card | 26.99% Variable | Up to $40 | Up to $25 |
| SaksFirst Mastercard | 30.24% Variable | Up to $35 | Up to $25 |
Neither of these cards has an annual fee, but there are a few differences to be aware of.
As you can see, you’ll end up with a higher interest rate with the regular store card (but remember you can avoid interest by paying your balance off each billing period).
You’ll be able to use the Mastercard for balance transfers and cash advances, while you can’t with the store card. But it’s not designed for those kinds of purposes, so you should stick to using it as a way to earn rewards at Saks and elsewhere.
The Bottom Line
The SaksFirst Store Card and the SaksFirst Mastercard are meant for Saks customers who visit pretty frequently. If you’re already spending a lot of money there, you might as well get some rewards and benefits to go with it.
So check your spending habits – how often do you shop at Saks, and how much do you spend there? Are the rewards and benefits above very attractive to you?
If so, these cards should help you get more bang for your buck. They have no annual fees, so they can be completely free to use as long as you pay them off in full every billing period. That would mean you get all of the points and features without having to pay a cent.
And if you’re spending more than $5,000 or $10,000 at Saks each year, you have the potential to gain a huge amount of rewards on those double and triple point days. Those points would help put a big dent in your bill.
How to Apply for the SaksFirst Store Card/Mastercard
To apply for the regular store card, simply click the Apply Now button on the card banners sprinkled throughout the review. They’ll take you to the Saks website where you can follow links to apply.
To apply for the Mastercard, you’ll have to visit a Saks store in person, or request an upgrade once you’ve been approved for the store-only version.
For each card, the issuer (Capital One) will judge your creditworthiness, based on your financial standing and other factors, and you should hear back pretty quickly. After you’re approved, your card will be issued and you’ll be ready to start shopping with Saks.
What Credit Scores Do You Need for the Saks Credit Cards?
We recommend you have a credit rating of fair before applying for either card. That means you should at least be in the FICO range of 580–669 to have a good shot at being approved.
Keep in mind that credit approval decisions rely on more than just credit scores; they include income and other factors. But obviously, the higher your scores, the easier it will be for you to get either card.
Qualifications and Requirements
- Must be 18 to apply
- Personal information: Name, date of birth, Social Security number, U.S. citizenship status, and potentially driver’s license number
- Address and contact information: Home address, phone number, email address
- Financial information: Total annual income, monthly mortgage or rent payment
securely on the issuer's website
- Different rewards depending on how much you spend throughout the year, up to 6X points at Saks
- Double and Triple Points Days at Saks
- No annual fee
The information related to SaksFirst Store Card has been collected by Credit Card Insider and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product.
SaksFirst Mastercard
Details
securely on the issuer's website
- Different rewards depending on how much you spend throughout the year, up to 6X points at Saks
- Double and Triple Points Days at Saks
- 3X points for every $1 spent at salons and spas, 2X points on dining, groceries & gas
- No annual fee
The information related to SaksFirst Mastercard has been collected by Credit Card Insider and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product.
Alternatives to the SaksFirst Store Card and SaksFirst Mastercard
Are you not a frequent Saks shopper? Here’s a few more cards that might fit your spending habits better.
Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card
Details
The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card (Review) provides strong rewards and access to a wide range of products. While it doesn’t have an annual fee, the Prime version of the card requires an Amazon Prime membership. The Amazon Rewards Visa Signature Card is the non-Prime version, and has diminished rewards.
With this card you’ll earn cash back rather than points, and there are no membership tiers based on how much you spend (unless you count the Prime membership, anyway). So it provides a more straightforward rewards system without spending thresholds.
Amazon boasts a wide variety of products, more diverse than Saks, but still including clothing and accessories. You’ll earn 5% cash back on all of those purchases, which is more than you would earn at the lower membership tiers with the SaksFirst credit cards. You’ll also earn 5% at Whole Foods, adding even more versatility. With the non-Prime version that drops down to 3%, which is still decently rewarding.
So if you’re looking for a less complicated rewards program that still includes plenty of shopping options and high rewards, this is definitely one to consider.
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- Visa Signature Luxury Hotel collection: Choose from over 900 luxury hotels around the world, where you’ll receive exclusive perks like food and beverage credits and room upgrades when available.
- Visa Signature concierge service: Get complimentary Visa Signature Concierge Service 24 hours a day.
- Shopping protections: Get extended warranty and purchase protection.
- Travel protections: Roadside dispatch, travel and emergency assistance services, rental car insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, baggage delay insurance, and travel accident insurance
- Purchase and Balance Transfer APR: 14.24% to 22.24% Variable
- No foreign transaction fee
- Annual fee: $0
- Requires active Prime membership
- Cash back can be redeemed for statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout
- Earn 5% back at Amazon.com and Whole Foods Market
- Earn 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and drugstores
- Earn 1% back on all other purchases
- Get a $70 Amazon.com Gift Card instantly upon credit card approval
Bloomingdale's American Express® Card
Details
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The Bloomingdale’s Credit Card provides Bloomingdale’s-focused rewards and discounts.
Another store card which provides an alternative to the ones Saks offers, Bloomingdale’s is another higher-end department store.
You’ll earn 6X points per dollar on shoes, cosmetics, and fragrances from Bloomingdale’s, and 3X points everywhere else. And if you spend $3,500 in a year at Bloomingdale’s, you’ll be upgraded to the Bloomingdale’s American Express® Card, which features even better perks. With this card you’ll get plenty of discounts to use throughout the year, and the added benefit of a $25 gift card every time you earn 5,000 points.
If you prefer Bloomingdale’s to Saks, this card will prove a helpful addition to your wallet.
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- Choose your triple point days: You get to pick two triple point days per year.
- Perk of the month: Get a special offer emailed to you each month
- Free shipping every day from bloomingdales.com
- Amex Offers: Access to extra points and discounts at select merchants.
- Purchase APR: 25.24% Variable
- Annual fee: $0
- 6X points per dollar spent on cosmetics and fragrance, and shoes in-store and at bloomingdales.com
- 3X points per dollar spent on all other items purchased in-store and at bloomingdales.com
- 3X points per dollar spent on purchases everywhere else
- $25 reward card for every 5,000 points
- Double, triple, and power points offers during special events
- Choose two of your own triple point days
- Perk of the month: Get a special offer emailed to you each month
- 75% of points are forfeited on Dec 31 of each year
- Free entrée and non-alcoholic beverage for every $100 you spend with your card at Bloomingdale’s restaurants
- Free shipping everyday
- No annual fee
Citi® Double Cash Card - 18 month BT offer
Details
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The Citi® Double Cash Card – 18 month BT offer (Review) is currently one of the best flat-rate cash back cards available. You’ll get 2% on every purchase, no matter where you choose to use it.
With the basic Saks store card, you’ll only earn in a few categories and won’t be able to use it anywhere else. With the Mastercard version, you’ll still earn in select categories which include gas, dining, and groceries, and you’ll only get one point everywhere else.
So rather than being restricted like that, with the Double Cash you can have the versatility of earning a good rate on every purchase, anywhere. You’ll earn 1% cash back when you make the purchase, and the other percent when you pay it off.
You won’t get any store-specific discounts, or shopping and travel protections, but you will get the added features of a concierge and access to your FICO Bankcard Score 8 based on your Equifax credit report. Helpful perks in the world of credit cards.
So if you’re unconcerned about the protections and want to earn a little extra cash without being told where you can earn it, this might be the card for you.
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There are ways to get a better return on spend than the 2% you would normally get. You can convert your rewards into ThankYou points, and even transfer them to certain other Citi cards if you have any. Once that’s done, you may be able to find a good deal with Citi’s airline partners, which could deliver a better cent-to-point ratio than 1:1.
- Free FICO credit score: See your Equifax-based FICO Bankcard Score 8 on statements, online, and by mobile app.
- Citi Concierge: Get restaurant suggestions, reservations, travel arrangements, shopping research, and more.
- Citi Entertainment: Get preferred access and pre-sale tickets to events and experiences, from music to movies.
- Balance Transfer APR: 0% for 18 months on Balance Transfers, then 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Purchase APR: 13.99% – 23.99% (Variable)
- Annual fee: $0
- Earn 2% on every purchase with unlimited 1% cash back when you buy, plus an additional 1% as you pay for those purchases.
- To earn cash back, pay at least the minimum due on time.
- Balance Transfer Offer: 0% intro APR on Balance Transfers for 18 months. After that, the variable APR will be 13.99% – 23.99%, based on your creditworthiness.
- Balance Transfers do not earn cash back.
- If you transfer a balance, interest will be charged on your purchases unless you pay your entire balance (including balance transfers) by the due date each month.
- There is a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.
- The standard variable APR for Citi Flex Plan is 13.99% – 23.99% based on your creditworthiness. Citi Flex Plan offers are made available at Citi’s discretion.
Citi is a Credit Card Insider advertiser.
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The U.S. Bank Cash+™ Visa Signature® Card offers a bit of flexibility when it comes to how you earn your rewards.
You’ll be able to choose two categories every three months in which you’ll earn 5% cash back, and one everyday category to earn 2% in. For our purposes here, one of the available 5% categories is department stores, providing a wide-open option if you don’t exclusively shop with Saks. So you’d be able to mold this card to fit your spending habits.
The everyday category could be gas or groceries, so you’d be able to earn more rewards on purchases you’d be making regardless.
You won’t get any store-specific discounts or perks, but you could still earn quite a bit of rewards while not being restricted to simply earning at one department store.
| Spending Rewards |
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| 5% Cash Back Categories | ||
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| Ground Transportation | Fast Food | Cell Phone Providers |
| Department Stores | Home Utilities | Select Clothing Stores |
| Electronics Stores | Sporting Goods Stores | Movie Theaters |
| Gyms/Fitness Centers | Furniture Stores | TV, Internet & Streaming Services |
| 2% Cash Back Categories | ||
|---|---|---|
| Gas Stations | Grocery Stores | Restaurants |
- Free credit score: See your VantageScore 3.0 based on your TransUnion credit report.
- Visa Signature Concierge: Call for personal assistance with travel bookings, dining reservations, business services, and more.
- Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection: Get perks at select hotels like a $25 food and beverage credit and room upgrades when available.
- Travel Accident Insurance: You, your spouse, and unmarried dependent children are insured against loss of life, limb, sight, speech, or hearing when traveling by common carrier.
- Lost Luggage Reimbursement: Provides reimbursement to cover the cost of lost or damaged luggage under eligible situations.
- Roadside Dispatch: Call 1-800-847-2869 for help while driving, for services like towing, tire changing, and fuel delivery.
- Purchase Security: If an eligible item you buy is lost or damaged, you can be reimbursed by sending in a claim.
- Balance Transfer APR: 0%* intro on BTs for 12 billing cycles on Balance Transfers*
- Annual fee: $0*
- Earn up to $550 cash back in the first year.
- $150 bonus after spending $500 in eligible net purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
- 5% cash back on your first $2,000 in combined eligible net purchases ($100 per quarter) on two categories you choose. That adds up to $400 cash back!
- 2% cash back on your choice of one everyday category, like gas stations or grocery stores.
- 1% cash back on all other eligible net purchases.
- No limit on total cash back earned.
- 0% Intro APR* on balance transfers for 12 billing cycles. After that, a variable APR currently 13.99% – 23.99%
- No annual fee*
- Great Offer from U.S. Bank, a 2020 World’s Most Ethical Company® – Ethisphere Institute, February 2020
securely on the issuer's website
- Different rewards depending on how much you spend throughout the year, up to 6X points at Saks
- Double and Triple Points Days at Saks
- No annual fee
The information related to SaksFirst Store Card has been collected by Credit Card Insider and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product.
SaksFirst Mastercard
Details
securely on the issuer's website
- Different rewards depending on how much you spend throughout the year, up to 6X points at Saks
- Double and Triple Points Days at Saks
- 3X points for every $1 spent at salons and spas, 2X points on dining, groceries & gas
- No annual fee
The information related to SaksFirst Mastercard has been collected by Credit Card Insider and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer or provider of this product.
Do you use a Saks card or know someone who may be interested in them? Leave a comment below and share the review with someone it may help!
These cards offer rewards and discounts at Saks stores, with some added perks hidden behind a sizable spending requirement. No matter which version you’re issued, it comes with some useful benefits for Saks shoppers. The Mastercard can be utilized everywhere, however, and has some extra bells and whistles.
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