Saks Fifth Avenue Credit Card & Amex Platinum Benefits Guide

Saks Fifth Avenue Credit Card & Amex Platinum Benefits Guide

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Stepping into Saks Fifth Avenue is like entering a realm of unmatched luxury and style. Since its establishment in 1924, Saks has curated an extraordinary collection for fashion enthusiasts. For those who frequently indulge in this iconic store, unlocking rewards and special perks can enhance the shopping experience. This guide is your key to understanding the Saks Fifth Avenue credit card program, known as SaksFirst. We’ll explore how to earn rewards, the different card options, exclusive tier benefits, and how to manage your Saks card. Plus, we’ll touch upon the separate Saks credit perk available to American Express Platinum cardholders. Ready to elevate your shopping game? Let’s dive in!

Table of Contents

Discovering the SaksFirst Rewards Program

At the heart of Saks Fifth Avenue’s loyalty offerings lies the SaksFirst program. Consider it your passport to earning rewards and gaining access to exclusive benefits every time you indulge in your favorite designer pieces using your Saks credit.

What is SaksFirst?

SaksFirst is a dedicated rewards program for Saks Fifth Avenue credit card members. It is thoughtfully designed to reward your loyalty with tangible benefits.

How Do You Become a Member?

Joining is easy. Once your Saks credit card application is approved, you are automatically enrolled in SaksFirst. You begin earning points with your very first purchase on your new Saks Fifth Avenue card.

Earning SaksFirst Points

The magic of SaksFirst unfolds as you earn points:

  1. Where Points Accumulate: Earn points on eligible purchases made at any Saks Fifth Avenue store or online at saks.com using your Saks card or Saks Fifth Avenue Mastercard.
  2. How Many Points? The points earned per dollar depend on your SaksFirst tier status, ranging from 2 to 6 points for every dollar spent at Saks. Plus, look out for exciting Double and Triple Point events throughout the year for even faster accumulation!
  3. Exclusions: Note that certain purchases, such as sales tax, delivery, alterations, repairs, restaurants, beauty salon products and services, gratuities, gift cards and purchases at The Company Store at Saks Fifth Avenue are excluded from earning points.

Redeeming Your SaksFirst Points

Your points translate directly into shopping power:

  1. The Reward: Points are redeemed for SaksFirst Gift Cards. Every 2,500 points you collect equals a $25 gift card, giving you 1% back in rewards value.
  2. Redemption Flexibility: You can log into your saks.com account to redeem your points whenever you reach the threshold. Alternatively, if you have enough points, they will automatically convert into a SaksFirst Gift Card mailed to you each February.

Key Dates & Details to Remember

  • Point Expiration Policy: Points below 2,500 will expire on January 1st of the following year.
  • Gift Card Lifespan: SaksFirst Gift Cards expire on December 31st of the year they are issued.

Choosing the Right Saks Fifth Avenue Credit Card for You

Saks offers two main Saks credit card options within the SaksFirst program, tailored to different shopping styles. Your choice between the Saks store card and the Saks Mastercard hinges on where you typically shop.

1. The Saks Card (Saks Fifth Avenue Store Card)

  • Ideal For: Devoted Saks shoppers who primarily shop at Saks.
  • Where to Use: Accepted exclusively at Saks Fifth Avenue stores and saks.com.
  • Main Advantage: Earn valuable SaksFirst points on every eligible purchase, accelerating your journey through the benefit tiers.

2. The Saks Mastercard (Saks Fifth Avenue World Elite Mastercard®)

  • Ideal For: Shoppers wanting to earn Saks rewards on all purchases, both at Saks and elsewhere.
  • Where to Use: Works at Saks locations, saks.com, and globally wherever Mastercard is accepted.
  • Boosted Earning Power: Collect SaksFirst points on Saks purchases and earn 2 points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases outside of Saks.

Making Your Selection

Consider your shopping patterns. If Saks is your primary luxury destination, the Saks Card might be a perfect fit. If you want every purchase to contribute to your next Saks splurge, the Saks Fifth Avenue Mastercard offers greater reward potential.

Climbing the SaksFirst Tiers: Exclusive Perks Await

The SaksFirst program rewards loyalty with a tiered system. The more you spend using your Saks card at Saks within a calendar year, the more exclusive the benefits become.

SaksFirst Tiers

  • Premier Level (Annual Saks spend up to $2,500)
    • Earn: 2 SaksFirst points per $1 at Saks.
    • Benefits: Access to SaksFirst Points Events, Free Standard Shipping (U.S.), special event invitations, and early access to sales events.
  • Elite Level (Annual Saks spend $2,500 – $9,999.99)
    • Earn: Up to 4 SaksFirst points per $1 at Saks.
    • Benefits: All Premier perks.
  • Platinum Level (Annual Saks spend $10,000 – $24,999.99)
    • Earn: Up to 6 SaksFirst points per $1 at Saks.
    • Benefits: All Elite perks, plus free upgraded (premium) shipping within the U.S.
  • Diamond Level (Annual Saks spend $25,000+)
    • Earn: Up to 6 SaksFirst points per $1 at Saks.
    • Benefits: All Platinum perks, plus complimentary valet parking at select Saks stores.

A standout benefit for all tiers is complimentary Standard Shipping within the U.S., along with access to bonus point events and exclusive sales previews.

Applying for Your Saks Credit Card: Steps to Style

Eager to unlock SaksFirst rewards? Starting your Saks Fifth Avenue credit card application is simple.

How to Submit Your Application

  • Visit a Store: Speak with a Style Advisor during your next visit to a Saks Fifth Avenue store.
  • Apply Online: Prefer the convenience of applying from home? Head to the Saks website and initiate your Saks Fifth Avenue credit card apply online process.

Check Your Pre-Qualification Status

Wondering about your approval odds? Saks offers an online Saks credit card pre approval check. This uses a ‘soft’ credit inquiry, meaning it won’t affect your credit score. Look for the Saks Fifth Avenue credit card pre approval option on their site.

Approval and Card Requirements

Final Saks credit card approval depends on a credit review by Comenity Capital Bank, the official Saks credit card issuer. Review factors like your credit history and income, though specific credit score minimums aren’t publicly disclosed.

Potential First-Purchase Perks

Watch for potential introductory offers, like a Saks credit card discount on your first purchase after opening your Saks Fifth Avenue credit card.

Seamless Management of Your Saks Credit Card Account

Keeping track of your Saks Fifth Avenue credit card is easy.

Your Online Account Hub

  • Portal Access: Manage your Saks credit card account anytime through the issuer’s online portal: comenity.net/saks.
  • Account Tools: Check your current Saks Fifth Avenue credit card balance, review statements, and update contact information.

Tracking Your SaksFirst Points

Log into your main saks.com shopping account and navigate to the SaksFirst section to view your up-to-date points balance.

Making Your Saks Card Payment

You have several flexible ways to handle your Saks credit card payment:

  1. Online Payment: Quick and easy via the Comenity portal (comenity.net/saks).
  2. Pay by Phone: Contact Saks card services using the number on the back of your card.
  3. Mail Payment: Send a check or money order using the address on your billing statement.
  4. In-Store Payment: Make payments at the customer service desk or register at any Saks Fifth Avenue store.

Getting Support When Needed

  • General Inquiries: For questions about purchases or the website, call 1.877.551.7257.
  • Gift Card Help: If you have issues with a lost or missing SaksFirst Gift Card, the dedicated line is 1.833.975.7257.
  • Credit Card Account Questions: For specifics about your account, contact Comenity Capital Bank using the number on your statement.

Unpacking the American Express Platinum Card Saks Benefit

Many holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express enjoy a separate, valuable Saks Fifth Avenue credit benefit.

A General Look at the Perk

Cardmembers often receive statement credits for purchases made at Saks Fifth Avenue, commonly known as the Amex Platinum Saks credit.

How It Usually Works

  1. Enrollment is Key: Typically, you need to activate this benefit. Log into your American Express account to enroll your eligible Platinum Card.
  2. Making Eligible Purchases: Use your enrolled Amex Platinum Card for purchases at Saks Fifth Avenue, either in-store or online.
  3. Receiving Statement Credits: After making qualifying purchases, American Express usually applies credits back to your statement. This often totals up to $100 Saks credit per year.
  4. Using Credits for Gift Cards: Check with American Express to see if you can use the Amex Platinum Saks credit to buy Saks Fifth Avenue gift cards.

Vital Points to Remember

  • Confirm with American Express: Always check your Amex account for the latest benefit details.
  • Distinct Programs: The Saks benefit Amex Platinum is separate from the SaksFirst rewards linked to the Saks Fifth Avenue credit card.

Your SaksFirst Questions Answered: FAQ

Have more questions about the Saks Fifth Avenue credit card and the SaksFirst program? Here are answers to some frequently asked ones:

How does one join the SaksFirst program?
Membership is automatic upon approval of your Saks Card or Saks Mastercard.

Can I earn SaksFirst points with my Saks Mastercard when shopping elsewhere?
Yes! The Saks Mastercard earns 2 SaksFirst points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases outside of Saks.

Are any purchases at Saks excluded from earning points?
Yes, sales tax, delivery, alterations, repairs, restaurants, beauty salon products and services, gratuities, gift cards and purchases at The Company Store at Saks Fifth Avenue do not qualify for points.

Do SaksFirst points expire?
Yes, points below 2,500 will expire on January 1st of the following year.

How do I receive my SaksFirst Gift Card reward?
You can redeem them yourself or wait for automatic conversion into gift cards sent to you each February.

What should I do if I lose my SaksFirst Gift Card?
Contact the dedicated SaksFirst customer care team at 1.833.975.7257.

Is there an expiration date on SaksFirst Gift Cards?
Yes, they expire on December 31st of the year they are issued.

Which bank issues the Saks credit cards?
The issuer for both the Saks Card and the Saks World Elite Mastercard® is Comenity Capital Bank.

Is free shipping a standard perk for all SaksFirst members?
Yes! All SaksFirst members enjoy complimentary Standard shipping on U.S. orders.

How can I pay my Saks credit card bill?
You can pay online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Saks Fifth Avenue store.

Final Thoughts: Shop Smarter at Saks

Leveraging the Saks Fifth Avenue credit card through the SaksFirst program is a smart strategy for any dedicated Saks shopper. Earning points that convert into SaksFirst Gift Cards, enjoying free shipping, and unlocking higher-tier perks makes luxury shopping even more rewarding.

Considering a Saks credit card application? Or looking to maximize your existing benefits? Understanding these programs empowers you to shop with style and savvy at Saks Fifth Avenue. Happy shopping!