Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

JCPenney vs Macy's

JCPenney 4.7★ · Free to download 45
Winner Macy's
Macy's 4.9★ · Free to download 70

Macy's is the better choice for online shopping due to its more reliable app experience and consistent order fulfillment, despite some recent technical issues.

Macy's generally offers a more seamless online shopping experience with reliable delivery and good customer service, though recent app updates have caused some frustration. JCPenney struggles with frequent app glitches, order fulfillment problems, and inconsistent customer support.

Head to head

App Functionality and Ease of Use edge: Macy'sR1R4R7R9
JCPenney JCPenney's app is frequently criticized for being glitchy, crashing, and difficult to navigate. Users report issues with logging in, password resets, and the app not saving preferences like store location R1R4R9. Some find it frustrating that they can't add scanned items to their cart directly R7.
Macy's Macy's app is generally praised for being easy to use and fast, especially for online shopping and applying discounts . However, recent updates have introduced significant problems, including freezing, inability to sort or filter items, and an unusable interface on iPads .
Order Fulfillment and Delivery edge: Macy'sR6R13R16R18
JCPenney JCPenney users frequently report issues with orders being canceled without reason, missing items, incorrect items being shipped, and significant delays in receiving orders R13R16R18R19. The in-store pickup process can also be problematic, with long waits and system failures R6R40.
Macy's Macy's generally receives positive feedback for prompt delivery and careful packaging . However, some users experience issues with delayed deliveries, orders not arriving at the correct address, or orders being canceled for 'security reasons' .
Customer Service and Returns edge: Macy'sR3R13R19R24
JCPenney JCPenney's customer service is a major pain point, with users reporting rude representatives, difficulty getting straight answers, and being sent back and forth between online and in-store for resolutions R13R19R29. The return process is considered archaic, with charges for shipping mislabeled items and slow refunds R3R24R60.
Macy's Macy's customer service receives mixed reviews; many praise it as excellent , but others describe it as not up to par, terrible, or unhelpful, especially regarding order cancellations or payment issues . The return process is generally seen as easy, though some dislike the 30-day policy .
Value and Promotions tieR2R7R14R20
JCPenney JCPenney is well-regarded for its sales, coupons, and rewards program, offering great value and affordable prices R2R14R20. However, some users experience issues with prices not matching advertised sales or coupons not automatically applying R7.
Macy's Macy's is also highly praised for its great prices, sales, discounts, and rewards program . Users appreciate the value and selection offered .
Product Selection and Quality tieR5R8R11R17
JCPenney JCPenney is appreciated for having a wide selection of items for the entire family and for offering quality products R5R8R17R20. Some specific departments like jewelry receive high praise for service and selection R11. However, some users find the clothing choices, especially for large women, to be plain .
Macy's Macy's is lauded for its great selection of styles, categories, and top-quality products . Users often find what they need .
Pick JCPenney if

you prioritize finding good sales and coupons and are willing to navigate potential app issues and customer service challenges for the value R2R14R20.

Pick Macy's if

you prefer a generally more reliable online shopping experience with easier returns and a wide selection of quality products, even with some recent app glitches .

Evidence note: Both apps are free to download, so there is no free-vs-paid asymmetry. Recent negative reviews for Macy's primarily focus on app functionality issues following updates, which contrasts with its higher lifetime rating, suggesting these are newer problems.

Frequently asked

Which app has better customer service?
Macy's generally has better customer service, with many users reporting excellent experiences, though some recent reviews indicate issues with order cancellations and payment support . JCPenney's customer service is frequently criticized for being unhelpful, rude, and making the return process difficult R13R29R54R60.
Are there issues with order delivery for JCPenney or Macy's?
JCPenney has frequent issues with order fulfillment, including canceled orders, missing items, and significant delivery delays R13R16R18R40. Macy's generally has prompt delivery, but some users have experienced delays, incorrect addresses, or orders being stolen by delivery services .
Which app is easier to use for online shopping?
Macy's app is generally considered easy to use and fast for online shopping, though recent updates have caused freezing and filtering issues . JCPenney's app is frequently described as glitchy, difficult to navigate, and prone to crashing, making the shopping experience frustrating R1R9R15R32.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R1] JCPenney 2/5 · US Online experience: After having reset my password recently, it wouldn’t accept my password and wanted a new. In doing the process, it locked me out of my account. So I go back to my email to unlock it and it doesn’t unlock it. I tried to check out as I guess, but it’s requiring me either to sign in or create a new account. Frustrating.
  2. [R4] JCPenney 1/5 · US registering for rewards: -i created an account -when i tried to sign in, i received a message saying my account was not found
  3. [R7] JCPenney 1/5 · US Prices never match: So today they have a buy one and get two free sandal sale. When you scan certain sandals(Clark’s for this example) it has a sale price and a buy one get two free right under the price. But when I went to check out they rang up the original price with the other two free. Another way their app is terrible. When you scan an item for price check, you can’t automatically add it to
  4. [R9] JCPenney 3/5 · US App not friendly: I get kicked out every time you do an update. I’m often not home so I can’t sign back in.
  5. [R6] JCPenney 3/5 · US On line shopping: I don’t understand why, when I ask for my store choice, in store stock for pickup, search the items, find one, find my size, choose my color , put in the cart, only to have it tell me it’s not available for pickup at my store. You waste my time!
  6. [R13] JCPenney 1/5 · US No Merchandise and no Refund: I ordered some blinds on 3/20/26 and still have not received them and have been given the runaround trying to get my refund. I’ve talked to over 12 people including a supervisor and as of 1:20pm today they’re still giving me this unprofessional service. I’ve even been sent to the store and they still didn’t give me a refund and today they say go back to the store. Thi
  7. [R16] JCPenney 2/5 · US Shipping: I love JCP but shipping has been horribly inconsistent. Do NOT order if you need an item by a specific date.
  8. [R18] JCPenney 3/5 · US Too many canceled orders: I have been a dedicated customer for over 15 years, I am very disappointed with the service, my orders keep getting cancelled for no reason given.
  9. [R3] JCPenney 3/5 · US Disappointed: I recently bought a Mens Shirt recently online/pickup at Store. Thought it would be more convenient. I used my “saved” Rewards Points. I picked it up went hone after we were done with errands. Tried it on and was not happy with the fabric used to make the shirt. I went to return it to see if I could get something more to my liking. I was informed yes I could return but I would lose a
  10. [R19] JCPenney 1/5 · US Did not get my order: I opened my package and it was not the items I ordered. I called customer service and they explained to me that I have to take the items back to the store to return them. Or I can mail back the items. I have to do all this for items I paid for and did not get! Someone else out there will have to do the same thing. Now it will cost me money to return things I did not order. Ca
  11. [R24] JCPenney 3/5 · US Feed: I don’t think it’s right for you to charge an eight dollar fee to those of us who do not have a local store to actually return to. I shouldn’t have to drive over 30 miles to return it to a store without getting charged.
  12. [R2] JCPenney 5/5 · US Been shopping there all my life.: Great sales
  13. [R14] JCPenney 5/5 · US Recommend JCPenny: Been shopping here for many years. Have items for entire family. Always have excellent sales, coupons, & customer service. = )
  14. [R20] JCPenney 5/5 · US Best Value: I find the clothes which really meet my budget and elegance, thank you for last, 40+ years of your commitment with me.
  15. [R5] JCPenney 5/5 · US Easy 5!!: Easy to give JCP a 5. All clothes, materials and personnel.
  16. [R8] JCPenney 5/5 · US Mrs Claus: I love that JCPenney still exists! I don’t get there much because it’s a 40 mile trip for me. It’s one of my favorite stores and I always find something when I do go there. Thanks for staying around.
  17. [R11] JCPenney 5/5 · US Kevin in Jewelry: I recently had my wedding set resized, and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Kevin at the Cedar Rapids location is truly excellent at what he does. He took the time to properly size my finger, sent my rings in, and they came back absolutely perfect. Kevin is knowledgeable, personable, and genuinely cares about his customers and making sure they’re happy with the end res
  18. [R17] JCPenney 5/5 · US Shopping/everything: You can always find what you’re looking for in any department of JCPenneys
  19. [R29] JCPenney 5/5 · US Store with worst customer service: Do not take your business to jcpenny. The cs with the roosters on the background and people who can’t really speak in English will definitely “help”you. They ll not even try to assist you on solving problems that they cause but tell to you to do extra steps. Jcpenny is definitely my no to go list, cancelling all my orders and pickups that I have at the moment.
  20. [R54] JCPenney 1/5 · US Terrible Customer Service and Unreasonable: I have purchased items from JC Penney online for many years and never have had missing items from my shipment. They were running a sale on towels of by one and get two free. When my box arrived there were four missing bundles of towels from my order. I called customer service and asked them to send me the missing wash cloths and the agent said I could o
  21. [R60] JCPenney 1/5 · US Refund Process needs update: JC Penny’s refund process is archaic. After realizing the online order I processed was the incorrect size I called in to cancel the order. I was told I was passed the 30 minute window. I was also told I could return the items at a local JC Penny store or pay $8 for a UPS label. I chose the store. Returned my incorrect order on the 18th and here we are the 29th and stil
  22. [R40] JCPenney 1/5 · US Online Orders: Extremely disappointed with JCPenney’s online order and customer service. My orders has been showing “In Transit” since June 1, even though it actually arrived at the store on June 5. Today is June 12, and I still cannot pick up my orders because the store has failed to update its system to clients to show that it has arrived and ready to pick up. I have contacted customer service
  23. [R15] JCPenney 3/5 · US Jcp app: IMO Jcp app is extremely frustrating to navigate when browsing to shop in general. Jcp has always been my favorite store! When using the app, not so much. Even with freq updates it’s very glitchy when scrolling items. Constantly shutting off & goes black every time ya try to do anything. Also frequently losing the pg & item your on. Hitting the back arrow never takes you back to your spot
  24. [R32] JCPenney 1/5 · US Nothing works on online app: I can’t find my order. JCP asks its customer to rate them but you can’t. This app hasn’t changed in 20 years. JCP really needs to get with the 21st century. It’s not a pleasant experience to shop on line with this company. I haven’t shopped here for years and now I remember why!

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store