The Nordstrom Credit Card, which is banked by TD Bank, is a popular choice for frequent Nordstrom shoppers. There are a number of constraints on this card, though, especially if you get the closed-loop version that can be used only at Nordstrom.
The Nordstrom Credit Card was compared against the best credit cards to use in shopping, and it was concluded that it needs to improve, as the closed-loop incarnation of this card can be used only at Nordstrom department stores and Nordstrom Rack.
But the open-loop incantations of this card don’t offer benefits like purchase protection, which you can enjoy with everyday-use credit cards.
How does Nordstrom Credit Card Work?
This card best suits Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack enthusiasts who spend money repeatedly at their stores and want to take advantage of store-specific rewards and benefits.
If your spending is more diverse or you want flexibility in rewarding, it may be worth considering other options with more flexibility.
If you’ve ever shopped at a Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack mall store, then you’ve probably been presented with the following offer: Apply for a Nordstrom Credit Card and receive a stated amount off your same-day purchase.
While the card sign-up bonus is small compared to other cash-back cards that pay rewards of up to $400, its real appeal comes in the way that it offers long-term rewards.
The Nordstrom Credit Card features greater Nordy Club Influencer status, which benefits cardmembers with perks like bonus points, Double Point Days, early sales access, and more.
Nordstrom Credit Card Rewards
New cardmembers receive a $60 bonus note with a same-day purchase currently. The Bonus Note is applied to your Nordy Club account and can be used in Nordstrom stores or online at Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack.
The Nordstrom Credit Card offers a tiered rewards structure that increases based on your Nordy Club status. The reward structure is as follows:
- Nordy Club Member: 1 point per $1 spent at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores
- Nordy Club Influencer: (cardholders are automatically upgraded to Nordy Club Instant Influencer status): 2 points per $1 spent at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores
- Nordy Club Ambassador/Icon: 3 points for every $1 spent in Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack stores
One can optimize rewards with the Nordstrom Credit Card by putting all of your Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack charges on it. You can also take advantage of exclusive sales and bonus point deals to accumulate more rewards.
Tiered Rewards
Nordy Club has four levels of status, each of which provides additional rewards and benefits:
- Influencer: requires $500 net spend at Nordstrom
- Ambassador: requires $5,000 net spend at Nordstrom
- Icon: requires $15,000 net spend at Nordstrom
Influencer members earn 2x at Nordstrom, and Ambassador and Icon members earn 3x with the Nordstrom Credit Card.
Are there Bonus Points for the Credit Card?
During the year, cardholders receive early access to sales such as the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and chances to gain bonus points.
In case you have big Nordstrom buys on the horizon, you can use one of your bonus point days for these particular events to coincide with big spending.
The Nordstrom Card rewards are in the form of Nordstrom Notes that can be used to make purchases both in-store and online.
Nordstrom Credit Card Benefits
Instant Influencer status, including early sale access, priority event access to Style events, three personal Double Point days, and other perks.
Cardholders automatically get access to member-only events and experiences, like special shopping events. Like most store credit cards, the Nordstrom Credit Card has no annual fee. But then, many store credit cards have exorbitant interest rates above APRs on regular credit cards, and the Nordstrom Credit Card is no exception.
As always, we never recommend carrying a balance on a credit card, but if you just have to do it, we recommend avoiding this card since the interest rate is so high.
Nordstrom Credit Card Pros and Cons
The Nordstrom Credit Card has some advantages, but some disadvantages as well:
Pros
The Nordstrom Credit Card is best for those who can maximize its benefits.
- Increased rewards rate at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack for highest-level Nordy Club members
- No annual fee
- Upgrade to Nordy Club Instant Influencer status, including early sale access to Nordstrom Anniversary sales, free two-day shipping at select stores
- Minimum three Double Point days, depending on your level of status
- Up to $200 back towards alterations as an Influencer and $300 as an Ambassador member
With the perks, card members are able to save and enjoy the shopping experience at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack more.
Downsides
The Nordstrom Credit Card is ideal for frequent Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack shoppers who want to earn more rewards, advance their Nordy Club status level, and gain special cardmember benefits on their favorite store.
- Does not earn on taxes, shipping and fees
- High APR
- Low sign-up bonus
- Closed-loop card can’t be utilized anywhere else other than Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack
Rewards are provided in the form of Nordstrom Notes, and are redeemable only at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack.
Not everyone, however, will appreciate having a Nordstrom Credit Card in their purse or wallet. Let’s examine a little closer who should (and shouldn’t) apply for one:
The Nordstrom Credit Card is ideal for frequent Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack shoppers who want to earn more rewards, advance their Nordy Club status level, and gain special cardmember benefits at their favorite store.
Card members receive higher Nordy Club Influencer status, which provides them with more perks and greater reward opportunities.
Final Words
Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack regular customers will appreciate the rewards program of the Nordstrom Credit Card, but the card may not be suitable for people seeking a more generalized-use rewards credit card.
People seeking an even more widely applicable rewards credit card with more reward opportunities can use a 2% cash back credit card with no fee, like the Citi® Double Cash Card.
Though the Nordstrom Credit Card can be ideal for people who shop at Nordstrom on a regular basis, it is not ideal for all.
The card also gives back up to 5% cash back on your first $2,000 spent each quarter on two categories you choose. Eligible categories are department stores like Nordstrom, so you won’t be missing out on bonus rewards when shopping at your go-to store.
Cardholders earn 2% cash back on two other categories every quarter, including gas stations, EV charging stations, restaurants, and grocery stores. All else earns 1% cash back.
And if you do happen to carry a balance, the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature Card APR is much lower than the Nordstrom Credit Card’s at 18.49% – 28.74% Variable.
