What the Bloomingdale's Credit Card Is
The Bloomingdale's Credit Card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use at Bloomingdale's locations and online. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, it works only at Bloomingdale's and its sister store Bluemercantile — you cannot use it at other retailers or restaurants. The card comes with rewards tied to your spending at Bloomingdale's, along with periodic promotional financing offers.
Store cards typically carry higher interest rates than standard credit cards because they serve a narrower customer base and carry more risk for the issuer. The Bloomingdale's card is no exception. If you carry a balance, the cost of borrowing can be steep, so understanding the terms before you open an account matters.
Key Takeaways
- The Bloomingdale's Credit Card earns rewards points on purchases at Bloomingdale's, with bonus points during promotional periods that Bloomingdale's announces throughout the year.
- The card's regular interest rate is significantly higher than most general credit cards, so carrying a balance will cost you substantially more than paying in full each month.
- Bloomingdale's runs frequent promotional financing offers — typically 0% APR for a set number of months on purchases over a minimum amount — which appear in your account and by mail.
- You must make at least a minimum payment each month, and missing payments will damage your credit score and trigger late fees.
- The card has no annual fee, so the cost to you depends entirely on whether you carry a balance and how you use promotional offers.
How Rewards Points Work on This Card
When you use the Bloomingdale's card to make a purchase, you earn points based on the dollar amount spent. The standard earning rate is typically 1 point per dollar, though Bloomingdale's periodically runs promotions offering bonus points — for example, 5 points per dollar during a limited window, or double points on a specific category like beauty or home goods.
Points accumulate in your account and can be redeemed for a discount on future Bloomingdale's purchases. The redemption value varies depending on how many points you have and which promotion Bloomingdale's is running at the time you redeem. Bloomingdale's publishes these redemption rates in your account and in promotional materials, so you can see exactly what your points are worth before you use them.
The rewards are only useful if you shop at Bloomingdale's regularly. If you use the card once or twice a year, the points will accumulate slowly and may not offset the interest you pay if you carry a balance. The card makes the most financial sense for someone who pays the full statement balance each month and shops at Bloomingdale's frequently enough to accumulate meaningful rewards.
Interest Rates and What Happens If You Carry a Balance
The Bloomingdale's Credit Card carries a variable interest rate, meaning it can change over time based on market conditions. The exact rate you receive depends on your credit score and credit history — applicants with higher credit scores typically receive lower rates. Synchrony Bank does not publish a single rate; instead, you receive your specific rate in the approval paperwork and in your account.
Store card interest rates are generally higher than rates on general-purpose credit cards. If you carry a balance from month to month, the interest charges will accumulate quickly. For example, a $1,000 balance at a 20% annual rate costs you roughly $17 in interest per month if you make no payments. Over a year, that same balance would cost you more than $200 in interest alone.
The promotional financing offers — typically 0% APR for 6, 12, or 18 months on purchases over a minimum amount — can help you avoid interest charges if you meet the terms. However, if you do not pay off the promotional balance before the offer expires, the remaining balance will be subject to the regular interest rate, and you may owe retroactive interest dating back to the purchase date. Read the terms of each promotion carefully before you make a purchase.
Annual Fees and Other Costs
The Bloomingdale's Credit Card has no annual fee. You do not pay anything straightforward for holding the card, regardless of whether you use it.
However, other costs can explore. If you miss a payment, Synchrony Bank will charge a late fee — typically $25 to $35 for the first late payment and up to $35 for subsequent ones. If your payment is more than 60 days late, the interest rate on your balance may increase to a penalty rate, which is substantially higher than your regular rate. A missed payment also reports to the three credit bureaus and will lower your credit score.
If you use the card to withdraw cash (a cash advance), you will pay a cash advance fee — usually a percentage of the amount withdrawn, with a minimum fee — plus interest at a higher rate than purchases. Cash advances are expensive and should be avoided.
How to Decide Whether This Card Makes Sense for You
The Bloomingdale's card is worth considering if you meet all three of these conditions: you shop at Bloomingdale's regularly (at least several times a year), you pay your full statement balance each month, and you want to earn rewards on those purchases. If you meet these conditions, the rewards points can offset the cost of the card and give you a discount on future purchases.
The card is not a good choice if you carry a balance from month to month. The high interest rate will cost you far more than any rewards you earn. If you sometimes carry a balance, the risk of interest charges outweighs the benefit of the rewards.
If you do not shop at Bloomingdale's regularly, a general-purpose credit card with lower interest rates and broader rewards (usable anywhere) will serve you better. A general card also gives you more flexibility if your shopping habits change.
Comparing the Bloomingdale's Card to Other Options
| Feature | Bloomingdale's Card | General Credit Card | Bloomingdale's Loyalty Program (No Card) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Where you can use it | Bloomingdale's only | Anywhere that accepts credit cards | Bloomingdale's only |
| Annual fee | None | Varies; many have no fee | None |
| Interest rate | High (typically 18–24%) | Lower (typically 12–20%) | N/A |
| Rewards earning | 1 point per dollar at Bloomingdale's | Varies; typically 1–2% cash back | Varies by tier; typically 1–3 points per dollar |
| Promotional financing | Frequent 0% APR offers | Rare or none | None |
Bloomingdale's also runs a free loyalty program (separate from the credit card) that earns points on purchases made with any payment method. If you shop at Bloomingdale's but do not want to carry a credit card, enrolling in the loyalty program alone may give you similar rewards without the interest rate risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Bloomingdale's card outside of Bloomingdale's?
No. The Bloomingdale's Credit Card works only at Bloomingdale's stores and on Bloomingdale's online. You cannot use it at other retailers, restaurants, or gas stations. If you need a card for everyday purchases, you will need a separate general-purpose credit card.
What happens if I do not pay my bill on time?
A late payment triggers a late fee (typically $25–$35) and reports to the credit bureaus, which lowers your credit score. If your payment is more than 60 days late, Synchrony may increase your interest rate to a penalty rate. Set up automatic payments or calendar reminders to avoid missing a due date.
Can I use a promotional 0% APR offer if I already have a balance?
Promotional offers typically explore only to new purchases made during the promotional period, not to existing balances. Read the terms of each offer carefully, as they vary. Some promotions may allow you to transfer an existing balance, but this is less common with store cards.
How do I redeem my rewards points?
You redeem points through your online account or by asking a sales associate in-store. Points convert to a discount on your next purchase. The exact discount value depends on how many points you have and Bloomingdale's current redemption rates, which change periodically.
Will opening this card hurt my credit score?
Opening any new credit card results in a hard inquiry, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. Over time, the card can help your score if you use it responsibly and pay on time, because it adds to your available credit and payment history. However, if you carry a high balance or miss payments, it will damage your score.