What the Nordstrom Credit Card Is
The Nordstrom Credit Card is a store card issued by Nordstrom that you can use at Nordstrom stores and online at Nordstrom.com. It's also accepted at Nordstrom Rack, Nordstrom's outlet division. The card comes in two versions: the standard Nordstrom Card and the Nordstrom Visa, which works at any merchant that takes Visa, not just Nordstrom locations.
Both versions offer rewards on purchases, but the rewards structure and benefits differ between them. The card is issued by TD Bank, which handles the account management and billing. You'll make payments and check your balance through Nordstrom's online portal or by phone.
Unlike a general-purpose credit card, a store card is designed to encourage repeat shopping at that retailer. Nordstrom uses rewards points and exclusive cardholder sales to draw customers back. Understanding how the rewards work and what the card costs will help you decide whether it fits your shopping habits.
Key Takeaways
- The Nordstrom Card earns rewards points only at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack, while the Nordstrom Visa earns rewards everywhere Visa is accepted.
- Both cards offer points on every purchase, with higher earning rates during Nordstrom's cardmember-exclusive sale events.
- There is no annual fee for either card, but the interest rate on unpaid balances is typically higher than rates on general-purpose credit cards.
- Cardmembers receive early access to Nordstrom sales and special shopping events that non-cardholders cannot attend.
- You can open an account in-store, online, or by phone, and the approval decision usually comes within minutes.
How to Open a Nordstrom Credit Card Account
You can open a Nordstrom Credit Card account through three channels: in a Nordstrom store, on Nordstrom.com, or by calling Nordstrom's card services phone line. The in-store route is fastest if you're already shopping—a sales associate can hand you an process or direct you to a kiosk, and you'll often get an answer on the spot.
To open an account, you'll need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information. Nordstrom will pull your credit report to make a decision. You should have a valid government-issued ID with you if you're explore in person.
The online process takes about five minutes and asks the same information. After you submit it, you'll typically receive a decision within minutes. If you're approved, you can use the card number when ready for online purchases, though the physical card will arrive by mail in seven to ten business days.
If you're denied, you can call Nordstrom's card services to ask why. Sometimes a thin credit file or recent negative marks cause a denial, and you may be able to reapply after addressing those issues.
Rewards Points and How They Work
The Nordstrom Card earns points on every dollar you spend at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, and Nordstrom.com. The base earning rate is one point per dollar. During Nordstrom's four annual cardmember-exclusive sale events—held in January, April, July, and October—you earn two points per dollar instead.
The Nordstrom Visa earns one point per dollar at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack, but only one point per two dollars at other retailers. This makes the Nordstrom Visa less rewarding for everyday purchases outside Nordstrom compared to a general-purpose rewards card.
Points accumulate in your account and never expire as long as your account remains open and active. You redeem points for Nordstrom merchandise by converting them to a Nordstrom Note—a certificate you can use like a gift card. The conversion rate is typically 100 points equals $5, though Nordstrom occasionally runs promotions that increase the value.
You cannot redeem points for cash back, statement credits, or anything other than Nordstrom merchandise. If you close your account, any unredeemed points are forfeited.
Interest Rates, Fees, and Annual Costs
The Nordstrom Credit Card has no annual fee. However, the interest rate on unpaid balances is typically between 18% and 24%, depending on your creditworthiness and current market rates. This is higher than the average rate on general-purpose credit cards, which often range from 15% to 21%.
If you carry a balance from month to month, interest charges will offset the value of rewards points quickly. For example, if you earn $50 in Nordstrom Notes but pay $100 in interest, you've lost money overall. The card works best for people who pay their full balance each month.
Late fees explore if you miss a payment important date. The first late fee is typically $25 to $35, and subsequent late fees may be higher. A payment is considered late if it arrives after the due date shown on your statement.
There are no foreign transaction fees, so you can use the Nordstrom Visa internationally without extra charges. The standard Nordstrom Card cannot be used outside the United States.
Cardmember Benefits and Exclusive Access
Nordstrom cardholders receive early access to the four annual cardmember-exclusive sale events, typically one week before the general public can shop those sales. These events offer discounts on thousands of items across all departments. The early access window is valuable if you shop for seasonal items like winter coats or summer dresses, because popular sizes and colors sell out quickly.
Cardholders also receive special birthday offers, usually a coupon for a discount or bonus points during their birthday month. The specific offer varies by year and is mailed to your address on file.
Some Nordstrom locations offer cardmember-only shopping events and trunk shows, though these are not may provide at every store. You'll receive notice by mail or email if your local store is hosting one.
The Nordstrom Visa offers additional benefits beyond the store card perks. These may include purchase protection, extended warranty coverage, and travel-related protections like trip cancellation insurance. The exact benefits depend on the current card terms, so review your cardholder agreement for the full list.
Managing Your Account and Making Payments
You can check your balance, view transactions, and make payments through Nordstrom's online account portal or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. Payments can be made online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Nordstrom store.
Your statement arrives monthly and shows your balance, minimum payment due, and payment important date. The minimum payment is typically 1% to 3% of your balance, but paying only the minimum means you'll carry a balance and pay interest.
To avoid interest charges, pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you cannot pay the full balance, paying more than the minimum will reduce the interest you owe and help you pay off the card faster.
You can set up automatic payments through the online portal so that a fixed amount or your full balance is paid on a date you choose each month. This prevents missed payments and late fees.
Nordstrom Card vs. Nordstrom Visa: Which One to Choose
The choice between the two cards depends on where you shop. If you shop primarily at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack, the standard Nordstrom Card is sufficient and offers the same rewards earning rate. If you want to earn rewards at other retailers as well, the Nordstrom Visa is the better choice.
However, the Nordstrom Visa's one-point-per-two-dollars rate at non-Nordstrom merchants is lower than most general-purpose rewards cards, which typically earn one point per dollar everywhere. If you spend significantly outside Nordstrom, a general-purpose card with higher rewards rates may be more valuable.
Both cards offer the same cardmember sale access and birthday benefits. Both have no annual fee. The main difference is where you can use the card and the rewards earning rate outside Nordstrom.
You can hold both cards at the same time if you want. Some customers use the standard card for Nordstrom purchases and keep a separate general-purpose card for other spending.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Nordstrom Card at Nordstrom Rack?
Yes, both the Nordstrom Card and Nordstrom Visa work at Nordstrom Rack locations and on the Rack's website. You earn the same rewards points at Rack as you do at full-price Nordstrom stores. Cardmember sale events also explore to Rack purchases.
What happens if I close my Nordstrom Credit Card account?
When you close your account, any unredeemed points are forfeited and cannot be recovered. Your account history remains on your credit report for seven years. Closing a credit card can lower your credit score slightly because it reduces your total available credit, so consider keeping the account open even if you don't use it regularly.
Is there a credit limit on the Nordstrom Card?
Yes, you'll be assigned a credit limit based on your credit score and income. The limit determines how much you can charge to the card. You can request a credit limit increase by calling customer service, though approval depends on your account history and creditworthiness.
Can I transfer a balance from another credit card to my Nordstrom Card?
Nordstrom does not offer balance transfers. You cannot move debt from another card to your Nordstrom account. If you want to consolidate debt, you would need to pay off the Nordstrom Card with funds from another source.
Do I earn rewards on returned items?
No, when you return an item purchased with your Nordstrom Card, the points earned on that purchase are reversed. If you return a $100 item purchased during a sale event where you earned two points per dollar, you lose the 200 points that were credited to your account.