What the Nordstrom Credit Card offers and who it's built for

The Nordstrom Credit Card is a store card issued by Nordstrom that earns rewards on purchases at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack. It comes in two versions: a standard card and a premium tier called the Nordstrom Rewards Visa. The standard card has no annual fee and earns points on all Nordstrom purchases. The Visa version costs $95 per year but works at any merchant that accepts Visa, not just Nordstrom stores.

This card makes sense if you shop at Nordstrom regularly and want to accumulate rewards faster than you would with a general-purpose credit card. It's less useful if you shop there occasionally or prefer to earn cash back instead of points. The card does not offer a sign-up bonus, so you're banking on ongoing rewards and cardholder perks to justify the spend.

Key Takeaways

  • The standard Nordstrom card earns 2 points per dollar at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack with no annual fee; the Visa version earns 3 points per dollar at Nordstrom and 1 point elsewhere for $95 per year.
  • Points redeem as statement credits at a rate of 100 points per $5 off, meaning you need to spend roughly $250 at Nordstrom to earn $5 in rewards.
  • Cardholders get early access to Nordstrom sales, birthday rewards, and free alterations on most purchases, but these perks have limits and conditions.
  • The card reports to all three credit bureaus, so it can help build credit history if you pay on time, but the interest rate is high if you carry a balance.
  • You do not need to be approved for the Nordstrom Visa to use the standard card; they are separate products with different earning rates and annual fees.

How rewards and points work on the Nordstrom card

On the standard card, you earn 2 points per dollar spent at Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom Rack locations. On the Nordstrom Rewards Visa, you earn 3 points per dollar at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack, plus 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. The Visa version is the only one that works outside Nordstrom, so if you want to earn rewards on groceries or gas, you need the Visa and its $95 annual fee.

Points convert to statement credits at a fixed rate: 100 points equals $5 off your Nordstrom account. This means the effective reward rate on the standard card is 1% at Nordstrom (2 points × $5 per 100 points = $0.10 per dollar spent). On the Visa, the rate is 1.5% at Nordstrom and 0.5% elsewhere. These rates are lower than many general-purpose cards, which often offer 1.5% to 2% cash back on all purchases.

Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. However, if you close the card, Nordstrom may close your rewards account as well, which could forfeit your balance. Check your account terms before closing.

Annual fees, interest rates, and the cost of carrying a balance

The standard Nordstrom card has no annual fee. The Nordstrom Rewards Visa charges $95 per year, which you pay whether you use the card or not. To break even on the annual fee, you would need to earn at least $95 in rewards per year, which requires roughly $6,300 in Nordstrom purchases on the standard card (at 1% back) or $3,200 on the Visa at Nordstrom locations (at 3% earning rate).

The card's purchase interest rate varies by creditworthiness but typically ranges from 19% to 28% APR. This is higher than most general-purpose credit cards. If you carry a balance, the interest charges will quickly outpace any rewards you earn. For example, a $1,000 balance at 24% APR costs $20 per month in interest alone. You would need to spend $2,000 more at Nordstrom just to earn back that $20 in rewards.

The card also charges a cash advance fee (usually 3% of the amount, with a minimum) and a late payment fee (typically $25 to $40). These fees explore only if you use those services, but they're worth knowing about.

Cardholder perks beyond rewards points

Nordstrom cardholders receive early access to the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, which is the retailer's largest annual sale event. Early access typically begins a week before the sale opens to the general public. This perk is valuable if you shop the sale regularly, since popular items and sizes sell out quickly.

You also get a birthday reward, usually a $20 Nordstrom Note (a store credit) during your birthday month. This requires you to have registered your birthday with Nordstrom, so check your account settings to make sure it's on file. The reward posts automatically if you're may be able to access.

The card includes free standard alterations on most clothing and shoe purchases made with the card. Alterations normally cost $5 to $50 or more depending on the item. This benefit does not cover all items — some designer pieces and special orders may have restrictions — so ask before you buy if alterations matter to your purchase.

Nordstrom Visa cardholders also get access to Nordstrom's concierge service, which can help with styling information and shopping information. This is a phone or online service and is not the same as in-store personal shopping.

How the Nordstrom card affects your credit

The Nordstrom card reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, so it will show up on your credit report. Opening the card triggers a hard inquiry, which may lower your score by a few points temporarily. Over time, the card can help your credit if you pay on time and keep your balance low relative to your credit limit.

The card's credit limit is separate from any Nordstrom store credit you may have. Your credit limit depends on your credit score, income, and payment history. If you're approved for a low limit, you can request an increase after six months of on-time payments.

Closing the card will remove it from your active accounts, which can lower your score if it's one of your older accounts or if it significantly reduces your total available credit. If you decide to stop using the card, consider keeping it open with a zero balance rather than closing it.

Standard card vs. Nordstrom Rewards Visa: which one to choose

Choose the standard card if you shop only at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack, want no annual fee, and don't mind a lower rewards rate. This card is best for occasional shoppers who don't want to commit to an annual fee.

Choose the Nordstrom Rewards Visa if you shop at Nordstrom frequently (at least $6,300 per year to justify the $95 fee), want to earn rewards on purchases outside Nordstrom, or value the concierge service and early sale access enough to pay for it. The Visa's higher earning rate at Nordstrom (3% vs. 2%) and ability to earn 1% everywhere else make it the better choice for heavy Nordstrom shoppers.

You can hold both cards at the same time, though most people don't need to. If you're unsure which fits your spending, start with the standard card and upgrade to the Visa later if your Nordstrom spending increases.

How the Nordstrom card compares to other department store and general-purpose cards

Department store cards like the Macy's Star Rewards Card and Kohl's Rewards Visa offer similar structures: higher earning rates at the store, lower rates elsewhere, and perks like birthday rewards. The Nordstrom card's 2% earning rate at Nordstrom is competitive, but its 1% conversion rate (2 points = $0.01 per dollar) is lower than some competitors that offer straight cash back.

General-purpose cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Capital One SavorOne offer 1.5% to 2% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee. If you shop at Nordstrom less than once a month, a general-purpose card will likely earn you more rewards overall. However, if Nordstrom is a regular destination, the Nordstrom card's perks (early sale access, free alterations, birthday reward) may add value beyond the points alone.

Premium travel cards and cash-back cards often offer sign-up bonuses worth $100 to $300 in value. The Nordstrom card does not offer a sign-up bonus, which is a disadvantage if you're comparing it to cards that do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Nordstrom card at Nordstrom Rack?

Yes. Both the standard card and the Nordstrom Rewards Visa work at Nordstrom Rack locations and earn the same rewards rate as at full-price Nordstrom stores. Rack purchases count toward your rewards balance and your annual spending.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Nordstrom may close your rewards account when you close the card, which could forfeit your points balance. Before closing, redeem your points or contact Nordstrom to confirm what happens to your balance. If you want to keep your points, consider keeping the card open with a zero balance.

Do I earn rewards on Nordstrom gift cards?

No. Purchasing a Nordstrom gift card with the credit card does not earn rewards. However, using a gift card to make a purchase does not earn rewards either — only purchases made directly with the credit card earn points.

Is the Nordstrom card worth it if I only shop during sales?

Possibly. The early access to the Anniversary Sale is valuable if you shop that event every year. However, if you only shop during occasional clearance sales and don't spend enough to justify the Visa's $95 annual fee, the standard card (with no fee) is the better choice. Calculate your annual Nordstrom spending to decide.

Can I transfer my Nordstrom points to another rewards program?

No. Nordstrom points can only be redeemed as statement credits toward Nordstrom purchases. They cannot be transferred to airline miles, hotel programs, or other rewards programs.