What the Nordstrom Credit Card Offers
The Nordstrom Credit Card is a store card that works at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack locations. You earn points on purchases, get birthday rewards, and receive early access to sales. The card comes in two versions: the standard Nordstrom card and the Nordstrom Visa, which you can use anywhere Visa is accepted, not just at Nordstrom stores.
Cardholders earn one point per dollar spent at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack. Points accumulate and convert to rewards certificates you can spend on merchandise. The card also gives you a birthday bonus, typically 500 bonus points during your birthday month, and early shopping access to Nordstrom sales events before they open to the general public.
There is no annual fee for either version of the card. Interest rates and credit limits depend on your credit history and the card issuer's current terms. The Nordstrom Visa version offers additional benefits like cash back on purchases outside Nordstrom, though the rate is lower than the points rate inside Nordstrom.
Key Takeaways
- The Nordstrom Credit Card earns one point per dollar at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack, with no annual fee.
- You can open an account online, in a Nordstrom store, or by phone, and approval decisions usually come within minutes for online applications.
- The Nordstrom Visa version works anywhere Visa is accepted but earns fewer points outside Nordstrom locations.
- Points convert to rewards certificates once you reach 500 points, and you can use them on any merchandise in the store.
- Your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, and you must set up it before your first purchase.
How to Open a Nordstrom Credit Card Account
You can open an account online at Nordstrom.com, in any Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack store, or by phone. The online route is fastest. Go to the Nordstrom website, find the credit card section, and select either the standard Nordstrom card or the Nordstrom Visa. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information.
The process takes about 5 to 10 minutes. You will be asked for your annual income, employment status, and whether you have other credit accounts. Answer honestly—the issuer will verify this information. Once you submit, you will receive a decision when ready or within a few minutes. If approved, you will see your card number on screen, though the physical card arrives by mail.
If you explore in a store, a Nordstrom associate can walk you through the process on a tablet or computer. In-store applications also produce when ready decisions. Phone applications take longer because a representative must collect all your information verbally, but this route works if you prefer speaking to someone directly.
Activating Your Card and Making Your First Purchase
When your physical card arrives in the mail, you must set up it before you can use it. You can set up online through your Nordstrom account, by phone, or in a store. Online set up is when ready—log into your account, find the card section, and follow the prompts to confirm your card details.
To set up by phone, call the number on the back of your card or the Nordstrom customer service line. A representative will ask you to verify your identity and confirm the card arrived. Phone set up takes a few minutes and is complete when ready.
Once activated, you can use the card at any Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack location, online at Nordstrom.com, or (if you have the Visa version) anywhere Visa is accepted. Your first purchase will post to your account within one to three business days, and points will begin accumulating right away.
Understanding Points, Rewards, and Birthday Bonuses
Every dollar you spend at Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack earns one point. If you have the Nordstrom Visa, you earn one point per dollar at Nordstrom locations and a lower rate (typically 0.5 points per dollar) at other retailers. Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active.
Once you reach 500 points, you can convert them to a rewards certificate worth $5. You can use this certificate on any merchandise in the store, including sale items. Certificates are sent to you by mail or email, depending on your account settings. You can accumulate multiple certificates and use them together or separately.
During your birthday month, you receive a bonus of 500 points automatically added to your account. This bonus appears in your account around the first of your birthday month. You do not need to do anything to receive it—it posts automatically if your account is in good standing.
Managing Your Account and Paying Your Balance
You can manage your Nordstrom Credit Card account online through Nordstrom.com or through the Nordstrom mobile app. Log in with your username and password to view your balance, recent transactions, and available credit. You can also set up automatic payments, view your rewards balance, and read statements.
Payments can be made online, by phone, by mail, or in a Nordstrom store. Online payment is when ready and free. To pay online, log into your account, go to the payment section, and enter the amount you want to pay and the date. Payments typically post within one business day.
Your statement closes on a set date each month, and your payment is due 21 days later. If you pay the full balance by the due date, you will not be charged interest. If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily at the card's annual percentage rate (APR), which varies based on your creditworthiness. You can set up automatic payments to avoid missing a due date.
Comparing the Standard Card and the Nordstrom Visa
The standard Nordstrom Credit Card works only at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack. The Nordstrom Visa works everywhere Visa is accepted. Both earn points, have no annual fee, and give you the same birthday bonus and early sale access.
The main difference is earning rate outside Nordstrom. With the standard card, you earn nothing on purchases outside the store. With the Visa, you earn a lower points rate (typically 0.5 points per dollar) on non-Nordstrom purchases. If you shop primarily at Nordstrom, the standard card is simpler. If you want to earn rewards on everyday purchases elsewhere, the Visa makes more sense.
Both cards report to the three major credit bureaus, so using either card responsibly can help build your credit history. The card issuer may offer you the option to upgrade from the standard card to the Visa after you have held the account for a period of time.
What Happens If Your process Is Denied
If your process is denied, you will receive a notice by mail explaining the reason. Common reasons include insufficient credit history, a low credit score, recent negative marks on your credit report, or income below the issuer's minimum threshold. The notice will include information about how to dispute the decision if you believe the information is incorrect.
You can request a copy of your credit report from the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) for free once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. Review your report for errors and dispute any inaccuracies with the bureau. If you find errors, correcting them may help you may have access to for the card in the future.
You can reapply after addressing the issue that led to the denial. Wait at least three to six months before reapplying, as multiple applications in a short time can lower your credit score further. In the meantime, you can use a Nordstrom gift card or a general-purpose credit card to shop at Nordstrom.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive my physical card in the mail?
Your card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days after approval. If you need to use your card sooner, you can use the card number provided at the time of approval to shop online or call Nordstrom to place a phone order. You must still set up the physical card when it arrives before using it in stores.
Can I use my Nordstrom card at Nordstrom Rack?
Yes, both the standard Nordstrom card and the Nordstrom Visa work at Nordstrom Rack locations. You earn the same one point per dollar at Rack as you do at full-price Nordstrom stores. This applies to both in-store and online purchases at Nordstrom Rack.
What is the credit limit on the Nordstrom Credit Card?
Your credit limit depends on your credit history, income, and the issuer's current underwriting standards. The limit is set at the time of approval and appears in your account. You can request a credit limit increase after you have held the card for several months and made on-time payments.
Do I lose my points if I close my account?
Points do not expire as long as your account is open and in good standing. If you close your account, any unused points are typically forfeited. Before closing, convert your points to a rewards certificate so you can use them before the account closes.
Is there a difference in rewards between the standard card and the Visa?
At Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack, both cards earn one point per dollar. The Visa earns a lower rate at other retailers. If you shop only at Nordstrom, the earning rate is identical. The Visa is better if you want to earn rewards on everyday purchases outside Nordstrom.