Nordstrom Credit Card: Cashbacks, Fees, Pros and Cons, How to Apply

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The Nordstrom credit card is a store card that can only be used at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack locations. It offers benefits like:

• Earn points for every dollar spent that can be redeemed for Nordstrom shopping and experiences
• Get a $40 Bonus Note for opening a card and making a purchase within the first day
• Earn 2 points per dollar spent at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack
• Earn 1 point per dollar spent outside of Nordstrom
• Get exclusive access to Nordstrom sales and early shopping events
• No annual fee

The card has variable APRs from 24.15% to 31.15% based on creditworthiness. There are no foreign transaction fees. Credit limits range from $500 to $10,000 and more based on income and credit score. Overall, it’s a decent store card for Nordstrom shoppers who can benefit from rewards and exclusive perks.

How the Nordstrom Credit Card Works

The Nordstrom credit card is a store-branded card issued by TD Bank. It can only be used to make purchases at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack retail locations and online at Nordstrom.com or Nordstromrack.com.

When you make a purchase with the Nordstrom card, you will earn Nordstrom Reward points based on your level of cardmembership. These points can be redeemed for Nordstrom shopping rewards to save on future purchases.

There are two levels of the Nordstrom credit card:

Nordstrom Visa Credit Card – This is the primary version of the card. It offers 3 points per dollar spent at Nordstrom and 1 point per dollar elsewhere when you have a Nordstrom card.

Nordstrom Rack Visa Credit Card – The Nordstrom Rack card offers 2 points per dollar at Nordstrom Rack and 1 point everywhere else.

To redeem Nordstrom Rewards, 2,000 points are worth $20 to spend at Nordstrom. Points do not expire as long as the account remains open.

The Nordstrom card requires a hard credit check and minimum credit score for approval. Responsible card usage helps increase the spending limit over time. There is no annual fee for the card.

Pros and Cons of Nordstrom Credit Card

Pros:

• Earn 2x points on Nordstrom purchases
• Get a $40 Bonus Note for signing up and using your card
• No annual fee
• Points don’t expire and can be redeemed for Nordstrom shopping/experiences
• Special Nordstrom cardholder events and early access to sales
• Variable APRs based on credit (24.15% to 31.15%)
• No foreign transaction fee

Cons:

• Can only be used at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack
• Credit limit based on income and credit score ($500 to $10,000 and more)
• High 31.15% APR for poor credit
• Late payment fee up to $38
• No sign-up bonus beyond the initial $40 for first purchase
• $0 Fraud Liability if card is lost/stolen

The Nordstrom card is best for frequent Nordstrom shoppers who can maximize the 2x rewards and get value from the exclusive perks. Occasional shoppers may prefer a card with more flexibility and bonuses.

Rewards, Cashbacks, and Sign-Up Bonus

The Nordstrom credit card offers a lucrative ongoing rewards program:

• 3 points per $1 spent at Nordstrom with the Visa card or 2 points per $1 with the Rack Visa card
• 1 point per $1 everywhere else Visa cards are accepted
• 2,000 points equals a $20 Nordstrom Note to spend in-store or online

There is also a one-time sign-up bonus:

• When approved, receive a Nordstrom Note for $60 to use immediately

The rewards points can provide significant savings, especially for frequent Nordstrom shoppers. For example, spending $1,000 at Nordstrom with the Visa card would earn 3,000 points, equivalent to a $60 Nordstrom Note.

The rewards are earned as Nordstrom Notes, not cash back. However, the Notes can be applied to purchases to effectively reduce the price. Notes do not expire.

Interest Rates & Fees of Nordstrom Credit Card

The Nordstrom credit card has variable interest rates from 24.15% to 31.15% based on your creditworthiness when you apply. The specific rate you receive will depend on your individual credit profile.

There is no annual fee for the Nordstrom credit card.

Late payment fees can be up to $38 if you miss the minimum payment due date. The APR may also be increased up to the penalty APR of 31.15% for late payments.

If you make a purchase that exceeds your credit limit, Nordstrom may authorize the transaction but charge an overlimit fee that can range from $25 to $35.

There are no foreign transaction fees if you use the Nordstrom card internationally. Cash advances incur a fee of $10 or 5% of the amount advanced, whichever is greater.

How to Apply for a Nordstrom Credit Card

You can apply for a Nordstrom credit card online, in-store, or over the phone. Here are the steps to apply:

1. Go to Nordstromcard.com and click “Apply Now”
2. Enter your personal information like name, address, date of birth, and Social Security Number.
3. Review the terms and conditions and submit your application.
4. If approved, you will receive confirmation of your new account and can begin using your card. Be sure to make a purchase within the first day to get your $40 Bonus Note.
5. You can also apply by calling 1-800-964-1800 or visiting your local Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack store.
6. The application only takes a few minutes to complete. Nordstrom will conduct a hard inquiry and review your credit report, income, and other factors to make a decision.

Basic eligibility criteria for the Nordstrom card includes:

• Good to excellent credit (700 score or higher recommended)
• Valid Social Security Number
• Permanent U.S. residential address

Managing Your Nordstrom Credit Card

Here are some tips for managing your Nordstrom card:

• Activate the card – Call the number on the sticker on the front of the card to activate it and set up your PIN.
• Set up automatic payments – Arrange for at least the minimum amount due to be automatically deducted from your checking account each month.
• Login online – Register your account on Nordstromcard.com to view your balance, available credit, statements, make payments, and more.
• Pay in full each month – Try to pay off your full statement balance by the due date each month to avoid interest charges.
• Watch your credit utilization – Keep balances low compared to your credit limit to maintain a good credit score.
• Use Nordstrom Rewards – Redeem accumulated points regularly as Nordstrom Notes to get rewards for your spending. Check expiration dates.
• Report lost or stolen card – Contact Nordstrom card services immediately if your card is lost, stolen or compromised.

Where the Nordstrom Credit Card Can Be Used?

The Nordstrom credit card is a store-branded card that can only be used at Nordstrom retail and online locations, including:

• All Nordstrom department stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico
• Nordstrom.com website and Nordstrom mobile app
• All Nordstrom Rack stores in the U.S.
• Nordstromrack.com website and Rack mobile app
• Nordstrom Local service hubs for alterations, pick-ups, returns, and styling
• Nordstrom cafes located within Nordstrom stores

The Nordstrom card cannot be used at any other retailers. It also cannot be used for Nordstrom purchases on third-party websites. Cardholders need to shop directly at Nordstrom owned channels to earn rewards and benefits.

When shopping online or through the app, make sure to choose the Nordstrom card as the payment method before checkout to get points for the purchase.

Nordstrom Credit Card vs Other Credit Cards

How does the Nordstrom credit card compare to other store cards and general rewards cards?

Nordstrom Card vs Other Store Cards:

• Nordstrom card can only be used at Nordstrom, other store cards like Macy’s and Target can only be used at their respective stores
• Nordstrom offers 2 points per $1 spent, other store cards may offer 1-3% back
• Nordstrom has higher APRs from 24.15%-31.15%, other store cards have average APRs of 28.93 or more according to the 2023 reports.

Nordstrom Card vs General Rewards Cards:

• Nordstrom card earnings are redeemed for Nordstrom shopping, rewards cards let you redeem for cash back, travel, etc.
• Nordstrom card has foreign transaction fee, many rewards cards don’t have this fee
• Nordstrom card has lower sign-up bonus ($40), rewards cards offer bonuses from $100 to $500 generally
• Nordstrom card has shopping benefits and access, rewards cards focus solely on earnings rate

The Nordstrom card is best for dedicated Nordstrom shoppers who want discounts and perks. For wider usability and bonuses, general rewards cards may be preferable.

Conclusion

The Nordstrom credit card offers generous rewards and benefits for frequent Nordstrom shoppers. The lucrative point system provides Nordstrom Notes to save on future purchases.

Responsible cardholders can take advantage of 0% intro APR, no annual fee, and special perks. However, the ongoing high interest rate makes it important to pay balances off in full.

Overall, the Nordstrom card is best suited for those who regularly shop at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack and can maximize the card’s features. Interested applicants will need good credit to qualify. Use the card wisely within your budget and it can provide significant savings each year on your Nordstrom spending.

Frequently Asked Questions