If you’re an avid shopper, you’ve probably been asked to sign up for a dozen different credit cards that claim to save you money and provide rewards for shopping.
It can seem overwhelming to decide which credit card might give you the greater return on your investment!
Fear not – we’re here to help you decide if the Nordstrom Rack credit card is the right card for your wallet.
Nordstrom’s card offers some nice advantages, but is it really worth it?
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of the Nordstrom Rack credit card, such as its enticing sign-up bonus and membership perks.
Also, we’ll discuss the process of applying for this card and what it takes to become approved.
Finally, we’ll compare other department store credit cards with Nordstrom’s to give you a well-rounded view on the card’s benefits.
Let’s jump right into it!
The Nordstrom Visa® credit card* offers multiple benefits for those looking to enhance their shopping and saving experience.
From a nifty sign-up bonus to rewards points, there are multiple perks to enjoy when you sign up for this credit card.
Take a look at this list for a comprehensive picture of the benefits:
When you open a Nordstrom Visa® credit card*, you’re entitled to a sign-up bonus.
When you simply apply for a Nordstrom credit card, you’ll earn yourself a $40 note to spend at Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack if you decide to make a purchase in the future.
This is a nice incentive for anyone who shops regularly at the Nordstrom Rack.
As with most credit cards, the Nordstrom Visa® credit card* offers free gifts and services to its members.
Within the Nordstrom Rack membership, there are basic members, influencers (cardmembers start here), and ambassadors.
Basic and influencer members earn a $10 note for every 1,000 points accrued, while ambassadors earn a $20 note for every 1,000 points earned.
Additionally, cardmembers have access to personal double points days, in-home stylists, and invite-only events.
When you sign up for a Nordstrom Rack credit card, you become eligible for shipping perks, such as free two-day shipping in selected areas (when spending over a certain amount).
Online shopping is made easier with the Nordstrom Rack credit card, as you’re able to receive the perfect outfit for an event or order some extra plain white tees faster than ever before.
Becoming a member of the Nordy Club allows you to gain rewards points for making purchases.
With the Nordstrom Visa® credit card*, every 1,000 points equals $10 in savings.
As you rank up in membership status, you can double (or even triple) your points.
However, these points are only valid for purchasing at Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack locations.
Lastly, Nordy Club is an elite rewards program at Nordstrom which provides benefits and experiences for its members.
Nordy Club members can also earn points that can be converted into Nordstrom notes.
Although Nordy Club is free to join, having a Nordstrom Visa® credit card* holders have advantages with accumulating points through purchases.
The Nordstrom Rack credit card can be used to make purchases anywhere that accepts Visa cards.
Although you don’t accumulate points when shopping outside of Nordstrom with the credit card, paying off the card on time has the same benefits as using a traditional credit card – higher limit, lower interest, and more.
The Nordstrom Visa® credit card* has no annual fee, like other credit cards.
However, they do charge interest, so it’s important to become aware of the added fees that may be accumulating in your account.
To begin, the annual percentage rate (APR) for Nordstrom purchases is 31.15%, which means that any balance carried on the credit card will have increased by 31.15% by the end of its first year.
Also, be aware that unpaid balances or late payments can incur penalty fees of up to $40.
So, be sure that you always pay the minimum balance each month on the card to ensure that you don’t have to pay any late or missed payment fees!
Applying for a Nordstrom Rack credit card is easy.
If you happen to be in-store, you can apply at the checkout counter while you make your purchase.
Otherwise, you can fill out and submit an application online for processing.
The application form may ask you to provide documents of identification such as a driver’s license, bank statement, or bill in your name.
Once you submit your application, Nordstrom performs a credit check and informs you of your approval within a few days.
Beyond its age requirement, being approved for a Nordstrom credit card can be tricky!
In terms of credit requirements, Nordstrom does not allow anyone with a credit score below 640 to sign up for their credit card.
This means that people must fall within the fair credit or better category in order to be approved for the card.
Although this rule can seem strict, the company has put it in place to protect themselves against non-compliance from cardholders.
If you’re concerned about your credit report, there are ways to slightly increase your score.
However, the bulk of your score is determined by your payment history and past financial decisions, so it is best to prove (over time) that you are likely to pay your bills on time.
Also, some report that Nordstrom is particularly sensitive to multiple inquiries, so it’s better to apply at a time when your inquiry rate is lower.
In this portion of the Nordstrom Rack credit card deep dive, we’ll be comparing other similar credit cards with Nordstrom’s.
Department stores like Macy’s, Bloomingdales, and Dillard’s offer cards that are comparable, but we’ll point out key differences to be aware of.
Nordstrom Visa® credit card* vs. Macy’s American Express® Card*
The Macy’s American Express Card has a similar tiered earning system, but earnings increase at much lower spending intervals.
All cardholders earn 3 points per dollar at restaurants, 2 points per dollar at gas stations and supermarkets (excluding superstores and warehouses) and 1 point per dollar on all other qualifying purchases made outside of Macy’s.
This tiered system makes increasing earnings much more probable.
Macy’s offers approved new applicants 20% off Macy’s purchases that extend only to the first two days of account opening, capped at a savings of $100.
Macy’s cardholders also receive 25% off their purchase any day with Star Passes.
Additionally, the Macy’s card offers free standard shipping on all purchases with no minimum or shipping exclusions within the U.S.
Nordstrom Visa® credit card* vs. Bloomingdale’s American Express® Card*
Like the Nordstrom card, the Bloomingdale’s American Express credit card is tiered at large spending increments.
The card earns 3 points per dollar spent at Bloomingdale's or anywhere American Express Cards are welcome and 1 point for every dollar on all other purchases.
Instead of double point days, the Bloomingdale’s card offers triple points days, but the point value is half that of Nordstroms.
Bloomingdale’s allows 5,000 points to be redeemed for $25, meaning you have to earn double the points to receive the same amount in rewards as Nordstrom.
However, cardholders can increase their earnings to 4 or 10 points per dollar depending on their annual Bloomingdale’s spending level.
But this only applies to purchases made on the day of opening an account and on the day after (up to total savings of $250 over the two days), so this card may be appealing for large initial purchases.
Nordstrom Visa® credit card* vs. Dillard’s Credit Card*
You can earn 2 points per dollar in Dillard's purchases, but this card does not reward you extra points for being a big Dillard’s spender.
In addition, the points are valued less than the Nordstrom card—at Dillard’s you need to earn 1,500 points to receive a 10% off shopping pass for a day.
With the opportunity to also earn 2 points at gas stations and grocery stores in the U.S., this a better option if this card will be used for shopping outside the department store.
There is also a welcome bonus: open an account and charge $100 in net purchases at Dillard's stores on the same day to receive a 10% off Welcome Shopping Pass with the first statement."
The Nordstrom Visa® credit card* is a fabulous way to rack up Nordstrom discounts and exclusive shopping experiences.
In addition to its universal usability (by all Visa-accepting tenders), the Nordstrom Visa® credit card* makes shopping at your favorite store easier and more enjoyable.
Although choosing to sign up for a retail credit card can leave prospective cardholders with many options, we hope that you feel more confident in your decision to take or leave the Nordstrom Visa® credit card*.
Whichever you choose, we wish you the best of luck on all future shopping trips!