Review of Nordstrom Credit Card: Perks, Drawbacks, and Is It Right for You?

Nordstrom, one of the top names in luxury retail, offers its own credit card with enticing perks for frequent shoppers. The Nordstrom credit card, issued by TD Bank, comes with exclusive rewards and benefits designed to make your Nordstrom shopping experience even more rewarding. Here’s an in-depth look at the key features, pros and cons, and whether this card is worth considering for you.

Key Features of the Nordstrom Credit Card

1. Two Versions of the Card:

Nordstrom offers two types of credit cards:

• The Retail Card: usable only at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, and online at Nordstrom.com and HauteLook.
• The Visa Credit Card: usable anywhere Visa is accepted, offering extra flexibility and additional rewards for purchases outside of Nordstrom.

2. Rewards Program:

• Earn 3 points per dollar spent at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, HauteLook, and Trunk Club.
• Visa cardholders can earn 1 point per dollar spent anywhere Visa is accepted.
• Points are redeemable for Nordstrom Notes, which can be used as store credit. Every 2,000 points earn a $20 Nordstrom Note.

3. Exclusive Benefits for Cardholders:

• Early Access to Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: One of the most popular shopping events, cardholders get early access to discounts on high-demand items.
• Personalized Double Points Days: Cardholders can choose specific days to earn double rewards points, maximizing their rewards on high-spending days.
• Alteration Reimbursements: The card also offers reimbursement for alterations (amount varies by card type), which is a great perk for customers who want their clothing tailored to fit perfectly. 

4. Sign-Up Bonus: 

• New cardholders can receive a $40 Nordstrom Note after making their first purchase, a nice initial incentive for new members.

Pros of the Nordstrom Credit Card

1. High Rewards Rate for Nordstrom Purchases: With 3 points per dollar spent, this card offers an impressive rate for loyal Nordstrom customers. Accumulating points quickly can lead to valuable store credits, especially if you frequently shop at Nordstrom.
2. Early Sale Access: Cardholders gain early access to Nordstrom’s Anniversary Sale, which is known for limited-time, deeply discounted items. This can be a major advantage, as popular items tend to sell out quickly.
3. Tailored Spending Options: The Visa version of the card allows you to earn rewards on all purchases, not just those made at Nordstrom, making it more versatile than a store-only card.
4. No Annual Fee: The Nordstrom credit card does not come with an annual fee, making it a low-cost option for earning rewards without having to worry about additional expenses.

Cons of the Nordstrom Credit Card

1. Limited Redemption Options: Points earned with the Nordstrom credit card can only be redeemed as Nordstrom Notes. This limitation might be a drawback for users looking for more flexible reward options like cash back or travel points.
2. High APR: Like many store cards, the Nordstrom credit card has a relatively high APR, which can add up if you don’t pay off your balance in full each month.
3. Best for Frequent Shoppers: While the card offers benefits that appeal to Nordstrom enthusiasts, it may not provide enough value for those who don’t shop at Nordstrom regularly. Occasional shoppers may find they accumulate points too slowly to make the card worth it.
4. Limited Outside Benefits for Retail Card: The retail version of the card can only be used at Nordstrom and its affiliate stores, so if you’re looking for a more versatile credit card, this may not be the best choice.

Is the Nordstrom Credit Card Right for You?

The Nordstrom credit card could be an excellent choice if you are a frequent Nordstrom shopper. The high rewards rate, exclusive sales access, and free alterations can add a lot of value. However, if you’re not a regular Nordstrom customer or prefer more flexible rewards options, a more versatile cash-back or travel rewards card might be better suited to your needs.

Conclusion

The Nordstrom credit card provides fanta stic perks for avid Nordstrom shoppers, especially with its generous rewards rate and unique benefits like early sale access and alteration reimbursements. However, it does have its limitations, especially regarding redemption options and usability outside of Nordstrom (for the retail version).

Consider your shopping habits and whether you prefer flexible redemption options before applying. For Nordstrom loyalists, this card could significantly enhance your shopping experience and help you earn rewards quickly.