Should you apply for Nordstrom credit card? Not so fast! Read my review before you fill out that Nordstrom Visa card application. There are pros AND cons to be aware of!

paying at department store
Since I am such a huge fan of the store, of course their credit card intrigued me. Let’s be honest here- their clothes are not exactly the cheapest (they do over $10 billion per year in sales!) so any way to get rewards on my purchases there sounds good to me!

But are the rewards on the Nordstrom card any better than what a regular cash back credit card offers? I was determined to find out...

There actually two different cards they issue:
  • Nordstrom Visa Signature Card - This seems to be the most widely issued Nordstrom credit card. As a "Visa Signature" there is no preset limit. That does NOT mean you can spend whatever you want, it just means that each purchase is approved or disapproved by the system on a case by case basis.
  • Nordstrom Card (Store-Use Only) - This is your basic no-thrills department store credit card. It can only be used at Nordstrom’s stores, website, and catalog since it is not affiliated with Visa, Discover, Amex, etc. This card I would advise to stay away from since it’s rarely worth hassling with something you can only use at one retailer.
Note: There was a Nordstrom Visa Platinum card but I no longer see an application for it on their website.

Debit Cards: There is also a Nordstrom debit card available in 2 versions; Visa and store-use only. Their rewards/benefits are not quite as good as the credit cards (I'll explain why in a moment).

How good (or bad) are the rewards?
Now, let’s talk about the rewards! I’m going to go out on a limb here and say that if you’re like me, this is the only reason you’re considering the Nordstrom card in the first place!
  • 2x points for each dollar spent at Nordstroms. All of their credit and debit cards give this.
  • 1x points for each dollar spent else. Obviously this only applies with the Nordstrom Visa Signature and Visa debit card.
  • 2,000 points = $20 "Nordstrom Note" (gift certificate) that is mailed out automatically
On all of the cards, if you spend $2,000+ at their stores annually there are free shipping benefits for purchases made in-store. But if you're already at the store, you probably wouldn't want to ship it unless it's a gift, right?

Verdict? Honestly, I was pretty disappointed to see this. Most department store credit cards give higher than that… you're basically earning 2% at their stores and 1% elsewhere. This is hardly impressive considering the Blue Cash Everyday card (American Express) gives an unlimited 2% cash back at all dept. stores and it has no annual fee.

The main difference between the Visa Signature and the other credit/debit cards is that it offers an alternate travel points options. Instead of earning the above, it gives 1 pt + 1 "travel unit" per dollar for purchases at Nordstrom and 1 "travel unit" per dollar elsewhere. If you choose this rewards program it can yield more than the typical 1 cent value per point but the question is... if it's travel rewards you want, then wouldn't you just apply for a travel card instead?

Also going back to why the debit cards are inferior... the Visa debit doesn't earn bonus points during the occasional times they're offered throughout the year. Meanwhile the non-Visa version does, but since it can't be used outside of their department stores, so it's a card that's not very useful.

What are the interest rates?
Keep in mind these things change all the time but with this said, at the time of publishing the APRs are:
For Nordstrom purchases (4 tiers): 10.90% – 14.90% – 18.90% – 22.90%
For all other purchases: (4 tiers): 14.90% – 18.90% – 22.90% – 22.90% (yes, the last 2 are the same)
As I'm sure you can guess, the better your credit score the lower the rate you pay. Bad credit scores/histories (if they can still meet the qualifications to get approved) are probably going to be hit with the higher APRs.

Does it really make sense for you?
After reading my Nordstrom credit card review you will probably draw the same conclusion as me: It doesn't make sense to get the card for just rewards. Check out a couple of the cards advertised here such as the AmEx Gold Card or the Chase Freedom, both of which will probably do more for you.

However if you have bad credit than applying for the basic Nordstrom card (store-only version) isn't a bad idea, because it will likely have lower credit requirements than a major credit card would. It could be a good way to help build your credit, along with other cards for fair credit.

Last but not least, what if you don't have the discipline to handle credit cards? If that's the case, then I would agree the Nordstrom debit card would be a good idea since it won't let you spend more than the cash you have. Also since most banks have terminated their debit card rewards, the Nordstrom Visa check card is one of the very few on the market that still offers rewards... so it's a good deal if you aren't someone that can handle a credit card.

History of Nordstrom: Originally started as a shoe store in 1901, Nordstrom has now been chugging on for well over a century and has since diversified its products to say the least! They still have awesome shoes, but I love them the most for their great selection of designer clothes. Unfortunately I do notice some locations have better inventory than others. For example, their store at The Grove in Los Angeles has a way better selection of styles and sizes than their store at Somerset Collection in Troy, MI. Regardless, they still are one of the best department stores out there!