How to Save at Nordstrom with the Nordstrom Credit Card

Who doesn’t love a good Nordstrom shopping haul? If you’re a fan of the luxury department store, you know that it can be a bit pricier than some other retailers, but you’re also getting top quality products from your favorite designers, and it’s so worth it.

That said, if you’re a frequent shopper, it couldn’t hurt to look for ways to save a few bucks at Nordstrom. And one of them may be by getting the Nordstrom credit card. In fact, you’ve probably been asked if you wanted one any time you’ve checked out at a Nordstrom store. 

If you’ve been considering it, we’ve got the full scoop on all the card details, the exclusive benefits offered to cardholders, and how to decide if it’s worth getting.

All the Details

The Different Card Versions

When you apply for the Nordstrom credit card, issued by TD Bank, USA, N.A., you may be offered one of two different versions of the card:

• Nordstrom store credit card: This card is exclusively for shopping in store or online at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Last Chance and Nordstrom Local.
• Nordstrom Visa credit card: This card can be used for purchases anywhere Visa credit cards are accepted. It also earns rewards on non-Nordstrom purchases.

The Just-OK Welcome Bonus

When you apply for and get approved for a Nordstrom credit card, you’ll get a $40 Bonus Note to be used on a future purchase. Considering that you’d have to spend $2,000 at Nordstrom to earn $40 in Notes, the bonus sounds pretty solid. But how does it compare to other department store cards?

First, with most other cards, you get an on-the-spot discount on your first purchase, so you don’t have to make a repeat purchase to use your bonus. The amount varies, but it’s typically between 15% and 35% off your first purchase. So, let’s say if the offer was 20%, spending $200 would get you the same $40 discount. Naturally the more you spend (or the higher the percentage off), the more you can save.

That said, one advantage to the Nordstrom $40 Bonus Note is that if you choose to buy something priced around $40, it’s like getting something for free.

Now, if you’re comparing this bonus to something like the Amazon Prime Visa card, then the bonus isn’t all that impressive since Amazon is currently offering a $150 Amazon Gift Card for applying.

Nordy Club Rewards

Before diving into the rewards on the Nordstrom credit card, you should understand the Nordstrom loyalty program, the Nordy Club.

It’s a free-to-join rewards program that gives you access to special events and points for purchases that can be turned into Nordstrom Notes and redeemed when shopping in person or online at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack and Nordstrom Local. Members earn one point for each $1 spent at Nordstrom (some restrictions apply). 

The more you spend, and/or if you get the credit card, the higher you can go in the Nordy Club tiers: 

• Member: This is entry-level when you join the club.
• Influencer: You’ll automatically start here if you get the credit card; otherwise, you must spend $500 within a calendar year.
• Ambassador: You must spend $5,000 per year.
• Icon: You must be a cardholder and spend $15,000 per year.

Once you get a Nordstrom credit card, your rewards rate goes to two points for every $1 spent. You’ll also automatically move into the “Influencer” level of the Nordy Club. If you should reach the Ambassador or Icon levels, then you’ll earn three points per $1. 

If you have the Visa version of the card, you’ll also get one point per $1 spent on non-Nordstrom purchases.

Pro tip: You’ll have more control over how to redeem your Nordstrom Notes if you download the app. You can redeem 500 points for $5 or 1,500 points for a $15 note, for example. Otherwise, notes are issued automatically: a $10 Note for every 1,000 points, or a $20 Note for every 2,000 points if you’re an Ambassador or Icon member. 

The Notes themselves have an expiration date that is one year from the issue date, so be mindful that once that date passes, you will lose those rewards. Also, if there is no activity in your account for 12 consecutive months (including earning points, redeeming Nordstrom Notes or returning items that were awarded points or Notes), you will lose all rewards. 

While this isn’t ideal, it’s better than some other department stores that offer rewards with much shorter expiration timeframes (like JCPenney).

You should receive a notification when you are issued a note (as long as you’re opted in for marketing emails). You can also check your rewards status anytime in your online account or app.

To use your notes, you can ask your salesperson to look up your account and apply your Note. For online shopping, just sign into your Nordy Club account to see any available digital Notes at checkout. 

If you have a paper Note, just enter your Note number and access code, or hand the paper to the salesclerk.

Cardholder Benefits Might Tip the Scales in Favor of Getting a Card 

So, you already know that the sign-up bonus and rewards programs are decent (but not spectacular). But if you’re a Nordstrom fanatic, the card’s benefits could make the decision to get a card a no-brainer. Here’s what you’ll get:

• Alterations credit: If you pay for alterations at Nordstrom on Nordstrom items purchased with your card, you’ll get reimbursed up to $200 (or $300 if you’re at Ambassador level) in the form of Nordstrom Notes
• First dibs for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: This is a true shopping event if you’re a loyalist to the brand, and cardmembers get to shop first. Be sure to look for an email to let you know when it’s happening.
• Personal Double Points Days: Cardholders get to pick days in which they earn double points – so save those up for a big shopping session. Influencers get three picks and Ambassadors get four.

You’ll note that some benefits (like free two-day shipping) are available to all Nordy Club members, regardless of if you have a card or not.

How to Maximize the Nordstrom Credit Card

To get the most out of this credit card, you should check the following boxes:

• You’ll never carry a balance. With a massive 33.15% APR, you don’t want to start paying interest charges on your purchases, otherwise your rewards will become meaningless.
• You take advantage of the early access and alterations benefits: These are cardholder exclusive perks, while some of the other benefits you can get just for signing up as a free member.
• You stick to Nordstrom purchases with the card. If you have the Visa version of the card, earning one point per $1 spent on non-Nordstrom purchases isn’t all that great. You’re better off getting a general rewards card for outside spending where you can earn 2% or more back.
• You remember to use your Nordstrom Notes. You have a full year, but it’s easy to forget about your Notes if you don’t shop very often. If you’re leaving money on the table, then you’re probably not a loyal enough Nordstrom shopper to justify getting the card.

More Nordstrom Card Tips

What are the requirements for a Nordstrom credit card?

Nordstrom doesn’t disclose specific card requirements other than that you must be 18 years old. In general, you can expect that if your credit score is on the lower side, you might only qualify for the store card, while those with a better score would likely be approved for the Visa version.

How do you pay your Nordstrom credit card bill?

You can pay your Nordstrom credit card bill online, with the app, via text, by mail, by phone, or in store.

Where can I use my Nordstrom credit card?

The Nordstrom Card can be used in-store or online at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, Last Chance and Nordstrom Local. The Nordstrom Visa credit card can be used anywhere Visa credit cards are accepted.

The post How to Save at Nordstrom with the Nordstrom Credit Card appeared first on The Real Deal by RetailMeNot.