What the Bloomingdale's Credit Card is and who should consider it
The Bloomingdale's credit card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use at Bloomingdale's and Bloomingdale's Outlet stores. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, it works only at those locations — you cannot use it at other retailers or restaurants. The card comes with rewards in the form of points on purchases, and those points convert to Bloomingdale's dollars you can spend on merchandise.
This card makes sense if you shop at Bloomingdale's regularly and want to earn rewards on those purchases. It does not make sense if you shop there occasionally or if you need a card you can use everywhere. Store cards typically charge higher interest rates than general credit cards, so carrying a balance costs more money.
Key Takeaways
- The Bloomingdale's card earns points on purchases at Bloomingdale's and outlets, but only works at those stores.
- You earn rewards faster during promotional periods, which Bloomingdale's announces in-store and by mail to cardholders.
- The card charges interest on balances you carry month to month, and that rate is typically higher than rates on general credit cards.
- Synchrony Bank, not Bloomingdale's, decides whether to open your account based on your credit history and current debt.
How rewards and points work on this card
When you use the Bloomingdale's card to buy something, you earn points. The base earning rate is typically one point per dollar spent, though Bloomingdale's runs promotional periods where you earn extra points — sometimes two or three points per dollar on all purchases, or bonus points on specific categories like shoes or home goods. These promotions change throughout the year and are advertised in the store and in mailings to cardholders.
Points accumulate in your account and convert to Bloomingdale's dollars at a set rate — usually one dollar in Bloomingdale's money for every 100 points earned, though this ratio can shift. You can redeem your Bloomingdale's dollars whenever you want by using them as a statement credit or explore them at checkout in-store or online. Unlike some rewards programs, there is no expiration date on points as long as your account remains open and active.
Interest rates and fees you should know about
The Bloomingdale's card charges interest on any balance you do not pay off in full by the due date. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies based on your credit history — Synchrony Bank sets your rate when they open your account. Store card APRs are generally higher than rates on major credit cards; you might see rates ranging from the mid-teens to over 20 percent, depending on your credit score and current debt load.
There is no annual fee to hold the card. However, if you carry a balance, interest charges will reduce or eliminate the value of the rewards you earn. For example, if you earn $50 in Bloomingdale's dollars but pay $60 in interest charges, you have lost money overall. The card only makes financial sense if you pay the full balance every month.
How to open an account and what Synchrony will review
You can open a Bloomingdale's card account in-store at any Bloomingdale's location or online through the Bloomingdale's website. The process takes a few minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Synchrony Bank then checks your credit report to decide whether to open the account and what interest rate to offer you.
Synchrony looks at your credit score, your payment history on other accounts, how much debt you currently carry, and how long you have had credit accounts open. If you have missed payments in the past year or carry very high balances relative to your credit limits, Synchrony may decline your process or offer you a lower credit limit. You will receive a decision within a few days, either in-store or by mail depending on how you applied.
When a promotional financing offer might appear
Bloomingdale's occasionally offers promotional financing on the card — for example, "no interest for 12 months on purchases over $500" or "special financing on home goods." These offers are time-limited and advertised in-store and online. If you take advantage of a promotional offer, you must pay off the full promotional balance by the end of the promotional period, or interest will be charged retroactively on the entire amount from the original purchase date.
Read the terms of any promotional offer carefully before you buy. If you are unsure whether you can pay off the balance in time, it is safer to skip the promotion and pay as you normally would. Promotional financing can save money if you stick to the terms, but it costs significantly more if you miss the important date.
How the card affects your credit and what happens if you stop using it
Opening a Bloomingdale's card account will lower your credit score slightly in the short term because Synchrony pulls your credit report and opens a new account. Over time, if you use the card and pay on time, it can help your credit score by showing that you manage credit responsibly and have a mix of account types.
If you stop using the card, Synchrony may close the account after a period of inactivity — typically six months to a year with no purchases. A closed account can affect your credit score because it reduces the total amount of credit available to you. If you want to keep the card active but do not use it often, make a small purchase every few months and pay it off when ready.
Comparing the Bloomingdale's card to other options
A general-purpose rewards credit card (like a Visa or Mastercard) earns rewards at any store and typically charges lower interest rates than store cards. If you shop at many retailers, a general card is usually better. However, if you shop at Bloomingdale's frequently and want to maximize rewards at that store, the Bloomingdale's card can earn points faster during promotional periods.
The trade-off is flexibility: a store card only works at one place, while a general card works everywhere. Before opening the Bloomingdale's card, think about whether you shop there enough to make the higher interest rate worth it. If you carry a balance even occasionally, the interest charges will outweigh the rewards you earn.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Bloomingdale's card outside of Bloomingdale's stores?
No. The card works only at Bloomingdale's and Bloomingdale's Outlet locations. You cannot use it at other retailers, online merchants, or restaurants. If you need a card for everyday purchases, you will need a separate general credit card.
What happens if I miss a payment on the Bloomingdale's card?
A missed payment will be reported to the credit bureaus and will damage your credit score. Synchrony may also charge a late fee and increase your interest rate. If you miss a payment, contact Synchrony as soon as possible to bring your account current and discuss your options.
How do I check my points balance and redeem my Bloomingdale's dollars?
You can check your points balance online through your Synchrony account or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. To redeem, log into your account and select the redemption option, or ask a cashier in-store to explore your Bloomingdale's dollars to your purchase.
Will opening this card hurt my credit score?
Opening the card will lower your score slightly because Synchrony pulls your credit report and opens a new account. The impact is usually small and temporary. If you use the card responsibly and pay on time, your score will recover and may improve over time.
What is the credit limit, and can I request a higher one?
Synchrony sets your initial credit limit based on your credit history and income. You can request a higher limit by contacting Synchrony after you have had the card for several months and made on-time payments. Synchrony may do a hard pull of your credit report to review your request.