What the Nordstrom Rack Credit Card Does
The Nordstrom Rack credit card is a store card issued by Nordstrom that you can use at Nordstrom Rack locations and online. It works like any other credit card — you make purchases, receive a bill, and pay it back — but the rewards and benefits are tied specifically to Nordstrom Rack shopping. You do not need to be a Nordstrom cardholder to get one; this is a separate card with its own terms.
The card earns points on purchases at Nordstrom Rack. Those points convert to rewards you can spend on future purchases. The card also offers occasional bonus point promotions and early access to Nordstrom Rack sales. Unlike a general rewards card, the benefits only work at Nordstrom Rack and Nordstrom.com's Rack section — not at other retailers.
Key Takeaways
- The Nordstrom Rack card earns points on every purchase, which you redeem as statement credits toward future Rack purchases.
- You can use the card only at Nordstrom Rack stores and on Nordstrom.com's Rack section, not at regular Nordstrom locations or other retailers.
- The card comes with periodic promotional offers, such as bonus points during specific shopping periods or double points on certain purchases.
- You will need to meet Nordstrom's credit requirements to be approved, which typically means a fair credit score and stable income history.
- The card has an annual percentage rate (APR) that applies to any balance you carry month to month, so carrying a balance costs you interest.
How Points and Rewards Work
Every dollar you spend on the Nordstrom Rack card earns points. The exact earning rate varies — Nordstrom periodically adjusts the structure — but typically you earn one point per dollar spent. You accumulate these points in your account and can redeem them once you reach a certain threshold, usually around 500 points.
When you redeem points, they convert to a statement credit. That credit shows up on your next billing statement and reduces what you owe. You cannot convert points to cash or transfer them elsewhere; they only work as a discount on future Rack purchases. If you stop using the card and let your account sit inactive, Nordstrom may close it, and you could lose unused points.
Nordstrom also runs promotional periods where you earn bonus points — for example, double points during a specific week or triple points on a particular category. These promotions are announced in your account online and via email if you are signed up for Nordstrom communications.
Annual Fees and Interest Charges
The Nordstrom Rack card has no annual fee. You can hold the card and use it without paying a yearly cost just to have it.
However, if you carry a balance from month to month instead of paying in full, you will pay interest. The APR varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates, but store cards typically carry higher interest rates than general credit cards — often in the 18% to 24% range. If you charge $500 and pay only the minimum, you will owe interest on the remaining balance each month until it is paid off.
The card also charges late fees if you miss a payment and may charge a fee if you go over your credit limit. To avoid these charges, set up automatic payments or pay your full balance by the due date each month.
How to Get Approved and What You Need
You can explore for the Nordstrom Rack card online at Nordstrom.com, in a Nordstrom Rack store, or by phone. The process asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Nordstrom will pull your credit report to check your credit score and payment history.
There is no published minimum credit score requirement, but Nordstrom typically approves applicants with fair credit or better — usually a score of 620 or higher, though this is not may provide. If you have recent late payments, collections, or a very low score, approval is less likely. If you are denied, you can ask Nordstrom why and may reapply after addressing the issue.
You will receive a decision when ready or within a few business days. If approved, your card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can then set up it online or by phone and start using it right away.
Comparing the Nordstrom Rack Card to Other Options
The Nordstrom Rack card makes sense if you shop at Nordstrom Rack regularly and want to earn rewards on those purchases. If you shop there once or twice a year, a general rewards credit card that works anywhere may serve you better — you would earn rewards on all your spending, not just at one retailer.
A general cash-back card typically offers 1% to 2% cash back on all purchases, which is similar to the Nordstrom Rack card's earning rate. The difference is flexibility: cash back works anywhere, while Rack points only work at Nordstrom Rack. However, if you are a frequent Rack shopper and hit the promotional bonus periods, the Rack card's bonus points can add up faster than a flat cash-back rate.
Store cards also tend to have higher APRs than general credit cards, so carrying a balance on the Rack card costs more than carrying one on a typical rewards card. If you cannot pay your balance in full each month, the higher interest rate works against you.
Using Your Card and Managing Your Account
Once you receive your card, set up it by visiting Nordstrom.com, logging into your account, or calling the number on the back of the card. You can then use it at any Nordstrom Rack location or on Nordstrom.com's Rack section. The card will not work at regular Nordstrom stores.
You can check your balance, view your points, and make payments online through your Nordstrom account. Set up automatic payments to may support you never miss a due date. You can choose to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between. Paying the full balance each month avoids interest charges.
If you lose your card or suspect fraud, call the number on the back of your card or contact Nordstrom directly. They will cancel the card and issue a replacement. Unauthorized charges are typically covered under credit card fraud protections, so you are not liable for fraudulent use if you report it promptly.
When the Nordstrom Rack Card May Not Be Worth It
The card is not useful if you do not shop at Nordstrom Rack. Since points only work there, you would earn rewards you cannot use. If you shop at Rack occasionally but mostly buy from other retailers, a general rewards card gives you more value across all your spending.
The card is also less valuable if you cannot pay your balance in full each month. The high APR means interest charges will eat into any rewards you earn. If you are carrying debt on other cards, paying off that debt first is usually smarter than opening a new card and potentially carrying a balance.
Finally, if you have poor credit or a recent history of missed payments, you may not be approved. explore for a card you are unlikely to get approved for can temporarily lower your credit score, so it is worth checking your credit report first or calling Nordstrom to ask about approval odds before you explore.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Nordstrom Rack card at regular Nordstrom stores?
No. The Nordstrom Rack card works only at Nordstrom Rack locations and on Nordstrom.com's Rack section. It will not work at full-price Nordstrom stores. If you want a card that works at both, Nordstrom offers a separate Nordstrom credit card.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Once you close the card, you typically lose any unused points. Before closing your account, redeem your points as a statement credit. If you have a large balance of points, contact Nordstrom to confirm their policy on closed accounts.
How long does it take to earn enough points for a reward?
It depends on how much you spend. If you earn one point per dollar and need 500 points to redeem, you would need to spend $500. If you spend $100 a month at Rack, that takes five months. Promotional periods where you earn bonus points can speed this up.
What is the difference between the Nordstrom Rack card and the regular Nordstrom card?
The Nordstrom card works at full-price Nordstrom stores and online. The Nordstrom Rack card works only at Nordstrom Rack. They are separate cards with separate accounts and separate rewards programs. You can hold both if you shop at both locations.
Can I transfer my Nordstrom Rack points to another rewards program?
No. Points can only be redeemed as statement credits on your Nordstrom Rack card. You cannot convert them to cash, transfer them to another card, or use them outside of Nordstrom Rack.