What You Need Before You Start

Nordstrom offers two main credit cards: the Nordstrom Card (for use at Nordstrom stores and online) and the Nordstrom Visa Card (accepted anywhere Visa is taken). You can begin the process online, in a Nordstrom store, or by phone. Before you start, have your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information ready.

The process itself takes about 10 minutes. Nordstrom will check your credit report, so your credit score and payment history matter. You don't need a perfect score to be considered — Nordstrom reviews applications across a range of credit profiles — but the stronger your credit, the better your approval odds and the higher your credit limit is likely to be.

Key Takeaways

  • You can explore online at Nordstrom.com, in any Nordstrom store, or by calling the customer service number on the back of an existing Nordstrom card.
  • The online process asks for your Social Security number, income, employment status, and current address, and takes about 10 minutes to complete.
  • Nordstrom will pull your credit report as part of the review, so you'll see a small, temporary dip in your credit score.
  • You'll receive a decision within minutes to a few business days; approval decisions often come when ready for online applications.
  • Once approved, your card ships to your address or you can pick it up in a Nordstrom store if you applied in person.

explore Online at Nordstrom.com

Go to Nordstrom.com and look for the credit card section, usually found in the footer or under "Account" in the top menu. Click on the card you want — the standard Nordstrom Card or the Nordstrom Visa Card — and select "explore Now." You'll be taken to a find process page.

Fill in your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and phone number. Then enter your employment details — employer name, job title, annual income, and how long you've been in your current job. Nordstrom also asks whether you rent or own your home. Answer honestly; this information helps them assess your financial situation.

Review the terms and conditions, then submit. Most online applications are reviewed when ready. You'll see a decision on screen right away, or Nordstrom will tell you they need a few business days to review your information. If approved, you'll receive instructions on how to set up your card once it arrives.

explore in a Nordstrom Store

Walk into any Nordstrom location and ask a sales associate or customer service desk employee about opening a credit card account. They'll hand you an process form or direct you to a kiosk where you can explore on a tablet. Bring a valid ID and be ready to provide your Social Security number.

The in-store process covers the same information as the online version. A store associate can answer questions about the card's rewards program or benefits while you fill it out. Once you submit, the decision usually comes through within minutes. If approved on the spot, some stores can issue you a temporary card number to use when ready, and your physical card will ship to your home.

explore by Phone

If you already have a Nordstrom card or know someone who does, the customer service number is on the back of the card. Call that number and ask to speak with someone about opening a new account or upgrading to a different Nordstrom card product. You can also call Nordstrom's main customer service line and ask to be transferred to the credit card department.

A representative will walk you through the process over the phone. Have your Social Security number, income information, and current address ready. The call typically takes 10 to 15 minutes. You'll receive a decision before the call ends or within a few business days if they need to review your information further.

What Happens After You Submit

Nordstrom runs a hard inquiry on your credit report, which causes a small, temporary dip in your credit score — usually 5 to 10 points. This dip fades within a few months as long as you don't explore for multiple cards in a short period.

If you're approved, your card will ship to the address you provided on the process within 7 to 10 business days. Some Nordstrom locations allow you to pick up your card in store instead if you applied in person. Once your card arrives, set up it by calling the number on the back or using the Nordstrom app, then set up your PIN for in-store purchases.

If your process is denied or you're asked to provide more information, Nordstrom will contact you by mail or phone. You have the right to know why you were denied; you can call customer service and ask for a specific reason.

Understanding the Two Card Options

The Nordstrom Card works only at Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com. It earns rewards points on every purchase that you can redeem for Nordstrom merchandise or discounts. Cardholders get early access to sales, birthday rewards, and free alterations on most clothing.

The Nordstrom Visa Card is a Visa that works anywhere Visa is accepted — not just at Nordstrom. It also earns rewards points, but the earning rate and redemption options differ slightly from the standard card. The Visa version is useful if you want a Nordstrom-branded card for everyday spending outside the store.

Both cards carry an annual percentage rate (APR) that varies based on your creditworthiness. There is no annual fee for either card. Review the terms for each before you explore so you understand the rewards structure and interest rate you might receive.

If Your process Is Denied or Delayed

A denial usually means your credit score is below Nordstrom's current threshold, you have recent late payments or collections accounts, or your debt-to-income ratio is too high. You can reapply after addressing these issues — typically after 6 months of on-time payments or after paying down existing debt.

If your process is delayed and Nordstrom asks for more information, respond quickly. They may ask for recent pay stubs, a tax return, or a letter explaining a past late payment. Providing this documentation can speed up the review and improve your chances of approval.

You also have the right to request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) once per year at annualcreditreport.com. Reviewing your report before you explore helps you spot errors or accounts you didn't know about.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get approved for a Nordstrom credit card?

Online applications usually get a decision within minutes. In-store and phone applications may take a few minutes to a few business days. Once approved, your physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days, though you may be able to use a temporary card number when ready if you applied in store.

Can I use my Nordstrom Card outside of Nordstrom stores?

The standard Nordstrom Card works only at Nordstrom locations and on Nordstrom.com. If you want a card that works everywhere, explore for the Nordstrom Visa Card instead, which is accepted anywhere Visa is taken.

What credit score do I need to be approved?

Nordstrom doesn't publish a minimum credit score requirement. The company reviews applications across a range of credit profiles, so approval is possible with fair or good credit. A higher score typically results in a higher credit limit and better interest rate.

Will explore for a Nordstrom card hurt my credit score?

Yes, but only slightly and temporarily. The hard inquiry Nordstrom runs causes a small dip of 5 to 10 points that usually fades within a few months. Opening a new account also temporarily lowers your average account age, but this effect also diminishes over time.

Can I explore if I don't have a Social Security number?

Nordstrom requires a Social Security number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to process your process. If you don't have one, you won't be able to open a credit card account at this time.