What the Nordstrom Credit Card Does
The Nordstrom credit card is a store card issued by Nordstrom that you can use to make purchases at Nordstrom stores and on Nordstrom.com. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, it works only at Nordstrom locations — you cannot use it at other retailers. The card comes with rewards on purchases and occasional cardmember-only discounts, but you pay interest on any balance you carry month to month, just like any other credit card.
Nordstrom offers two versions: the Nordstrom Card (for store purchases only) and the Nordstrom Visa Card (which works anywhere Visa is accepted). The Visa version gives you more flexibility outside Nordstrom, but both cards earn the same rewards rate on Nordstrom purchases. Your choice depends on whether you want a card that works only at Nordstrom or one you can use everywhere.
Key Takeaways
- The Nordstrom Card works only at Nordstrom stores and online; the Nordstrom Visa works anywhere Visa is accepted, but both earn rewards only on Nordstrom purchases.
- You can open a card in-store at a Nordstrom register, online at Nordstrom.com, or by phone, and you will get an when ready decision in most cases.
- The card charges interest on unpaid balances and has an annual percentage rate (APR) that varies based on your credit history.
- Cardmembers earn points on every dollar spent at Nordstrom and receive periodic bonus point offers and early access to sales.
How to Open a Nordstrom Card in Store
The fastest way to open a card is at the register when you are shopping. Tell the cashier you want to open a Nordstrom credit card, and they will hand you an process or direct you to a kiosk. You will need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, and your current address. The process takes about five minutes.
Once you submit the process, Nordstrom runs a credit check and gives you a decision on the spot in most cases. If you are approved, you can use the card when ready — either the physical card prints at the register or you get a temporary number to use right away. If the decision is delayed, Nordstrom will call you within a few days.
How to Open a Card Online or by Phone
You can also open a card at Nordstrom.com by clicking the credit card link in the footer or during checkout. The online form asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and annual income. You will also confirm your employment status and whether you are a current Nordstrom cardholder. The process takes about ten minutes, and you receive a decision when ready or within one business day.
To open a card by phone, call the number on the back of any Nordstrom card or look for the phone number on Nordstrom.com. A representative will walk you through the process and answer questions about the card's terms. Phone applications take slightly longer than in-store or online, but you get the same when ready or next-day decision.
What You Need to Know About Interest and Fees
The Nordstrom Card charges interest on any balance you do not pay in full by the due date. The APR — the yearly interest rate — varies based on your credit score and history. Nordstrom does not publish a fixed rate; your rate appears on your first statement. If you carry a balance, you will pay interest on new purchases when ready (there is no grace period for purchases after the first statement closes).
The card has no annual fee, which means you can keep it open without paying to use it. However, if you miss a payment, Nordstrom charges a late fee. Paying on time each month is the cheapest way to use the card — if you pay the full balance before the due date, you owe no interest.
How Rewards and Discounts Work
Every dollar you spend at Nordstrom earns points toward rewards. The exact earning rate varies — Nordstrom periodically runs bonus point promotions where you earn extra points during certain periods. You can check your current points balance and redemption options in your online account or by asking a Nordstrom associate.
Cardmembers also receive early access to Nordstrom sales, special discount days, and exclusive offers by email or in the Nordstrom app. These perks change throughout the year, so check your email and the app regularly to see what is available. The rewards and discounts explore only to Nordstrom purchases — you earn no points on Visa purchases made outside Nordstrom, even if you have the Nordstrom Visa.
Managing Your Account and Making Payments
Once your card is open, you can manage your account online at Nordstrom.com or through the Nordstrom app. Log in with your email and password to view your balance, make payments, update your address, and see your rewards points. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card to make a payment by phone or ask questions about your account.
Payments are due by the date shown on your statement. You can pay online, by phone, by mail, or in person at a Nordstrom register. If you set up automatic payments, your full balance or a minimum amount will be paid on the due date each month without you having to remember. Paying at least the minimum keeps your account in good standing, but paying the full balance avoids interest charges.
Nordstrom Card vs. Nordstrom Visa: Which One to Choose
The Nordstrom Card is simpler if you shop only at Nordstrom — it earns the same rewards rate and comes with the same discounts as the Visa. You cannot use it anywhere else, so it is a dedicated store card. The Nordstrom Visa works at any store that accepts Visa, giving you more flexibility, but you earn rewards points only on Nordstrom purchases. Outside Nordstrom, the Visa card works like any other credit card with no special rewards.
Choose the Nordstrom Card if you are a frequent Nordstrom shopper and do not need a general-purpose credit card. Choose the Nordstrom Visa if you want one card that works everywhere and you shop at Nordstrom regularly. You can also hold both cards if you want — there is no rule against it, though managing two accounts requires more attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do I need to open a Nordstrom card?
Nordstrom does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. Approval depends on your overall credit history, income, and current debt. People with fair credit sometimes get approved, but approval is not may provide. The only way to know is to submit an process.
Can I use my Nordstrom card at other stores?
The regular Nordstrom Card works only at Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com. The Nordstrom Visa works anywhere Visa is accepted. If you have the regular card and want to use it elsewhere, you would need to open a Nordstrom Visa instead.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment triggers a late fee and may raise your APR. It also reports to the credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score. If you miss a payment, contact Nordstrom as soon as possible to bring your account current and ask about the late fee.
Do I earn rewards on Visa purchases outside Nordstrom?
No. Even with the Nordstrom Visa, you earn rewards points only on purchases made at Nordstrom stores and Nordstrom.com. Purchases at other retailers earn no points, though you can still use the card to build credit history.
Can I close my Nordstrom card anytime?
Yes. You can close your account by calling customer service or requesting closure online. Closing the account does not affect rewards points you have already earned — you can still redeem them. However, closing a credit card can affect your credit score, so consider the impact before you close.