Nordstrom Visa Signature Card Review: Best Suited for Nordstrom Fans

Overview of the Nordstrom Visa Signature Card

The Nordstrom Visa Signature Card allows you to earn rewards primarily at Nordstrom and a few selected spending categories. However, its limited redemption options make it an underwhelming choice overall. This card is likely to benefit only the most dedicated Nordstrom shoppers. Card Rating: ⭐⭐½

*Card rating reflects the views of TPG's editors and is not swayed by the card issuer.

Are you a regular at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack? This retail brand offers a store credit card designed to help you earn rewards on eligible purchases. While department store cards like this typically aren't the best choice, there are specific situations where this one might be appealing to certain customers.

The card carries no annual fee and is recommended for those with a credit score of at least 640.

I will analyze the card features to assist you in determining if this card is the right choice for you.

The details for the Nordstrom Visa Signature have been independently gathered by Dinogo. The information presented on this page has not been verified or supplied by the card issuer.

Pros and Cons of the Nordstrom Visa Signature Card

Welcome Offer for the Nordstrom Visa Signature Card

New cardholders can earn a $40 bonus to use on future Nordstrom purchases if they make a purchase at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, or online with Nordstrom on the day they are approved for the card.

A $40 welcome bonus is underwhelming, no matter the card. To make matters worse, the bonus can only be redeemed on qualifying Nordstrom purchases. If you plan to apply for the card anyway, consider doing so on a shopping day with Nordstrom to snag the $40 bonus, though it’s not a compelling reason to get the card.

It's worth noting that this welcome offer is not available to former Nordstrom cardholders or current Nordstrom employees.

Benefits of the Nordstrom Visa Signature Card

As a holder of the Nordstrom Visa Signature Card, you'll gain instant Influencer status within Nordstrom's loyalty program, The Nordy Club, which usually requires an annual spending of $500.

Along with elite status, you’ll enjoy access to beauty and style workshops, complimentary basic alterations, early entry to anniversary sales, free two-day shipping (available in select areas for eligible purchases), potential Nordstrom Notes worth up to $300 after paying for alterations with the card, exclusive access to Clear the Rack sales, and up to four personal double points days.

Keep in mind that to maximize the benefits of Nordstrom Notes for alterations and personal double points days, you’ll need to achieve Ambassador status with The Nordy Club, requiring $5,000 in annual spending at Nordstrom.

This card is classified as a Visa Signature card, providing you with a range of benefits such as purchase protection, zero liability for fraudulent charges, auto rental collision damage coverage, roadside assistance, lost luggage reimbursement, $750,000 in travel accident insurance, priority access to events, and membership in the Visa Signature Luxury Hotel Collection along with concierge services. Some benefits may be subject to terms and conditions.

Earning and Redeeming Points with the Nordstrom Visa Signature Card

The Nordstrom Visa Signature Card allows you to earn 3 base points for every dollar spent at Nordstrom or Nordstrom Rack, provided you have achieved Ambassador or Icon status. If you hold Influencer status, which is automatically granted with this card, you will earn 2 base points for purchases at these locations.

For all other transactions, including those made outside of Nordstrom, you will earn 1 base point per dollar spent with this card.

While it may seem appealing to accumulate Nordstrom points on all purchases, it's advisable to reserve this card primarily for Nordstrom-related expenses. For other types of spending, we suggest utilizing a card that offers more valuable rewards.

If you're applying for this card to take advantage of Nordstrom's benefits and bonus points, it's best to limit your use to purchases made online or in-store at Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack. Since Nordstrom is not part of many common bonus categories, earning up to 3 points per dollar spent is not a bad return for those specific purchases.

Similar to most department store cards, your reward points can only be redeemed for in-store purchases. You can exchange your Nordstrom points for Bonus Notes, which function like gift certificates for the store. You can manually redeem 500, 1,000, or 1,500 points for $5, $10, or $15 notes, respectively, through the Nordstrom app.

Alternatively, you can allow your account to automatically receive a $10 note when you accumulate 1,000 points or a $20 note for 2,000 points, depending on whether you have Influencer or Ambassador status.

These rewards offer very little flexibility. Generally, you would be better off with a standard cash-back card that allows redemption for any purchase, including at Nordstrom, at the same rate.

What are some alternatives to the Nordstrom Visa Signature?

While department stores may not be a prevalent bonus category across many cards, there are still several options that can reward you for your Nordstrom purchases.

• If you're seeking personalized rewards: The U.S. Bank Cash+® Visa Signature® Card provides 5% cash back on two categories you select (up to $2,000 in combined bonus category spending each quarter), and department stores are among the eligible categories. This card offers a significantly better return on your Nordstrom purchases. For more details, check out our full review of the U.S. Bank Cash+.
• If you prefer broader rewards: Consider the Discover it® Cash Back Credit Card. It gives 5% cash back in rotating categories that you can activate each quarter (up to $1,500 in combined bonus spending each quarter), with department stores being a common category. To find out more, read our full review of the Discover it Cash Back.
• If you want a flat-rate cash-back option: Look into the Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees). It earns a consistent 2% cash back on all purchases (1% at the time of purchase and 1% when you pay your bill). Having a card without bonus categories can simplify your rewards. For additional information, see our full review of the Citi Double Cash.

For more options, check out our compilation of the best cash-back cards.

The details for the U.S. Bank Cash+ and Discover it Cash Back have been gathered independently by Dinogo. The card information on this page has not been reviewed or endorsed by the card issuer.

Is the Nordstrom Visa Signature card a good choice?

Store-branded cards often don’t offer great value, and the Nordstrom Visa Signature Card is no exception. Although it has some perks, like automatic Influencer status, most users would find better options elsewhere. I would only recommend this card to die-hard Nordstrom fans.

Final thoughts

The Nordstrom Visa Signature Card may be worthwhile if you are a dedicated Nordstrom shopper.

If you don’t shop there frequently, you’ll likely find more value in a general cash-back card that can also benefit you at Nordstrom and other retailers. Always compare your options before applying for a new credit card.