Overview of Nordstrom's loyalty program — "The Nordy Club"

In 2018, Nordstrom enhanced its loyalty program, introducing "The Nordy Club." While the name might raise eyebrows, this revamped program offers significant benefits compared to its predecessor, providing real perks for shoppers.

With this year's Nordstrom Anniversary Sale already previewing online and officially starting on Aug. 4 for top-tier members of the Nordstrom loyalty program (and Aug. 19 for non-Nordy members), it's an ideal moment to learn how to make the most of your purchases through Nordstrom's rewards program.

With the Nordy Club, you accumulate points on every purchase made at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, HauteLook, and Trunk Club, in addition to enjoying various member benefits. Joining is free, but the points earned per dollar spent vary depending on whether you hold a Nordstrom credit or debit card. Recently, many retailers have followed the trend of rewarding top spenders with cobranded cards by offering exclusive perks.

While Nordstrom.com may not always be the most budget-friendly option for your family, their annual anniversary sales in the summer offer substantial discounts on merchandise. Additionally, Nordstrom boasts the best return policy in the industry, allowing returns at any time for any reason, provided it's reasonable.

Accumulating points with The Nordy Club

There are four loyalty tiers based on whether you possess a Nordstrom card and your total spending at Nordstrom. It's essentially a spend more, gain more situation, similar to airline loyalty programs.

The Nordy Club consists of four levels: Member (available to everyone), Insider (accessible immediately for Nordstrom cardholders and those who spend $500+ annually), Influencers (for those spending $2,000+ each year), and Ambassadors (for annual spenders of $5,000+).

To maximize point accumulation at any level, having a Nordstrom Credit Card is the most effective strategy.

This card allows you to earn 3 points for every dollar spent, which is a 50% boost compared to the points earned prior to the 2018 update. If you use the Nordstrom Debit Card, you'll earn 2 points per dollar, while using other payment methods will yield just 1 point per dollar spent.

If you frequently shop at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, HauteLook, and Trunk Club, the Nordstrom Credit Card is a great option. (However, consider Chase's 5/24 rule if you plan to apply for multiple rewards cards in the coming years.)

The points you accumulate convert into Nordstrom Notes, which can be used for future purchases. After earning 2,000 points, you'll receive a $20 Note. While it may seem like a significant amount to spend at a 1 point per dollar rate, it adds up quickly with a Nordstrom card that offers 3x points, especially on double or triple point days.

You can unlock Notes in increments of $5, $10, $15, or $20 through the Nordstrom app, or you can wait for a $20 Note to be credited to your account. These Notes can be easily redeemed during checkout, whether online or in-store at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, or HauteLook. Keep in mind that unredeemed reward points will expire three years after the last day of the year in which they were earned, or if your account is closed.

Additionally, remember that these earning rates are separate from any earnings you may receive through an online shopping portal. While Nordstrom does not typically participate in these, Nordstrom Rack sometimes does. It's advisable to start at a shopping portal aggregator to compare bonus earning rates across various portals and choose the one that fits your needs best.

Benefits of the Nordy Club

If you're familiar with hotel and airline loyalty programs, The Nordy Club operates in a similar fashion. You'll earn status based on your spending at Nordstrom throughout the year. The higher your status, the more advantageous the benefits you'll receive.

Member ($0–$500 annual spend)

• Priority access to select brands
• Invitations to beauty and style workshops
• Curbside pickup service
• Early access to the 'Clear the Rack' sale
• Complimentary basic alterations

Insider ($500–$1,999 annual spend or Nordstrom cardholder)

All member benefits, plus:

• One personal Double Points Day that you can use at your convenience
• Early access to the Anniversary Sale (available to cardholders)
• $100 annual alterations credit (for cardholders)

Influencer ($2,000–$4,999 annual spend)

All member and insider benefits, plus:

• Priority access to style events
• Two personal Double Points Days
• $200 annual alterations credit (for cardholders)

Ambassador ($5,000+ annual spend)

All member, insider, and influencer benefits, plus:

• Access to exclusive invite-only events
• Nordstrom to You (personal in-home stylist)
• Three personal Double Points Days
• $300 annual alterations credit (for cardholders)

Exclusive benefits for card members

Simply being a card member grants you automatic Insider benefits, meaning you immediately receive one personal Double Points Day and the privilege to shop the Clear the Rack sales before anyone else. Additionally, you’ll enjoy two extra benefits available only to cardholders, regardless of your status:

• Advance Access to the Anniversary Sale — The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, held every summer, is one of my favorite retail events because it lets me stock up on clothing for my family for the entire year. With many items discounted, they often sell out quickly, so having early access before the general public is invaluable. I can conveniently order online, let my family try on the clothes, and either return the items that don’t fit (for free!) or drop them off at the store.
• Alterations Benefit — For purchases made at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, HauteLook, or Trunk Club, you will be reimbursed for alteration costs in Nordstrom Notes (up to $100 for Insider members, $200 for Influencer members, and $300 for Ambassador members). This can lead to significant savings for families, as alteration costs can be substantial.

Nordstrom Credit Cards

There are two types of Nordstrom Cards available — a Nordstrom Retail store card that can only be used at Nordstrom, Nordstrom Rack, HauteLook, and Trunk Club, and the Nordstrom Visa card that can be used anywhere Visa is accepted.

The Visa card enables you to earn points on everyday purchases outside the retailer, offering 2x points on dining, entertainment, and travel, and 1x point on all other spending. Currently, you also receive a $60 bonus Note when you make any purchase at Nordstrom, Nordstrom.com, or Nordstrom Rack on your new card the same day you’re approved. (Please note that this bonus may vary at different times.)

While this card is fantastic for families who frequently shop at Nordstrom and can benefit from Insider status, be mindful of Chase's "5/24" rule as you proceed.

The Nordstrom Retail card (which is not usable outside of Nordstrom) shouldn't contribute to your 5/24 count if you're considering applying for a Chase card in the future, although we can't guarantee that. (However, the Nordstrom Visa will definitely count.) Approval for store credit cards is generally straightforward, making it a great option for those looking to build their credit (just be sure to pay your bills on time).

In summary

The Nordy Club is beneficial for frequent Nordstrom shoppers — especially those with a Nordstrom credit card who strategically utilize double and triple point days. Earning Insider status is relatively easy, and the ability to shop the Anniversary Sale early along with some alteration benefits is something my family consistently takes advantage of.