Credit Cards » Compare Credit Cards » Nordstrom vs. JCPenney Credit Card: Which Gives You The Most Value?
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Nordstrom vs. JCPenney Credit Card: Which Gives You The Most Value?

Since JCPenney Credit Card offers rewards only on its brand store, the Nordstrom Credit Card takes the lead with higher annual cashback value.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: April 15, 2024
The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.
Author: Baruch Mann (Silvermann)
Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Writer, Contributor

Experience

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
Interest Rates Last Update: April 15, 2024

The banking product interest rates, including savings, CDs, and money market, are accurate as of this date.

We earn a commission from our partner links on this page. It doesn't affect the integrity of our unbiased, independent editorial staff. Transparency is a core value for us, read our advertiser disclosure and how we make money.

Choosing between the Nordstrom and JCPenney credit cards ultimately depends on your shopping habits and preferences. Let's break it down.

General Comparison: Nordstrom vs. JCPenney Credit Card

The Nordstrom credit card from TD Bank is a good pick if you really like fancy fashion and great customer service. With this card, you get to shop at sales before everyone else, so you can grab the newest styles early. Plus, Nordstrom is all about giving you awesome customer experiences – they even offer free alterations and personal stylists to make your shopping experience even better.

On the other hand, JCPenney, a more budget-friendly department store, provides a credit card that may appeal to those seeking affordable yet stylish options. The JCPenney credit card, issued by Synchrony bank, offers discounts and special financing options, making it suitable for everyday essentials and family shopping. 

jcpenney credit card

Nordstrom Rewards Visa

JCPenney Credit Card
Nordstrom Credit Card
Annual Fee
$0
$0
Rewards
1 point for every dollar at JCPenney, 200 points worth $10 -> $10 per $200 spend on JCPenney = 5% back
2X points per dollar spent at Nordstrom and its brands, including Nordstrom Rack, and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
Extra 5% – 35% off on selected merchants in the first purchase on the same day the card has been opened
$10 Nordstrom Note for Members and Influencers. $20 Nordstrom Notefor Ambassadors and Icons.
Foreign Transaction Fee
3%
$0
Purchase APR
30.24%
18.90% – 25.90%
Read Review
Read Review
Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

Nordstrom vs. JCPenney: Cashback Rewards Analysis

Based on our analysis, if you use the card on more categories besides JCPenney/Nordstrom, the Nordstrom credit card is a clear winner as it offers points rewards on another categories such as travel gas and actually any other purchase.

If you focus ONLY on the relevant store, the JCPenney may be more lucrative since it offers higher cashback rate on its store than Nordstrom:

jcpenney credit card

Nordstrom Rewards Visa

Spend Per Category
JCPenney Credit Card
Nordstrom Credit Card
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets
/
15,000 points
$5,000 – JCPenney/Nordstorm
5,000 points
15,000 points
$5,000 – Restaurants
/
5,000 points
$4,000 – Travel
/
4,000 points
$4,000 – Gas
/
4,000 points
Total Points / Cashback
5,000 points
43,000 points
Estimated Redemption Value
1 point ~ 5 cents
1 point ~ 1 cent
Estimated Annual Value
$250
$430

Additional Shopping Benefits: Comparison

Upon successful application and approval of a Nordstrom credit card, you will be automatically enrolled in The Nordy Club and granted Influencer status.  Also, it's important to know that the JCPenney benefits are provided upon a $1,000 annual spend. As we can see, both cards offer extra perks for shoppers:

JCPenney Credit Card

jcpenney credit card

  • Birthday Gift: JCPenney Credit Card holders receive a special gift to celebrate their birthdays.
  • Special Savings Days: Cardholders enjoy exclusive savings on designated days throughout the year.
  • Special Financing: The credit card offers special financing options for certain purchases.
  • Passbook of Coupons: Members receive a passbook containing coupons for additional discounts.
  • Unique Offers for Top Members: Exclusive offers and benefits are provided to the top-tier members of the JCPenney Credit Card program.
Nordstrom Credit Card

Nordstrom Rewards Visa

  • Free Two-Day Shipping: Nordstrom cardholders enjoy free two-day shipping in selected areas, ensuring quick and convenient delivery of their purchases.
  • First To Shop: Being among the first to shop select brands gives cardholders an exclusive opportunity to access the latest trends before the general public.
  • Early Access To Sales: Early access to sales allows Nordstrom credit card users to capitalize on discounts and secure sought-after items ahead of regular customers.
  • Alterations Nordstrom Notes: The card offers up to $300 in Nordstrom Notes, which can be utilized for alterations on items purchased with the Nordstrom credit card.
  • Personal Double Points Days: Nordstrom credit cardholders can select up to four personal double points days, enabling them to earn double points on qualifying purchases on a day of their choice.
  • Exclusive Events: Exclusive events are crafted for Nordy Club members, providing unique and enjoyable experiences tailored for those holding a Nordstrom credit card.

When You Might Prefer The JCPenney Credit Card?

You might prefer the JCPenney Credit Card If:

  • You Plan To Use It Only On JCPenney: If you have another credit card and you plan to purchase only on JCPenney with this card, so according to our analysis – the cashback you'll get is higher than Nordstrom card.
  • Budget Shopper: If you're on a budget and prefer affordable yet stylish options, the JCPenney Credit Card is a better fit, offering discounts and special financing that align with more economical choices.

  • Frequent Sales Shopper: If you enjoy taking advantage of regular sales days, the JCPenney Credit Card offers exclusive savings on specific days throughout the year, making it ideal for those who love a good deal.

Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers From Our Partners

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.
Top Offers

Amex gold

Rewards Plan:
1X – 4X 4X points at restaurants (including Uber Eats purchases in the U.S.) and U.S. supermarkets (up to $25,000 per year in purchases, then 1X points), 3X points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com, 2X points on rental cars through amextravel.com and 1X points on all other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
60,000 points 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership

upgrade cash rewards

Rewards Plan:
1.5% 1.5% cash back on payments
Welcome Bonus:
$200 Earn a $200 bonus after you open & fund a Rewards Checking Plus account & make 3 debit card transactions within 60 days. If you previously opened a checking account through Upgrade or do not do so as part of this process, you are not eligible. Payout made within 60 days of meeting the conditions.

AMEX Blue Cash Preferred Card review

Rewards Plan:
1-6% 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%) and selected U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit and U.S. gas stations, 1% cash back on other purchases
Welcome Bonus:
$250 $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months
Advertiser Disclosure
The product offers that appear on this site are from companies from which this website receives compensation.

When You Might Prefer The Nordstrom Credit Card?

You might prefer the Nordstrom Credit Card If:

  • Diverse Spending: If you plan to use the card on diverse categories such as travel and groceries, it will provide more value according to our analysis.
  • Exclusive Brands and Collaborations: Nordstrom features exclusive partnerships and collaborations with renowned designers, providing access to unique and limited-edition products not found at JCPenney.
  • Personalization and Customer Service: Nordstrom offers personalized shopping experiences, tailoring services, and complimentary gift wrapping, exceeding the standard service level at JCPenney.

Compare The Alternatives

If you're looking for a store credit card with great rewards for online shopping – there are some good alternatives you may want to consider:

Citi-costco-anywhere-visa-credit-card review

Apple card

Sam's Club® Mastercard®

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi
Apple Credit Card
Sam's Club® Mastercard®
Annual Fee
$0 ($60 Costco membership fee required)
$0
$0 ($50/$110 for Club/Plus membership – MUST)
Rewards
1-4% 4% cash back on on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter, 3% cash back on restaurants and most travel purchases, 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com, 1% cash back on all other purchases
1% – 3% 3% cash back at Apple and select Apple pay partners. 3% Daily Cash back at Ace Hardware, Duane Reade, Exxon, Mobil, Nike, Panera Bread, T-Mobile, Uber, Uber Eats, and Walgreens. 2% on other Apple pay purchases, and 1% on all other purchases
1-5% 5% cash back on gas anywhere Mastercard is accepted (on the first $6,000 per year, then 1% after), 3% cash back on Sam’s Club purchases for Plus members, 3% on dining and takeout and 1% on all other purchases
Welcome bonus
None None
N/A
None $30 statement credit after making $30 in Sam’s Club purchases within the first 30 days
Foreign Transaction Fee
$0
$0
N/A
Purchase APR
20.49% (Variable)
15.99% – 26.99% Variable
20.40% or 28.40% Variable

Compare Nordstrom Credit Card

T.J.Maxx is our winner as it offers better cashback rates on its stores than Nordstrom, but Nordstrom wins when it comes to shopping benefits.

T.J.Maxx Rewards Platinum Mastercard vs Nordstrom Credit Card

The Macy's Credit Card is a clear winner with higher points rewards ratio and higher cashback value for the same spend than Nordstrom Card.

Nordstrom vs. Macy’s Credit Card: Which Store Card Gives You The Most Value?

Kohl's card wins on retail brand cashback, offering higher value than Nordstrom. But Nordstrom also offers points on other categories.

Nordstrom Credit Card vs Kohl’s Charge Card by Capital One: Which Shopping Card Is Best?

Compare JCPenney Credit Card

The Kohl's card cashback rate is higher than JCPenney, and both cards offer extra perks such as gifts, exclusive offers, and special coupons.

Kohl’s Charge Card by Capital One vs. JCPenney Credit Card: How They Compare?

The Macy's Credit Card is a clear winner with higher points rewards ratio and overall cashback value for the same spend than JCPenney Card.

Macy’s vs. JCPenney Credit Card: Which Gives You The Most Value?

The target RedCard is our clear winner, with a higher cash-back rate and estimated annual value. Here's what you can get with each card.

JCPenney Credit Card vs Target Red Card: How They Compare?

Picture of Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Mann (Silvermann)

Baruch Silvermann is a financial expert, experienced analyst, and founder of The Smart Investor.  Silvermann has contributed to Yahoo Finance and cited as an authoritative source in financial outlets like Forbes, Business Insider, CNBC Select, CNET, Bankrate, Fox Business, The Street, and more.
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Editorial Note: Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.

Credit Card Reviews Methodology

In order to determine the best possible credit cards, we look at things like fees, interest rates and rewards. We do this with companies that are associated with us as partners as well as other offerings. From there, we make a decision about what the best card is related to different categories and needs. We focus on interest rate cost & fees, especially the cost of carrying a balance, rewards – cards accumulate rewards in different currencies—points, miles, cash back—and their values vary widely usability – cards that accept a wide range of credit profiles and offer simple solutions for things like checking your credit score or contacting. We also consider customer reviews.

We look at cards related to good or excellent credit ratings that will then provide a range of different benefits and improvements for someone who has these scores. We also look at low fees when it comes to those who have lower credit scores.