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 great choice for those who love high-end fashion and exceptional customer service. With this card, you'll get early access to sales, so you can snag the latest styles before they sell out. Plus, Nordstrom offers fantastic perks like free alterations and access to personal stylists, enhancing your overall shopping experience.
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 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 | $60 bonus note if you make any purchase at Nordstrom or Nordstrom.com on the day your card is approved. |
Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% | $0 |
Purchase APR | 30.24% | 32.90% |
Read Review | Read Review |
Top Offers
Top Offers
Top Offers From Our Partners
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:
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
When you’re approved for a Nordstrom credit card, you'll automatically be enrolled in The Nordy Club and receive Influencer status. Additionally, JCPenney benefits kick in once you hit a $1,000 annual spend. As you can see, both cards come with some great perks for shoppers.
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
- 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
Top Offers From Our Partners
Top Offers
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:
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 | 19.99% – 27.99% (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.