12 Ways to Save Every Single Time You Shop at Nordstrom

Save at Nordstrom — There are so many ways to save at Nordstrom! Rebecca Perlmutter/Bargain Hunter

If you’re like us, shopping at Nordstrom usually results in buying way more than you need. And let’s face it: there’s no worse feeling than seeing the damages to your bank account after seriously overspending. But the Nordstom’s motto is to “serve our customers better,” and to improve your shopping experience, it has a number of ways you can save on clothes, accessories, home essentials and more. Opening a store credit card or joining the Nordy Club are just a few things you can do to save at Nordstrom.

Regardless of how you decide to save, it’ll help mitigate the blow of overspending in the long run (and it basically means you can buy more, for less!). So take a look at a few of our go-to ways to save at our favorite department store and see our Every Way to Save series for more tips on making your dollars go farther at Walmart, TJ Maxx, Target and more.

Ways to Save At Nordstrom

1. Join the Nordy Club

If you haven’t already joined the Nordy Club, then seriously, what are you doing? Nordstom’s free rewards program you accumulate points (one point per dollar) as you shop, which convert into notes (1,000 points equal a $10 Nordstrom Note). These can be spent online or in-stores.

As a club member, you’ll also get free two-day shipping, beauty perks, birthday perks and new arrival notifications. Nordstrom credit card members (below) are automatically given a higher Nordy Club status, which means they get more benefits—like 5% off Nordstrom Rack purchases and earning points faster.

Joining is super easy. All you need to do is make an account, then you can get the benefits as soon as you start shopping.

Benefits:

Points back as Nordstrom Notes
Free two-day shipping
Early access to sales and exclusive promotions
Earn points for each purchase towards discounts

Requirements:

Free signup

Best For: Anyone who ever shops at Nordstrom and avid bargain hunters.

Join the Nordy Club here.

2. Open a Nordstrom Credit Card

You can open two types of Nordstrom credit cards: A store card, which can only be used at Nordstrom; and a regular Visa Signature or Platinum card, which can be used anywhere. Both offer additional Nordy Club benefits, and cardholders can unlock higher statuses and more benefits with increased spending. For example, once you’ve spent $2,000, you hit “influencer status,” which gives you benefits like accelerated point accumulation, personal double points days and more.

None of the cards have annual fees and new cardmembers receive sign-on bonuses (like money off their first purchase). Nordstrom Visa cardholders get early sale access, too, along with extended warranties and more. Watch for additional promotions, like a frequent $60 offer towards your next Nordstrom purchase.

Benefits:

Better benefits tier for the Nordy club (more points, better discounts, exclusive sales, et c.)
Sign-on bonus
Early sale access
Some offer alteration reimbursement
Extended warranties
$200 in free alterations
Extra 5% off at Nordstrom Rack

Requirements:

Shopper must be at least 18 years old
Minimum 700 credit score
U.S. resident

Best For: Frequent Nordstrom shoppers, points people and big purchases.

Apply for a Nordstrom credit card here.

3. Price matching

Nordstrom has a generous price matching policy. If the company (or select competitors) marks down an item you’ve purchased in the last 10 days, you can get money back. However, there are some strict rules: For example, the item must be the same color and size; it must be in-stock at the competitor and at Nordstrom; and order-level discounts, promos and shipping offers can’t be matched.

Additionally, items sold through a third-party seller aren’t eligible for an adjustment, and only one adjustment will be made per item. Designer goods bought on sale are excluded, and if done in store, you must show proof of the lower price.

Benefits:

If you see a cheaper price online, in-store or at an approved competitor, you get the difference back
Wide range of applicable other stores, including Amazon, Macy’s, Saks, Ulta and more.

Requirements:

Lower price must be at Nordstrom or an approved competitor
The item must be the same color and size
It must be in-stock at both Nordstrom and the competitor
Sales and shipping offers don’t apply
Third-party sellers don’t count
One adjustment per item
Designer goods bought on sale are excluded
Must show proof of the lower price

Best For: Comparison shoppers, making sure you’re getting the lowest price.

More information about price matching here.

4. Shop sales and clearance

Nordstrom is always adding to its sale and clearance sections. It offers significant discounts on new merchandise, as well as even bigger discounts on styles from previous seasons. Shoppers can often find high-quality clothing brands, beauty products, home goods and more. When we wrote this, there were over 1,500 items at 70% off or more.

Nordstrom also runs various annual sales, including its Anniversary sale, which offers significant discounts on a wide range of items. The popular big box store also participates in Black Friday, as well as Half-Yearly Sales, which takes place around Memorial Day Weekend and just after Christmas.

If you’re a member of the Nordy Club, you’ll get early access and notifications of upcoming sales. So that’s a great way to keep track of any events.

Benefits:

Shoppers can find regular discounts

Requirements:

Check online and in-stores

Best For: Getting high-quality merchandise at a lower price.

Browse Nordstrom’s sales here.

5. Shop Nordstrom Rack

Nordstrom Rack is Nordstrom’s low-price counterpart, where shoppers can find major discounts on brand name apparel, shoes, home goods and more. Oftentimes, you can find merchandise that’s priced up to 70% off.

You can shop in-person at Nordstrom Rack stores, online or in the app. Nordy Club members, especially credit cardmembers, can also accumulate benefits for shopping at The Rack.

Benefits:

Shoppers can find popular brands at major discounts
Discounts up to 70% off full price

Requirements:

Shop online and in-stores

Best For: Discount shoppers, those who care less about trends and Nordy Club members.

Browse Nordstrom Rack here.

6. Track sales on the app

There are a number of benefits to downloading the Nordstrom app. Shoppers receive personalized recommendations, easier access to Nordy Club rewards and the ability to track orders. But when it comes to saving money, it really pays off because it helps you find out about upcoming sales.

Additionally, you can opt to receive notifications about items you add to your wish list. You can also get notifications regarding items you’ve favorited that have gone on sale. Just make sure you have notifications enabled for new markdowns, new arrivals and special savings.

Benefits:

Personalized recommendations
Easy Nordy Club access
Sale notifications
Wishlist and favoriting items gets you notifications about sales

Requirements:

Download the app for Apple or Google Play

Best For: Shoppers looking for specific items and Nordy Club members.

Download the Nordstrom app.

7. Sign up For Nordstrom’s newsletter

Stay in-the-know the old fashioned way, by signing up for Nordstrom’s newsletter via email. Subscribers receive a number of benefits, like access to exclusive deals, notifications about sales and events, personalized recommendations, new arrivals and style inspiration.

Benefits:

Learn about sales and events ahead of time
Access to exclusive deals
Personalized recommendations
New arrivals
Style inspiration

Requirements:

Enter your name, email and mobile number

Best For: Regular Nordstrom shoppers, trendy shoppers and folks who have their eye on something specific.

Sign up for the newsletter here.

8. Free styling services and fittings

Although Nordstrom’s styling service wasn’t made to help you save money, it could help shoppers on a budget. While requesting a certain look online or in-store, you can give your stylist a budget. That way, they can help you spend less than you might have otherwise. Nordstom also offers free professional bra fittings.

Plus, it’s free—and personal stylists generally charge a fee. So why not take advantage of this free service? If you really want to get detailed, for $50 you can have a stylist actually come to your home (if you’re in the service range) and for $300, they’ll audit your closet.

Benefits:

Free personalized style recommendations
Online and in-store
Can help with finding an outfit on a budget

Requirements:

Start a chat online or book an appointment

Best For: Someone looking for help finding a specific look or clothes that work for them.

Book a stylist here.

9. Free In-Store Beauty Services

Nordstrom partners with a wide range of brands at its beauty counters to offer everything from free consultations, all the way up to free makeovers. Not all services are free and they vary by store and personnel, and some of the longer ones (like a 40-minute Giorgio Armani makeup coaching class) may require an appointment, but there are dozens of different options. Be prepared to be encouraged to purchase the products you just tried, but you may be offered additional coupons or discounts as an incentive.

Benefits:

Free makeup and beauty services from dozens of brands
Expert tutorials and coaching
Free pampering like arm massages and facials

Requirements:

In store only
Some require appointments or fees
Not all services available in all store

Best For: People looking for a break or some tips while already shopping.

10: Gift Card Promos

You can often find online-only promotions on Nordstrom gift cards—as of publication, the store was offering an additional $25 promo cards with $150 in gift card purchase. Since you can also buy them for yourself, it’s like giving yourself a free 20% discount. Nordstrom has a lot of limited time offers like promo card offers with gift cards or the Nordstrom Visa card, so if you’re not in a hurry and you don’t see one now, bookmark the page and check back every few days until the next one pops up.

Benefits:

In-store cash with gift card purchases
Cards do not expire
No fees
Lost gift cards can be replaced with proof of purchase

Requirements:

Minimum gift card purchase required
Limited time offers not always active

Best For: Gifts, people who know they’ll be shopping at Nordstrom

Get Nordstrom Gift Cards here.

11. Nordstrom Local

Nordstrom Local offers convenience to city-dwelling Nordstrom shoppers. Locations in Los Angeles and New York City act as “service hubs” that make online pickup and returns easier. It’s also a destination to get express alterations on your Nordstrom items and more.

While Nordstrom Local doesn’t necessarily save you money with sales or rewards, it helps make life a little easier. And many of its services are free.

Benefits:

Express shipping
Quick and easy tailoring
Fast returns and exchanges
Gift-wrapping
Accepts donation drop-offs for local nonprofits

Requirements:

Must visit a Nordstrom Local storefront

Best For: City dwellers in or near Los Angeles or New York City.

Learn more here.

12. Gift wrapping

Forget buying a fancy box for your gifts. Nordstrom offers free gift boxes with its purchases. And if you want to have it professionally wrapped, you can pay just $5 for store associates to do so. You can also add a free gift message to shipped orders or purchase reusable fabric gift bags for just $5.

Nordstrom’s gift wrapping program makes like easier and will definitely make your gift look way better. Plus, it’s a fraction of the price of hiring a professional to do it for you.

Benefits: