Stores are getting more and more creative in the retail cards they are offering to attract more shoppers. One of the stores entering this competition is Dillard’s credit card. However, how efficient is it in luring people? And just how competitive is the card in terms of rewards structure?
Dillard’s Credit Card
Intro Bonus: 10% off Shopping Pass
Regular APR: 24.99% (Variable)
Credit Score: Fair to Good
Annual Fee: $0
Highlights:
- Cards are available in closed-loop and open-loop versions.
- You can convert your 1,500 points either to a $10 Rewards Certificate or a 10% off Shopping Pass.
- Shopping Passes are valid for a 10% discount on one calendar day’s purchases made at Dillard’s.
- The Dillard’s American Express card has a variable APR of 26.99% for cash advances, while the cash advance fee is 4% of the cash advance amount but not less than $10.
- Points will expire after 12 months of earning them.
- The cards have $0 annual fees.
- You can become an Elite member by spending $2,000 each calendar year.
- The Club Plan purchases allow special financing plans with 0% APR for 12 or 24 months.
Dillard’s Credit Card Review:
There are two Dillard’s credit cards available that you can apply for: the closed-loop Dillard’s store credit card and the open-loop Dillard’s American Express credit card. Both cards have a $0 annual fee to charge and are entitled to the store’s rewards program benefits. New cardholders will also get a 10% off welcome Shopping Pass in their first statements when they open an account and charge $100.
Dillard’s credit card comes with a 10% off welcome Shopping Pass for new cardholders to enjoy.
Both cards can earn 2 rewards points per $1 in purchases at Dillard’s (in-store, online, or by phone). However, as an open-loop card, Dillard’s American Express credit card can get 2 rewards points per $1 in purchases at U.S. gas stations and U.S. grocery stores and 1 rewards point per $1 in purchases everywhere American Express is accepted.
Dillard’s Credit Cards Points Earning Rates
Having the American Express version will also give you benefits such as cellphone protection; access to pre-sale tickets to events before the general public; EMV chip protection technology; complimentary amenities at nearly 1,000 luxury hotel properties around the world; and incredible airfare, hotel, and cruise savings.
On the other hand, the main reward Dillard’s credit cards are offering is in the form of a $10 Rewards Certificate or 10% off Shopping Pass. The default reward you will receive is the Shopping Pass, but it can be changed by calling customer service at 1-800-643-8278. And while you can make changes as often as you like, it takes two billing cycles for the changes to become effective. With this, it is better to set your preferences right away as soon as you get the card.
Cardholders need a total of 1,500 points to claim a reward. However, remember that there’s a limit for the number of rewards you can redeem: four Rewards Certificates or one Shopping Pass per billing cycle. That translates to a maximum of 48 Rewards Certificates or 12 Shopping Passes each calendar year.
On a positive note, the cards can unlock more perks by moving from the Classic to Elite status. To do this and keep your position, you need to spend at least $2,000 each calendar year. Once you have reached this tier, your card will get additional benefits such as:
- complimentary standard shipping for online purchases
- complimentary gift wrapping for in-store purchases
- access to private shopping events
- exclusive bonus points offers
- invitations to a private shopping event
- dedicated customer service phone line that bypasses the general number.
Meanwhile, regardless of your type of card and status, you can take advantage of Dillard’s special financing options. You can enjoy 0% APR for 12 or 24 months on qualifying Club Plan purchases with equal payments using any card. You can experience this benefit in:
- Men’s Tailored Clothing (12 equal payments on qualifying purchases of $200 or more)
- Furniture (12 equal payments on qualifying purchases of $200 or more OR 24 equal payments on qualifying purchases of $2,500 or more)
- Home Furnishings and Luggage (12 equal payments on qualifying purchases of $200 or more)
Final Thoughts:
The rewards ($10 Rewards Certificate or 10% off Shopping Pass) are definitely not the best part of the Dillard’s credit cards. The 1,500 points threshold you need to meet is relatively high, while the points earning rate is truly underwhelming. However, the special financing options of the cards are very appealing, as long as your purchases are covered by the Club Plan. The maximum 24-month plan with 0% APR is excellent. Nonetheless, if you are planning to use it beyond the coverage of the Club Plan, keep in mind that there is a regular variable APR of 24.99% waiting for you.
With all of this, we can say that Dillard’s credit card can be a valuable tool for shopping. Yet, better options are worth considering, such as those general rewards cards from Wells Fargo, Citi, Capital One, Bank of America, Discover, Amex, and Chase.
