The Dillard’s credit card from Wells Fargo (formerly offered by Synchrony / GE Money) offers mediocre rewards, though it does have one interesting perk not commonly available with retail cards. If you’re looking for credit card rewards, you’d do better with a simple no annual fee 2% card. If you’re planning on carrying a balance, you definitely shouldn’t get this card. My wife actually has the card, and she never uses it.
Dillard’s American Express Rewards: The Basics
Most people think that the way to maximize rewards at a particular store is to get that store’s credit card. Sometimes that’s true… but sometimes it’s not. This card represents one of the cases where it’s not.
The Dillard’s credit card offers you 2 points per dollar spent at Dillard’s as well as at gas stations and grocery stores, and 1 point per dollar spent everywhere else.
Now, you might think that 2 points per dollar means 2% back… but you’d be wrong. It takes 1,500 points to earn your choice of rewards:
- A $10 rewards certificate
- A one-day 10% off shopping pass
If you choose the $10 rewards certificate, then you’re only getting back 1.67% on your Dillard’s / Gas / Grocery purchases, and only 0.84% back on all other purchases. That, my friends, is a terrible return on your credit card spending! You should always get at least 2% back on credit card purchases.
Things get a little trickier if you decide to get the 10% shopping pass. You should only get this option if you were already planning a big shopping trip to Dillard’s. How big? Well, it takes 1,500 points to earn that pass, which means $1,500 worth of spending. If you spend $1,500 on a 2% cashback credit card, you would get $30 back. So don’t go for that 10% back pass unless you’re planning on spending at least $300 at Dillard’s.
Other Benefits
The card’s website claims there are exclusive events and offers, and maybe that’s the case, but my wife hasn’t received any communication about such events or offers. However, if you charge more than $2,000 in a year you gain Dillard’s Elite status. Benefits include free shipping or gift wrapping, bonus point offers, and private shopping events. You also gain access to the American Express Connect program, which includes Emerald Club Executive status with National Car Rental. I wrote more about the Elite status here if you’re interested. Also, a commenter wrote in another post of mine:
The Dillard’s card is good for one thing and one thing only: notification and early access to their quarterly clearance sales. Card holders get to shop the sale discount % one day earlier than everyone else, which means you are more likely to find your size/style. The winter and summer clearances are the best IMHO. I have purchased good quality designer-label clothing for 50-75% (or more!) off the original price. Example: I’ve bought things like Nautica swim trunks for $6 or those high $$$ Callaway performance golf shirts for $20-$25. Is your local sports team not doing well this year? They will dump them at clearance time…you can often grab those $75 jerseys for like $25 or less on Dillard’s card holder day.
Should You Get The Dillard’s credit card?
Probably not. Unless you’re a die hard Dillard’s loyalist and are already spending lots of money there, this card is not for you.
(Note: if you stumbled upon this page, looking for the Dillard’s credit card login, go here instead.)
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