The Dillard's Credit Card gives you rewards on purchases at Dillard's and partner locations, plus access to cardmember-only sales and discounts
The Dillard's Credit Card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that works at Dillard's department stores and online at dillards.com. When you use it to shop, you earn rewards points on your purchases. The card also comes with access to special sales events, early discounts, and other perks that regular shoppers don't receive.
This card is different from a general-purpose credit card because it's designed specifically for Dillard's customers. You can use it only at Dillard's locations and their website — not at other retailers. If you shop at Dillard's regularly, the rewards and exclusive offers may offset the card's annual fee.
Key Takeaways
- The Dillard's Credit Card earns rewards points on every purchase at Dillard's, with bonus points during special promotional periods.
- Cardmembers receive early access to sales, exclusive discounts, and special shopping events not offered to non-cardholders.
- The card charges an annual fee, so you should calculate whether the rewards and discounts you'll earn justify the cost.
- You can redeem rewards points for Dillard's merchandise, gift cards, or statement credits depending on the current rewards program terms.
- The card is issued by Synchrony Bank and requires a credit check, so your approval depends on your credit history and income.
How rewards points work on the Dillard's card
Every dollar you spend at Dillard's earns you points toward rewards. The exact earning rate changes based on Dillard's current promotions — sometimes you earn 1 point per dollar, and during bonus periods you might earn 2 or 3 points per dollar on certain purchases or categories. Dillard's announces these bonus periods in their cardmember emails and on their website.
Points accumulate in your account and you can redeem them once you reach a certain threshold. Redemption options typically include Dillard's merchandise, gift cards, or a statement credit that reduces your balance. The value of each point depends on how you redeem it, so it's worth checking your rewards balance and available options before you decide what to do with your points.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. However, if you close the card or stop using it, Dillard's may cancel your account after a period of inactivity, which could result in losing your accumulated points.
Cardmember-only sales and early access to discounts
Dillard's holds special sales events exclusively for credit card holders. These events typically happen several times a year and offer discounts on specific departments or merchandise categories. Cardmembers receive invitations by email and can shop these sales before they open to the general public, giving you first pick of items.
In addition to exclusive sales, cardmembers often receive early notification of upcoming store-wide promotions and clearance events. You may also get personalized offers based on your shopping history — for example, a discount on shoes if you frequently buy footwear. These offers arrive via email or appear in your online account.
The value of these discounts depends on how often you shop and what categories you buy from. If you shop at Dillard's multiple times a month, the savings from cardmember-only events can add up significantly over a year.
Annual fee and when it makes financial sense
The Dillard's Credit Card charges an annual fee. The exact amount varies, so you should confirm the current fee before you open an account — Dillard's lists it in the card's terms and conditions, which you can find on their website or by calling their customer service number.
To determine whether the card pays for itself, estimate how much you'll spend at Dillard's in a year and calculate the rewards value. If you spend $1,000 annually and earn 1 point per dollar, you'll accumulate 1,000 points. Check what those points are worth in merchandise or statement credit, then subtract the annual fee. If the rewards value exceeds the fee, the card makes financial sense for you.
If you shop at Dillard's only occasionally — a few times a year — the annual fee may not be worth it unless you plan to use the cardmember discounts heavily. However, if you're a regular shopper who takes advantage of the exclusive sales and bonus point periods, the rewards and discounts often cover the fee and provide additional savings.
How to open a Dillard's Credit Card account
You can open a Dillard's Credit Card account in person at any Dillard's store or online at dillards.com. In-store, a sales associate can walk you through the process process, which takes about 10 minutes. Online, you'll fill out an process form with your personal information, income, and employment details.
Synchrony Bank will review your process and run a credit check. Approval depends on your credit score, payment history, and current debt levels. You'll receive a decision within a few minutes if you explore online, or the store associate can tell you when ready if you explore in person. If you're approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.
Once your card arrives, you can set up it by calling the number on the back or logging into your online account. You can then use it when ready at Dillard's locations and on their website. Your first statement will arrive about 30 days after your first purchase.
Interest rates and how to avoid paying interest
The Dillard's Credit Card carries an interest rate (called the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR) that Synchrony Bank sets based on your creditworthiness. The rate you receive depends on your credit score — people with higher scores typically get lower rates. Dillard's sometimes offers promotional periods with 0% APR for a set number of months on new purchases or balance transfers, but these offers are temporary.
To avoid paying interest, pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you carry a balance from month to month, interest charges will be added to your next statement. Even a small unpaid balance will accrue interest at your card's APR, which can be substantial if you only make minimum payments.
If you're planning a large purchase at Dillard's, check whether a promotional 0% APR offer is currently running. These promotions allow you to spread payments over several months without interest, as long as you pay the full promotional balance by the end of the period.
Comparing the Dillard's card to other store cards and rewards programs
The Dillard's card is a store-specific card, meaning it only works at Dillard's. Other department stores like Macy's, Kohl's, and Nordstrom offer their own store cards with similar rewards and exclusive sales. If you shop at multiple retailers, a general-purpose rewards credit card (like a Visa or Mastercard) might give you more flexibility, though you won't get Dillard's-specific perks.
Store cards typically have higher interest rates than general-purpose cards, so carrying a balance is more expensive. However, if you pay your balance in full each month, the interest rate doesn't matter — you'll only benefit from the rewards and discounts. Consider how much you spend at Dillard's versus other stores when deciding whether a store card or a general rewards card makes more sense for you.
Some people use both: a Dillard's card for Dillard's purchases to maximize rewards and access exclusive sales, and a general rewards card for other retailers. This approach lets you earn rewards everywhere while taking advantage of store-specific benefits where you shop most.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Dillard's card outside of Dillard's stores?
No. The Dillard's Credit Card works only at Dillard's department stores and on dillards.com. You cannot use it at other retailers, restaurants, or gas stations. If you need a card for general purchases, you'll need a separate credit card.
What happens to my rewards points if I close my card?
If you close your Dillard's card account, you will lose any accumulated rewards points that you haven't redeemed. Before closing the account, redeem your points for merchandise, a gift card, or a statement credit so you don't lose the value you've earned.
Does the Dillard's card report to credit bureaus?
Yes. Synchrony Bank reports your Dillard's card activity to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Making on-time payments helps build your credit history, while late payments or high balances can hurt your credit score.
Is there a sign-up bonus for new cardmembers?
Dillard's periodically offers sign-up bonuses for new cardholders, such as bonus points or a discount on your first purchase. These offers change throughout the year, so check Dillard's website or ask in-store to see what's currently available when you open your account.
What should I do if my Dillard's card is lost or stolen?
Call the customer service number on the back of your card or contact Synchrony Bank directly to report it lost or stolen. They will cancel the card when ready to prevent unauthorized charges and can issue you a replacement card within 7 to 10 business days. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges if you report the card missing promptly.