Citi Dillard’s Credit Card Review: Rewards for Dillard's Regulars
For loyal Dillard's shoppers, the Dillard’s Credit Card offers store-specific rewards and perks. But our review reveals why its high APR and narrow benefits make it suitable for only the most disciplined spenders.
| Annual Fee | $0.00 |
| Sign-up Bonus | 10% off Welcome Shopping Pass |
| Rewards Rate | Earn 2x Points at Dillard's |
| Regular APR | Dillard’s Credit Card Purchase APR: variable 32.49% |
| Other Fees | Min. interest charge $2 |
Overview
For loyal Dillard's shoppers, the Dillard's Credit Card offers a straightforward way to earn rewards on store purchases with no annual fee. Cardholders earn 2 points per dollar spent at Dillard's, which can be redeemed for store certificates. New cardmembers can also receive a 10% off welcome shopping pass after making $100 in purchases on the day they are approved. This combination of no annual fee and an immediate discount makes it an accessible option for those who frequently patronize the department store.
However, the card's benefits are narrowly focused and come with significant drawbacks. The rewards rate is modest compared to other retail cards, and the welcome offer's strict "day of approval" requirement can be difficult to maximize. Most importantly, the card carries an extremely high regular APR, making it a costly choice for anyone who might carry a balance from month to month. There are no introductory APR offers to soften this rate, so interest charges can quickly erase the value of any rewards earned.
Ultimately, the Dillard's Credit Card is best suited for a very specific customer: the Dillard's regular who is disciplined enough to pay their bill in full every month. If you fit this description and want access to store-specific perks and financing offers, it could be a decent fit. Otherwise, a general-purpose rewards card will likely offer far greater value and flexibility.
Pros & Cons
What's great
- No annual fee
- Welcome discount offer
- Rewards on store purchases
- Special financing offers
- Ongoing loyalty rewards
Things to consider
- High regular APR
- Limited rewards categories
- Store-only card acceptance
- No intro APR period
Benefits
Modest Welcome Offer
New cardholders can receive a 10% off welcome shopping pass after making at least $100 in Dillard's purchases on the same day they are approved for the card. This one-time discount is capped at a maximum of $100 off. While this can provide immediate savings for shoppers planning a large purchase, the requirement to use it on the day of approval is highly restrictive and requires careful timing to maximize its value.
Rewards for Loyal Shoppers
The Dillard's Credit Card is designed for those who frequently shop at the department store. Cardmembers earn 2 points for every dollar spent on qualifying purchases at Dillard's. For every 1,500 points earned, you can redeem them for a $10 rewards certificate or a 10% off one-day shopping pass. This structure primarily benefits consistent Dillard's customers, as rewards are limited to store-specific discounts rather than flexible cash back. Additionally, the card occasionally provides access to special financing offers on qualifying large purchases, which can be an alternative to earning points.
Drawbacks
The card's most significant drawback is its exceptionally high variable APR of 32.49%. With no introductory 0% APR offer for purchases, carrying a balance on this card can become extremely expensive, quickly erasing the value of any rewards or discounts earned. This rate is steep even for a store card, making it a risky choice for anyone who doesn't plan to pay their statement in full every single month.
Beyond the high APR, the rewards program is underwhelming and inflexible. You earn an effective return of only about 1.33% back on Dillard's spending, a rate that is easily beaten by many general-purpose cashback cards. Rewards can only be redeemed for Dillard's certificates, offering no cash back or travel options. The sign-up bonus is also highly restrictive, requiring you to spend $100 on the same day you're approved to receive a one-time 10% discount pass. Since this is a store-only card, its use is confined to Dillard's, meaning it can't serve as your primary card for everyday expenses.
Decision Guidance
This card is only a good fit for loyal Dillard's shoppers who are certain they will pay their balance in full each month to avoid the exceptionally high APR. While the rewards and welcome offer can be valuable for frequent customers, most people will find greater flexibility and earning potential with a general-purpose rewards card.
Summary
The Dillard's Credit Card is a niche product strictly for brand loyalists who pay their balance in full every month to avoid its punishingly high APR. While its rewards can provide some value on Dillard's purchases, any interest charges will quickly erase those gains, making a general rewards card a safer and more versatile choice for most shoppers.