Different Pictures Of Nordstrom Gift Card And How To Identify Them

A few months ago, I got a Nordstrom gift card as a birthday present from a friend. I was excited until I tried to use it and found out it had a $0 balance. Turns out, the card was a fake. That was the first time I realized just how easy it is to get tricked if you don’t know what to look for. 

If you’ve ever bought or received a Nordstrom gift card, you might’ve noticed they come in all kinds of designs -holiday versions, sleek silver ones, eGift cards, and more. But while some are legit, some are very convincing fakes.

In this guide, I’m going to help you understand the different pictures and styles of Nordstrom gift cards, and more importantly, how to tell if the one you have is real. We’ll talk about what real Nordstrom gift cards actually look like (with examples) and how to spot fake Nordstrom gift cards. But before we get into identifying real vs. fake cards, let’s go over what a Nordstrom gift card actually is and how it works.

About Nordstrom Gift Cards

Nordstrom gift cards are prepaid cards that you can use to shop at any Nordstrom store, Nordstrom Rack, or online at Nordstrom.com. You don’t need a credit or debit card, just your gift card balance.

These cards are great to use, but because they’re valuable and widely used, scammers try to copy them. That’s why knowing how to identify a real one is so important, especially if you’re buying from someone online or receiving it secondhand.

To ensure the authenticity of your Nordstrom gift card, look out for the following:

• Unique Card Number: Each card has a distinct 16-digit number on the back
• Scratch-Off PIN: Usually 4 digits, this provides an additional layer of security for online transactions
• No Expiration Date: Nordstrom gift cards do not expire and have no maintenance fees.
• Magnetic Strip: Nordstrom physical cards usually come with a magnetic strip for swiping in stores 

Types Of Nordstrom Gift Cards

Nordstrom gift cards exist in two types, mainly physical and virtual.

Physical Nordstrom Gift Card

These are the standard plastic cards you find in Nordstrom stores. They come in many designs, and are usually branded with the Nordstrom brand logo. Denominations of the physical card range between $25 and $500. Customization options are also available when you want to make a purchase.

Authentic Nordstrom physical gift cards feature a distinctive raised texture on the logo, and the card number is always cleanly printed (never stamped or appearing irregular). The magnetic stripe on the back should be smooth and uniform in color.

E-Gift Nordstrom Gift Card

This is always the best option for me because of the convenience it offers with purchase. It is purchased electronically and comes in the form of an e-code sent to your email address. It includes a 16-digit code and a PIN, and can either be printed out or used straight from your phone. If you are buying it as a gift, you can request a personalized design.

Related Article: How To Spot and Avoid Gift Card Scams

Popular Nordstrom Gift Card Designs and What They Look Like 

Nordstrom offers a variety of gift card designs to suit different occasions and preferences. Recognizing these designs can help you verify the authenticity of a card and choose the perfect one for your needs.

Classic Design Gift Cards

Classic Nordstrom gift cards typically feature a minimalist design with the Nordstrom logo prominently displayed. Common colors include silver, black, or white, and the cards have a sleek, professional appearance.

How to Identify:

• Look for the Nordstrom logo centered on the card.
• The card should have a high-quality finish and feel sturdy
• On the back, you’ll find a 16-digit card number and a scratch-off PIN.

Holiday Edition Cards

Released during festive seasons, these cards showcase holiday-themed designs such as snowflakes, ornaments, or festive colors like red and green.

How to Identify:

• Seasonal imagery or patterns on the front
• The Nordstrom logo is still present but may be integrated into the festive design
• These cards are typically available in-store and online during the holiday season

Special Occasion Cards 

Designed for events like birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries, these cards often feature celebratory messages or imagery.

How to Identify:

• Phrases like “Happy Birthday” or “Congratulations” on the front
• Decorative elements such as balloons, cakes, or hearts
• The Nordstrom branding is subtly incorporated into the design. 

Digital Gift Cards (eGift Cards)

eGift cards are digital versions sent via email. They come with various design options that you can choose during the purchase process.

How to Identify:

• The email will contain a digital card image with your chosen design
• Includes a 16-digit card number and a PIN for online redemption
• Ensure the email is from an official Nordstrom domain to avoid phishing scams.

How To Identify Original and Fake Nordstrom Gift Cards

Scammers are everywhere. This is why it’s important to know if your Nordstrom gift card is the real deal, especially if it wasn’t bought directly from the store or website. If you’ve received a Nordstrom eGift card by email or bought one online, here’s how you can spot an original Nordstrom gift card with confidence.

Design and Print Quality

Real Nordstrom gift cards have a clean, professional look. The logo should be sharp and properly placed, not blurry, stretched, or off-center. Also, the colors and printing should feel high quality, not cheap or faded. If it looks like it was printed on someone’s home computer, that’s a red flag.

Check for a Scratch-Off PIN

Every physical Nordstrom gift card comes with a 4-digit PIN hidden under a scratch-off panel on the back. If the panel is missing, already scratched off, or if there’s no PIN at all, the card might not be legit. For digital (eGift) cards, the PIN should still be visible in the email.

Inspect the Back of the Card

On an authentic physical card, the 16-digit card number should be cleanly printed and aligned. There should also be a magnetic strip and a customer service number. If any of these are missing or the card number looks tampered with, don’t use it.

Use the Official Balance Check Tool

Go to Nordstrom’s gift card balance check page and enter the card number and PIN. If the system can’t find the card or says it’s invalid, even though you entered everything correctly, it might be fake or inactive.

Check the Email Source (For eGift Cards)

If you got a digital gift card, check the sender’s email. Real Nordstrom eGift cards come from [email protected]. If the email looks strange or the card details don’t match Nordstrom’s usual layout, don’t click any links. Always go straight to the official website to verify.

Buy Only from Trusted Sources

To avoid fake gift cards entirely, only buy Nordstrom cards from Nordstrom stores, their website, or major retailers like Target, Amazon (official listing), or grocery stores with sealed packaging. 

You can also purchase Nordstrom gift cards from trading platforms like Nosh. Nosh is a reliable and safe gift card trading platform where you can buy original Nordstrom gift cards and have them delivered to your email.  

Tips to Spot Fake Nordstrom Gift Cards

Being vigilant can help you avoid counterfeit cards. Here are some red flags:

• Missing or Blurry Logo: Authentic cards have a clear Nordstrom logo. Blurry or missing logos are a warning sign.
  
  
• No Scratch-Off PIN: Genuine cards have a scratch-off area revealing the PIN. Absence of this feature is suspicious.
  
  
• Unusual Fonts or Colors: Deviations from Nordstrom’s typical design elements may indicate a fake.
  
  
• Suspicious Sellers: Purchase cards directly from Nordstrom or authorized retailers. Be cautious of third-party sellers offering significant discounts.

Also Read: Nordstrom Gift Card Error Messages And How To Solve Them

FAQs on Identifying Nordstrom Gift Cards

1. What should I do if I receive a suspicious gift card?

If you get a Nordstrom gift card that looks off, maybe the card design is weird, the numbers are printed poorly, or it doesn’t work when you try to check the balance, the best thing to do is contact Nordstrom customer support directly. 

They can help you verify if the card is real or not. It’s also smart to double-check where the card came from. If someone sent it by email, the message should come from Nordstrom’s official gift card email, not a sketchy address.

2. Can I use Nordstrom gift cards at Nordstrom Rack?

Yes, you can. Nordstrom gift cards work at both Nordstrom and Nordstrom Rack, whether you’re shopping in-store or online. You can even use them on the Nordstrom app. Just treat the card like cash; it works across all their brands.

3. How long are Nordstrom gift cards valid?

There’s no expiration date on Nordstrom gift cards. They don’t lose value over time, and they won’t charge you any maintenance fees, either. Whether you use it right away or save it for later, your balance will stay the same until you spend it.

4. What should I do if I lose my Nordstrom gift card?

If your Nordstrom gift card is lost or stolen, contact Nordstrom customer service as soon as possible. They might be able to help you recover the balance, but only if you have proof of purchase, like a receipt or order confirmation number. 

Unfortunately, if there’s no record, they usually can’t replace it. So, if you’re buying a gift card for someone or receiving one, it’s a good idea to take a picture of the card details or save the original email, just in case.

5. Can I combine multiple Nordstrom gift cards?

Yes, you can. If you have more than one Nordstrom gift card, you can use them all on a single purchase, either online or in-store. During checkout, you’ll just enter each card’s number and PIN one at a time. It’s also possible to apply multiple gift cards to your Nordstrom account balance when shopping online, which can make things easier if you’re stacking up funds.

Final Thoughts on Identifying Nordstrom Gift Cards

Gift cards are convenient, but only when you know they’re legit. Now that you’ve seen the different Nordstrom gift card designs and how to verify them, you’ve got everything you need to shop with confidence. And remember, if something seems off, it’s always okay to double-check before using the card. You’d rather be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your money.

Asides redeeming them for items, you can also exchange your Nordstrom gift cards for cash using Nosh.