"
Thanks!" to
Smarty who suggested a {great} post topic: J.Crew's credit card and reward points. Smarty raised a lot of great questions for the post, including:
- Have cardholders received their most recent rewards card yet?
Smarty mentioned that "in the last couple of threads, there have been murmurs about JC Card rewards points. Seems like the "winter 2008" have been "processed" (because accts are showing no or low points)" - Do rewards points roll over from one cycle to the next?
- What are the benefits of the card? Any *new* benefits?
- How do current card members reach the "silver" status? What are the benefits of being "silver" with J.Crew?
If you are a J.Crew card member, do you know the answers to any of the questions above? If so, please share! :) Also, feel free to add any other additional information you think may be useful for another J.Crew Aficionada and Aficionado. Would you recommend opening a J.Crew credit card? ("Thanks!" in advance!) :)
"Thanks!" to Smarty who suggested a {great} post topic: J.Crew's credit card and reward points. Smarty raised a lot of great questions for the post, including:
I have not received my rewards card yet. The periods are: Oct 1-Dec 31, Jan 1-March 31, April 1-June 30 and July 1-Sept 30. Rewards cards usually are received about 3 weeks after the end date, so card members should be receeiving rewards in about another 2 weeks or so.
ReplyDeleteThe rewards do not roll over, they need to be used be a certain date, which is imprinted on the front of the card. no new benefits as to which I am aware of, I got a silver card about a year after having the card, but I don't know why.
Basically I keep telling myself to get rid of the card, b/c there's really no value in having it. it's just conveneient to whiip it out or use the memorized CC# when I make a purchase online.
Oh one other thing-points DO carry over from one season to the next, so if you have 498 points on Dec 31, and you dont spend that extra $2 to get you to $500, those 498 points carry to the next season, so that's one good thing!
ReplyDeleteThanks JCrewLover! That helps clear up a lot. :)
ReplyDeleteMY PS said that they should be coming out late Jan/early Feb. Given how much many of us went nuts during the holidays, should be some good rewards! I recently was given a "silver" card, but there are no additional benefits with that card.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I can tell there are no benefits to being a silver card holder vs a standard card. I've had a silver card for years...and I keep saying I'm going to close it because there is no benefit. I just need to follow through now. If JCrew offered free shipping to silver cardholders I know I'd spend a lot more...I've cut way back recently basically because of the lack of free shipping and final sale. As it there are a couple of small items in my cart that I won't buy because of the $150 free ship minimum.
ReplyDeleteThe last mailing I received from JCrew said that Silver Card members went to the "front of the line" when ordering by phone at a certain #. Which explains a lot in terms of who gets what at final sales. Also, a LookBook. True?
ReplyDeleteI've not yet noticed any benefit to the silver card.
ReplyDeleteProfessor,
ReplyDeleteI don't think this priority line is a true priority line...It is a marketing gimmick. This summer with all the downgrade/upgrade problems the priority line had 20-30 minute wait times and at one point it was completely not working at all.
Also, most of the service people I have called on it are very elderly and slow (sorry for that one but true of my experiences) and/or not very knowledgeable. I prefer to use the regular line.
I believe that "going to the front of the line" is nonsense. I think I've waited on the phone just as long as everyone else...plus I've had experienced plenty of screw-ups on orders since the whole web "upgrade"...cancelled items, wrong items sent, etc. I don't believe it for a minute that I receive any "different" treatment.
ReplyDeleteI also haven't received a lookbook in a long time, but then again I can't seem to get a catalog sent to me. Funny how my cc bills can find their way to my mailbox but the catalog can't...
Site updated with many sizes and colors. I found the one item I have been looking for.....too bad the free shipping code no longer works:(
ReplyDelete^^ Thanks, A's. Makes sense. Who knows what The Line is, anyway.
ReplyDeleteAs I've mentioned on other threads, when I REALLY really want an item--not a "Sorry, we're out now" message, or, worse, days waiting for a "shipped" message [which may or may not mean "actually" shipped], I still use either overnight or 3 day shipping and it shows up immediately, including "shipped" with a city that received it for UPS. Means I can't use "free shipping" but I get the item in my size and fast.
Yesterday found an amazing collection jacket, silver-sand jacquard, in a silvery champagne color that I had NEVER seen, now in FS, reduced from $375 to $129 [99480]. Great color for spring. Used 3 day service and within hours it had been shipped.
Hunting and gathering delights . . .
I'm a silver card holder and can't see a difference between that and the green. What's more, I can't seem to get a catalog in the mail to save my life. I had to order one in my dog's name! I must be on a "don't send her the catalog" list. (She'll get one in the store every couple of months).
ReplyDeleteAnyone else have that problem? I've made several online requests that have been ignored.
I'm also a silver card holder and don't feel like I get any benefits. However some negligible benefits exist, I just don't take advantage of them (except the rewards card): a special phone # (which I've never used and frankly don't know what it is) and free basic alterations. Christmas 2007 they did offer 20% off in-store if you used your card, which was nice. Of course the CSR didn't take off the 20% at the register and I had to go back to the store with my receipt to get the credit. I mostly just use the fact that I'm a cardholder as leverage when they screw up and I need it fixed!
ReplyDeleteI've heard the rewards not used to roll over to the next quarter, but then why do I have some points in my winter rewards and some in spring... why didn't my unredeemed winter rewards get added to spring?
ReplyDeleteI will be very upset if I find out they do not roll over. To use the analogy jcrewlover used, if I have 498 points that get wasted because I didn't spend the 2 dollars on the right day, I will be very upset. That is not very customer friendly. They make money off of the card, which is why they do the rewards. I spend enough money to get my 5% back, if they screw customers like that, I'm done with JCrew.
For those of you who do not get a catalogue, call CS or mention it the next time you are on the phone with them. I have sent numerous emails regarding various topics and sometimes I get a response, sometimes I don't. At least on the phone you get someone.
ReplyDeleteIn the executive videos from the other post, Tracy said that they still send out quite a few catalogues, which drives traffic to the web. I got the impression they would prefer to send out fewer catalogues. But then, some of the location shoots and styling in the catalogue is what makes me want to buy an item. Not the usual "plain jane" styling on the website.
Since there was a recent roll out on the web, do you think they will update the web with the new items that are going to roll out next week?
ReplyDeleteProfessor, A Bigger Closet blogged about the Silver Sand Jacquard jacket a while ago, here is the link.
ReplyDeletehttp://abiggercloset.blogspot.com/search?q=silver+sand
It has been on sale for a long time already, not sure how you missed it. Looks like a lovely piece, let us know what you think of when it arrives.
M
^ Thank you, M!!
ReplyDeleteA Bigger Closet was wonderful--great ideas, particularly dark jeans, which I adore. I have NO idea why I missed it--which means, of course, that I'm missing other things, but the blogs & fashion eyes of JCrewers are invaluable. Law school starts Tuesday--so I'll preview it there with ??? Hmmmmm ...
I have been a silver card member for a few years. I agree with everyone else that I don't see any real advantages or perks by having the card. I basically stopped using it because I have a much better rewards program with my Amex. I don't think J Crew gives one the sense that cardmembers are valuable like say Banana Republic does. As a Luxe cardmember there is always free shipping, birthday month discounts and extra perks like little surprise gifts. Just about the time I close my J Crew account is when they will offer free shipping all the time for cardholders.
ReplyDeleteI'm a silver card holder, too. Not difficult to get that card IMHO. One sale and WAHLA instant upgrade(I got it after one purchase, no lie)...but really, what perks do you get? None that I can use. I'll pass on the personal shopper. Alterations, don't need those either. I've also had plenty of CS issues. Wrong items shipped, duplicate orders shipped. You name it, it has happened.
ReplyDeleteDid I get my reward yet, nope. ITA...they're not out yet.
FREE SHIPPING on ALL online orders...I'd LOVE that but to be honest, you can ALWAYS find an online code. I never seem to have a problem. I never pay for shipping.
I would love to see discounts. I'm a mother of 6 kids...shouldn't I qualify for a discount? LOL. College students and teachers get discounts...ummmmmm excuse me, how about the rest of us!
My only complaint really...is I would LOVE a store CLOSER to me. Of course DH would HATE that. I'd be there ALL the time.
OT - any feedback on the fit of the Blythe peep toe heels? Similar to the Lulu peep toe heels? TIA!
ReplyDeleteAnon @ 11:05
ReplyDeleteWAHLA - WTF??? Don't you mean, "voila" ??
doh!
or should i say, duh!
Can anyone comment on the fit of the toothpick jeans? I seem to recall some people saying that they had purchased, I'd like to hear how they worked out.
ReplyDeleteTIA
Silver card member, no extra perks that I can tell (free shipping would be great), no reward card yet.
ReplyDeleteFree shipping would be great. I really don't see how having a silver card gives us any added benefit(s).
ReplyDeleteI don't ever recall any special deals being offered to cardmembers. In the past, there have been a few "private sales" but I don't think only cardmembers were privy to those. If anything, I dont even get emails with coupon codes anymore. The only things I have gotten are invites to store events/openings.
It's just a marketing ploy to make us feel special, otherwise no benefit.
Can someone explain the rewards? Is it like a Nordstrom CC where for every dollar spent there is a point, which once you hit a threshold there is a gift card or reimbursement? TIA
ReplyDelete-Elaine
Is the interest rate any different between the card levels?
ReplyDeleteSeems like it is just a gimick.
I have the toothpick jeans and love the fit. I have a slim build with skinny legs and they are not tight on my legs, just right. The major issue is that the color transfers a bit. Not as bad as some jeans, but I wouldn't wear them with a white shirt.
ReplyDeleteThank you, everyone, for your helpful insight!! I really appreciate it.
ReplyDeleteSeems like the BR luxe card has a lot more perks than the JC Silver card. I LOVE the free shipping and private events BR offers and hope that someday JC will offer those things too (and not just to a small handful of super special customers).
Thanks again!
Has anyone else noticed the change in terms for the credit cards? It used to be free alterations for any items and it was recently changed to full price items only. That really upsets me since I have been able to pick up several suits on sale but I always need them altered. I doubt that I will pay their full price, esp. when I am trying to pick up more than two pieces (e.g. jacket, pants, and a skirt). I am really annoyed at this change. The alteration policy was the one advantage that JCrew has over BR's Luxe card.
ReplyDeleteI spoke with CS a few days ago and they told me that the rewards cards will be sent in February. I don't think it will be in the end of January, and I think it might even be the middle to second half of February.
ReplyDeleteAs far as the differences in credit cards, I didn't notice any differences between having the green card and having the silver card (which I've now had for probably 8 months). Overall, there aren't too many benefits to having the card at all. However, I do take advantage of all the free alterations I can get since not everything comes in petite. To tell you the truth though, many other stores offer free alterations on regular-priced items (with or without a store credit card). But even so, I do need the alterations often and appreciate this benefit. I like that they don't take long at J.Crew and are always done right. I've had alterations done at Banana Republic numerous times and at various tailors, and they have not always come out right. So I can't complain about my J.Crew's tailors.
I will say that I strongly appreciate having absolutely zero wait time when I call in to J.Crew. This was never a huge deal until I suddenly needed to make a lot of calls in November and December. Some people told me that they waited 20-30 minutes on the phone, but I never even experienced being put on hold. This was a huge lifesaver for me because I had been placing so many orders during this time, but (like everyone els) I had so little time to actually spend on the phone. The key of course is to call from the phone number that is registered to your card.
But I think that, like all store credit cards, one of the biggest reasons to have them is simple convenience. Since I buy such a large proportion of my clothes at J.Crew, it gives me essentially one shopping bill to pay each month. This may not make much difference to everyone, but for me, it helps me keep track of how much I'm spending on shopping (which sometimes falls through the cracks when I use my bank's credit/debit card, even with my Quicken). And it cuts down on how many records I have to keep and how many bills I have to pay.
I've been a "silver" card holder for a while now and the only additional benefit over the regular card that I see is a significantly higher credit limit.
ReplyDeleteI actually called J. Crew in December and asked them about the different card levels because I didn't receive the magical 25% off card that they sent out in November - written about here:
http://jcrewaficionada.blogspot.com/2008/11/jcrew-shares-their-thanks-mailed.html - and since I spend a LOT of money at the store on a regular basis, pay my bills on time and have a silver card with a significant limit, I didn't understand how I didn't qualify.
They said the silver card is called the "Premiere" card and that there were only 2 levels of card. Regular (Green) and Premiere (silver). I have an amex too but I like the J. Crew rewards give-backs so I'll be keeping the card.
Free shipping would be awesome. J. Crew shipping is too expensive in my opinion.
Last year, Rewards Cards came around early/mid-February and were good until March 15th. I assume it will be the same this year. HTH!
ReplyDeleteAnyone comment on the Laura metallic shift and the Studio Ball Skirt? I am short (5'3") and the ball skirt seems very long. Would appreciate any IRL experience with either of these two items. TIA
ReplyDeleteI have had many repairs done to various JCrew items that I found--jeans with stiching coming undone and straps on tanks needing to be restiched. All were done free BUT the tailor did an awful job. Not neat and professional at all. I could have done it myself. I had to have the jeans sent back 2 times in order for them to be stiched right. I would NEVER use a JCrew tailor again. My understanding is they put out a bid for a tailor and the cheapest one wins...cheap is right. I will use my own tailor and pay for it to be done right and neatly the first time.
ReplyDeleteI can personally attest that points DO roll over from one season to the next. When I first got the card a while back, I didn't spend 500 in the first quarter, but quickly caught up in the second and got two reward cards, when I didn't go over 1000 in the second alone (but combined with the first I did). As someone mentioned, however, the reward card you receive has a fairly short (last time it was about a month) time frame in which it can be used- so there is your time constraint.
ReplyDeleteAlso- a question for those of you who have had things altered. Does J.Crew do a good job? I'm always a little hesitant to get things altered in-store, thanks to a couple rough experiences with Nordstrom.
Thanks!
One time I was close to receiving a rewards card and the cycle was ending and I received an email from J Crew which read something like "you are only a sweater away from receiving a rewards card". So, I'm not sure they would let someone who needed only two more points slip by without telling them. This, however, happened about a year ago, so they may have discontinued doing this. Personally, I can never keep track of how much I spend because of the returns I make so that makes it too difficult!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI opened my JCrew card during the "save 20% when you open a JCrew credit card" promotion (normally it's 10%). So that was one nice perk. The rewards card will be a nice perk as well. If you spend more than $500/quarter and pay off your balance in full every bill than the card is worth it. If not, there aren't really any benefits because the interest would negate the rewards card.
ReplyDeleteI am interested to hear when everyone else gets their rewards cards because I moved recently. I just found out that the JCrew CC people had not updated my address even though I called them -- now I am a bit concerned that the rewards card will go to my old addy and not get forwarded.
As a cardmember, I've had several pairs of pants hemmed at J. Crew. I'm not sure how they can tell if the items are full-price. I've never been asked for a receipt or anything. I also haven't been asked to show them my credit card, strangely enough.
ReplyDeleteI've just had chinos hemmed, and they've always done a good job. Alterations typically took one week. I'm sure the service varies from store to store, however.
Thanks for the comments on the card benefits (or lack thereof). I briefly considered opening one but I'm glad I didn't.
ReplyDeleteI have the GAP Silver card and use it all the time for myself, hubby and our 3 kids. Free shipping on all purchases + tons of coupons + promotions + reward certificates + can be used at BR,GAP, Old Navy and Piper lime = totally worth it!
I had considered opening a J.Crew card awhile ago, but after reading all the posts on here for the past several months about how there are no real benefits...I decided against it.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Stacie about how fantastic the Gap card is...well worth it! :)
I took advantage of the free alterations on my first card purchase last fall. It seemed like a good benefit since I am often happier with petite sizes which are not sold in stores. In-store I bought the double-serge pencil in black and asked for a 1.5-inch hem. When I received the skirt in the mail, the job looked rough and unfinished--nothing like the beautiful skirt that once was. They wanted me to mail it back to them! We ended up deciding that I would take it to my own tailor and be reimbursed for the work, which was still a pain because my b&m is sort of a hike. I will not use their tailoring service again. I couldn't believe can botched a simple hem job.
ReplyDeleteI can also attest that the points roll over from one season to the next.
ReplyDeleteI like the card because I like getting the $25 to spend every so often. I don't usually buy online because I have plenty of stores nearby, so lack of free shipping doesn't both me personally.
is the reward card a dollar amount or a percentage off? TIA.
ReplyDeleteI've had a silver card for a couple of years now and had the green card for a few years before that. There's no discernable difference to me. And it doesn't even appear that you have to use your card (or even have a card) to be eligible for J. Crew's little gifts -- I haven't used mine in months because I get better rewards (that don't expire) on another CC, but I still received the necklace J. Crew sent out a while back and a scarf for Christmas. And they sent my mom, who doesn't even have a J. Crew card, a necklace for Christmas after she ordered a boatload of stuff for me with the turkey and hohoho promos (thanks mom!).
ReplyDeleteTo address other random questions:
* points carry over to a certain extent -- they expire after 12 months of issuance, so they won't carry over past that point.
* you get 1 point for every $1 spent (but you don't get any points for $ spent on taxes, shipping, alterations, monogramming, or gift wrapping).
* you should receive points on purchases made at J. Crew stores and factory stores, through the website, or on the phone.
* your reward cards will arrive in $25 increments, so you'll receive a $25, $50, $75, whatever gift card (not a percentage off).
* you have to have accrued at least 500 points (after any deductions for returns) to receive a card.
Been a silver member and the only thing I noticed was a huge credit increase which helped (or hurt:) tremendously. I think the rewards are great because I pay the balance in full/mo and they are then a nice bonus.
ReplyDeleteI went a lot crazy during the TURKEY etc. so I chose to use a very low rate MC, get those rewards, and pay off as quick as I can (thus the break here for resort is welcome)!
The rewards are the only benefit IMO as long you don't carry a balance as it is very high rate! I see no other benefits to the card.
I agree with others that Gap Silver is da bomb as is BR luxe. And there is no comparison.
Last-I will point out that although it seems like such a great idea to close and cancel a card you no longer use, you should NOT close your credit cards. Just stop using them. It lowers your credit to debt ratio and lowers your FICO score. Download Suzy Orman's book at Oprah.com right away-great info but it does require one to QUIT shopping and that may not fly too well here:) Love you all!
Oh yes, I was wrong -- there is a discernable difference. My credit limit also shot up 3-fold when I was upgraded to the silver.
ReplyDeleteI will be getting a fair size reward card and I'm really hoping there are some sales during the time period it is current! It will be my first as I just opened my card account in the fall of 2008. I really hope they have something like the Turkey or Hohoho promo.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the card has no real benefits. I only got it because I pay my balance in full all the time and never have a finance charge (rate is soo high!). I only got the card because I figured if I was spending, I might as well have it add up to a rewards card (even if it takes me months to a year!)
ReplyDeleteI think the smartest thing J. Crew could do would be to add free shipping to silver card members at least. That would convince a lot of people that the card is worthwhile.
i usually get the $25 rewards card but i doubt i will this time, i didn't spend much in the last period (working to pay off the card). i think the "silver" status has to do with how much you spend with them within a year. i had a green card for three or four years and just a year ago i was sent a silver one. that's also when i started receiving the rewards cards.
ReplyDeletei am expecting a rewards card since my points are low again w/nothing rolling over....yay, can't wait to receive it! i'm going to combine it with my gift card that i received as an xmas present. yes, BR and GAP have better perks (i use GAP mainly to shop at old navy for my 4 year old) but i like jcrew clothing better for me and i'll have no problem spending my jcrew rewards card!! :)
ReplyDeleteHow about a post on what people are going to spend their rewards cards or Christmas gift cards on? I love seeing what people splurge on with "free money."
ReplyDeleteHi! Random question and sorry if this has already been answered - do points only accrue on purchases made at J.Crew? What about if you use the card at other merchants? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMelanie,
ReplyDeleteIt is a house card, not a J. Crew Visa or Mastercard, and thus can ONLY be used for purchases at J. Crew.
I know for a fact that J. Crew does not alter items in store, they send them out to a tailor. The store I used to go to told me this for a fact, and the associate was very honest when I asked her if they did a good job. She told me she's seen better, I think her exact words were "If you have a tailor that you trust, I highly recommend taking it to them instead of ours." Usually there is as least one tailor in malls. I'm pretty sure, though, that if you bring in a receipt from your tailor and if you have a J. Crew card, they will reimburse you. They offered me that option once.
ReplyDeleteAnonymous@9:34 AM
ReplyDelete"Funny how my cc bills can find their way to my mailbox but the catalog can't..."
hear what you're saying but the Credit Card is from WFNB, not J Crew so Crew can't screw up the statements. I find it funny how seamless the CC section of the website is. No issues, no problems. Easy to setup the login and make a payment, that's for sure!
I don't know who sends out the catalogs, but they might be sent out directly from the printer and that could be part of the problem if the printer doesn't have current info.
And I don't know if there is a difference between a catalog and a lookbook. Can someone elaborate?
There is a difference between a catalog and the lookbook. Every so often, J. Crew creates a lookbook. Typically they're smaller or larger than the normal catalog size, and they feature upcoming looks (like a little sneak preview) without prices. I received a couple of them in 2008. Next time I receive one, I'll scan it for JCA.
ReplyDeleteBug Pin,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the info about downloading Suze Orman's book. I did it!
JCA...you all are the best!!!
I just got an email from J.Crew signifying an extra 20% final sale starting today for cardmembers- the extra 20 starts tomorrow for everyone else. It's nice that they're giving cardmembers the chance to get those low inventory items in their size/color before they get snatched up.
ReplyDelete