Many people may have heard about Northern Trust because of its private banking and wealth services, but fewer know about the Northern Trust credit card.
This card is designed for clients who want convenience, solid rewards, and service that matches the bank’s reputation. In this review, you will learn how the card works, what benefits it offers, and whether it is the right fit for your financial lifestyle.
Who Is Northern Trust?
Northern Trust is a financial institution based in Chicago, Illinois. It was founded in 1889 and has served wealthy individuals and families for over a century. The company focuses on private banking, investment management, asset servicing, and fiduciary services. This means they help clients manage their money, grow their investments, and handle trust or estate needs.
Unlike everyday banks that serve the general public, Northern Trust works mainly with high-net-worth individuals and institutions. Its services are highly personalized. If you are a client, you usually have a dedicated relationship manager who helps handle everything from banking to credit cards.
Northern Trust does not operate like retail banks such as Chase or Wells Fargo. You can’t just walk in or apply online for a credit card. Instead, you need an existing financial relationship with them, such as having an investment account, trust account, or a large deposit. Clients are often required to meet high financial thresholds. While some sources mention $25,000 as the minimum to open basic accounts, most clients who qualify for a credit card have assets in the millions with the bank.
Who Can Apply for a Northern Trust Credit Card
The Northern Trust credit card is not open to the public. You can’t apply online or over the phone. This card is offered strictly by invitation to current clients of the bank. If you’re interested, you’ll need to speak directly with your private banker or schedule an in-person meeting at a Northern Trust office.
You must already have a significant relationship with the bank. Older reports suggest a threshold of around $2 million in assets under management to qualify, though some basic banking services may require far less. However, the credit card is seen as a premium product, typically reserved for those with deeper financial relationships.
This exclusivity ensures the card remains tailored to Northern Trust’s core clientele, individuals and families with complex financial needs and significant wealth. If you’re not already a client, you won’t be able to access or apply for the card.
How to Apply & Access Your Account
If you’re interested in getting a Northern Trust Bank credit card, the process is quite different from traditional banks:
Northern Trust Credit Card Application
Getting a Northern Trust credit card is not like applying for a regular card at a consumer bank. These cards are invitation-only, meaning you must already be a Northern Trust client to qualify. You cannot apply online or by calling customer service.
Instead, the process is handled personally through your relationship manager or at a local branch. If you are an eligible client, your private banker will talk to you about the credit card and guide you through the application. Everything is done in person or directly through your banker, there’s no public form or open enrollment.
To qualify, clients usually need to have a significant financial relationship with the bank. This might include holding investment accounts, trust services, or large cash deposits. While Northern Trust does not list a specific dollar amount publicly, various reports suggest that clients typically have $2 million or more in assets managed by the bank to be eligible for a credit card.
This process ensures that only high-net-worth individuals who already use Northern Trust’s wealth services have access to the card. If you’re not already working with the bank, the card is not available to you.
How to Access and Manage Your Account (via Private Passport)
Once you’ve been approved and received your Northern Trust credit card, you’ll manage it using Private Passport, the bank’s secure online platform. This system allows clients to view and manage their entire relationship in one place, including Northern Trust bank accounts, credit cards, investments, and trust services.
Step 1: Enrolling in Private Passport
To start using Private Passport, your relationship manager will assist you with the enrollment. This is typically done after your accounts are set up.
If you need help with enrollment or have questions, you can also contact the Private Passport Help Center:
- U.S. & Canada: 1‑888‑635‑5350
- Outside U.S. & Canada: +1‑312‑557‑5900
- Hours: Monday to Friday, 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM Central Time
Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM Central Time
Step 2: Logging In to Private Passport
Once enrolled, you can log in anytime at northerntrust.com. Here’s how:
- Go to the Northern Trust homepage.
- Click on the “Client Login” link in the top-right corner.
- Select Private Passport and enter your User ID and Password.
- If you have a security token (for extra authentication), choose the “Token Login” option.
This secure login system helps protect your financial data while still giving you easy access to your information.
Step 3: Manage Your Northern Trust Credit Card
Inside the Private Passport dashboard, you can manage nearly every aspect of your financial relationship with Northern Trust, including credit cards. Some key features include:
- View real-time balances for your credit card, banking, investment, and loan accounts.
- Check recent transactions and see check or deposit images (up to 18 months of history).
- Transfer money between your Northern Trust accounts or send funds to outside institutions. You can also set up bill payments and wire transfers.
- Track your net worth by viewing all your assets and liabilities, both inside and outside Northern Trust, through consolidated account views.
- Customize your dashboard, set up alerts for balances or transactions, and access electronic statements and documents easily.
This platform is especially helpful for clients managing complex finances or multiple accounts.
Security and Support
If you ever forget your login information or get locked out of your account, you can click the “Forgot Password?” link on the login page to reset your credentials. For more assistance, you can contact the Private Passport Help Center using the same phone numbers listed above.
Northern Trust takes online security seriously and offers multi-factor authentication options such as security tokens to give you added protection when accessing your accounts.
How the Northern Trust Credit Card Works
The Northern Trust Bank credit card is not issued directly by the bank. Instead, it is provided through a partner called Elan Financial Services. Elan handles the technical side, things like card processing, billing, rewards tracking, and customer service. Nonetheless, the Northern Trust credit card is branded with the bank’s name and designed to fit the lifestyle of private banking customers.
Most Northern Trust credit cards are issued under the Visa Signature label, coming with premium features such as:
- Concierge service for assistance with reservations for events, meals, or travel
- Travel perks, including hotel upgrades, travel insurance, and VIP airport lounge access
- Wide global acceptance since Visa is accepted almost everywhere
The rewards program is not one-size-fits-all. Rewards are tailored to your relationship level. Some clients may get flexible points, while others may receive travel credits, luxury gifts, or curated experiences. Everything depends on the size and nature of your assets with the bank.
Here is a quick look at the Northern Trust credit card’s features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Issuer | Elan Financial Services (Visa Signature) |
| Eligibility | Private banking clients only, typically multi‑million USD assets |
| Application | Via relationship manager or branch |
| Rewards | Flexible travel or points rewards, concierge access |
| Customer Service | Mixed reviews; service via private banker |
| Transparency | Low; most terms undisclosed online |
| Most suitable for | Ultra‑high net worth clients |
Card Benefits & Protections
The Northern Trust credit card includes a list of built‑in Visa benefits that help protect you when shopping and traveling. Here are some of the key protections and services:
- Zero liability for fraud: If someone makes unauthorized charges on your account, you are not responsible for those purchases.
- 24/7 cardmember service: You have access to a U.S.-based support team at +1 800 558 3424 any time of the day or night to report lost or stolen cards.
- Emergency assistance while traveling: If you are away from home, you can request a replacement card or receive emergency cash advances.
- Contactless payments: Cards are enabled with tap‑to‑pay and EMV chip technology for fast, secure checkouts.
- Roadside Dispatch: If your car breaks down, you can request help such as towing, tire changes, or locksmith services.
- Visa Offers and Benefits: Cardholders can take advantage of discounts on entertainment, dining, shopping, and travel.
These protections add extra value, especially for clients who travel frequently or need strong fraud prevention.
Northern Trust Credit Card Fees & Rates
Northern Trust credit cards are not designed to compete with mass‑market cards on low fees. Instead, they are structured for clients who value service and convenience as part of a private banking relationship. Exact fees and rates are not made public, because they can vary based on the individual client and their banking relationship. However, here is what is typically expected:
- Annual Fee: The card may carry an annual fee, but in some cases, it can be reduced or waived if you have a significant relationship with Northern Trust.
- Foreign Transaction Fees: There is no public confirmation of these fees. Some users report that Northern Trust debit cards waive foreign ATM fees, but it is best to confirm whether this applies to credit cards before traveling abroad.
- APR (Interest Rate): This rate is not advertised publicly. As a private bank client, you may have the ability to negotiate terms or receive preferred rates.
Because Northern Trust serves primarily high‑net‑worth clients, the structure of fees often depends on your broader banking package. Clients who maintain substantial balances with the bank may see reduced costs. Those with lower balances could face more noticeable fees on deposit and cash services.
Is Northern Trust Credit Card Right for You?
Like any credit card, the Northern Trust credit card comes with strengths and weaknesses, and understanding both will help you decide if it matches your needs:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Unlimited reward points (1.25 pts/ $) | Private terms; rate and fee info limited |
| Visa fraud protection and perks | Possibly higher fees if banking balance low |
| 24/7 customer support and travel help | Not widely available to public |
| Emergency card/cash service overseas | Reputation varies in reviews |
| Works with robust Northern Trust brand | Rewards rate modest vs. top credit cards |
From the table above, we can see that the Northern Trust credit card is not designed for the average consumer. It’s built for clients who already have a deep financial relationship with the bank. If you are a private banking client with significant assets under management, this card may be a strong match. It offers a blend of prestige, personalized service, travel benefits, and flexible rewards that align with the expectations of high-net-worth individuals. For those who appreciate having their credit, investments, and banking all under one roof, this card can make managing wealth more seamless.
However, if you do not meet the asset requirements or if you prefer a more transparent credit card experience with clearly listed fees, an online application, and standard customer support, then this card may not be the right fit. The Northern Trust credit card also lacks some of the modern conveniences offered by large consumer banks, such as robust mobile tools or an instant chat service. If easy online access and clear disclosures matter to you, consider looking at premium cards from other issuers.
4 Useful Tips Before You Get Started
If you’re considering the Northern Trust credit card, here are a few practical steps to take before moving forward:
- Speak directly with your relationship manager. This card is only available to existing clients, and most of the details are not published online. Your banker is the only person who can walk you through the process and provide the full picture.
- Ask about all possible fees. Make sure to understand the full cost of the card. This includes the annual fee (if any), interest rates (APR), fees on foreign transactions, cash advances, late payments, and how the rewards can be redeemed. Because terms may vary based on your banking tier, it’s important to get clear answers tailored to your account.
- Understand how customer service works. Many users report that credit card support is managed through the same private banking channel, not a 24/7 general customer service line. That means you may need to reach out to your banker, not a help desk, for things like card issues or disputes. If you’re used to calling a toll-free number at any time, this setup might feel less convenient.
- Compare it with other premium cards. Consider how it stacks up against cards like the AmEx Platinum, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or other Visa Signature cards. Many of these options offer similar travel and concierge perks, but with more public transparency, easier application processes, and stronger tech features.
By taking these steps and asking the right questions, you’ll be better equipped to decide whether the Northern Trust credit card fits your lifestyle and your financial goals.
Northern Trust Credit Card FAQs
Does Northern Trust offer a credit card to the public?
- No. Northern Trust credit cards are not available to the general public. They are offered by invitation only to existing private banking clients.
Is the Northern Trust Bank credit card a Visa or Mastercard?
- It is typically a Visa Signature card, issued in partnership with Elan Financial Services.
Can I apply for a Northern Trust credit card online?
- No. There is no online Northern Trust credit card application. You must apply directly through your relationship manager at Northern Trust.
What credit score is needed for a Northern Trust credit card?
- Northern Trust doesn’t make its credit score requirements public. However, due to its exclusive nature, applicants are typically high-net-worth individuals with excellent credit.
Does the Northern Trust Bank credit card have foreign transaction fees?
- Many Northern Trust clients report no foreign transaction fees, but exact terms vary. It’s best to confirm this directly with your private banker.
The Northern Trust credit card sits at the intersection of wealth management and payment convenience. For ultra‑affluent clients, it can offer tailored rewards, flexible limits, travel support and seamless integration into your wider Northern Trust relationship. If you meet those criteria, it may be a strong fit.
