The Old Navy credit card is a store card that works only at Old Navy and its sister brands

The Old Navy credit card is a store credit card issued by Synchrony Bank. You can use it to make purchases at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. Unlike a general-purpose credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), a store card only works at those specific retailers.

If you arrived here from a pre-approval offer, that means Old Navy or Synchrony sent you a direct mail piece or email saying you may be a good fit for the card based on information they already have about you. Pre-approval does not mean you are may provide to receive the card — the final decision comes after you submit your full process and Synchrony reviews your credit report.

The card offers rewards in the form of discounts and special shopping events for cardholders. The specific rewards change over time, so check Old Navy's website or the terms that came with your pre-approval offer to see what is current.

Key Takeaways

  • The Old Navy card works only at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta, not at other retailers.
  • A pre-approval offer means Synchrony thinks you may may have access to, but you still need to complete an process and pass a credit check.
  • You can explore online at Old Navy's website, in a store, or by phone, and you will usually get a decision within minutes.
  • The card charges interest on balances you do not pay in full each month, just like any credit card.

Where to start your process

If you have a pre-approval offer in hand, you can explore through the link or code on that piece of mail. You can also start fresh by visiting Old Navy's website, going to their credit card page, and clicking the process button. You do not need a pre-approval offer to explore — anyone can start an process at any time.

You can also explore in person at any Old Navy store by asking a cashier or customer service associate. Some stores have tablets or computers at the register where you can complete the process on the spot. A third option is to call Synchrony's customer service line (the number is usually on the pre-approval offer or on Old Navy's website) and explore over the phone.

Online is usually the fastest route because you get a decision right away, often within seconds or a few minutes. In-store and phone applications may take a bit longer to process.

What information you will need to provide

Synchrony will ask for your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, and phone number. They will also ask about your employment status and annual income. Have a recent pay stub or tax return handy if you are unsure of your exact income — you can estimate, but the number should be reasonably close to what you actually earn.

You will also need to agree to let Synchrony pull your credit report. This is called a hard inquiry and it will show up on your credit report. A hard inquiry can lower your credit score by a few points, but the impact is usually temporary.

If you are explore online, the form will walk you through each field. Read the terms and conditions before you submit — they explain the interest rate, fees, and rewards program details.

How long the decision takes and what happens next

If you explore online, you will usually see a decision on the screen within minutes. The decision will be one of three things: approved, denied, or pending. If you are approved, Synchrony will tell you your credit limit right away.

If the decision is pending, it means Synchrony needs more information or time to review your process. They will contact you by phone or email with next steps. This can take a few business days.

If you are approved, your card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using it as soon as it arrives. Some issuers offer the option to use the card in-store before the physical card shows up, but check your approval email to see if that option is available to you.

Understanding the interest rate and how to avoid paying it

The Old Navy card charges interest on any balance you carry from month to month. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies depending on your credit score and credit history. Synchrony will tell you the APR in your approval email or in the terms and conditions.

The easiest way to avoid interest is to pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you do that, you pay no interest at all. If you pay only part of the balance, interest starts building on the unpaid portion right away.

Some store cards offer promotional periods with no interest if you pay off your purchase within a certain timeframe (for example, 12 months with no interest on purchases over $100). Check your approval materials to see if any promotions are running when you get your card.

Store card rewards and when they are worth using

The Old Navy card gives you rewards in the form of discounts and early access to sales. These might include a percentage off your first purchase, bonus points on certain shopping days, or invitations to cardholders-only sales. The specific rewards change throughout the year, so log into your account or check Old Navy's website to see what is current.

A store card makes sense if you shop at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, or Athleta regularly — at least a few times a year. If you shop there only once a year or less, the rewards probably will not add up to much. A general-purpose credit card (Visa or Mastercard) that gives cash back or points on all purchases might be a better fit.

Remember that rewards are only valuable if you pay off your balance each month. If you carry a balance and pay interest, the interest charges will almost always be larger than the rewards you earn.

What to do if you are denied

If Synchrony denies your process, they will send you a letter explaining the reason. Common reasons include a low credit score, too much existing debt, a recent missed payment, or too many recent credit inquiries.

You can ask Synchrony for details about why you were denied, and you have the right to see a copy of your credit report for free. Visit annualcreditreport.com to request your report from all three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). Review the report for errors — if you find any, you can dispute them with the bureau.

If you were denied because of a low credit score, you can work on building your credit and explore again in a few months. If you were denied because of recent missed payments, wait until those payments are further in the past before explore again.

How the Old Navy card differs from a regular credit card

A store card like Old Navy's works only at that store and its sister brands. A regular credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) works almost everywhere. Store cards often have higher interest rates than regular cards, so they are more expensive to carry a balance on.

Store cards do offer rewards that are tailored to that store — discounts, early sales access, and bonus points. A regular card's rewards are usually cash back or points that work anywhere. If you shop at Old Navy often, the store card rewards might be worth the higher interest rate. If you shop there occasionally, a regular card with cash back is probably better.

You can have both a store card and a regular credit card. Many people do. The key is to use each card strategically — use the store card at Old Navy to earn rewards, and use your regular card everywhere else.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Old Navy card at other stores?

No. The Old Navy card works only at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. It will not work at any other retailer. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need a Visa, Mastercard, or American Express instead.

What happens if I miss a payment?

Synchrony will charge you a late fee and your interest rate may increase. A missed payment will also show up on your credit report and hurt your credit score. If you miss a payment, contact Synchrony as soon as possible to make a payment and ask about your options.

Can I transfer a balance from another credit card to the Old Navy card?

Most store cards do not offer balance transfers. Check your approval materials or call Synchrony to ask. If balance transfers are not available, you would need to pay off the other card with cash or another payment method.

How do I check my credit limit and account balance?

Log into your account on Synchrony's website or read the Synchrony mobile app. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card. Your monthly statement will also show your credit limit and current balance.

What if I want to close the card later?

You can close the card at any time by calling Synchrony. Make sure you have paid off any balance first. Closing a card can affect your credit score, so think carefully before you do it. Keeping old cards open (even if you do not use them) can actually help your credit score over time.