What the Old Navy Credit Card Does
The Old Navy Credit Card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that works only at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. You use it like any other credit card—swipe it at checkout, pay a monthly bill—but the rewards and financing offers are specific to those four stores. There is no cash-back option and you cannot use it anywhere else.
The card comes in two versions: a regular rewards card and a card that offers special financing on larger purchases. Both charge interest on unpaid balances, and both require you to go through a credit check when you open the account. The card does not have an annual fee.
Key Takeaways
- The Old Navy Credit Card earns rewards points only when you shop at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, or Athleta, and points do not transfer to cash or other programs.
- You earn points faster if you hold the card—typically 5 points per dollar at Old Navy and fewer at the other stores—but the rewards are store credit only.
- The card offers promotional financing periods on purchases over a certain amount, but interest accrues if you do not pay off the full balance by the end of the promotion.
- Opening the account requires a credit check, and your credit limit depends on your credit history and income.
- You can manage your account online or through the Synchrony mobile app, and you can pay your bill through either platform.
How Rewards Points Work on This Card
When you use the Old Navy Credit Card at Old Navy, you earn 5 points for every dollar you spend. At Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta, you earn 1 point per dollar. You do not earn points on returns, and points expire if your account is closed or inactive for a long period—check your cardholder agreement for the exact timeline.
Points convert to store credit in $5 increments. Once you have 100 points, you can redeem them for a $5 coupon to use at any of the four stores. There is no option to cash out points, transfer them to another rewards program, or use them outside these retailers. If you shop rarely at these stores, points accumulate slowly and may expire before you use them.
Promotional Financing Offers and How They Work
Old Navy periodically runs promotions that let you make a purchase and pay it off over time without interest. These typically explore to purchases over $75 or $100, depending on the promotion running that month. The interest-free period usually lasts 6, 12, or 24 months—the exact terms change with each promotion.
If you do not pay off the full promotional balance by the end of the period, the card charges you interest on the remaining balance at the card's regular rate, which varies based on your creditworthiness. The interest is calculated retroactively from the purchase date, not from the end of the promotion. This means a single missed payment can cost you hundreds of dollars in back interest on a large purchase. Read the terms of each promotion carefully before you buy, and set a reminder to pay off the balance before the important date.
Interest Rates and Fees
The Old Navy Credit Card charges a variable interest rate, meaning the rate changes based on market conditions and your creditworthiness. Synchrony does not publish a single rate; your rate depends on your credit score and credit history. You can find your rate in your cardholder agreement or by logging into your account online.
The card has no annual fee, no late fee (in most states), and no foreign transaction fee—though you cannot use it outside the United States anyway. However, you will pay interest on any balance you carry from month to month, and that interest compounds daily. If you carry a balance, the interest charges can quickly exceed any rewards you earn.
How to Open an Account
You can open an Old Navy Credit Card account online at the Old Navy website, in a store, or over the phone. The process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Synchrony runs a hard credit inquiry, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.
You will receive a decision within minutes in most cases. If approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, you can set up it online, through the app, or by calling the number on the back of the card. You can also use your account number to make purchases online before the physical card arrives, though some cardholders prefer to wait until the card is in hand.
If you are denied, you can call Synchrony to ask why. Common reasons include a low credit score, recent negative marks on your credit report, or insufficient income. You can reapply after 30 days, but your credit score will not improve in that time unless you actively work to build it.
Managing Your Account and Paying Your Bill
You manage your Old Navy Credit Card account through the Synchrony website or the Synchrony mobile app. Both let you view your balance, make payments, set up automatic payments, and see your rewards points. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card to speak to a representative.
Your bill is due on the same date each month. You can pay online, through the app, by phone, or by mail. If you set up automatic payments, Synchrony can pay your full balance, a fixed amount, or the minimum payment each month. Paying more than the minimum reduces the interest you owe and helps you pay off the card faster. If you miss a payment, Synchrony reports it to the credit bureaus after 30 days, which damages your credit score.
When the Old Navy Credit Card Makes Sense
This card is worth considering if you shop regularly at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, or Athleta and you plan to pay off your balance in full each month. The 5 points per dollar at Old Navy adds up if you spend $100 or more per month there. The promotional financing can also save you money on large purchases if you are disciplined about paying off the balance before interest kicks in.
The card is not a good fit if you carry a balance month to month, shop at these stores only occasionally, or want rewards that work anywhere. The interest charges will outpace any rewards you earn, and points expire if you do not redeem them regularly. If you have a lower credit score, you may also face a higher interest rate, which makes carrying a balance even more expensive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Old Navy Credit Card at other stores?
No. The card works only at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. You cannot use it at other retailers, online marketplaces, or for cash withdrawals. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need a different credit card.
What happens to my rewards points if I close my account?
Points typically expire when your account closes, though the exact policy is in your cardholder agreement. Before you close your account, redeem any remaining points for store credit so you do not lose them. If you have already closed the account, contact Synchrony to ask whether the points can be recovered.
Does the Old Navy Credit Card help build credit?
Yes, if you use it responsibly. Synchrony reports your payment history to the three major credit bureaus, so on-time payments build your credit score over time. Carrying a high balance relative to your credit limit, missing payments, or closing the account can hurt your score instead.
What is the credit limit for a new account?
Credit limits vary based on your credit score, income, and credit history. New cardholders typically receive limits between $300 and $2,500, though some receive higher or lower limits. You can request a credit limit increase after you have had the card for a few months and made on-time payments.
Can I transfer my Old Navy rewards points to another rewards program?
No. Points convert only to store credit at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, or Athleta. There is no option to transfer them to airline miles, hotel points, or cash-back programs. If you want rewards that transfer, you need a different card.