What the Hollister Credit Card Is

The Hollister Credit Card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use at Hollister Co. and its sister brands—Abercrombie & Fitch, Abercrombie Kids, and Gilly Hicks. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, a store card works only at those retailers and their websites. You get rewards on purchases there, but you cannot use it at other stores or restaurants.

The card comes in two versions: a regular version and a version that earns rewards faster if you spend more. Both charge no annual fee. The rewards are points you redeem for discounts on future purchases, not cash back.

Key Takeaways

  • The Hollister Credit Card works only at Hollister Co., Abercrombie & Fitch, Abercrombie Kids, and Gilly Hicks stores and websites.
  • You earn rewards points on every purchase, but the earning rate depends on which version of the card you hold and how much you spend annually.
  • The card has no annual fee, but it carries a standard interest rate that applies if you carry a balance month to month.
  • You can pay your bill online, by phone, or by mail through Synchrony Bank, which services the account.
  • Store cards typically have lower credit limits and higher interest rates than general-purpose credit cards.

How to Get the Card

You can request the Hollister Credit Card in-store at any Hollister location or online at hollisterco.com. The in-store process is faster—you fill out a short form, and Synchrony Bank gives you a decision on the spot, usually within minutes. If you are approved, you can use the card when ready for that purchase.

Online requests take longer. You enter your personal information, Social Security number, and income on the Hollister website. Synchrony then reviews your credit and contacts you by email or phone within a few business days. You will need a valid government ID and a current mailing address.

Synchrony will check your credit report, so the request will show up on your credit as a hard inquiry. This can lower your credit score slightly for a few months. If you are denied, you can contact Synchrony to ask why, though they are not required to give detailed reasons.

Rewards and Earning Rates

The standard Hollister Credit Card earns 5 points per dollar spent at Hollister and its sister brands. The premium version—sometimes called the Elite or Tier 2 card—earns points at a higher rate if you spend $500 or more in a calendar year. Once you hit that threshold, you earn 10 points per dollar for the rest of that year.

Points do not expire as long as your account stays open and active. You redeem them for discounts at checkout—typically $5 off for every 50 points, though the exact conversion varies by promotion. Hollister also runs special earning events where you earn double or triple points on certain days, usually during holiday shopping seasons.

Points are not the same as cash. You cannot transfer them to another card, sell them, or use them outside the Hollister family of stores. If you close the account, you lose any remaining points.

Interest Rates and Fees

The Hollister Credit Card charges a variable interest rate, meaning it changes based on market conditions. The exact rate you receive depends on your credit score and credit history—people with higher scores get lower rates. Synchrony will tell you the rate when you are approved.

Store cards typically carry higher interest rates than general-purpose cards. If you carry a balance from month to month, interest charges can add up quickly. The card has no annual fee, no late fees if you pay on time, and no foreign transaction fees (though you cannot use it outside the United States anyway).

If you miss a payment, Synchrony charges a late fee and reports the miss to credit bureaus after 30 days. This damages your credit score and makes future borrowing more expensive.

How to Manage Your Account

You can view your balance, make payments, and update your information through the Synchrony website or mobile app. You log in with your card number and a password you create. Synchrony sends your bill by mail or email each month, usually about 21 days before the due date.

Payments can be made online, by phone (1-866-396-8254), or by mail. Online and phone payments post the same day if you pay before the cutoff time, usually 8 p.m. Eastern time. Mail payments take 5 to 7 business days to reach Synchrony.

You can set up automatic payments so the minimum payment or your full balance is paid each month without you having to remember. This helps you avoid late fees and interest charges. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account.

Credit Limit and How It Works

When you are approved, Synchrony assigns you a credit limit—the maximum amount you can charge to the card. Store cards typically come with lower limits than general-purpose cards, often between $300 and $1,500 to start. Your limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history.

As you use the card responsibly—paying on time and keeping your balance low—Synchrony may increase your limit over time. You can also request a limit increase by logging into your account or calling Synchrony. A request for an increase may trigger a hard inquiry, which can lower your credit score slightly.

If you reach your limit, your purchase will be declined. You must pay down your balance before you can charge more. Carrying a balance close to your limit hurts your credit score because it raises your credit utilization ratio.

Pros and Cons of the Hollister Card

The main advantage is the rewards rate—5 points per dollar is generous compared to many store cards, and the 10-point rate for high spenders is even better. There is no annual fee, so you can keep the card open without paying to maintain it. If you shop at Hollister or Abercrombie regularly, the discounts add up.

The downsides are real. The card works nowhere else, so it is useful only if you shop at those four brands. The interest rate is typically higher than a general-purpose card, so carrying a balance is expensive. The credit limit is usually lower, which limits how much you can charge. And store cards can hurt your credit if you max them out, because high utilization looks risky to lenders.

A store card makes sense if you shop at Hollister frequently and can pay your balance in full each month. If you carry a balance or shop there rarely, a general-purpose rewards card is usually a better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Hollister card at other stores?

No. The Hollister Credit Card works only at Hollister Co., Abercrombie & Fitch, Abercrombie Kids, and Gilly Hicks—in stores and on their websites. You cannot use it at other retailers, restaurants, or gas stations.

What happens to my points if I close the account?

You lose any remaining points when you close the account. Points do not transfer to another card or convert to cash. If you think you might close the account soon, redeem your points before you do.

How long does it take to get approved?

In-store requests are approved on the spot, usually within minutes. Online requests take a few business days. Synchrony will contact you by email or phone with a decision. If you are approved, you can start using the card right away.

What is the interest rate on the Hollister card?

The rate is variable and depends on your credit score and history. Synchrony tells you the rate when you are approved. Store card rates are typically higher than general-purpose cards—often in the 18% to 26% range, though yours may be different.

Can I pay my bill over the phone?

Yes. Call Synchrony at 1-866-396-8254 to make a payment by phone. You can also pay online through the Synchrony website or app, or by mail. Phone and online payments post the same day if you pay before the cutoff time.