Call Old Navy's customer service line to request cancellation
The fastest way to cancel your Old Navy credit card is to call the customer service number on the back of your card. Have your card number and account information ready. The representative will confirm your identity, answer any questions about why you're canceling, and process the cancellation on the call.
Old Navy's credit card is issued by Synchrony Bank, so you're speaking with a Synchrony representative, not an Old Navy store employee. The call typically takes 5 to 10 minutes. Ask the representative to confirm the cancellation in writing and note the date and time of your call.
If you don't have your card handy, you can also log into your Old Navy credit card account online through the Synchrony portal and look for a cancellation or account closure option, though calling remains the most direct method.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Old Navy credit card to speak with a Synchrony representative who can cancel your account when ready.
- Before you cancel, pay off any remaining balance on the card to avoid interest charges or collection activity.
- Canceling a card you've held for years may lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your available credit and shortens your average account age.
- Request written confirmation of the cancellation and keep a record of the date and representative's name for your records.
- After cancellation, monitor your credit report to confirm the account shows as closed and watch for any unexpected charges.
Pay off your balance before canceling
Do not cancel the card while you still owe money on it. Any remaining balance will still be due, and you'll continue to accrue interest until it's paid in full. Contact Old Navy customer service to confirm your current balance, then pay it through your online account or by phone before you request cancellation.
If you have a promotional offer on the card (such as deferred interest), check the terms before paying. Some promotions require the full balance to be paid by a specific date or interest will be charged retroactively. Paying early could trigger this penalty, so read the offer details or ask the representative about it during your cancellation call.
Understand how cancellation affects your credit
Closing a credit card account has a short-term impact on your credit score. Your available credit decreases when ready, which can raise your credit utilization ratio if you carry balances on other cards. If this card is one of your oldest accounts, closing it also lowers the average age of your credit accounts, which factors into your score.
The score drop is usually temporary and modest—often 5 to 10 points—and recovers within a few months as long as you keep other accounts in good standing. If you're planning to explore for a mortgage, auto loan, or other credit in the next 30 to 60 days, consider waiting to cancel until after your process is approved.
The account will remain on your credit report for up to 10 years after closure, which is actually beneficial because it shows a history of responsible credit use. You don't need to do anything to make this happen; it occurs automatically.
Request written confirmation and monitor your account
After the representative confirms your cancellation, ask them to send you a written confirmation email or letter. This protects you if a charge appears on the card after closure or if there's a dispute about when the account was closed. Write down the date, time, representative's name, and confirmation number they provide.
Check your account online for the next 30 days to make sure no new charges appear. If you see activity after the cancellation date, contact Synchrony when ready. Also watch for any final billing statements or notices from Old Navy or Synchrony confirming the closure.
Pull your credit report from all three bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) about 30 days after cancellation to confirm the account shows as closed. You can get a free report from annualcreditreport.com. If the account doesn't reflect the closure within 60 days, contact Synchrony to follow up.
What to do if you want to keep the card but stop using it
If you're unsure about canceling permanently, you can straightforward stop using the card instead. Closing an unused account has the same credit score impact as canceling it, but you keep the option to reopen it later if needed. Just put the card in a drawer and leave the account open with a zero balance.
The downside is that Old Navy or Synchrony may close the account for inactivity after 12 to 24 months of no charges. If that happens, the effect on your credit is the same as if you'd canceled it yourself. Some cardholders make a small purchase every few months to keep the account active, but this only matters if you want to preserve the option to use it later.
Canceling before your annual fee hits
The Old Navy credit card does not currently carry an annual fee, so you don't need to rush to cancel before a fee posts. However, if you received a card offer that mentioned an annual fee or if your card terms have changed, check your most recent statement or account page to confirm the current fee structure.
If a fee is about to post and you want to avoid it, call before the fee date. Some issuers will waive a first-year fee if you call before it's charged, though Synchrony does not always do this. It's worth asking, but don't count on it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will canceling hurt my credit score?
Yes, but usually only temporarily. Your score may drop 5 to 10 points because your available credit decreases and the average age of your accounts goes down. The impact fades within a few months if you keep other accounts in good standing. The account will stay on your credit report for up to 10 years, which is actually positive because it shows a history of responsible credit use.
Can I cancel over the phone or do I have to go to a store?
You can cancel entirely over the phone by calling the number on the back of your card. You do not need to visit an Old Navy store. Calling is faster and gives you a record of the cancellation date and representative's name.
What happens to my rewards points when I cancel?
Old Navy credit card rewards typically expire when the account is closed, so use any remaining points before you cancel. Log into your account to check your balance and redeem them for a discount on your next purchase, or ask the representative about your points during the cancellation call.
Can I reopen the account after I cancel it?
Reopening a closed account is difficult and not may provide. Synchrony may allow you to reapply for a new card, but it will be treated as a new account with a new account age. If you think you might want to use the card again, consider keeping it open with a zero balance instead of canceling.
What if I have a pending charge on the card when I cancel?
Pending charges may still post after cancellation. Make sure all transactions have fully posted and cleared before you cancel. If a charge posts after the account is closed, contact Synchrony with your confirmation of cancellation and they can help resolve the issue.