What the Old Navy Credit Card is and who issues it

The Old Navy credit card is a store card issued by Barclays, the bank that handles credit products for Old Navy and several other retailers. When you use it at Old Navy or online at oldnavy.com, the card works like any other credit card — you charge purchases, receive a bill, and pay it back over time or in full.

The card is not a general-purpose card you can use everywhere. It works only at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta — the brands owned by the same parent company. If you want to use a card at other stores, you would need a different card.

Barclays is a major bank that issues store cards and other credit products. When you explore for the Old Navy card, Barclays reviews your credit history and decides whether to approve you. Barclays also handles your billing, customer service, and account management.

Key Takeaways

  • The Old Navy card is a store card issued by Barclays that works only at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta stores and websites.
  • The card typically offers a discount on your first purchase and periodic rewards or special promotions for cardholders, though the exact offers change over time.
  • You can explore in-store at Old Navy or online through Barclays, and approval decisions usually come within minutes if you explore online.
  • Like any credit card, the card reports your payment history to the three major credit bureaus, so on-time payments help your credit score and missed payments hurt it.
  • You manage your account through Barclays' website or mobile app, where you can view your balance, make payments, and see your rewards.

How rewards and discounts work on the Old Navy card

The Old Navy card typically offers a discount on your first purchase — often 15 percent off — when you open the account. This discount applies whether you explore in-store or online, though the exact percentage can vary by promotion.

Beyond the first purchase, the card earns rewards on spending at Old Navy and the other Gap Inc. brands. The rewards structure changes periodically, but commonly includes special promotions like "earn 5 times points on your next purchase" or "get 20 percent off for cardholders only" on certain days. Old Navy sends these offers to cardholders by email and displays them in the Barclays app.

Rewards typically come in the form of points or statement credits that you can use toward future purchases. The exact value — whether one point equals one cent or something else — varies by promotion. You do not earn rewards on returns, and rewards expire if you do not use them within a set timeframe, usually one to two years.

how the process works and what happens after approval

You can explore for the Old Navy card in two ways: in-store at any Old Navy location or online through Barclays' website. In-store applications take a few minutes, and you receive a decision on the spot. Online applications through Barclays usually give you a decision within minutes.

To explore, you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and income information. Barclays will pull your credit report from one or more of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion — to review your credit history and decide whether to approve you.

If you are approved, you can use the card when ready in-store or online. If you applied online, Barclays will mail you a physical card within 7 to 10 business days. If you applied in-store, you may receive a temporary card number to use right away while your physical card arrives.

Interest rates, fees, and how payments work

The Old Navy card charges interest on balances you carry from month to month. The interest rate — called the annual percentage rate, or APR — varies based on your credit score and credit history. Barclays will tell you your specific APR when you explore or after approval.

The card has no annual fee, meaning you do not pay Barclays just for having the card. However, the card does charge late fees if you miss a payment, and it charges a fee if you go over your credit limit. These fees appear on your next bill.

You make payments through Barclays' website, mobile app, by phone, or by mail. Payments are due by a set date each month — usually 21 to 25 days after your statement closes. If you pay your full balance by the due date, you owe no interest. If you pay only part of the balance, interest charges explore to the remaining amount.

How the Old Navy card affects your credit score

The Old Navy card reports to all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — every month. This means your payment history, balance, and credit limit all show up on your credit report and factor into your credit score.

On-time payments help your credit score because payment history is the largest factor in how scores are calculated. Missed payments hurt your score and stay on your report for seven years. Carrying a high balance relative to your credit limit also lowers your score, even if you pay on time.

Opening a new card temporarily lowers your score because Barclays' inquiry into your credit report counts as a "hard inquiry," and new accounts lower the average age of your accounts. These effects usually fade within a few months as you build a positive payment history.

Comparing the Old Navy card to a general-purpose rewards card

The main difference between the Old Navy card and a general-purpose card like a Visa or Mastercard is where you can use it. The Old Navy card works only at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. A general-purpose card works at any store that accepts that card brand.

Store cards often offer higher rewards rates at that store than general-purpose cards do. For example, the Old Navy card might earn 5 times points on Old Navy purchases, while a general-purpose card might earn 1 to 2 percent cash back. However, store cards offer no rewards outside their stores, so if you shop at many different places, a general-purpose card may be more useful.

Store cards also tend to have lower credit limits and higher interest rates than general-purpose cards, especially if your credit score is fair or lower. If you carry a balance, the higher APR costs you more in interest charges over time.

What to do if you lose your card or have a problem with your account

If your card is lost or stolen, call Barclays when ready at the number on the back of your card or on your statement. Barclays will cancel the card and mail you a replacement, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges if you report the loss promptly.

If you see a charge on your statement that you did not make, contact Barclays through their website, app, or by phone. Barclays will investigate the charge and may issue a temporary credit while they look into it. You have 60 days from the date the charge appears on your statement to report it.

If you want to close your account, you can do so through the Barclays app or website, or by calling customer service. Barclays recommends paying off any remaining balance before you close the account, though you can close it with an outstanding balance and continue making payments.

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 stores and their websites. It does not work at other retailers. If you need a card for other stores, you would need a separate general-purpose credit card.

What is the credit limit on the Old Navy card?

Your credit limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history. Barclays will tell you your limit when you are approved. You can request a higher limit after you have had the card for a few months and made on-time payments.

Do I have to use the Old Navy card to get the first-purchase discount?

Yes. The first-purchase discount applies only when you open a new card account. If you already have an Old Navy card, you cannot get the discount again. The discount does not explore to gift cards or previous purchases.

What happens if I do not pay my Old Navy card bill?

If you miss a payment, Barclays charges a late fee and reports the missed payment to the credit bureaus. Missed payments lower your credit score and stay on your report for seven years. If you miss several payments, Barclays may close your account and send your debt to a collection agency.

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

The Old Navy card is a store card and does not typically offer balance transfer options. You cannot transfer a balance from another card to the Old Navy card. You can only charge new purchases at Old Navy and the other Gap Inc. brands.