What the Old Navy Credit Card is and who issues it

The Old Navy Credit Card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use to make purchases at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and other brands owned by the Gap Inc. family. Unlike a general-purpose credit card from Visa or Mastercard, this card works only at those specific stores — you cannot use it at other retailers or restaurants.

Synchrony Bank handles the account behind the scenes: they approve your request, set your credit limit, charge you interest if you carry a balance, and send you monthly statements. Old Navy itself does not issue the card, though the card carries the Old Navy name and logo.

The card comes in two versions: a regular credit card and a rewards card. Both work the same way at checkout, but the rewards version earns points on your purchases that you can redeem for discounts.

Key Takeaways

  • The Old Navy Credit Card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that works only at Gap Inc. stores, not at other retailers.
  • You earn rewards points on purchases with the rewards version, which you can redeem for future discounts at the same stores.
  • The card typically carries a higher interest rate than general-purpose credit cards, so carrying a balance costs more money over time.
  • You receive a discount on your first purchase when you open the account, usually 10 to 15 percent off, but only if you use the card that day.
  • Your credit history and credit score determine whether Synchrony approves you and what credit limit they offer.

How the rewards program works

The Old Navy Rewards Credit Card earns points on every dollar you spend at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. The earning rate varies — you typically earn more points during promotional periods than during regular shopping. Synchrony publishes the current earning rate on the Old Navy website and in your account.

You redeem points for discounts on future purchases. For example, 100 points might equal a $5 discount, though the conversion rate can change. Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active, but they disappear if you close the account or if your account goes inactive for a long period.

The first-purchase discount is separate from the rewards program. When you open the account, you usually receive a one-time discount — often 10 to 15 percent off your first purchase — but you must use the card on that same day to get it. This discount applies to your entire purchase, not just a portion of it.

Interest rates and what happens if you carry a balance

The Old Navy Credit Card charges interest on balances you do not pay in full by the due date. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies by person based on your credit history and credit score. Synchrony typically charges higher APRs on store cards than on general-purpose credit cards — you might see rates ranging from the mid-teens to the mid-20s, but your actual rate depends on your credit profile.

If you carry a $500 balance at 20 percent APR and make only minimum payments, you will pay significantly more in interest than you would on a general-purpose card at a lower rate. This is why store cards are most useful if you pay your balance in full each month.

Synchrony offers promotional financing periods from time to time — for example, 0 percent APR for 12 months on purchases over a certain amount. These offers appear in your account or in store promotions. The 0 percent rate applies only if you meet the terms (such as making purchases within a certain time window) and only to the specific purchase or time period named in the offer.

How to open an account and what information you need

You can open an Old Navy Credit Card account online at the Old Navy website, in a store, or by phone. The online route is usually fastest. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information. Synchrony will check your credit report to decide whether to approve you.

The approval decision usually comes within minutes if you explore online. If approved, you can use the card when ready for online purchases, though the physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you explore in a store, you can sometimes use a temporary card number that day to get your first-purchase discount.

Synchrony may ask follow-up questions if your process needs review — for example, if your income or address information does not match their records. They will contact you by phone or email with next steps.

When a store card makes sense and when it does not

The Old Navy Credit Card is most useful if you shop at Gap Inc. stores regularly and pay your balance in full each month. The rewards points add up faster than they would with a general-purpose card, and you avoid interest charges entirely. The first-purchase discount also saves you money on your opening purchase.

The card is less useful if you carry a balance month to month. The higher interest rate means you pay more in interest than you would on a general-purpose card, which can erase the value of the rewards points. If you shop at Old Navy only occasionally, a general-purpose card with cash back or points that work anywhere gives you more flexibility.

A store card also affects your credit in the same way a general-purpose card does: it counts toward your credit mix, it reports your payment history to the credit bureaus, and opening a new account temporarily lowers your credit score. If you are working to build or repair your credit, opening a store card should be part of a larger strategy, not a standalone move.

How the card appears on your credit report and affects your credit score

Synchrony reports your Old Navy Credit Card account to all three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This means your payment history, credit limit, and balance all show up on your credit report and factor into your credit score.

Opening a new account causes a small, temporary dip in your credit score because Synchrony performs a hard inquiry into your credit report. This dip usually recovers within a few months if you make on-time payments.

Your payment history is the largest factor in your credit score. Missing a payment on the Old Navy card hurts your score just as much as missing a payment on any other card. Synchrony reports late payments to the credit bureaus, and a 30-day late payment stays on your report for seven years.

Comparing the Old Navy card to other store cards and general-purpose cards

Store cards like Old Navy's typically offer higher rewards rates at their home store than general-purpose cards do, but they work nowhere else. A general-purpose card with 1 to 2 percent cash back works at any retailer, which gives you more flexibility even if the earning rate is lower.

Store cards also tend to carry higher interest rates. If you compare the APR on the Old Navy card to the APR on a general-purpose card from the same issuer (Synchrony), the store card rate is usually higher. This matters only if you carry a balance, but it is worth knowing before you open the account.

Some people carry both: a store card for regular shopping at that store (to earn the higher rewards rate) and a general-purpose card for everywhere else. This works well if you pay both balances in full each month. If you tend to carry a balance, a single general-purpose card with a lower APR is usually the better choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Old Navy card at other stores?

No. The Old Navy Credit Card works only at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta, and other stores owned by Gap Inc. You cannot use it at other retailers, restaurants, or online merchants outside the Gap Inc. family.

What happens to my rewards points if I close the account?

Your rewards points disappear when you close the account. If you have points saved up, redeem them before you close the account. Points also expire if your account goes inactive for an extended period, though Synchrony's policy on how long that is varies.

Does the Old Navy card hurt my credit score?

Opening the account causes a small temporary dip because of the hard inquiry. Over time, the card helps your credit score if you make on-time payments and keep your balance low, because it adds to your payment history and credit mix. Missing payments or carrying a high balance hurts your score.

What is the credit limit, and can I increase it?

Synchrony sets your initial credit limit based on your credit history and income. You can request a credit limit increase after you have had the card for several months and made on-time payments. Synchrony may perform a hard inquiry when you request an increase, which temporarily lowers your credit score.

Is there an annual fee?

The Old Navy Credit Card does not charge an annual fee. You pay interest only if you carry a balance past the due date, and you pay late fees only if your payment arrives after the due date.