What the Old Navy Credit Card Does
The Old Navy credit card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. Unlike a general-purpose card, it only works at those four retailers — you cannot use it at grocery stores, gas stations, or other merchants. The card offers discounts and rewards when you shop at those stores, but carries an interest rate you pay if you carry a balance month to month.
The card comes in two versions: a regular credit card and a rewards card. Both let you make purchases and pay them back over time. The rewards version earns points on every dollar you spend, which you can redeem for discounts on future purchases. Neither version has an annual fee.
Key Takeaways
- The Old Navy card works only at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta stores and online, not at other retailers.
- You earn rewards points on purchases with the rewards version, which you redeem as statement credits toward future shopping.
- The card charges interest on balances you carry past the due date, so carrying a balance costs you money unless you pay in full each month.
- Approval depends on your credit history, and the card reports to all three credit bureaus, so it affects your credit score.
- Special financing offers (like "12 months same as cash") are available during promotions but require on-time payments to avoid retroactive interest.
Rewards and Discounts You Actually Receive
The rewards card earns points at a rate that varies by card type and purchase. You typically earn points on every dollar spent at Old Navy and its sister stores. Points accumulate in your account and convert to rewards you can use as statement credits — meaning the system subtracts the reward amount from your bill instead of giving you cash back.
Old Navy also runs periodic promotions where cardholders get extra discounts or early access to sales. These are not automatic; you have to watch for them in emails or in-store signage. The discounts stack on top of regular sales, so a cardholder might save more during a promotion week than a non-cardholder would.
The regular (non-rewards) version of the card does not earn points but may still may have access to for promotional discounts during sales events. If you shop at Old Navy only a few times a year, the regular card might be simpler than tracking rewards.
Interest Rates and What Happens If You Carry a Balance
The Old Navy card charges interest on any balance you do not pay in full by the due date. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies based on your credit history and current credit conditions. Synchrony Bank sets your rate when you open the account, and it can change over time. You can find your current rate on your statement or by logging into your account online.
If you charge $500 and pay only $100 by the due date, you owe interest on the remaining $400. That interest gets added to your next bill. If you continue to carry a balance, the interest compounds — you pay interest on the interest. This is why carrying a balance on a store card is expensive: the rewards you earn (usually 1 to 5 percent back) disappear quickly if you are paying 20 to 30 percent interest on what you owe.
Special financing offers (such as "12 months same as cash") let you make a large purchase and pay it back interest-free if you finish within the promotional period. If you miss a payment or do not pay off the full amount by the end of the period, the store charges you interest retroactively — meaning you owe interest on the entire original purchase, not just the remaining balance. Read the terms carefully before accepting a promotional offer.
How the Card Affects Your Credit Score
Opening the Old Navy card creates a new account that Synchrony reports to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit bureaus. This affects your credit score in two ways when ready: your score drops slightly because a new account lowers your average account age, and a hard inquiry (the bank's check of your credit) also causes a small, temporary dip.
After that, your score can improve or worsen depending on how you use the card. If you charge purchases and pay the full balance each month, you build a record of on-time payments, which helps your score over time. If you carry a balance, your credit utilization (the percentage of your credit limit you are using) goes up, which lowers your score. Missed or late payments damage your score significantly and stay on your report for seven years.
Because this is a store card with a lower credit limit than a general-purpose card, maxing it out hurts your utilization ratio more than maxing out a card with a $10,000 limit would. Keep your balance well below your limit if you want to protect your score.
When a Store Card Makes Sense and When It Does Not
A store card is worth opening if you shop at Old Navy or its sister stores regularly (at least several times a year) and you pay the full balance every month. The rewards add up over time, and you avoid interest charges entirely. If you are a frequent shopper, the promotional discounts alone can save you $50 to $100 per year.
A store card is not worth opening if you shop there rarely, if you tend to carry balances, or if you are trying to rebuild your credit. The interest rate is higher than most general-purpose cards, so carrying a balance costs more. Opening another account also temporarily lowers your credit score, which matters if you are planning to explore for a mortgage or car loan soon.
If you already have a rewards credit card from a bank (like Chase or Capital One), compare what you earn there to what you would earn with the Old Navy card. Many bank cards offer 2 percent cash back on all purchases, which beats most store card rewards. The only advantage of the store card is the promotional discounts — so weigh those against the higher interest rate and the impact on your credit.
how the process works and What Happens Next
You can explore for the Old Navy card in-store at any Old Navy location or online through the Old Navy website. The in-store process takes about 10 minutes, and you get an answer on the spot. Online applications also process quickly, usually within minutes.
Synchrony Bank reviews your process using your credit history, income, and current debts. If you are approved, you receive a card number when ready (online) or a physical card in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you are denied, Synchrony sends you a letter explaining why, and you can request a copy of the credit report they used.
Once you have the card, you can use it right away at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta stores and on their websites. Your first bill arrives about 30 days after your first purchase. You can set up automatic payments online to avoid missing a due date, or you can pay manually each month.
Comparing the Old Navy Card to Other Options
If you shop at multiple retailers, a general-purpose rewards card from a bank usually offers better value. Cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Capital One SavorOne earn cash back at 1.5 to 2 percent on all purchases, work everywhere, and often have lower interest rates than store cards. You also build credit faster with a bank card because the credit limit is usually higher.
If you want rewards specifically for clothing shopping, some bank cards offer bonus categories. For example, some cards earn 3 percent back at department stores, which includes Old Navy. You would earn the same or more than the Old Navy card without being locked into one retailer.
The main advantage of the Old Navy card is the promotional discounts and early sale access. If you shop there frequently enough that those perks save you more than you would earn with a bank card, it is worth keeping. Otherwise, a general-purpose card is the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Old Navy 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 any other purchases. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need a general-purpose credit card from a bank.
What is the credit limit, and can I increase it?
Your credit limit depends on your credit score and income when you explore. Synchrony typically starts new cardholders with limits between $300 and $2,000, though some people receive higher limits. You can request a credit limit increase after six months of on-time payments by calling the number on the back of your card or logging into your account online.
Do I have to pay an annual fee?
No. The Old Navy card has no annual fee. You only pay interest if you carry a balance past the due date, and you only pay late fees if you miss a payment.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment is reported to the credit bureaus and damages your credit score. Synchrony charges a late fee (the amount varies but is typically $25 to $40) and may increase your interest rate. If you miss a payment, contact Synchrony as soon as possible to bring your account current and ask about waiving the fee.
Can I use the card to pay bills or get cash?
No. The Old Navy card is for purchases at Old Navy and its sister stores only. You cannot use it to pay utilities, insurance, or other bills, and you cannot withdraw cash. If you need a card for those purposes, you need a general-purpose credit card.