The Old Navy credit card is a store card that gives you discounts at Old Navy and Gap Inc. stores, but charges interest on unpaid balances
The Old Navy credit card is issued by Synchrony Bank and works only at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta stores — online and in person. You do not earn cash back or travel rewards. Instead, you get a discount on your first purchase (usually 15% off) and periodic sale notifications. If you carry a balance month to month, you pay interest at a variable rate that Synchrony sets based on your credit score and market conditions.
The card is most useful if you shop at these stores regularly and can pay your full balance each month. If you carry a balance, the interest rate typically runs higher than a standard credit card, which makes it an expensive way to finance purchases. The card reports to all three credit bureaus, so it affects your credit score the same way any other card does.
Key Takeaways
- The Old Navy card gives you a first-purchase discount and periodic sale alerts, but no cash back or points on any purchase.
- The card only works at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta — you cannot use it elsewhere.
- Interest rates on unpaid balances are variable and typically higher than standard credit cards, making it expensive to carry a balance.
- The card reports to credit bureaus and affects your credit score like any other card, including a hard inquiry when you open it.
- You can use the card to build credit history if you make on-time payments, but the rewards structure does not compete with general-purpose cards.
What the Old Navy card actually rewards you for
The main reward is a discount on your first purchase after opening the account. This discount is usually 15% off, though the exact percentage changes by promotion. You also receive periodic emails about sales and exclusive offers, which may include additional discounts or bonus rewards days.
Beyond the first purchase, the card does not earn points, miles, or cash back on any transaction. You get the same price as a customer paying with any other card. The only ongoing benefit is early access to sales and the ability to use the card to build credit history through on-time payments.
Interest rates and fees you need to know
The Old Navy card charges a variable annual percentage rate (APR) on balances you do not pay in full. Synchrony does not publish a fixed rate — your rate depends on your credit score, credit history, and current market conditions. Based on recent cardholder reports, rates typically range from 18% to 27%, though this varies.
The card has no annual fee. There is no foreign transaction fee because the card only works in the United States. Late payments may trigger a late fee, and if you miss a payment by 60 days or more, Synchrony may report it to credit bureaus, which damages your credit score.
If you carry a $500 balance at 22% APR and make only minimum payments, you will pay roughly $55 in interest over the course of a year, assuming you do not add new charges. The longer you carry a balance, the more interest accumulates.
How the card affects your credit score
Opening the Old Navy card triggers a hard inquiry into your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. Once the account is open, it helps your credit in two ways: it adds to your total available credit (which lowers your credit utilization ratio if you do not max out the card), and it gives you a new account to build payment history on.
If you make all payments on time and keep your balance low, the card will improve your credit score over time. If you miss payments or carry a high balance relative to your credit limit, it will hurt your score. The card reports monthly to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, so your payment history shows up on all three bureaus.
When the Old Navy card makes sense to use
The card is worth opening if you shop at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, or Athleta regularly and plan to pay your full balance each month. The first-purchase discount alone can save you $15 to $30 on a typical shopping trip, and the periodic sale alerts may help you time your purchases to promotional periods.
The card does not make sense if you shop at these stores only occasionally, if you expect to carry a balance, or if you want rewards that work anywhere. A general-purpose cash back card (like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Capital One SavorOne) will give you 1.5% to 2% back on all purchases, which compounds over time and works at any retailer. For store-specific shopping, a card that only works at one chain is a poor substitute for a card that works everywhere.
How to open the Old Navy card and what happens next
You can open the card online at oldnavy.com, in an Old Navy store, or through the Old Navy mobile app. The process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and income. Synchrony will pull your credit report when ready.
You will usually get a decision within seconds. If you are approved, your card ships to your address within 7 to 10 business days. Once it arrives, you can set up it online or by phone. Your first-purchase discount is usually good for 30 days from account opening, so you have a window to use it.
After you open the account, you can manage your balance online through Synchrony's website or mobile app. You can set up automatic payments, view your statement, and update your contact information there. Payments are due on the date listed on your monthly statement, typically 21 to 25 days after the statement closes.
Comparing the Old Navy card to other store cards and general-purpose cards
| Card | First-Purchase Discount | Ongoing Rewards | Where It Works | Typical APR |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Old Navy Card | 15% off | None | Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta only | 18%–27% |
| Target RedCard | 5% off opening purchase | 5% off all Target purchases | Target only | 18%–25% |
| Chase Freedom Unlimited | None | 1.5% cash back all purchases | Everywhere | 18%–28% |
| Capital One SavorOne | None | 3% dining, 2% groceries, 1% other | Everywhere | 18%–28% |
If you shop at Target regularly, the Target RedCard offers 5% back on all purchases, which is a stronger ongoing reward than the Old Navy card. If you shop at multiple retailers, a general-purpose card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Capital One SavorOne will earn rewards everywhere you spend, not just at one chain.
Store cards typically have higher interest rates than general-purpose cards because they are riskier for the issuer — they assume you will carry a balance. If you plan to pay in full each month, the interest rate does not matter, and the first-purchase discount is the only meaningful benefit. If you think you might carry a balance, a general-purpose card with a lower APR is a safer choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Old Navy card at other stores?
No. The card only works at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. You cannot use it at any other retailer, online or in person. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need a different card.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment triggers a late fee (usually $25 to $35) and may raise your APR. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, Synchrony reports it to credit bureaus, which damages your credit score. If you miss a payment by 60 days or more, the damage is more severe and can affect your ability to borrow for years.
Does the Old Navy card have a sign-up bonus?
The main sign-up benefit is the first-purchase discount, usually 15% off. Some promotions offer higher discounts (up to 20% off) or bonus rewards on future purchases, but these change throughout the year. Check the Old Navy website or ask in-store for the current offer.
Can I transfer my balance from another card to the Old Navy card?
No. The Old Navy card does not offer balance transfers. If you have a balance on another card, you cannot move it to the Old Navy card. You would need to pay off the other card separately or use a different card that offers balance transfer options.
How do I close the Old Navy card if I do not want it anymore?
Call Synchrony at the number on the back of your card and ask to close the account. You can also close it through the Synchrony website. Make sure you pay off any remaining balance before closing, and keep the account open for at least a few months after opening to avoid damaging your credit score.