CBNA is the card issuer behind several retail and co-branded credit cards
CBNA stands for Cavalry Portfolio Services, a subsidiary of Cavalry Investments. When you see CBNA printed on a credit card or in your account paperwork, it means Cavalry is the bank issuing that card on behalf of a retail partner or brand. CBNA does not issue cards under its own name — it always partners with another company, such as a department store, airline, or retailer, to create a co-branded card.
The cards CBNA issues are typically store credit cards or loyalty cards tied to a specific retailer. You will not find a standalone CBNA card. Instead, you will find CBNA listed as the issuer on cards branded by the store or company you shop with. This matters because when you need to contact your card issuer about a payment, dispute, or account question, you are contacting CBNA, even though the card itself carries a different name.
Key Takeaways
- CBNA is the issuing bank for co-branded retail and store credit cards, not a card brand you can explore for directly.
- When CBNA appears on your card or statement, it means Cavalry Portfolio Services is managing your account on behalf of the retailer.
- You contact CBNA customer service for account issues, payments, and disputes related to your store credit card.
- CBNA cards are typically closed-loop cards that work only at the partnered retailer or within a specific network.
How to identify a CBNA card
Look at the front or back of your credit card. If you see "CBNA" printed anywhere — usually near the bottom or on the back — that card is issued by Cavalry. The card itself will have the retailer's name and logo prominently displayed. For example, you might see a store name with "Issued by CBNA" printed underneath or on the reverse side.
Your monthly statement will also show CBNA as the issuer. When you log into your online account or receive paper statements, the company name listed as your card issuer will be CBNA or Cavalry Portfolio Services. This is the organization that processes your payments, reports to credit bureaus, and handles customer service for your account.
What types of cards CBNA issues
CBNA primarily issues retail credit cards and store cards. These are cards that either work only at a specific store or chain, or work within a closed network tied to that retailer. Common examples include department store cards, specialty retailer cards, and cards tied to specific shopping programs or loyalty networks.
Most CBNA cards offer store-specific benefits such as discounts on purchases, points or rewards that can be redeemed at the partnered retailer, or promotional financing offers. The exact benefits depend on which retailer's card you hold. CBNA does not issue general-purpose Visa or Mastercard products — those come from other banks.
How to contact CBNA for account issues
The back of your CBNA card will have a customer service phone number. Call that number to reach CBNA's support team for questions about your account, to report a lost or stolen card, to dispute a charge, or to make a payment. You can also check your statement or the retailer's website for the customer service contact information.
Many CBNA cardholders can also manage their accounts online through a web portal or mobile app. The login portal is usually branded with the retailer's name, but it connects to CBNA's systems. If you have trouble logging in or accessing your account online, the customer service number on your card can help you reset your password or troubleshoot access issues.
CBNA and credit reporting
CBNA reports your account activity to the major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This means your payment history, credit limit, and account balance on a CBNA card will affect your credit score just like any other credit card. Paying on time and keeping your balance low helps your credit profile.
If you have a dispute or question about how CBNA is reporting your account, you can contact them directly using the number on your card. You can also file a dispute with the credit bureaus themselves if you believe information on your credit report is inaccurate.
Differences between CBNA cards and other credit cards
CBNA cards are almost always store-specific or closed-loop, meaning they work only at the partnered retailer or within a limited network. A Visa or Mastercard issued by another bank works almost anywhere those logos are accepted. This is the main practical difference for how you use the card.
CBNA cards also tend to have rewards or benefits tied to the retailer rather than cash back or points you can use anywhere. For example, a CBNA store card might offer 10% off purchases or double points on certain items, but those points may only be redeemable at that store. Compare this to a general-purpose credit card, which might offer cash back you can use however you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is CBNA a legitimate credit card company?
Yes. CBNA is a subsidiary of Cavalry Investments and is a legitimate bank that issues credit cards. It is regulated by banking authorities and reports to credit bureaus. Your account with CBNA is protected under the same consumer credit laws as accounts with any other bank.
Can I use a CBNA card anywhere, or only at one store?
That depends on which CBNA card you have. Most CBNA cards are store-specific and work only at the partnered retailer. Some may work at affiliated stores or within a larger retail network. Check your card or statement to see where it is accepted, or call the customer service number on the back of your card.
How do I pay my CBNA credit card bill?
You can usually pay online through the card issuer's website or app, by phone using the number on your statement, or by mailing a check to the address listed on your bill. Some CBNA cards also allow automatic payments. Check your statement or contact customer service for all payment options available for your specific card.
What should I do if I don't recognize a charge on my CBNA card?
Call the customer service number on the back of your card right away. CBNA can help you review the charge, explain what it is, or start a dispute if it is fraudulent. The sooner you report it, the faster they can investigate and resolve the issue.
Does having a CBNA card hurt my credit score?
Opening a new card may cause a small, temporary dip in your score because of the credit inquiry. Over time, a CBNA card can help your score if you pay on time and keep your balance low. It can also hurt your score if you miss payments or carry a high balance relative to your credit limit.