What You Need to Know Before You Start

The Old Navy credit card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy online. You can also use it as a regular Visa card anywhere Visa is accepted, depending on which version you choose. The card offers rewards on purchases — typically 5% back on Old Navy purchases when you use it in-store, and varying percentages online and at other retailers.

Before you begin, understand that this is a credit card, not a gift card or loyalty program. You will receive a bill each month and must pay at least the minimum amount due. If you carry a balance, you will pay interest. The card is easiest to open if you already have a Social Security number and a U.S. mailing address.

Key Takeaways

  • You can open an Old Navy credit card online at oldnavy.com, in a store, or by phone at the number on your receipt or statement.
  • You will need your Social Security number, a government-issued ID, proof of income, and your current address to complete the form.
  • Synchrony Bank will check your credit report, so the card is harder to open if you have no credit history or a low credit score.
  • You can use the card when ready online or in-store while you wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail, which typically takes 7 to 10 business days.
  • The card carries an annual percentage rate (APR) that varies based on your credit score and creditworthiness, and you can see the range before you submit your information.

How to Open an Account Online

The fastest way to open an Old Navy credit card is through the Old Navy website. Go to oldnavy.com, scroll to the bottom of the page, and look for "Credit Card" or "Old Navy Card" in the footer. Click the link that says "explore Now" or "Open an Account."

You will be taken to Synchrony Bank's process page. Fill in your full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email address. You will also need to enter your annual household income — this is the total money your household earns before taxes in a year. Do not guess; use your most recent tax return or pay stubs if you have them.

The form will show you the APR range for the card before you submit. This range depends on your credit score and history. Once you submit, Synchrony will check your credit report. You will receive a decision by email or mail within a few minutes to a few days. If you are approved, you can use the card number online when ready, even before the physical card arrives.

Opening a Card in a Store

You can also open an Old Navy credit card at any Old Navy register. Tell the cashier you want to open a card account. They will hand you a tablet or paper form to fill out. You will provide the same information as the online form: name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, and household income.

The in-store process is faster for approval — you will usually know within minutes whether you have been approved. If approved, you can use the card for your purchase that day. The physical card will still arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days, but you do not have to wait for it.

One advantage of opening in-store is that you may receive an when ready discount on your first purchase — often 15% to 20% off — as an incentive to open the card. Check with your local store to see what offer is currently running.

What Documents and Information You Will Need

Have these items ready before you start, whether you are opening online or in-store:

  • Your Social Security number
  • A government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport, or state ID card)
  • Your current mailing address
  • Your phone number and email address
  • Your annual household income (from your most recent tax return, pay stubs, or a reasonable estimate)
  • Your employment status (employed, self-employed, retired, student, or unemployed)

If you are self-employed or your income varies, use an average from the past year. If you are unemployed or a student, you can still open a card, but Synchrony may ask about other household income or assets. Be honest on the form — providing false information can result in the card being closed and may have legal consequences.

What Happens After You Are Approved

Once Synchrony approves your card, you will receive a confirmation email with your card number and a temporary PIN. You can use this number to shop online at oldnavy.com or gap.com when ready. You can also call the number on the confirmation to set up the card by phone.

Your physical card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. When it arrives, sign the back and set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or logging into your account online at synchronybank.com. You will create a username and password to manage your account, view your balance, make payments, and see your rewards.

Your first bill will arrive 25 to 30 days after your first purchase. You will have a grace period — usually 21 to 25 days from the statement date — to pay your full balance without interest. If you carry a balance past the grace period, interest will accrue at the APR shown on your approval letter.

If Your process Is Denied

If Synchrony denies your process, you will receive a letter in the mail explaining why. Common reasons include a low credit score, a short credit history, recent late payments, or high existing debt. The letter will also tell you that you have the right to a free copy of your credit report from the credit bureau Synchrony used.

You can request that free report by visiting annualcreditreport.com or calling 1-877-322-8228. Review the report for errors — mistakes on your credit report can be disputed and removed. If there are no errors, you can wait 6 to 12 months, work on paying down existing debt, and make all payments on time, then reapply.

Some people are approved for a lower credit limit than they requested. If this happens, you can use the card at that limit and request a higher limit after 6 months of on-time payments.

Understanding the Card's Rewards and Fees

The Old Navy credit card offers rewards on purchases, but the rate varies by where you shop. In-store at Old Navy, you typically earn 5% back. Online at oldnavy.com, the rate is usually lower — often 1% to 3%. At other retailers when you use the Visa version, you earn 1% back. These rates change, so check oldnavy.com for current terms.

The card does not charge an annual fee. However, if you carry a balance, you will pay interest at the APR shown on your approval letter. If you miss a payment, you may be charged a late fee. To avoid interest and fees, pay your full balance by the due date each month.

Rewards are usually credited to your account as a statement credit or can be redeemed for Old Navy gift cards. Check your account online to see how your rewards are being applied.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open an Old Navy credit card if I have no credit history?

Yes, but approval is less certain. Synchrony may approve you with a lower credit limit or ask for additional information about household income or assets. If you are denied, you can reapply after 6 months or consider becoming an authorized user on someone else's credit card to build history first.

How long does it take to be approved?

Online applications usually receive a decision within minutes to a few days. In-store applications are often approved within minutes at the register. Once approved, you can use the card number online when ready, but the physical card takes 7 to 10 business days to arrive by mail.

What is the difference between the Old Navy card and the Old Navy Visa card?

The standard Old Navy card works only at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy online. The Old Navy Visa card works anywhere Visa is accepted. Both earn rewards, but the Visa version may have different rewards rates at non-Old Navy retailers. Ask which version you are being approved for when you open your account.

Can I use the card before the physical card arrives?

Yes. Once you are approved, Synchrony will email or mail you your card number. You can use this number to shop online or call the customer service number to make a purchase over the phone. You do not have to wait for the physical card to arrive.

What should I do if I forget my password or need to access my account?

Go to synchronybank.com and click "Forgot Username or Password." You will be asked to verify your identity using your Social Security number and other personal information. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card or on your statement to reset your password by phone.