What the Old Navy Credit Card is and who issues it
The Old Navy credit card is a store card issued by Barclays Bank, the financial institution that handles credit products for Old Navy and several other retailers. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, this card works only at Old Navy, Old Navy online, and Gap Inc. sister stores (Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta). You cannot use it at other merchants.
Barclays manages the account, sets the interest rate, and handles billing and payments. Old Navy handles the rewards program and decides what discounts cardholders receive. When you explore, you are explore for a Barclays product, but the card itself is branded as Old Navy.
Key Takeaways
- The Old Navy card is a store-only card issued by Barclays that works at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta but nowhere else.
- The card offers a rewards rate (usually 1 point per dollar spent) and periodic discounts for cardholders, which Old Navy advertises in-store and by email.
- Interest rates and terms are set by Barclays and vary based on your credit history; the card reports to all three credit bureaus.
- You can manage your account online through Barclays' website or by phone, and payments go directly to Barclays, not to Old Navy.
How the rewards program works
The Old Navy card earns points on purchases made with the card at participating Old Navy locations and online. The standard earning rate is 1 point per dollar spent, though Old Navy periodically runs bonus point promotions (for example, double or triple points on certain days). Points accumulate in your Barclays account and can be redeemed for Old Navy merchandise or discounts.
Old Navy also offers cardholders exclusive discounts that are not available to non-cardholders. These typically include a percentage off a purchase on your birthday month, early access to sales, and periodic "cardmember only" discount days. The specific offers change, so Old Navy communicates them through email and in-store signage.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If your account is closed or becomes inactive for an extended period, Old Navy's terms may allow the points to be forfeited, so it is worth checking the cardholder agreement for the exact policy.
Interest rates, fees, and credit terms
The Old Navy card carries an Annual Percentage Rate (APR) that Barclays sets based on your credit score and credit history at the time of approval. The APR is not fixed and can change over time. Barclays will disclose the APR range in the offer you receive before you accept it, but the exact rate you receive depends on your creditworthiness.
The card has no annual fee. However, if you carry a balance, you will pay interest on that balance at your APR. Barclays also charges late fees if you miss a payment and may charge a fee if you exceed your credit limit. These fees and terms are detailed in the cardholder agreement you receive after approval.
The card reports your payment history, credit limit, and balance to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit bureaus. This means on-time payments help your credit score, and missed payments or high balances can hurt it.
How to manage your account and make payments
You manage your Old Navy Barclays account through Barclays' online portal or mobile app, not through Old Navy's website. You can log in with your card number and PIN to view your balance, make payments, update your address, and see your transaction history. Barclays also allows you to set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on the same date each month.
Payments are made to Barclays, and the payment address is provided on your monthly statement. You can pay online, by phone, or by mail. Online and phone payments typically post within one to two business days. If you pay by mail, allow at least seven to ten business days for the payment to reach Barclays and be processed.
Your billing cycle and due date are set by Barclays and will be shown on your first statement. If you have questions about your account, you can contact Barclays customer service using the number on the back of your card or on your statement.
Comparing the Old Navy card to a general credit card
A store card like the Old Navy card differs from a general-purpose card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) in several ways. The main difference is where you can use it: a store card works only at that retailer and its affiliates, while a general card works at millions of merchants worldwide. This limits the usefulness of a store card unless you shop at that retailer regularly.
Store cards often have higher APRs than general cards because they carry more risk for the issuer — the cardholder has fewer places to use the card and may be less motivated to pay on time. However, store cards often offer rewards or discounts that are more generous than general cards, which can offset the higher rate if you pay your balance in full each month.
If you shop at Old Navy frequently and can pay your balance in full, the rewards and discounts may be worth the higher APR. If you carry a balance or shop there only occasionally, a general credit card with a lower APR and broader acceptance may be a better choice.
What happens if you close the account or stop using the card
If you close your Old Navy card account, Barclays will report the account as closed to the credit bureaus. This can affect your credit score because it reduces your available credit and may increase your credit utilization ratio on other cards. However, the impact is usually temporary, and your score typically recovers within a few months if you continue to pay other accounts on time.
If you straightforward stop using the card but keep the account open, Barclays may eventually close it due to inactivity. The exact inactivity period varies, but many issuers close accounts after 12 to 24 months of no purchases. Closing an inactive account has the same effect on your credit score as closing it yourself.
Any points you have accumulated may be forfeited if the account is closed, depending on Old Navy's rewards terms. Check your cardholder agreement or contact Barclays before closing the account if you have a significant point balance you want to redeem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Old Navy card at other stores?
No. The Old Navy card works only at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta stores and their websites. You cannot use it at other retailers. If you need a card that works everywhere, you would need a separate general-purpose credit card.
What is the credit limit, and can I request an increase?
Your credit limit is set by Barclays based on your credit history and income at the time of approval. You can request a credit limit increase by contacting Barclays through your online account or by phone. Barclays may perform a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your score by a few points.
Do I have to use the Old Navy card to earn rewards?
Yes. You earn points only when you use the Old Navy card for purchases. If you pay with cash, debit, or another credit card, you do not earn points. However, Old Navy sometimes offers rewards or discounts to all shoppers (not just cardholders) during sales events, so you can still save money without the card.
What should I do if I lose my card or suspect fraud?
Contact Barclays when ready using the number on the back of your card or on your statement. Barclays can freeze or cancel the card to prevent unauthorized use. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges if you report them promptly, though Barclays may require you to dispute the charges in writing within a certain timeframe.
How often does Old Navy change the rewards rate or discounts?
Old Navy controls the rewards program and can change the earning rate, point value, or cardholder discounts at any time. Barclays will notify you of material changes by mail or email. You can also check your cardholder agreement or contact Barclays to confirm the current terms.