Old Navy Credit Card User

Old Navy Credit Card: Perks, Cashback and Rewards, Fee, How to Apply

The Old Navy credit card, issued by Synchrony Bank, is the official co-branded credit card affiliated with the popular Old Navy clothing and accessories retailer.

As a store-specific credit card, it offers cardholders special financing options, discounts, and loyalty rewards when shopping at Old Navy retail locations across the country or online at OldNavy.com and affiliated store websites.

With no annual fee to use the card, the Old Navy Visa provides frequent shoppers an easy way to save money on purchases now while earning points and exclusive access for future savings opportunities.

For brand enthusiasts who regularly purchase Old Navy fashions for the family, the card brings nice perks to provide additional value from customary expenditures.

Perks and Rewards of Old Navy Credit Card

Old Navy Credit Card
Credits: Barclay Card US

Exclusive Perks for Cardholders

The Old Navy credit card sets cardholders apart from other shoppers by providing VIP status and exclusive privileges. Benefits offered may include:

Early Access to Sales and New Arrivals

One major cardholder perk is getting first dibs on new merchandise arrivals and sales events before the general public. Early sneak peeks at upcoming seasons’ inventory allow you to fill your cart with fresh on-trend finds before items sell out. Expedited access to the biggest annual sales like Black Friday and end-of-summer clearance events also helps you score the best discounted deals on your family’s favorite Old Navy picks before non-cardholders.

Free Shipping Without Minimums

Shopping online with an Old Navy credit card means skipping shipping fees altogether, even on small orders. While other shoppers need to meet order minimums like $50 to qualify for free shipping, cardholders can check out without carrier costs on any amount. For frequent online shoppers buying essentials like socks and undergarments often, those shipping fees add up over time, so waived charges are a nice recurring benefit.

Cardmember-Only Offers and Discounts

Periodically, exclusive discount offers become available to credit card members first before extending to the general public. Additional percentage-off or dollar-off promotions apply on top of existing store sales and coupons when using your Old Navy credit card at checkout for extra cumulative savings. Monitoring your registered account and emails for member-only coupons and codes allows you to activate the best compounding deals on purchases.

Free Birthday Offer

Right before your special day each year, a free birthday gift offer arrives like free shipping or a discount off your purchase valid for 30 days around your birthday when using the credit card payment. This incentivizes purchases timed strategically to your birthday month for optimal savings.

Earning Reward Points Towards Future Discounts

Beyond instant transactional discounts at the time of checkout, accumulated reward points earned from using the credit card build up towards Old Navy money certificates you can redeem later for additional discounts on future purchases. You earn 5 points per $1 spent, equating to 5% back in rewards currency.

These exclusive privileges extended to cardholders provide incentives to apply and continually use the branded credit card as your primary form of payment when shopping at Old Navy. Perks make the credit account worthwhile for frequent patrons of the brand.

Cashback Rewards Rates and Redemption Details

Cashback
Credits: Canva

With the Old Navy credit card, you earn rewards points on purchases at a rate of 5 points per $1 spent. This equates to a 5% equivalent cashback earnings rate on Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta, and other affiliated stores where the card is accepted. Based on a typical $100 purchase at Old Navy, you would earn 500 points to redeem later.

Once your reward points balance reaches 250, you unlock a $10 reward certificate that can be redeemed in stores or online for merchandise purchases. Rather than waiting to collect points for a single large redemption, these small certificates incentivize regular use of accumulated rewards towards shopping trips. At the common 5 points per $1 rate, you need to spend $50 on the credit card to earn the 250 points for a $10 certificate.

There is no limit to the number of $10 certificates you can redeem at once or over time. Reward points do not expire as long as your credit card account remains open and in good standing. Best practices are to redeem certificates promptly after receiving them to reduce likelihood of loss and efficiently tap into available rewards.

How to Maximize Rewards Earnings and Perks

For cardholders who want to maximize savings opportunities, concentrating spending specifically at Old Navy and its family of brands allows you to rapidly accumulate rewards points for redemption. You will not earn rewards for using this store credit card at non-affiliated retailers, so be sure to use alternate payment methods like a general cashback card at other stores.

Check your account frequently for exclusive cardmember discounts applicable on top of posted sales prices for extra savings percentage boosts at checkout.

When shopping at Old Navy, target higher price-point merchandise like outerwear, shoes, denim, and luggage that have higher base dollar totals. A $100 coat earns 500 points versus only 250 points on a $50 accessory purchase. Buying higher-cost wardrobe essentials in multiples, like several pairs of jeans for the family, leads to rapidly compounding points.

Get in the habit of promptly redeeming each $10 reward certificate that appears in your account rather than letting them accumulate over long periods. Certificates generally expire 60 days after issuance if not used, so redeem them within that validity window. After large seasonal shopping trips like back-to-school or holiday, clear out your recently earned certificates on smaller supplemental items to refresh your account balance.

Understanding the Fee Structure

Old Navy Store
Credits: Upgraded Points

Annual Fees (or Lack Thereof)

Unlike many rewards credit cards with hefty annual membership fees, there is no annual fee to carry or use the Old Navy credit card. You can keep it open long term and take advantage of benefits like free shipping without paying periodic membership charges. This makes it more economical for light or intermittent users of the card. However, it is still important to pay your balance off monthly to avoid interest charges when carrying a revolving balance after the 0% intro APR expires.

Introductory Financing Offers

New cardholders may qualify for promotional 0% APR financing for 6 to 24 months on qualifying purchases made within the first 6 months. This delay in interest accruing makes it affordable to pay off large purchases over time. However, retail store cards have variable interest rates around 25% or higher once intro periods expire, so complete buyovers well before then.

Ongoing Variable Purchase APR

The standard variable APR after introductory offers end is currently 26.99% as of February 2024 based on the Prime Rate plus a margin of 23.74%. This rate applies to any revolving balances carried over month to month. Make sure to pay your statement balance in full by the due date if possible to avoid paying interest. Also beware that things like missed payments can cause penalty APR increases.

Balance Transfer and Cash Advance Rates

Balance transfer and cash advance functions allow you to access credit from your Old Navy card across other accounts or as physical currency respectively. The same 26.99% variable APR applies to these transactions made with the card. Given the high interest rate relative to other financial products, it is best to avoid these functions altogether and just use the Old Navy card for direct store purchase transactions.

Fees to Be Aware Of

Most standard credit card fees apply to the Old Navy Visa® as well depending on usage, mainly:

  • Late Payment Fee: Up to $35 if payment is not received by the due date
  • Returned Payment Fee: Up to $35 if non-sufficient payment bounces

By paying at least the minimum amount due before the deadline, you can avoid deferred interest penalties and late fees. Setup autopay through your account portal for guaranteed on-time payments each billing cycle.

Always pay more than the minimum when possible to reduce how much interest accrues on purchases over time when carrying a balance. Setup payment alerts through the mobile app as well so you don’t lose track of due dates and deadlines to minimize fees.

How to Apply for the Old Navy Credit Card

Using laptop
Credits: Canva

Multiple Application Methods

Applying for instant access to Old Navy credit card perks can be done:

  • Online via computer/mobile browser through the Old Navy website
  • In-person with a paper application at any Old Navy retail location
  • Through the Old Navy or Synchrony Bank mobile app download

The online and mobile application options allow near instant decisions for immediate use of the card if approved. In-store paper applications take roughly 7-10 business days for review and processing after submission before getting your approval decision by mail.

Qualification Criteria and Factors

When submitting an Old Navy credit card application, several aspects of your financial profile are evaluated to make approval decisions:

  • Credit score range (FICO or VantageScore) from credit bureaus
  • Total outstanding debts and length of credit history
  • Number of other credit cards and total available credit
  • Income on application and debt-to-income ratio
  • Housing payment history indicating reliability

Having good to excellent credit in the 670+ score range is recommended for high approval odds. One or more established credit cards or loans with consistent on-time payments shows reliability as well. Keep credit card balances below 30% of limits and minimize credit inquiries to uphold eligibility.

Required Identifying Information

To complete the application, whether online, in-store, or on mobile, you will need to provide:

  • Full legal name and current residential address
  • Date of birth and Social Security Number
  • Primary contact phone number and email
  • Employment details including occupation, employer, and income

You must consent to the credit check authorization which allows Synchrony Bank to request your credit reports from TransUnion, Equifax, and Experienz for evaluation.

Documentation like a government-issued ID (e.g. driver’s license or passport) or Social Security card may be requested later to help verify identity. Employed applicants should be prepared to supply recent pay stubs or tax returns showing current income.

How to Manage Your Old Navy Credit Card Account

Old Navy Credit Cards
Credits: Barclay Card US

Activating Your Credit Card

Once approved, you will receive your new Old Navy credit card by mail within 7-10 business days. Call or login online promptly to activate it before usage. You’ll need to review terms, select a PIN, and confirm receipt before the card is fully activated under your account and ready for in-store/online transactions.

Online Account Management Portal

Your online account dashboard accessible on both desktop and mobile browsers enables convenient self-service management capabilities, like reviewing statements, checking balances owed, monitoring reward points, redeeming discount certificates, and making one-time or recurring card payments.

Update profile information like income, employment, and housing details seamlessly through this Admin portal without needing to call in. Enable paperless statements for environmental cost savings and automated alerts to monitor key deadlines. Using your online account frequently promotes responsible usage.

Old Navy App Integration

The official Old Navy app for iPhone and Android syncs seamlessly with the credit card itself. Save the virtual card details easily to mobile wallet services like Apple Pay for contactless checkout. Securely check your running rewards tally while browsing current sales in-store for accurate budgets. Receive notifications when new reward certificates become available based on recent purchases. Scan your app barcode or tap phone at checkout to apply rewards, earnings perks, and exclusive discounts in one streamlined experience.

How to Avoid Common Mistakes with Retail Credit Cards

Impulse buying
Credits: Canva

While retail store credit cards like Old Navy’s Visa provide neat perks and discounts, they do pose risks if misused. Some of the most common yet avoidable mistakes include:

  • Getting swept up in impulse purchases beyond budget due to cardmember discounts or points adrenaline without regard for financial consequences. Stick to responsible spending levels aligned within your means. Don’t spend just to chase rewards.
  • Forgetting to monitor expirations on earned rewards certificates resulting in wasted perks and missed savings after points become void. Set reminders to use certificates within 60 days.
  • Paying late or skipping credit card payments leads to high penalty interest rates, credit damage, and account delinquency jeopardizing access to future savings perks when accounts close due to excessive non-payment risk.
  • Closing recently activated retail credit cards after racking up debt on discounted purchases causes long term credit score damage from increased debt utilization levels. Keep accounts open but paid off or low-balance.
  • Avoiding these simple yet damaging missteps promotes responsible ongoing use of cards like Old Navy’s to enjoy the many convenient perks without financial health side effects. Pay balance off monthly and in full when possible.

Customer Service and Cardholder Support

Synchrony Bank provides responsive customer service for general inquiries or account support needs via:

  • 24/7 call center reachable at 1-877-OLD-NAVY
  • Secure online message portal on website
  • Email address by inquiry category like [email protected]
  • Mobile app messaging capabilities

Some common queries fielded by specialists include:

  • Payment extensions or modification requests when facing financial hardship
  • Questions about qualifying purchases for rewards earnings
  • Troubleshooting issues with reward redemptions tracking properly
  • Requests to expedite replacement cards due to loss/theft
  • Guidance on online account features or app tools

By leveraging available resources whenever clarification is needed, you resolve issues quickly through reliable channels optimized for cardholder convenience.

Conclusion

The bottom line is the Old Navy credit card brings exclusive bargains through point-based rewards and special discounts to superfans immersed in the brand. Strategic spending concentrated primarily if not entirely at Old Navy stores rather than competitors allows you to maximize savings over time. Include it as one facet of responsible payment instrument use across your wallet. Monitor account activity vigilantly through online and app abilities to catch issues early and optimize ongoing perks. Use mindfully alongside other credit sources to diversify spending. When leveraged prudently, this store card pays you back over time with cardmember-only VIP access for loyal brand devotees.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pay your Old Navy credit card online through their account portal or app, by phone, or via mail by drafting payments from your bank.

The Old Navy Visa can be used for purchases at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta and other affiliated stores online or at physical locations.

You can cancel your Old Navy card by calling customer service at 1-877-OLD-NAVY or writing a closure request to PO Box 965005, Orlando, FL 32896.

Apply for an Old Navy credit card on their website, mobile app, or fill out an application in-person at any Old Navy store location.

You typically need a credit score of 670 or higher for the best approval odds on the Old Navy credit card.