What the Barclays Old Navy Credit Card Is
The Barclays Old Navy credit card is a store card issued by Barclays that you can use at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and other brands under the Gap Inc. family. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, it works primarily within those stores, though Barclays also offers a version that works anywhere Visa is accepted.
The card comes with rewards tied to your spending at Gap Inc. stores — typically cash back or bonus points on purchases. The specific rewards rate, annual fee (if any), and other terms depend on which version of the card you choose and change periodically, so you'll want to check Barclays' current offer before deciding.
Store cards like this one are designed for people who shop at Old Navy regularly and want to earn rewards on those purchases. They're not the right choice if you rarely visit the store or if you want a card that earns rewards everywhere you spend.
Key Takeaways
- The Barclays Old Navy card comes in two versions: one that works only at Gap Inc. stores and one that works anywhere Visa is accepted.
- Rewards are usually cash back or points on Old Navy purchases, with higher rates if you shop frequently at the store.
- Store cards typically have lower credit limits and stricter approval requirements than general-purpose cards.
- You'll need to check the current terms with Barclays, as rewards rates, fees, and benefits change over time.
The Two Versions and How They Differ
Barclays offers a store-only version and a Visa version of the Old Navy card. The store-only card works at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta — all brands owned by Gap Inc. The Visa version works anywhere Visa is accepted, giving you more flexibility outside those stores.
The Visa version typically comes with a higher annual fee (or no fee, depending on the current offer) and may have different rewards rates. The store-only card usually has no annual fee but limits where you can use it. Which one makes sense depends on whether you want a card primarily for Old Navy or a card that also works for everyday purchases elsewhere.
Both versions report to the three major credit bureaus, so using either one responsibly will help build your credit history. The approval process and credit limit are usually the same regardless of which version you choose.
Rewards and How to Earn Them
The card typically earns cash back or points on purchases at Old Navy and other Gap Inc. stores. The exact rate varies — some offers give a flat rate on all purchases, while others give a higher rate if you spend above a certain threshold or during promotional periods. Barclays sometimes runs bonus promotions where you earn extra rewards for a limited time after opening the account.
Rewards usually post to your account monthly and can be redeemed as a statement credit, a discount on your next Old Navy purchase, or sometimes transferred to other programs. Read the terms carefully, because redemption options and minimum redemption amounts vary by offer.
The card may also offer special financing promotions — for example, 0% interest for 12 months on purchases over a certain amount. These promotions change frequently, so check the current offer before you open the account if special financing is important to you.
Credit Limits and Approval Factors
Store cards typically come with lower credit limits than general-purpose cards from the same issuer. You might receive a limit of $500 to $2,000 when you open the account, depending on your credit history and income. The limit can increase over time if you use the card responsibly and request a higher limit.
Barclays will look at your credit score, payment history, and income when deciding whether to approve you. You don't need perfect credit to be approved for a store card — many people with fair or good credit (not excellent) receive approval. However, if you have recent late payments, high existing debt, or a very low credit score, approval is less likely.
If you're denied, you can contact Barclays to ask why. Sometimes the issue is incomplete income information on your process, which you can correct and reapply. Other times, you may need to work on your credit before reapplying.
How Interest Rates and Fees Work
The card carries a variable interest rate, meaning the rate can change over time based on market conditions. The specific rate you receive depends on your creditworthiness — people with higher credit scores typically get lower rates. Barclays will disclose the rate range in the offer, so you can see what you might receive before you explore.
Most versions of the Old Navy card have no annual fee, though this can change. Some premium versions or special offers may include a fee, so check the current terms. You may also face late fees if you miss a payment and foreign transaction fees if you use the card outside the United States.
Interest accrues daily on any balance you carry from month to month. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date, you won't pay interest. Carrying a balance costs money, so it's worth paying in full whenever possible.
When a Store Card Makes Sense
A store card is worth considering if you shop at Old Navy or other Gap Inc. stores at least several times a year and you're comfortable managing another credit account. The rewards add up faster at a store you visit regularly than at a store you visit once or twice annually.
Store cards also make sense if you want to build credit and you're having trouble being approved for a general-purpose card. Store cards have less stringent approval requirements, so they can be a stepping stone to better credit cards later.
A store card is not the right choice if you rarely shop at Old Navy, if you already have multiple store cards and are trying to reduce accounts, or if you struggle with overspending when you have access to credit. Each card you open affects your credit score slightly, so opening one you won't use regularly is a waste.
How to Manage the Card Responsibly
Treat the Old Navy card like any other credit card: pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, keep your balance well below your credit limit, and monitor your account regularly for unauthorized charges. These habits will help you build credit and avoid interest charges.
Set up automatic payments if possible — many people find it easier to pay on time when the payment happens automatically. You can set it to pay the full balance, a fixed amount, or the minimum payment, depending on what works for your budget.
Review your statement monthly to catch errors or fraud early. If you see a charge you didn't make, contact Barclays right away. The sooner you report it, the faster they can investigate and remove it from your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Old Navy card at other stores?
It depends on which version you have. The store-only card works only at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta. The Visa version works anywhere Visa is accepted. Check your card or your account to see which version you have.
What happens if I carry a balance on the card?
You'll pay interest on the balance at the card's variable interest rate. Interest accrues daily, so the longer you carry the balance, the more you pay. Paying the full statement balance each month avoids interest entirely.
Does opening this card hurt my credit score?
Opening any credit card causes a small, temporary dip in your credit score because Barclays will check your credit report. However, if you use the card responsibly and pay on time, your score will recover and improve over time as you build a positive payment history.
Can I increase my credit limit?
Yes. After you've used the card for several months and made on-time payments, you can contact Barclays and request a higher limit. Some cardholders also receive automatic limit increases without asking. A higher limit can help your credit score by lowering your credit utilization ratio.
What should I do if I'm denied for the card?
Contact Barclays to find out why you were denied — the reason might be incomplete information on your process or a credit issue you can address. If your credit score is low, focus on paying bills on time and reducing existing debt before reapplying in a few months.