Sure, you love shopping at Old Navy, the Gap, and Banana Republic, but is the Old Navy credit card a smart choice? To make that decision, evaluate the rewards, benefits, and costs associated with both the Old Navy store card and the Old Navy Visa credit card. Apply in-store or online and get 15% off the first purchase with the Old Navy card. The discount only applies to Old Navy merchandise.
EDITOR’S NOTE: ALL THE CREDIT CARD OFFERS MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE EXPIRED AND ARE NO LONGER AVAILABLE
In addition to this initial discount, cardholders enjoy zero fraud liability that protects them from unauthorized usage and reward points that accumulate to give credit toward future purchases. The Old Navy card comes with a relatively high annual percentage rate (APR) and other fees.
When you apply for a loan or credit card, the lender will check your credit report to see if they think you can pay it back. They will do this by looking at information from one or more of the three main credit bureaus: Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. So which bureau does Old Navy use when you apply for their credit card? Let’s find out.
TransUnion is the Primary Bureau for Old Navy
According to various sources, Old Navy primarily relies on credit data from TransUnion when evaluating applications for their credit card. This means your TransUnion credit report will likely have the biggest impact on whether you get approved or denied for Old Navy credit.
This aligns with general industry knowledge that most retail card issuers focus heavily on TransUnion reports. So if your TransUnion credit history is limited or contains negative marks, it could negatively affect your chances with Old Navy credit.
But They May Check Other Bureaus Too
Even though TransUnion seems to be Old Navy’s first choice, some evidence indicates they may also consider data from Equifax or Experian.
Pulling a second bureau provides additional information and helps lenders form a more complete picture of an applicant’s creditworthiness. So for some applicants, Old Navy may decide to check Equifax or Experian as well.
This is especially likely if the TransUnion report lacks enough credit history or contains suspicious activity. In that case, reviewing another bureau can help verify identity and fill in gaps.
Factors That Determine Which Bureau They Check
Several variables can impact which credit bureau Old Navy checks for a given applicant, including:
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Location: Different states have different regulations about credit checks. That is, your home state might need you to use a certain bureau.
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Credit factors: If your TransUnion data raises concerns, Old Navy may check Equifax or Experian for more context.
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Company policy changes: Over time, Old Navy’s practices regarding credit checks may evolve.
Although TransUnion is the main source, Old Navy may use a different bureau when you apply because of your unique situation.
Maintaining a Healthy Credit Profile is Key
At the end of the day, getting approved for Old Navy credit relies heavily on having a strong credit profile, regardless of which bureau they review. Here are some tips for keeping your credit in good shape:
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Pay all bills on time – Payment history has a big impact on your scores.
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Maintaining low balances is important for good credit. High balances hurt your credit, so keep them below 100% of their limits.
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Monitor all three reports – Errors could be dragging down your scores, so check reports regularly.
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Build diverse credit history – Apply for a mix of credit types, like credit cards and installment loans.
The Bottom Line
While TransUnion seems to be the main bureau in focus, Old Navy may also consider Equifax or Experian data in some cases. To boost your approval odds, focus on maintaining healthy credit reports across all three bureaus.
Keeping your scores high with positive payment history and low balances will serve you well regardless of which report Old Navy checks. Monitoring all three bureaus will also help you identify and resolve any credit report errors early on.
So even if TransUnion is the primary bureau, don’t neglect the other two – a strong credit profile across the board is your best bet for getting approved!
Minimum credit score for an Old Navy credit card
Synchrony Bank, which issues these credit cards, doesn’t offer a recommendation for a minimum credit score needed for approval. To maximize your chance of approval, have a credit record with no recent negative marks. Having a credit score between 602 and 655 increases the chance of approval, but approval is not guaranteed.
APR and applicable fees on an Old Navy credit card
Both the Old Navy credit card and the Old Navy Visa card come with no annual fee and a variable 25.24% APR for purchases. The rate varies according to the market. Synchrony Bank, the institution that issues Old Navy credit cards, bases its APRs on the Prime Rate. If you have a balance on your card and you’re charged interest, the bank charges at least $1.00 for the Old Navy credit card and $1.50 for the Old Navy Visa card.
The Old Navy store card can only be used at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, and Athleta stores. The Old Navy Visa card works anyplace that accepts Visa. The Old Navy Visa card also allows cardholders to take cash advances for a variable 27.24% APR. Additional fees include cash advance fees of 4% of the cash advance amount or $10, whatever is the larger sum. Other fees include a 3% foreign transaction fee. Both card types carry late payment penalties of up to $37.
Old Navy Credit Card Review 2024 (+ Gap Credit Card & Banana Republic Credit Card & Athleta Card Too
FAQ
What credit bureau does Old Navy pull from?
The Old Navy Credit Card checks your credit mostly with TransUnion when you apply. However, Barclays may use Equifax or Experian instead, based on hearsay. So, if any of your credit reports are frozen, you should unfreeze them before applying for the card.
What credit score is needed for an old navy card?
For a good chance of getting an Old Navy credit card, your credit score needs to be at least 700, which is also known as “good credit.” While a score within the range of 602-655 can still lead to approval, it’s not guaranteed.
Which companies use TransUnion?
Many companies utilize TransUnion’s services, primarily for credit reporting and related data analysis. These include companies in the financial services, automotive, insurance, and communications industries.
What credit card does Old Navy use?
Navyist Rewards Mastercard Navyist Rewards Mastercard ®Reward detailsEarn 5 points for every $1 spent across the Gap Inc. family of brands. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on Mastercard purchases made outside the Gap Inc. family of brands 100 points = $1 reward Free fast shipping on all online orders $50 or more.