Banana Republic enthusiasts might be intrigued to know that parent company Gap Inc. offers a credit card that racks up shopping rewards for purchases made at participating stores within the Gap family. Their Visa card can even earn rewards for purchases made elsewhere. For hardcore Banana Republic shoppers, the Banana Republic Card was created.
If you’re seeking high-end fashion deals, this card could provide you with plenty of shopping perks. Here, we break down the details of Banana Republic’s credit card offerings so you can determine if the card might be right for you.
Points and Perks at Gap Locations
There are two versions of the Banana Republic Card (we’ll detail the differences later) issued by Synchrony Bank. Both cards come with big rewards for shopping at stores within the Gap Inc. family. Participating stores include Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy and Athleta. You can apply for the card online or in stores.
Banana Republic is currently offering 20% off your first purchase using their card. In addition, you earn five points for every dollar spent in a participating store. For every 500 points earned, you’ll receive a $5 reward redeemable at any of these stores. Cardmembers also enjoy double points shopping days, exclusive offers and discounts, free standard shipping on all online orders and an annual birthday gift.
There’s even a “Luxe” status of the card, which you can reach by earning 5,000 points in a calendar year. Once you reach Luxe status, you get a 20% points bonus every quarter, free shipping on all orders and free basic alterations.
Online account management and rewards access are also included.
Two Card Options for Shoppers
The Banana Republic card comes in two versions. Both versions have access to the benefits listed above, but one offers much more freedom. Here are both options. (Be sure to read the card agreements for full details.)
The Banana Republic Card
Card Details: As the “basic” store credit card, this card gets access to all cardmember rewards, with five times the points for every dollar spent at participating Gap stores. This card can only be used in participating stores.
Annual Fee: $0
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): Variable 28.24%
The Banana Republic Visa Card
Card Details: The Visa version also earns five points per dollar spent in participating stores and gets access to all cardmember benefits. This card can also be used at any store that accepts Visa, and all purchases made outside the Gap family will earn you one point per dollar spent.
Annual Fee: $0
Annual Percentage Rate (APR): Variable 28.24%
Should You Get a Banana Republic Credit Card?
The card rewards are appealing if you spend a lot of time and money in participating stores. While store credit cards are generally easier to get than traditional credit cards, the “vanilla” version of the card has limited usability.
The Visa card is generally a better option, as you can spend and earn points much more freely, but your rewards are still limited to Gap store purchases, making this a valuable option only for the most dedicated and loyal shoppers.
There is a wide range of benefits with no annual fee, but the variable APR comes in at a relatively steep 26.74%. Cardholders may wish to pay the balance in full each month to avoid interest charges.
An Alternative Choice: Unrestricted Points Rewards Cards
An unrestricted points rewards credit card might be a better alternative for those who want more freedom. These cards are not tethered to specific stores, and their points can earn a greater variety of benefits. Here are two of our favorite points rewards cards.
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Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.
This article last updated on April 25, 2019.
