If you’re a frequent shopper at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, or Athleta, the Navyist Rewards Mastercard® can be a smart addition to your wallet. This co-branded card, issued by Barclays, is designed to reward customer loyalty with valuable perks both in-store and elsewhere. With no annual fee, flexible reward redemptions, and bonus earning categories, it stands out among retail credit cards.
In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Navyist Rewards Mastercard®—its key features, pros and cons, eligibility requirements, and a step-by-step guide on how to apply.
What is the Navyist Rewards Mastercard®?
The Navyist Rewards Mastercard® is a store and everyday-use credit card that caters to loyal customers of the Gap Inc. family of brands, which includes:
- Old Navy
- Gap
- Banana Republic
- Athleta
- Hill City
The card is part of the Gap Inc. Rewards program, which allows cardholders to accumulate points from every purchase and redeem them across all participating brands.
Key Features and Benefits
- Generous Rewards System
With the Navyist Rewards Mastercard®, you can earn points quickly from a wide variety of spending categories:- 5 points per $1 spent at Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, Athleta, and other Gap Inc. brands
- 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else Mastercard is accepted
- No Annual Fee
One of the card’s most appealing features is its $0 annual fee, making it easy to keep long-term and build credit history without worrying about a recurring charge. - Special Member Perks
Cardholders get early access to sales, special birthday offers, and bonus point opportunities throughout the year. These benefits can translate to significant savings if you regularly shop at these stores. - Navyist Status Upgrade
If you earn 5,000 points in a calendar year, you’ll automatically be upgraded to Navyist status, which includes:- Free basic alterations at Banana Republic
- Free 3-5 day shipping on online orders
- Bonus points shopping days
- Access to a dedicated customer service line
- Mastercard Benefits
Since this is a Mastercard, the Navyist Rewards card can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. It also comes with standard Mastercard perks such as:- Zero liability protection
- Mastercard ID Theft Protection™
- Global services support while traveling
- Reward Expiration and Management
Points never expire as long as your account remains active. You can easily manage your points and redemptions via the Gap Inc. credit card app or website.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Strong reward rates for brand-loyal customers
- No annual fee
- Can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted
- Access to Navyist status and exclusive benefits
- Birthday and promotional offers
Cons:
- High APR if you carry a balance (typically around 29.99% variable APR)
- Limited value if you don’t shop frequently at Gap Inc. brands
- Rewards are brand-specific, not cash-back
- Not ideal for balance transfers or large financing
How to Apply for the Navyist Rewards Mastercard®
Applying for the Navyist Rewards Mastercard® is quick and can be done online or in-store. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
Step 1: Visit the Official Application Page
Go to the Gap Inc. credit card portal hosted by Barclays or access the application through any participating brand’s website, such as:
- oldnavy.gap.com
- gap.com
- bananarepublic.gap.com
- athleta.gap.com
Step 2: Choose the Right Version
During the application, Barclays may consider you for:
- Navyist Rewards Mastercard® – if approved with strong credit, you receive the full Mastercard version.
- Navyist Rewards Credit Card – a store-only version if your credit doesn’t qualify for Mastercard.
Both cards offer the same 5x earning at brand stores, but only the Mastercard can be used outside those retailers.
Step 3: Fill Out the Application
You’ll be asked to provide personal and financial information, including:
- Full name
- Address
- Social Security Number
- Annual income
- Employment status
Barclays will conduct a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may temporarily affect your score.
Step 4: Get an Instant Decision
Most applicants receive a decision in minutes. If approved, you’ll get your card in the mail within 7–10 business days.
Step 5: Activate and Start Earning
Once you receive your card, you can activate it online and begin earning rewards immediately. You can also link the card to your online accounts at Gap Inc. stores for faster checkouts and access to deals.
Who Should Consider This Card?
The Navyist Rewards Mastercard® is a great fit for:
- Loyal customers of Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic, or Athleta
- Shoppers looking for a no-annual-fee card with solid store perks
- Individuals who want to earn rewards and work toward Navyist status
- Those with good to excellent credit (typically a score of 670 or higher)
However, if you’re looking for a card with flexible rewards, travel points, or cash back, a general-purpose rewards card may be more suitable.
Conclusion
The Navyist Rewards Mastercard® is more than just a store credit card. With strong reward potential at Gap Inc. brands, Mastercard acceptance everywhere, and bonus perks for high spenders, it can provide real value to loyal shoppers. Just be sure to pay your balance in full each month to avoid the high interest rates. Whether you’re filling your wardrobe or shopping for family, this card helps turn everyday purchases into long-term rewards.
