If you’re someone who shops frequently at Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy, or Athleta, then the Banana Republic Rewards Mastercard® may be the perfect credit card to enhance your shopping experience. Issued by Barclays, this co-branded credit card is designed to reward loyal customers with points on every purchase — both within and outside the Gap Inc. family of brands.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the features, rewards program, exclusive perks, and walk you through the application process for the Banana Republic Rewards Mastercard®.
What is the Banana Republic Rewards Mastercard®?
The Banana Republic Rewards Mastercard® is a store and general-use credit card that allows you to earn points on purchases everywhere Mastercard® is accepted, while getting additional perks and accelerated rewards when shopping at any of the Gap Inc. brands.
There are actually two versions of this card:
- Banana Republic Rewards Mastercard®: Can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
- Banana Republic Rewards Credit Card: Can only be used at Banana Republic and other Gap Inc. brands.
This article focuses on the Mastercard® version, which offers more flexibility and rewards potential.
Key Benefits and Features
1. No Annual Fee
One of the top benefits of this card is that it has no annual fee, making it a cost-effective choice for regular shoppers.
2. Generous Rewards Program
With the Banana Republic Rewards Mastercard®, you earn points for every dollar you spend:
- 5 points per $1 spent at Banana Republic, Old Navy, Gap, and Athleta
- 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else Mastercard® is accepted
Every 100 points = $1 in rewards, and you can start redeeming once you have at least 500 points ($5 reward). These rewards can be used toward purchases at all Gap Inc. brands, in-store and online.
3. Welcome Bonus
As a new cardholder, you’ll receive a 20% discount on your first purchase made with the card at Banana Republic. It’s a great way to start saving immediately.
Additionally, Barclays often offers bonus points (e.g., 5,000 points) for new applicants after spending a certain amount within the first few months — though this offer can vary.
4. Exclusive Cardmember Perks
- Early access to select sales and promotions
- Birthday gift every year (usually in the form of extra points or a discount)
- Special bonus point events throughout the year
- Free shipping on online orders (with minimum purchase, varies by promotion)
5. Automatic Upgrade to Icon Status
When you earn 5,000 points in a calendar year, you’re upgraded to Icon status, which includes:
- 20% bonus points every quarter
- Free basic alterations at Banana Republic stores
- Dedicated customer service line
6. Contactless and Mobile Payments
The card comes with contactless technology and is compatible with digital wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay, making it easy and secure to use.
7. No Foreign Transaction Fees
Unlike many store-branded cards, the Banana Republic Rewards Mastercard® does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for international travel.
Where Can You Use This Card?
You can use the Banana Republic Rewards Mastercard®:
- At Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy, and Athleta (in-store and online)
- Everywhere Mastercard is accepted — over 44 million locations worldwide
This gives it far more versatility than the store-only version of the card.
How to Redeem Rewards
You can redeem your points during checkout at any of the Gap Inc. brands. You can apply them toward:
- Merchandise
- Online orders
- In-store purchases
Redemption starts at 500 points ($5), and there are no blackout dates. However, rewards expire 24 months after being earned if unused.
How to Apply for the Banana Republic Rewards Mastercard®
Step 1: Visit the Official Application Page
Go to the official website hosted by Barclays or apply directly through the Banana Republic website.
Link: https://bananarepublic.gap.com
You can also apply in-store at Banana Republic locations.
Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form
Provide your:
- Full name
- Contact information (email, phone, address)
- Social Security Number
- Date of birth
- Total annual income
- Employment status
Barclays will use this information to check your creditworthiness.
Step 3: Review Terms & Submit
Before you hit “submit,” be sure to review the terms and conditions, including:
- Purchase APR (usually around 29.99% variable)
- Late payment fees
- Penalty APR (if applicable)
Once you submit, many applicants receive an instant approval, while others may need to wait a few days.
Step 4: Card Arrival and Activation
If approved, you’ll receive your card in the mail within 7–10 business days. Follow the instructions provided to activate your card online or by phone.
Tips to Maximize the Card
- Shop during bonus point events for accelerated rewards.
- Link your card with Banana Republic’s app for extra deals and notifications.
- Pay your balance in full each month to avoid high interest charges.
- Track your points online via Barclays or the Gap Inc. rewards dashboard.
- Stack your welcome discount with a seasonal sale to save even more on your first purchase.
Downsides to Consider
While the Banana Republic Rewards Mastercard® has plenty of advantages, it’s not ideal for everyone. Potential drawbacks include:
- High APR: Carrying a balance will cost you — the interest rate is relatively high compared to some other cards.
- Limited reward redemption: Rewards can only be used within Gap Inc. brands.
- No 0% APR intro offer: There’s currently no promotional interest period for purchases or balance transfers.
Final Thoughts
The Banana Republic Rewards Mastercard® is an excellent option for loyal shoppers of Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy, and Athleta. With 5X rewards, no annual fee, and special perks for cardmembers, it offers real value — especially if you shop within the Gap Inc. family often.
However, if you want more flexible reward options like cashback or travel points, or if you carry a balance month-to-month, you might want to consider other cards with lower APRs or more versatile redemption features.
Still, for fashion-forward savers who know how to maximize store deals and rewards, this card is a stylish and rewarding financial tool.
