Gap Visa Credit Card Review

Kat Tretina

Updated On: June 4, 2021  •  3 Minute Read

Credit Cards

Gap is one of the most recognized brands in the country. It’s where shoppers go to stock up on quality basics and casual wear for all ages. If you’re a frequent shopper, one way to save is to sign up for a Gap-branded credit card. Here’s what you need to know before you apply.

Your Gap credit card options

There are two different Gap-branded cards: The GapCard and the Gap Visa.

1. The GapCard

The GapCard is a store card, which means it can only be used at Gap-branded stores — including sister stores Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta.

With the card, you’ll earn 5X points per $1 spent at Gap-branded stores and online. For every 500 points you earn, you’ll get a $5 reward. Plus, new cardmembers get a 20% discount and free shipping on their first purchase.

Going forward, you’ll get 10% off every time you shop at Gap or Gap Factory stores. You’ll get access to special sales and discounts, and receive a special birthday gift.

The GapCard doesn’t have an annual fee, but it does have a much higher-than-average APR.

2. The Gap Visa

Unlike the GapCard, which can only be used at Gap-branded stores, the Gap Visa can be used anywhere that Visa is accepted.

You’ll get the same benefits as you get with the GapCard, but you’ll also earn 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases.

Like the Gap Card, the Gap Visa doesn’t have an annual fee, but it does have a high APR.

Earning Gap Silver status

If you’re a GapCard or Gap Visa cardmember, you can earn Gap Silver status by earning 5,000 points. That means you’d have to spend at least $1,000 at Gap stores to qualify, or $5,000 at non-branded stores.

As a Gap Silver status member, you’ll get added perks like a 20% quarterly bonus, a choose your own sales day, free three-to-five-day business day shipping, and free alterations at Banana Republic.

How to apply for a Gap credit card

Applying for a Gap credit card is easy; you can complete the application online in just a few minutes. It will ask you for your name, address, Social Security number, and income. You’ll receive a decision right away. If you’re denied, you’ll receive a notification in the mail detailing the reason why you’re not eligible at this time.

Is a Gap credit card right for you?

If you’re thinking of signing up for a Gap credit card, it’s important to take into account your spending habits and how long it would take to earn rewards.

For example, a woman’s t-shirt from the Gap usually costs about $25. You’d have to earn 2,500 points to cover the cost of that shirt. If you earned points at the 5X level, that means you’d have to spend at least $500 to get a $25 reward.

Unless you spend more than $1,000 a year at the Gap, you’re probably better off with a general credit card where you can earn rewards on every purchase you make.

Using a Gap credit card to improve your credit

While the Gap credit card has lackluster rewards, retail credit cards can be useful. If you have poor credit or no credit at all, it can be difficult to qualify for a traditional credit card. But store credit cards usually have lower requirements, so you may be able to get one even with less-than-perfect credit.

Make all of your payments on time, and the card company will report back to the credit bureaus. Over time, your credit score will improve, helping you qualify for other cards.

Alternatives to the Gap credit cards

Instead of a store-branded credit card, consider applying for a general rewards credit card. For example, the Chase Freedom Unlimited® card has no annual fee, and when you use your card for all your purchases and at the end of your first year, Chase will automatically match all the cash back you earned!

Looking for other reward credit card options? Check out the best credit cards of 2021.