Review of The Banana Republic Credit Card and The Banana Republic Visa Credit Card
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Banana Republic offers two choices for consumer credit: the Banana Republic Credit Card and the Banana Republic Visa Credit Card. The first is for only shopping at Banana Republic and affiliated stores, but the second can be used anywhere Visa is accepted. Both cards will earn rewards points and help you save money, but watch out for the high APR’s.
- Min. credit levelFair
- Annual Fee$0
- Regular APR25.99% Variable
- 5X points per dollar spent on Banana Republic and affiliate brands, both in-store and online
- 20% off your first online purchase within 90 days of opening your account
- No receipt needed for returns
- Can only use your card at Banana Republic and affiliates
- Bonus points shopping days
- Annual birthday gift
- 5X points per dollar spent on Banana Republic and affiliate brands, both in-store and online
Introductory bonus
A balance transfer is a way to move debt from one card to another with the goal of saving money on interest.
- Intro Balance Transfer APRN/A
- Regular Balance Transfer APRN/A
- Balance Transfer FeeN/A
- Penalty APRN/A
- Late FeeUp to $39
- Returned Payment FeeN/A
- Additional Cards Annual FeeN/A
- Foreign Transaction FeeN/A
- Min. credit levelFair
- Annual Fee$0
- Regular APR25.99% Variable
- 5X points per dollar spent at Banana Republic brands, in-store and online
- 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- 25% discount when you are approved for the card and you make your first online purchase within seven days
- Double points shopping days; double points on eligible purchases on select days throughout the year
- Get 500 points when you sign up with your email, and another 500 points for enrolling in paperless billing
- 5X points per dollar spent at Banana Republic brands, in-store and online
- 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- Double points shopping days: double points on eligible purchases during select days throughout the year
Introductory bonus
A balance transfer is a way to move debt from one card to another with the goal of saving money on interest.
- Intro Balance Transfer APRN/A
- Regular Balance Transfer APRN/A
- Balance Transfer FeeN/A
- Penalty APRN/A
- Late FeeUp to $39
- Returned Payment FeeN/A
- Additional Cards Annual FeeN/A
- Foreign Transaction Fee3%
The Rewards
Banana Republic Credit Card
The standard credit card provides 5 points for every 1 dollar spent at the Banana Republic and affiliated stores, which are:
- Gap
- Old Navy
- Piperlime
- Athleta
New applicants can also receive 2,000 bonus reward points for signing up for voice and email message updates.
A $10 reward certificate will be issued for every 1,000 points earned (the equivalent of spending $200).
Banana Republic Visa Credit Card
The Visa version of the Banana Republic card offers all of the benefits described above, but, since it can be used anywhere, it also provides 1 point for every 1 dollar spent outside of the stores listed above.
The Benefits
Banana Republic Credit Card
These cards offer several additional shopping benefits for cardholders.
New applicants will save 15% on their first purchase from Banana Republic, as long as it is made within 90 days of opening the card.
Cardholders will receive access to exclusive deals and sales throughout the year, and get advance warning on new items and upcoming sales. Each year, a special birthday offer will be mailed.
By spending at least $800 in 1 year, cardholders will be automatically upgraded to the Banana Republic Luxe card, which features more benefits. These include:
- Choose your own sale day
- Free shipping for online purchases
- Free basic alterations on purchases from Banana Republic
- Access to Luxe-only sales and events
- An exclusive customer service phone line
- 20% additional reward points
- Triple points shopping days
Banana Republic Visa Credit Card
The Visa version of this card includes all of the offers listed above, as well as access to additional benefits provided by Visa. The exact benefits that come with the card are not publicly disclosed, but you can read about the available Visa benefits here.
It can also be upgraded to the Luxe card.
- Min. credit levelFair
- Annual Fee$0
- Regular APR25.99% Variable
- Earn 5X points per dollar spent at Banana Republic brands, in-store and online
- Earn 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- Earn 20% additional reward points at the end of each quarter
- You get to choose your own sale day
- Free 3-5 day shipping everyday
- Free basic alterations at Banana Republic
- Triple points shopping days; triple points on eligible purchases during select days throughout the year
- 5X points per dollar spent on Banana Republic brands, in-store and online
- 1X point per dollar spent on all other purchases
- Earn 20% additional reward points at the end of each quarter
A balance transfer is a way to move debt from one card to another with the goal of saving money on interest.
- Intro Balance Transfer APRN/A
- Regular Balance Transfer APRN/A
- Balance Transfer FeeN/A
- Penalty APRN/A
- Late FeeUp to $40
- Returned Payment FeeN/A
- Additional Cards Annual FeeN/A
- Foreign Transaction Fee3%
The Costs
| Card | Regular APR | Cash Advance APR | Cash Advance Fee | Foreign Transaction Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banana Republic Card | 25.99% Variable | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | Not Applicable |
| Banana Republic Visa | 25.99% Variable | 29.24% Variable | 4%, $10 minimum | 3% |
The Fees
| Card | Late Fee |
|---|---|
| Banana Republic Card | Up to $39 |
| Banana Republic Visa | Up to $39 |
The Bottom Line
Unlike many store cards, the Banana Republic credit cards can be used at the other affiliated stores as well, making them a versatile way to save money on shopping. If you shop at those stores frequently, these cards could end up accumulating a lot of reward points. This effect will become even more powerful if you spend $800 and reach Luxe status.
With both of these cards, you’ll want to pay off your balance before the due date to avoid paying the high interest rate. If you don’t, you can quickly negate any savings you enjoyed with the card.
Brendan Harkness
Brendan has been writing about personal finance for over eight years, and is now taking on the challenge of bringing high-quality credit education to the masses. He makes sure that Credit Card Insider is covering the most important credit topics transparently and precisely, and that we have up-to-date reviews of credit cards so you can find cards that are right for you.
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