Barclays
Banana Republic Encore Mastercard®
Key Features
| Annual Fee | $0.00 |
| Sign-up Bonus | 25% off first purchase |
| Rewards Rate | 1X-5X Points |
| Regular APR | APR for purchases 33.49% This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. APR for balance transfers 33.49%, when using your Mastercard. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. APR for cash advances 33.49%, when using your Mastercard. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. |
| Other Fees | Balance transfer fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater, when using your Mastercard. |
| Network | Mastercard |
About this card
The Banana Republic Encore Mastercard receives an overall rating of 1.8, placing it in the 'Poor' category. This assessment is predominantly driven by its exceptionally high regular APR of 33.49%, which stands as a critical flaw for any credit card. While the card boasts a $0 annual fee and offers seemingly high point-earning rates (5X at Gap Inc. brands), the actual value of these points is severely diminished by a low redemption value (0.2 cents per point), translating the 5X earn rate into a modest 1% cash back equivalent. The rewards program lacks flexibility, limiting redemption to the Encore Market or Gap Inc. brands. The sign-up bonus is a restrictive one-time discount, and the balance transfer fee is also high. Although Barclays is a reputable issuer, the card's specific features make it a financially risky choice for most consumers, especially those who might carry a balance. Its niche appeal and the significant drawbacks heavily outweigh the benefits, making it suitable only for a very specific, disciplined cardholder who frequently shops at Gap Inc. brands and pays their balance in full every single month to avoid the punitive interest rates.
Pros & Cons
What's great
- No annual fee
- Sign-up bonus
- High rewards rate
- Cashback on purchases
- Retailer-specific perks
- Complimentary credit score access
Things to consider
- High regular APR
- No intro APR period
- High balance transfer fee
- Limited rewards categories
What this card offers
Sign-up bonuses
- Receive 25% off your first purchase with your new card at Banana Republic
Rewards
- Earn 5X points for every $1 spent at the Gap Inc. family of brands
- Earn 3X points for every $1 spent at all eligible retail apparel brands
- Earn 1X points for every $1 spent everywhere else where Mastercard® is accepted
- 500 Points = $1 Reward redeemable in the Encore Market with exclusive products, offers, and experiences or on purchases at the Gap Inc. family of brands
Other features
- Early access & partner perks with special events, discounts, and other top perks
- Redeem points in Encore Market for exclusive products, offers, and experiences
- $0 fraud liability protection on purchases you did not authorize
- Free shipping on all online orders $35 or more
- Enjoy Flexibility of Digital Wallets Such as Apple Pay and Google Pay
- Complimentary FICO® Score Keep an eye on your credit with complimentary online access to FICO Credit Score7
Additional Notes
By applying, you agree that you’ll first be considered for the Banana Republic Encore Mastercard which can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted. If not approved for the Mastercard, you’ll then automatically be considered for the Banana Republic Encore Credit Card which can be used across all Gap Inc. stores and online.