The American Eagle and the Banana Republic Credit Card are two clothing store credit cards of two of the most popular brands in the US. Let's compare them side by side:
General Comparison
Signing up for the American Eagle credit card gives loyal shoppers access to a variety of benefits. Cardholders automatically upgrade to Level 2 Real Rewards membership, earning more points per dollar spent, along with exclusive perks like access to members-only sales, special events, and a generous 20% birthday coupon.
Cashback rates are generious – cardholders earn double points, with Level 2 members accumulating 30 points and Level 3 members earning 40 points per dollar spent. However, While the rewards program offers points, their low value and restrictions on redemption may impact the overall appeal of the American Eagle credit card.
On the other hand, the Banana Republic Credit Card is associated with the Banana Republic brand and its sister companies within the Gap Inc. family. Issued by Barclays bank, this card is designed for individuals who have a penchant for stylish apparel and accessories offered by Banana Republic, Gap, Old Navy, and Athleta.
Cardholders receive exclusive benefits such as discounts, early access to sales, and special offers at these affiliated stores, making it an appealing choice for fashion enthusiasts.
American Eagle Credit Card | Banana Republic Credit Card | |
Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
Rewards | 15 points Instant for cardmembers. 30 points per dollar spent at American Eagle, 20 points if you spend more than $350 annually | 5 points for every dollar spent at Banana Republic, Gap, Athleta and Old Navy. 1 point per dollar on all other purchases |
Welcome bonus | 30% off your first order | 20% off your first order at Banana Republic |
Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% | 3% |
Purchase APR | APR 34.49% | 34.49% |
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Cashback Analysis: Which Card Gives More?
Unlike the American Eagle card, the Banana Republic card allows you to earn points on purchases made outside of its brand stores. However, based on our cashback analysis, the American Eagle card provides more points and a higher estimated annual value, thanks to its generous cashback rate on purchases at American Eagle stores.
That being said, American Eagle has many restrictions on redemption – so make sure to understand them beforehand.
Overall, the final decision depends on your spending habits. If you plan to use the card only in its brand stores, the American Eagle has the edge when it comes to cashback rates.
Spend Per Category | American Eagle Credit Card | Banana Republic Credit Card |
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets | / | 15,000 points |
$5,000 – American Eagle/Banana Republic | 200,000 points | 25,000 points |
$5,000 – Restaurants | / | 5,000 points |
$4,000 – Travel
| / | 4,000 points |
$4,000 – Gas | / | 4,000 points |
Total Points / Cashback | 200,000 points | 53,000 points |
Estimated Redemption Value | 1 point ~ 0.4 cent | 1 point ~ 1 cent |
Estimated Annual Value | $800 | $530 |
Additional Shopping Benefits: Comparison
Both cards offer additional shopping benefits, such as free shipping and access to sales. Here's a comparison of what you'll get on each:
American Eagle Credit Card
30% Welcome Discount: Receive a significant 30% off when you open and use the American Eagle credit card, although it cannot be combined with other discounts.
“Pick Your Own Sale” Day: Enjoy the flexibility of choosing a day to take advantage of exclusive sales and discounts.
Exclusive Access to Sales: Gain priority access to special sales events, ensuring you're among the first to explore and shop.
Birthday Coupon: Celebrate your special day with a birthday coupon, adding an extra perk to your annual festivities.
Free Shipping and Returns: Use the American Eagle card for purchases to enjoy the convenience of free shipping and returns, enhancing your online shopping experience.
Customizable Card Designs: Personalize your credit card experience by selecting from one of three unique card designs that suit your style and preferences.
Banana Republic Credit Card
- Free Fast Shipping: Enjoy complimentary fast shipping on all online orders of $50 or more, enhancing the convenience of your shopping experience.
- Members Only Exclusive Offers: Gain access to exclusive offers reserved for cardholders, providing an additional layer of benefits and discounts beyond regular promotions.
- Early Access to Select Sales: Be among the first to explore and shop select sales, securing sought-after items before they become widely available to the general public.
- Family of Brands Bonus: Unlock annual bonus points by shopping across Gap Inc. brands. Earn 500 points for 2 brands, 1,000 points for 3 brands, and 2,000 points for shopping at all 4 brands, adding value to your cross-brand shopping.
- Quarterly Bonus: Receive bonus points each quarter when making purchases at Gap, Banana Republic, Old Navy, or Athleta, providing consistent opportunities for point accumulation and rewards throughout the year.
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Compare The Alternatives
If you're looking for a store credit card with great rewards for online shopping – there are some good alternatives you may want to consider:
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi | Apple Credit Card | Sam's Club® Mastercard® | |
Annual Fee | $0 ($60 Costco membership fee required) | $0
| $0 ($50/$110 for Club/Plus membership – MUST)
|
Rewards |
1-4%
4% cash back on on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter, 3% cash back on restaurants and most travel purchases, 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com, 1% cash back on all other purchases
| 1% – 3%
3% cash back at Apple and select Apple pay partners. 3% Daily Cash back at Ace Hardware, Duane Reade, Exxon, Mobil, Nike, Panera Bread, T-Mobile, Uber, Uber Eats, and Walgreens. 2% on other Apple pay purchases, and 1% on all other purchases
|
1-5%
5% cash back on gas anywhere Mastercard is accepted (on the first $6,000 per year, then 1% after), 3% cash back on Sam’s Club purchases for Plus members, 3% on dining and takeout and 1% on all other purchases
|
Welcome bonus |
None
None
| N/A |
None
$30 statement credit after making $30 in Sam’s Club purchases within the first 30 days
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0
| $0 | N/A
|
Purchase APR | 19.99% – 27.99% (Variable)
| 15.99% – 26.99% Variable
| 20.40% or 28.40% Variable
|
Compare Banana Republic Credit Card
Both credit cards offer similar cash-back rewards ratios, but the extra perks of the Banana Republic card are better than T.J.Maxx.
T.J.Maxx Rewards Platinum Mastercard vs Banana Republic Credit Card
Compare American Eagle Credit Card
The AE wins if you use your credit card only on American Eagle or Victoria's Secret. But what if you plan to use it outside these brands?
American Eagle vs Victoria Secret Credit Card: Side By Side Comparison