Abercrombie & Fitch, a popular apparel retailer, once offered a credit card to its customers, which provided various benefits to those who frequently shopped at the store. The card was issued by Comenity Bank and garnered mixed reviews from users. While some appreciated the perks it offered, others were concerned about its high Annual Percentage Rates (APRs) and its suitability for people carrying balances.
In 2020, the Abercrombie & Fitch credit card was discontinued, causing some confusion among customers who had come to rely on this card. This article will delve into the details of this card and provide a comprehensive review of its features, advantages, and drawbacks. Through this discussion, readers will gain an understanding of key factors that made the Abercrombie & Fitch credit card a popular choice for shoppers, as well as the reasons leading to its discontinuation.
Abercrombie Credit Card Overview
Card Issuer: Comenity Bank
The Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card is issued by Comenity Bank, a well-known provider of store-branded credit cards for various retailers. This card offers benefits such as discounts and special offers specifically for Abercrombie & Fitch shoppers.
Store Card vs. Regular Credit Card
Unlike regular credit cards that can be used at multiple establishments, the Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card is a store card, which means that it can only be used for purchases at Abercrombie & Fitch stores or on their website. The card comes with no annual fee, making it a low-maintenance option for dedicated Abercrombie & Fitch customers.
| Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card | Regular Credit Card |
|---|---|
| Can only be used at Abercrombie & Fitch | Can be used at multiple establishments |
| Offers discounts and special offers specific to Abercrombie & Fitch | Offers rewards that can be redeemed at various establishments |
| No annual fee | Annual fees may apply, depending on the card |
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for the Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card, applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be a legal resident of the United States
- Possess a valid Social Security Number
Please keep in mind that meeting these requirements does not guarantee approval, as creditworthiness and other factors will be taken into account during the application review process.
Application Process and Approval Odds
Online Application Process
The Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card’s application process is quite straightforward. To apply online, visit their official website and fill out the required information. The application may trigger an instant approval decision, providing a credit line upon successful completion. For example, one Credit Karma member reported being approved online with a 712 EQ score for a $500 credit limit1.
In-Store Application Process
Another option is to apply for the Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card in-store. Visit any Abercrombie & Fitch store and ask an associate for assistance in applying for the credit card. They will guide you through the process and collect the necessary personal information.
Required Personal Information
The Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card application will require the following personal information:
- Full Name: Your complete legal name will be needed for the application.
- Social Security Number: You will also be prompted to enter your SSN.
- Date of Birth: Provide your date of birth for age verification.
- Phone Number: A working contact number is necessary for communication purposes.
- Verifiable Source of Income: A stable and consistent income source is essential to calculate debt-to-income (DTI) ratios and other financial factors.
Credit Score and Approval Odds
While credit scores play a crucial role in the approval process, there are no definitive score requirements provided. Generally, credit scores can be categorized as good (670-799 FICO / 661-780 VantageScore), fair (580-669 FICO / 601-660 VantageScore), or poor (300-579 FICO / 300-600 VantageScore)2. Your approval odds depend on various factors, including your credit score, credit history, and financial stability. Keep in mind that each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Remember that applying for the Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card may result in a hard inquiry on your credit report, potentially affecting your credit score. Weigh your creditworthiness and financial abilities before applying, and compare this card with similar ones to ensure it meets your needs.
Card Benefits and Rewards Program
Discounts and Savings
New cardholders of the Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card receive a 25% discount on their first purchase. This allows you to save on your favorite fashions while kickstarting your rewards journey with the card.
Birthday Surprise and Early Access to Sales
As an Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card holder, you can enjoy a special birthday surprise each year as an exclusive perk. In addition, you will also receive early access to sales, giving you a head start on nabbing your desired items before the general public.
Free Shipping and Exclusive Cardholder Benefits
Cardholders can benefit from free shipping on qualifying orders, allowing for convenient online shopping without the added cost of delivery fees. Moreover, the card offers exclusive cardholder benefits that unlock offers tailored specifically for loyal customers.
Rewards Program Details
The rewards program for the Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card allows you to earn points for every dollar spent at participating stores. These points can then be redeemed for future purchases, offering a way to save money while shopping your favorite styles. Keep in mind that the card has a high APR starting at 26.74%, so it is not ideal for those who tend to carry a balance. However, there is no annual fee, making it an attractive option for those looking to maximize their rewards without incurring additional costs.
Fees and Interest Rates
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
The Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card has an APR for purchases of 26.49%. This interest rate is influenced by the prime rate plus a variable percentage rate. For example, if the prime rate is 4%, the issuer has added 11.5 percentage points to the prime rate.
No Annual Fee
One advantage of the Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card is that it comes with no annual fee. This can be especially beneficial for cardholders who do not want to pay a yearly fee for having the card.
Other Fees and Charges
Although the Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card does not have an annual fee, there are still other fees associated with the card. Some examples include:
- Late payment fee: The card may charge a fee for late payments, so it’s essential to make payments on time.
- Additional card fee: There is a $30 charge for each authorized user that is added to the account. This can increase the overall cost, particularly for cardholders who want to have multiple users.
In terms of credit scores, approval for the Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card may vary, but some users have reported approvals with credit scores around 712.
It is important to carefully consider all aspects of the fees and interest rates before applying for and using the Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card. Being aware of all the costs and potential penalties can help cardholders make the best choices regarding their financial needs.
Managing and Paying Your Card Account
Managing Your Account Online
Managing your Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card account is easy and convenient with their online account center. This platform allows you to:
- Pay your bill: Make timely payments to avoid accumulated interest or late fees.
- View past billing statements: Keep track of your purchases and payment history.
- Update your personal information: Keep your contact details such as email address up-to-date.
To get started, simply register your account on the Comenity website using your credit card account number, ZIP code or postal code, and the last four digits of your SSN1.
Customer Service Support
If you require assistance with your Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card account, their dedicated customer service is available to help. You may reach out to them via:
- Phone: Contact Comenity Bank, the card issuer, at their dedicated phone number provided on the card or statement.
- Email: Get in touch by sending an email to the address provided on their website or your statement.
Remember to have your account details readily available when contacting customer service. This will ensure a smooth and efficient experience when managing your payments, purchases, and balance inquiries.
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Drawbacks and Alternatives
High APR and Credit Score Impact
The Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card has a high APR in the range of 25% which means it is not ideal for carrying a balance. With such a high interest rate, it can be expensive to maintain debt on this card, especially for those who frequently shop at Abercrombie & Fitch and may be tempted to spend more on clothing and merchandise than they can afford. Additionally, applying for the card can impact your credit score due to hard inquiries. Having a minimum credit score of 650 to be considered for approval may be challenging for some potential users, particularly younger shoppers or those with limited credit history.
Alternatives: Cash Back and Regular Credit Cards
If you are looking for alternatives to the Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card, there are two categories to consider:
- Cash Back Credit Cards: These cards offer cash back rewards on purchases, sometimes with higher percentages for specific categories like online shopping or clothing. You can use these cash back rewards as a statement credit, direct deposit, or to redeem for gift cards and other merchandise. A good example of this type of card is the Mission Lane Cash Back Visa® Credit Card. This card has no annual fee, requires a fair credit score of at least 630, and offers either 1% or 1.5% cash back on all purchases.
- Regular Credit Cards: These cards typically come with lower APRs, no annual fees, and are more widely accepted than store credit cards like the Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card. They often provide balance transfer options, sign-up bonuses, and a variety of benefits such as travel rewards or purchase protections. Using a regular credit card at Abercrombie & Fitch or any other clothing outlet, gives you more flexibility in terms of payment options and can help build credit without being limited to a specific store.
When considering your options, it’s important to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of each type of card and choose the one that fits your shopping habits, credit score, and financial goals.
Closing Thoughts
The Abercrombie & Fitch credit card once offered a great fit for the brand’s loyal customers who planned to utilize its benefits on a regular basis. Unfortunately, the card was discontinued on May 1st, 2020, with issuers Comenity Bank deciding to end the credit service to existing customers.
Although the card no longer exists, it used to provide cardholders with a simplified, easy shopping experience, as well as exclusive benefits like discounts and rewards. Among those perks was a generous 25% off for new cardholders on their first purchase. This made the Abercrombie & Fitch credit card enticing for fans of the brand who frequently shopped at their stores or online.
Retail credit cards like Abercrombie’s were designed to be used primarily for the brand’s products, and it was recommended to pay off the balance each month due to the high Annual Percentage Rate (APR), which was likely in the range of 25%. This strategy enabled the cardholder to make full use of the credit card’s benefits without negatively impacting their credit score.
It’s important to note that although the Abercrombie & Fitch credit card no longer exists, shoppers can still have a great shopping experience with the brand through other rewards programs and promotions that may be available from time to time, uncompromised by any form of commission on the card.
In conclusion, the Abercrombie & Fitch credit card was once a beneficial option for brand enthusiasts, providing tailored benefits and rewarding shopping experiences for its users. Though it has been discontinued, consumers still have other ways to enjoy the brand and take advantage of promotional offers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What bank issues the card?
The Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card is issued by Comenity Bank. It’s a store credit card specifically for shopping at Abercrombie & Fitch stores.
How to apply?
To apply for an Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card, visit their official website or a physical store. The application process usually requires personal and financial information to evaluate your eligibility.
How to make payments?
You can make payments for the Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card through several options, including online account management, by phone, or by mailing a check. To manage your account online, register on the Comenity Bank website, where you can set up one-time or recurring payments.
What benefits are offered?
The Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card offers cardholders various benefits and rewards. Some of these may include exclusive offers, discounts on purchases, and earning points for each dollar spent using the card. Be sure to read the terms and conditions to understand the specific benefits associated with the card.
Pre-approval process?
A pre-approval process, such as the “Shopping Cart Trick,” is a method some people use to apply for the Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card without a hard credit check. Keep in mind that this method may not work for everyone, and it’s still essential to maintain good credit management practices.
Comparison to other brand cards?
When comparing the Abercrombie & Fitch Credit Card to other brand credit cards, consider factors such as the benefits, reward programs, and annual fees. The Abercrombie & Fitch card is a store card, which means it can only be used at Abercrombie & Fitch stores. Brand credit cards, issued by other banks, might have a broader range of usage and additional benefits, such as cashback or travel rewards. Be sure to analyze and compare different cards to determine the best option for your needs.
