What to know about Encore: Gap’s new membership rewards program that seeks to combine fashion and entertainment

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Global clothing retailer Gap is back in the headlines after announcing the launch of a new membership program, dubbed “Encore,” last week.

The multi-tiered program — with “basic,” “premium” and “all-access” levels — gives shoppers the opportunity to earn points and redeem rewards across all four of Gap Inc.’s popular brands: Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta. The rebranded loyalty program also introduces the Encore Credit Card, which offers card members “the most extensive earning opportunities” per issue, as well as a host of fashion and entertainment perks.

Here’s what to know about the Gap Encore membership program, plus a look at some of the top trending articles you can get online at Gap.com right now.

What are the levels of gap emergence?

Gap’s new Encore Points program offers three tiers: Core, Premier and All-Access. Joining the basic Encore program is free, while the Encore Mastercard program is by online application only. Shoppers can move to the next level based on their annual spending or cardmember status. For example, you can go from basic to premium after spending just $350 a year across all Gap Inc. brands. In-store and online.

Gap says this is a program that “rewards engagement and long-term relationships.”

What are Gap Encore perks?

Overall, all three tiers offer perks like free shipping, early access to the store’s limited-edition collections, an annual “Birthday Bonus” gift, and points you can redeem for clothing and gift cards online. Members also have the ability to save through the “Create Your Own Sale Day” feature, which lets you choose one day a year where you save 15% off your entire purchase.

Basic and Premium status members earn five points per dollar spent across the Gap family of brands (which also includes Gap Factory and Banana Republic Factory); Encore Mastercard holders earn 25 points for every dollar they spend. Encore cardholders also earn 15 points per dollar spent at other apparel brands, and five points per dollar spent anywhere else Mastercard is accepted. Worth noting: Purchases from Amazon, Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs like Sam’s Club and Costco are excluded.

All-Access card members get free alterations at Banana Republic and extended returns, with up to 60 days from purchase date to send something back.

Gap is also promoting “new fashion, entertainment and culture moments for members,” including the ability to redeem Encore points for Disney gift cards, AMC Theater tickets, “never-before-sold items” and “limited-run products” — like accessories signed by Athleta brand ambassador and Olympic champion Simone Biles, or special edition Gap and Old Navy products. Members can also redeem their points for one-of-a-kind experiences, like the chance to win a trip to New Delhi. York City to meet Zac Posen, The current executive vice president and chief creative officer of Gap Inc. Gap says Encore card members will also receive “priority access to select experiences and enhanced benefits” with details to be announced later.

How to Apply for the Gap Encore Credit Card

Gap, Banana Republic and Old Navy have long offered their own credit cards, but the Encore Mastercard brings all the brands — and their franchises — into one. The new card is offered by Barclays Bank, and registration is now available online and in stores across Old Navy, Gap, Banana Republic and Athleta.

There is no annual fee for the card and you can also add additional users and cardholders. Keep in mind that purchases made by authorized users will earn points that will be deposited into your rewards account.

says Richard Dixon, president and CEO of Gap Inc. “Fashion is entertainment, and today’s customers don’t just buy clothes, they buy brands that shape culture and tell compelling stories,” in a press release. “Encore is connecting our brands and partnerships in new ways to meet this demand and change how customers interact with our brands. By bringing fashion, entertainment and access together, we are building momentum, deepening relationships and creating long-term value across our portfolio.”

Adds Pam Kaufman, CEO of Entertainment at Gap Inc: “Encore is a powerful new tool to bring our Fashiontainment platform to life. Through partners like Disney, NBCUniversal and AMC Theaters, we can translate what people love on screens and theaters into experiences they can actually access – from early, exclusive screenings to cultural moments you can’t get anywhere else. It’s a new way to engage in entertainment through style and feeling closer to our brands.”

What to buy from GAP now

The new Encore loyalty program is officially in effect, just in time for Gap’s Spring Sale, which offers you up to 50% off men’s and women’s basics, seasonal staples, and collaborative gifts. Here’s a look at some of the best pieces you can pick up online right now.

According to the company, Gap’s rebranded loyalty program is among the largest rewards programs in the United States, with 40 million active members across Gap Inc.’s brands.