Coupons & Promo Types
All the ways to save at Gap. Each promo type can often be combined — see the Stacking Tips section.
Sitewide % Off Promos
Gap runs near-constant percentage-off promotions — typically 30-50% off everything, sometimes with free shipping added. These are promoted via email, the Gap homepage banner, and coupon sites. Rarely is Gap selling at full retail price; if there's no active promo, wait a few days.
Continuous (multiple per month)Friends & Family Sale
Gap's semi-annual flagship sale event, offering 40-50% off everything — including new arrivals and sale items already discounted. Held in April/May and October/November. This is the deepest sitewide discount of each season and the best time to buy new-season merchandise.
Semi-Annual (spring & fall)Email & App Promo Codes
Gap email subscribers receive exclusive promo codes, often 40-50% off or 'extra 20% off' on top of existing sale prices. Signing up for Gap emails is the single highest-leverage free action for consistent savings. Gap's app also delivers push notification exclusive codes.
WeeklyClearance Section
Gap's online clearance section offers end-of-season inventory at 40-70% off original retail. Additional promo codes often apply on top of clearance prices, pushing effective savings to 60-75%. The clearance section refreshes continuously as seasons roll over.
Always AvailableGap Credit Card Rewards
The Gap credit card (Mastercard or store card) earns 5 points per $1 at Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta, and 1 point per $1 everywhere else (Mastercard only). Every 500 points earns a $5 Reward certificate. Cardholders also receive an anniversary bonus and 20% off a purchase on their birthday month.
Always AvailableStudent Discount
Gap offers a 10-15% student discount through UNiDAYS. Verified college students can access the discount year-round through the UNiDAYS platform, stackable with existing sale pricing.
Year-Round (verified students)Current Active Offers
3- Promo Code Check Gap's email list or RetailMeNot for active sitewide codes — typically 30-50% off Rotates frequently
- Clearance Gap Clearance: up to 70% off end-of-season styles online Always Available
- Credit Card Gap credit card: 5 points per $1 on all Gap Inc. brands, $5 reward per 500 points Always Available
Return Policy
Gap has one of the more generous return policies among major retailers. Most items qualify for the standard return window, with extended benefits available depending on your membership or payment method.
| Return Window | Return Shipping | Restocking Fee | Receipt Required | Final Sale Items | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 30 days from purchase date for a full refund to original payment method. Items returned after 30 days may be eligible for merchandise credit at the current selling price. | Free in-store returns at any Gap location. Online returns via mail require a prepaid return label — a $7 return shipping fee is deducted from the refund. | No restocking fee on eligible returns. | Receipt or order confirmation preferred. Without proof of purchase, returns may be processed as a merchandise credit at the lowest recent sale price. | Items marked 'Final Sale' in the product listing are not eligible for return or exchange. Always check before purchasing clearance items deeply discounted to 70%+ off. |
| Gap Credit Card Holders | 30 days — same return window. Gap credit card does not extend the return period. | Same policy — $7 mail return fee applies. Free in-store return is the best option for credit card holders. | No restocking fee. | Gap credit card purchase history can serve as proof of purchase — present card at Guest Services. | Same exclusions — Final Sale items are non-returnable regardless of payment method. |
Shipping & Delivery
Gap offers multiple fulfillment options. Here's a breakdown of the shipping methods, costs, and delivery timeframes available.
Free Standard Shipping
Free standard shipping on orders of $50 or more. Active promo codes sometimes include free shipping with no minimum — check the current offer before paying for shipping. Standard delivery in 5-7 business days.
Free Shipping (Gap Credit Card)
Gap credit card holders receive free standard shipping on all Gap Inc. orders with no minimum purchase. This benefit alone can justify the card for frequent Gap shoppers who regularly order below $50.
Express Shipping
2-3 business day express delivery available for $18 flat rate. Often waived during promotional events — check for active free express shipping promotions before paying.
In-Store Pickup
Order online and pick up in-store at most Gap locations within 2 hours of ordering for in-stock items. Fastest fulfillment option and avoids all shipping fees.
Loyalty Program
Gap's loyalty program is free to join and provides personalized deals, exclusive perks, and additional savings opportunities. Combining the loyalty program with other discount types is one of the most effective ways to save.
Gap Rewards (Free)
Free
- Earn 1 point per $1 at Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta
- $5 Reward certificate for every 500 points earned
- Birthday bonus reward (20% off one purchase)
- Early access to select sales and promotions
- Email subscriber access to exclusive promo codes
Gap Credit Card (Store Card)
Free (no annual fee)
- 5 points per $1 at Gap, Old Navy, Banana Republic, and Athleta
- 1 point per $1 everywhere else (Mastercard version only)
- $5 Reward certificate per 500 points
- 20% off on your birthday month
- Free shipping on all Gap Inc. online orders, no minimum
- Exclusive cardholder-only sale events and early access
- Anniversary bonus offer each year
Stacking Tips
Combine multiple discount types in a single transaction. These are the most effective stacking combinations at Gap.
The Clearance + Promo Code Stack
Gap's clearance section regularly stacks with active promo codes. When Gap sends an 'extra 20% off' or 'extra 30% off' email code, it usually applies to clearance items as well. A $60 shirt marked down to $25 in clearance, with an extra 30% off, drops to $17.50 — over 70% off retail. Pay with the Gap credit card to earn 5 points per dollar on top.
The Friends & Family + Credit Card Stack
During the twice-yearly Friends & Family event, Gap discounts everything including new arrivals. Pay with the Gap credit card to earn 5x points (effectively 5% back in future reward certificates) on the already-discounted total. Credit card holders also get free shipping, eliminating the $50 minimum. This is the optimal window to refresh foundational wardrobe items like jeans, tees, and hoodies.
The End-of-Season Triple Stack
Late January (winter clearance), late July (summer clearance), and late October (fall clearance) are when Gap's online clearance reaches its deepest discounts. Combine with any active promo code — Gap almost always has one running — and pay with the credit card. A $50 pair of jeans can realistically reach $12-15 effective cost through this stack.
The Student Discount Stack
Verified college students can access Gap's student discount via UNiDAYS year-round. The student discount stacks on top of Gap's existing sale pricing, not just full price. During a 30% off sitewide event, adding the 10-15% student discount and paying with the Gap credit card achieves a three-layer discount on everyday purchases.
Price Match Policy
Gap's price match guarantee lets you claim a lower price from qualifying competitors — both at the time of purchase and up to 14 days after. Knowing the rules can save you from overpaying on big-ticket items.
No Competitor Price Match
Gap does not offer a price match guarantee against other retailers. Gap does not match prices from H&M, J.Crew, Banana Republic, or any other apparel brand.
14-Day Price Adjustment
If an item you purchased at Gap goes on sale within 14 days of your purchase date, Gap will refund the difference. Request a price adjustment at any Gap store or via Gap's customer service. This is Gap's most shopper-friendly pricing protection.
Promotional Stacking Strategy
Gap's promotional cadence is predictable — if you miss a sale, another one is typically 1-2 weeks away. Rather than price matching competitors, the better strategy is to wait for Gap's next promo event and purchase then.
Qualifying Competitors
Exclusions
- No competitor price matching
- 14-day price adjustment applies only to Gap's own pricing changes (not competitor prices)
- Final Sale items are excluded from price adjustments
- Price adjustments not available on promotional items originally purchased with a promo code
Clearance & Markdown Schedule
Gap follows a predictable markdown cadence that savvy shoppers can use to time purchases. Understanding how clearance works lets you decide whether to buy now or wait for a deeper cut.
Markdown Progression
First Clearance
End-of-season items move to clearance at 30-40% off original retail. Best selection — all sizes still available. These items often accept additional promo codes for an extra 20-30% off.
Second Markdown
Items that didn't sell at first clearance get a second markdown. Selection begins to thin, especially in popular sizes. Still eligible for most promo code stacking.
Final Clearance
Deepest discount before items are removed from sale. At 70% off retail, individual promo codes may still apply (extra 20-30% off), pushing effective savings to 75-80%. Selection is very limited at this stage — buy immediately if you find your size.
Department Schedule
Women's Apparel
Continuous (season end: Jan, Jul, Oct)Women's clearance deepens through January (fall/winter), July (spring/summer), and October (pre-holiday). New clearance additions appear continuously online.
Men's Apparel
Continuous (season end: Jan, Jul, Oct)Men's clearance follows the same seasonal pattern as women's. Denim and basics hold their value longer in clearance than fashion-forward items.
Kids & Baby
Continuous (higher velocity)Kids' and baby clothing turns over faster due to size needs — clearance sections are replenished more frequently. GapKids and babyGap clearance often reaches 70% off at season end.
GapBody / Athleisure
End-of-seasonGap's activewear and loungewear lines follow the same seasonal clearance rhythm. January and July represent the deepest discounts on seasonal athleisure.
Tag Color Guide
Red tags or 'Sale' labels on Gap.com indicate clearance pricing. The original price and current price are both shown. Look for items with additional promo code eligibility — not all clearance items are Final Sale.
Items marked 'Final Sale' online or on the tag in-store are the deepest-discounted clearance items and cannot be returned or exchanged. Verify your size and style carefully before purchasing Final Sale items.
Promo Calendar
Monthly breakdown of Gap's biggest promotions and sales events. Highlighted months are the best times to shop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Verified Sources
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