You walk into a mall these days and it feels like a ghost town. Most of the stores we grew up with are gone, or they're just shells of what they used to be. New York & Company is one of those names that carries a lot of nostalgia for anyone who needed a decent blazer or a pair of 7th Avenue pants back in the day. But here is the thing: the physical stores basically vanished after the 2020 bankruptcy. Yet, the New York and Company credit card—officially known as the Runway Rewards card—is still kicking.
It’s a bit of a weird situation. You have a brand that exists almost entirely online now, but people are still carrying the plastic in their wallets. Is it actually worth keeping? Or is it just another high-interest trap that’s harder to manage now that you can’t just walk into a store to pay your bill or return a sweater? Honestly, the answer depends on how much you actually shop their digital catalog and whether you can handle a brutal APR.
The Reality of the New York and Company Credit Card Today
Most people don't realize that the card didn't die when the stores closed. Comenity Bank (now part of Bread Financial) still manages the accounts. If you’ve got one of these in your drawer, it’s likely the "store-only" version, though a few lucky folks still have the Mastercard version that works anywhere.
The rewards structure is surprisingly aggressive for a brand that’s been through the ringer. You’re looking at $10 back for every $200 spent. That is a 5% return. If you hit "VIP" status by spending over $400 a year, that reward doubles to $20 for every $200 spent. That’s 10% back. Honestly, that is a higher rate than most "premium" cards offer on fashion. But there is a massive catch. The interest rate is currently sitting around 32.95% for many users. That is astronomical. If you carry a balance of $500, you’re basically lighting money on fire every single month just to keep the account active.
Who is actually behind the card?
It’s Comenity Bank. If you’ve ever had a card for Victoria’s Secret or Ann Taylor, you know the drill. They specialize in retail cards. They are notoriously easy to get—people with "fair" credit scores in the 600s often get approved—but they are also notorious for low credit limits and high fees.
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What You Get (and What You Lose)
The perks haven't changed much since the digital pivot. You still get:
- Birthday Savings: Usually a "week of savings" or a specific discount code sent to your email.
- Free Shipping: This is the most valuable perk now that the stores are gone. Paying $8 or $10 for shipping on every blouse is a dealbreaker, so cardholders often get "Free Shipping Days" or periodic coupons.
- Early Access: You get first dibs on sales, which actually matters because their online stock for popular sizes (looking at you, size 8 and 10) tends to sell out fast.
But here is the frustration. Managing the New York and Company credit card in 2026 feels a bit like a chore. Since you can't walk into a store, everything happens through the Comenity "Account Center" portal. If the website is glitchy—which it sometimes is—you’re stuck calling customer service.
The "Hidden" Expiration Rule
One thing that catches people off guard is the reward expiration. Unlike some credit card points that last forever, these rewards typically expire 60 to 90 days after they are issued. If you earn a $10 reward in June and forget to use it on a summer dress, it’s gone by September. New York state law actually stepped in recently to require a 90-day grace period for some reward programs, but you shouldn't rely on that. If you see a reward in your account, use it immediately.
Why the APR is a Dealbreaker for Most
Let's be real. A 32.95% APR is predatory. It’s just the nature of the store card beast. If you use the New York and Company credit card to buy a $100 outfit and don't pay it off the first month, that outfit ends up costing you significantly more by the time you're done.
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If you’re the type of person who carries a balance, this card is a terrible idea. You are much better off using a flat 2% cash-back card from a major bank. But, if you are a "deadbeat" (the industry term for people who pay their full balance every month), then the 5-10% rewards are actually a huge win. You’re basically gaming the system to get cheaper clothes.
Managing the Account Without a Physical Store
Since 2020, the way you interact with this card has changed. You can't just hand a check to a cashier. Here is the modern reality of managing it:
- The Online Portal: You have to register your card at the Comenity/Bread Financial site. Don't wait until the bill is due. Their registration process can be finicky about matching your zip code and SSN.
- The "EasyPay" Option: Comenity has a feature where you can pay your bill without even logging in. You just need your card number and some personal info. It’s great for quick payments, but it won't show you your full statement.
- Returns and Credits: This is the biggest headache. If you return an item you bought online, the credit goes back to your card. However, it can take 1-2 billing cycles to show up. If your payment is due in the meantime, pay it. Don't wait for the return to "wash out" the balance, or you’ll get hit with a late fee that costs more than the shirt you returned.
Is New York & Company Still a "Real" Brand?
It’s a fair question. After Saadia Group took over and then faced their own financial hurdles, the brand has changed. The quality isn't always what it was in 2012. You’ll see a lot of "Final Sale" items on the site now. Be careful with those. If you buy a final sale item on your New York and Company credit card, you can't return it. If it doesn't fit, you are stuck with the charge on your bill.
The brand has tried to stay relevant with celebrity lines—think Gabrielle Union—but the "New York" in the name feels more like a legacy label than a fashion powerhouse these days. Still, for workwear essentials, they have a loyal following that keeps the credit card program alive.
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The Verdict: Keep it or Cut it?
If you shop at nyandcompany.com at least three or four times a year, the card pays for itself in shipping savings alone. The 5% to 10% back is icing on the cake.
However, if you find yourself forgetting to pay the bill or if you only shop there once a year during a clearance sale, the card is a liability. A single late fee (which can be up to $41) will wipe out years of "rewards."
Actionable Next Steps:
- Check your current APR: Log into the portal and look at your latest statement. If it’s over 30%, make a strict "no carry-over" rule for yourself.
- Set up Autopay: Because there are no stores to visit, missing a digital notification is the #1 way people ruin their credit with this card. Set the autopay to "Minimum Amount" just so you never get hit with a late fee, then manually pay the rest.
- Audit your Rewards: Check if you have any $10 or $20 certificates waiting. They expire fast, and leaving them on the table is like throwing away cash.
- Monitor your Credit Limit: Comenity is known for slashing limits on inactive cards. If you want to keep the account open to help your credit age, buy a small accessory once every six months and pay it off immediately.
Ultimately, the New York and Company credit card is a specialized tool. It’s great for a specific type of shopper, but it’s dangerously expensive for everyone else. Use it for the discounts, but never, ever give them a cent in interest.