Old Navy review: Payment choice

On June 4, I made a clothing purchase the Everett, WA Old Navy store. I redeemed the Loyalist rewards I had, which brought the total down to a very reasonable amount. I chose to pay with my debit card. I entered the card, security code, etc. and saw that payment go through.

Then though, the clerk said I could "save even more" if I applied for an Old Navy credit card. Thinking I had already completed my purchase, I thought maybe that would work since my son is very slender and Old Navy is the only local place where I can find jeans that fit him.

I thought I was APPLYING for the credit card. I did not choose to use it, and even explained to the clerk that I never buy clothes that I can't afford to pay for.

I got a bill from the credit card company yesterday, where I discovered that they had somehow bypassed my choice of paying via my debit card and had instead charged the unactivated credit card account.

I even got the credit card itself, which I did not activate. After much haranguing, I was able to talk with an Old Navy customer service person who said that is how they do it. If a credit card is applied for in store, it is automatically put on the card.

I was frightened that my identity, choice of payment method and confidence in the store cold be so wantonly used without my knowledge or consent. I think this policy should be illegal. I have paid my bill in full and returned to the credit card company the unactivated credit card. I was told to cancel the account but I do not even have an online account with them. I am not going to open an online account just to cancel the online account.

Needless to say, I am warning my friends and all my husbands coworkers at Boeing, about this policy. I am never going to shop at Old Navy again. My son will just have to get his pants via mail order.

When I shop, I need to feel comfortable in the environment, not as if I have to go ready for battle, so to speak. Old Navy is a very unpleasant place, due to their policies.