In 1978, they left their jobs and moved to the Tamalpais Valley. They wanted to start a business to make money. But first, Mel got a magazine assignment to explore Australia with other journalists for a few weeks. In 1983, Gap purchased the company, changed the name to “Banana Republic Credit Card” and renamed the stores with a more upscale image. 
The first Banana Republic was founded in 1978 by Mel and Patricia Ziegler. The couple was known to acquire some interesting outfits which they came in contact with through their travel-related jobs. They ended up opening a store in the Mill Valley area of Northern California. They were known for a catalog of hand-drawn items with travel/exploration stories printed alongside them and their safari-themed retail stores. The Zieglers recount the adventures of the first ten years in their memoir Wild Company, published by Simon and Schuster in 2012.
Gap Inc. acquired the Banana Republic in 1983, and in 1988 founders Mel and Patricia Ziegler lost creative control and were eventually renamed Masstige, a luxury clothing retailer. The alphabetically sorted items, hand-drawn catalog, and quirky tourist items were removed and replaced with more luxurious but not exclusive items the brand would eventually be known for and are currently replacing premium materials with cheaper fabrics. and solid quality. standards
The Banana Republic Visa card is issued by Synchrony Bank. An interesting feature of the application is that there is no guarantee that you will receive a visa. Depending on the application, you must allow the bank to decide which version of the card you will receive. Hit 1 in my opinion.
Banana Republic Rewards transfers the credit card program from Synchrony to Barclays. Your new credit card will ship in mid-June. This card has a whole new look but all the same perks you know and love. As always, enjoy great benefits with no annual fee. Keep checking here for the latest information and details about this change.