Where to send your Synchrony card payment
Synchrony is the bank behind store credit cards — the ones you get at Target, Amazon, Best Buy, and dozens of other retailers. When you pay your Synchrony card, you are paying Synchrony Bank directly, not the store. The payment methods and where to send money depend on which store card you hold, but Synchrony runs the account behind it.
You can pay online through your cardholder account, by phone, by mail, or in person at some retail locations. The fastest and most common route is online through Synchrony's website or mobile app. If you do not have your account set up online yet, you will need your card number and the phone number or email associated with your account to register.
Payments made online or by phone typically post the same business day if submitted before the cutoff time, which is usually 8 p.m. Eastern time. Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to reach Synchrony and post to your account, so plan ahead if you use that method. If your due date is coming up, online or phone payment is the safer choice.
Key Takeaways
- Synchrony processes payments for store credit cards like Target, Amazon, and Best Buy, so you pay Synchrony Bank, not the retailer.
- Online payment through your Synchrony account is the fastest method and usually posts the same business day if submitted before 8 p.m. Eastern time.
- Phone payments can be made by calling the customer service number on the back of your card, and the payment posts the same business day.
- Mail payments take 7 to 10 business days to arrive, so send them at least two weeks before your due date to avoid a late fee.
- Setting up automatic payments through your Synchrony account removes the risk of missing a due date entirely.
Paying online or through the Synchrony app
Log into your Synchrony account at synchrony.com or open the Synchrony mobile app on your phone. If you have not created an online account, you will need to register using your card number and the contact information on file. Once you are logged in, look for the "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now" button — the exact wording varies slightly depending on which store card you hold.
You can pay from a checking or savings account linked to your Synchrony profile, or use a debit card. Enter the amount you want to pay — you can pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or any amount in between. Review the payment details and confirm. The payment will post to your account the same business day if submitted before the evening cutoff, usually around 8 p.m. Eastern time.
The Synchrony app also shows your current balance, recent transactions, and your due date in one place, which makes it straightforward to stay on top of your account. You can set up a payment reminder in the app so you do not forget when your bill is due.
Paying by phone
Call the customer service number on the back of your Synchrony card. A representative will ask for your account information and the amount you want to pay. You will need to provide a checking or savings account number, or a debit card number, to complete the payment over the phone.
Phone payments also post the same business day if you call before the cutoff time. This method works well if you do not have internet access or prefer to speak with someone. Keep in mind that Synchrony's phone lines can have wait times during peak hours, especially near the end of the month when many people are paying bills.
Paying by mail
If you prefer to mail a check or money order, the payment address is printed on your monthly statement. Write your account number on the check or money order so Synchrony can match the payment to your account. Mail your payment at least 10 to 14 days before your due date to account for postal delivery time.
Payments sent by mail are considered received on the date Synchrony processes them, not the date you mail them. If your payment arrives after your due date, you may be charged a late fee even if you mailed it on time. For this reason, mailing is the riskiest payment method if your due date is approaching.
Setting up automatic payments
The easiest way to never miss a due date is to set up automatic payments through your Synchrony account. Log in online or through the app, find the "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments" section, and link a checking or savings account. You can choose to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount each month on a date you select.
Once automatic payments are active, the money will be withdrawn from your bank account on the date you choose, usually a few days before your Synchrony due date. You can change or cancel automatic payments at any time through your account settings. This method removes the risk of forgetting to pay and helps you avoid late fees and interest charges.
What to do if you cannot pay on time
If you know you will not be able to pay by your due date, contact Synchrony as soon as possible. Call the number on the back of your card and explain your situation. Synchrony cannot erase a late fee that has already been charged, but speaking with a representative before you miss a payment may give you options — some representatives can work with you on timing or temporarily adjust your due date.
A late payment will show up on your credit report and can lower your credit score. The longer the payment is overdue, the more damage it does. If you are more than 30 days late, Synchrony may close your account or refer it to a collection agency. Paying as soon as you can, even if it is late, stops the account from getting worse.
Confirming your payment went through
After you make a payment online, by phone, or through the app, you should receive a confirmation number. Write this down or take a screenshot. Log back into your account within a few hours to verify that the payment shows as pending or posted. If you paid by mail, keep a copy of the cancelled check or money order as proof.
If a payment does not appear in your account within one business day of submission, contact Synchrony customer service. Have your confirmation number ready. Payment issues are usually resolved quickly, but it is better to catch them early than to discover a missing payment when your next bill arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Synchrony card at the store where I got it?
Some retailers allow in-store payments for their Synchrony cards, but not all. Target and some other major retailers have this option at customer service desks. Call the store or check your card's website to confirm. In-store payments may take a few business days to post to your account, so they are not faster than online payment.
What happens if I pay late?
A late fee is charged if your payment is not received by your due date. The fee amount varies but is typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment. Your interest rate may also increase, and the late payment will appear on your credit report for seven years. Paying even one day late triggers these consequences.
Can I pay more than my minimum to pay off the card faster?
Yes. You can pay any amount between the minimum and your full balance. Paying more than the minimum reduces the interest you owe and helps you pay off the card faster. There is no penalty for paying early or paying more than required.
Is there a fee to pay my Synchrony card?
Synchrony does not charge a fee for making a payment, regardless of the method you use. However, your bank may charge a fee if you use a third-party bill payment service to send money to Synchrony. Paying directly through Synchrony's website, app, or phone line is always free.
How do I know my payment due date?
Your due date is printed on your monthly statement and displayed in your online account. It is usually the same date each month. If you set up automatic payments, you can choose the date yourself. Contact Synchrony if you are unsure when your payment is due.