What Synchrony Bank credit cards are and how they differ

Synchrony Bank does not issue cards under its own brand. Instead, it partners with major retailers and brands to issue their store and co-branded cards — cards you see branded as Amazon, Target, Lowe's, Sam's Club, or PayPal, for example. When you hold one of these cards, Synchrony Bank is the company behind the scenes managing your account, processing payments, and setting the terms.

This matters because the card's benefits, interest rates, and rules come from both the retailer (who decides the rewards structure and promotional offers) and Synchrony Bank (who sets the APR, fees, and credit requirements). You will deal with Synchrony's customer service when you call about your account, make payments, or dispute a charge — not the retailer's general customer service line.

Synchrony cards typically fall into two categories: store cards that work only at one retailer, and co-branded cards (like Amazon Visa or PayPal Cashback) that work anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted. Store cards often come with promotional financing offers — 0% APR for 12 months on purchases, for example — while co-branded cards emphasize cash back or points on everyday spending.

Key Takeaways

  • Synchrony Bank issues cards under retailer and brand names, not under "Synchrony" itself, so the card in your wallet shows Amazon, Target, Lowe's, or another partner's name.
  • Store cards usually offer promotional financing deals (like 0% APR for a set period) but work only at that retailer, while co-branded cards work everywhere and emphasize cash back or points.
  • Interest rates, annual fees, and credit requirements vary by card and are set by both the retailer and Synchrony Bank, so you need to check the specific card's terms before you open an account.
  • Synchrony handles billing, payments, and customer service for all its cards, so you contact Synchrony — not the retailer — to manage your account or report problems.
  • Your payment history and credit limit with a Synchrony card report to the three major credit bureaus and affect your credit score the same way any other credit card does.

How to find and compare Synchrony-issued cards

The easiest way to find a Synchrony card is to look for a store or brand you already use. If you shop at Target, Lowe's, or Amazon regularly, those retailers offer Synchrony cards. Visit the retailer's website and look for a "Credit Card" or "Financing" link, usually in the footer or account section. You will be taken to a page that explains the card's rewards, promotional offers, and terms.

Compare cards by looking at three things: the promotional offer (0% APR periods, for example), the ongoing rewards rate (cash back or points per dollar spent), and the regular APR if you carry a balance. A store card with 0% APR for 18 months on purchases is useful if you plan to pay off a large purchase over time, but worthless if you pay your balance in full each month. A co-branded card with 2% cash back on all purchases makes sense if you use it for everyday spending.

You can also search "Synchrony Bank credit cards" to see a list of all current partnerships, though the retailer's own website will always have the most current terms. Synchrony's website itself does not let you browse or compare cards — you must go through each retailer's site.

What you need before you open an account

To open a Synchrony credit card, you will need a Social Security number, a current mailing address, and a phone number. Have your driver's license or state ID handy — you may be asked to verify your identity. If you are explore for a store card in person (at a Target checkout, for example), the process takes a few minutes and you get an answer right away.

Online applications typically take 24 to 48 hours for a decision. Synchrony will check your credit report, so a hard inquiry will appear on your credit file. This temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. If you are denied, Synchrony will send you a letter explaining why — usually because of insufficient credit history, a low credit score, or recent negative marks like late payments or collections.

You do not need to have an existing relationship with Synchrony Bank or the retailer to open a card. Your credit history and current credit score are what matter most. If you have no credit history at all, you may be denied, but some Synchrony cards are designed for people building credit for the first time.

How promotional financing works on Synchrony cards

Many Synchrony store cards offer promotional APR periods — typically 0% APR for 6, 12, 18, or 24 months on purchases or balance transfers. This means you can make a purchase and pay no interest during that period, as long as you pay at least the minimum payment each month. If you pay off the full balance before the promotional period ends, you pay zero interest.

If you do not pay off the balance by the time the promotional period ends, the regular APR kicks in on any remaining balance. This APR is usually between 18% and 29%, depending on your credit score and the card. The interest is calculated on the full original purchase amount, not just the remaining balance — this is called "deferred interest," and it is why paying off promotional purchases before the important date matters.

Read the fine print carefully. Some promotions explore only to purchases made during a specific window (the first 30 days after opening the account, for example). Others require a minimum purchase amount. If you miss a payment during the promotional period, the promotion may be canceled and the full APR applied when ready.

Making payments and managing your account online

Once your card is open, you can make payments and check your balance through Synchrony's website or mobile app. Go to mysynchrony.com or read the Synchrony mobile app, then log in with the username and password you created when you opened the card. From there you can view your balance, make a payment, set up automatic payments, and read statements.

Payments can be made by bank transfer, debit card, or check. If you pay by bank transfer or debit card online, the payment posts within one to two business days. If you mail a check, allow at least 10 business days for it to arrive and post. You can also call Synchrony's customer service line (the number is on the back of your card) to make a payment by phone.

Set up automatic payments if you want to avoid late fees and missed payments. You can choose to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount each month on a date you select. Automatic payments are free and reduce the risk of forgetting a due date.

Understanding credit reporting and your credit score

Synchrony reports your account activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit bureaus. This means your payment history, credit limit, and balance all affect your credit score. Making on-time payments helps your score; late payments hurt it. Keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit (below 30% is ideal) also helps.

Your credit report will show the card's opening date, credit limit, current balance, and payment history for the past seven years. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, it will appear as a late payment on your report and damage your score. Collections accounts, charge-offs, or accounts sent to third-party debt collectors also appear and stay on your report for seven years.

You can check your credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. Review it for errors — if Synchrony reports incorrect information, you can dispute it directly with the credit bureau or contact Synchrony's customer service to correct it on their end.

What happens if you miss a payment or carry a balance

If your payment is late by 30 days or more, Synchrony will charge a late fee (usually $25 to $40, depending on your card) and report the late payment to the credit bureaus. Your APR may also increase to a penalty rate, which is typically higher than your regular APR. If you are more than 60 days late, the situation becomes more serious — Synchrony may freeze your account and refer it to collections.

If you carry a balance and are not in a promotional period, you will pay interest. The interest is calculated daily based on your average daily balance and the card's APR. For example, a $1,000 balance at 24% APR costs roughly $20 per month in interest. The longer you carry the balance, the more interest you pay.

If you fall behind, contact Synchrony as soon as possible. Some cards offer hardship programs that temporarily lower your payment or APR if you are facing financial difficulty. Synchrony will not volunteer this information, so you have to ask. Explain your situation and ask what options are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Synchrony store card at other retailers?

No. Store cards like the Target or Lowe's Synchrony card work only at that specific retailer and its affiliated websites. Co-branded cards like Amazon Visa or PayPal Cashback work anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted. Check your card's terms to see which type you have.

What is the credit score requirement for a Synchrony card?

Synchrony does not publish a specific minimum credit score. Different cards have different requirements — some are designed for people with fair credit (scores around 600 to 669), while others require good credit (670 or higher). The best way to know is to check the card's terms or contact Synchrony customer service before you open an account.

How long does it take to get approved for a Synchrony card?

In-store applications are approved or denied on the spot. Online applications typically take 24 to 48 hours. If you are approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can usually start using it online before the physical card arrives.

Can I transfer a balance from another credit card to a Synchrony card?

Some Synchrony cards offer balance transfer promotions with 0% APR for a set period. Check your specific card's terms — not all cards offer this. If yours does, you can initiate a balance transfer through your Synchrony account online or by calling customer service. A balance transfer fee (usually 3% to 5% of the amount transferred) is added to your balance.

What do I do if I see a fraudulent charge on my Synchrony card?

Contact Synchrony customer service when ready using the number on the back of your card. Report the fraudulent charge and ask to dispute it. Synchrony will investigate and typically removes the charge within 10 business days while the investigation is ongoing. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges under federal law, but you must report them promptly.