What the Harley-Davidson credit card is and who issues it
The Harley-Davidson credit card is a co-branded rewards card issued by Synchrony Bank in partnership with Harley-Davidson Motor Company. It is designed for people who buy Harley-Davidson motorcycles, parts, apparel, or services, or who want to earn rewards on everyday purchases. The card offers different rewards rates depending on where you spend and what you buy.
Synchrony Bank handles the account management, billing, and customer service. Harley-Davidson sets the rewards structure and decides which merchants and categories earn bonus points. You explore directly through Synchrony's website or through a Harley-Davidson dealership, and the card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days after approval.
Key Takeaways
- The Harley-Davidson card earns higher rewards rates at Harley-Davidson dealerships and on Harley.com purchases than on everyday spending.
- You need a credit score in the mid-600s or higher to have a reasonable chance of approval, though Synchrony does not publish a minimum.
- The card has no annual fee, but interest rates on purchases and cash advances are set by Synchrony based on your creditworthiness and current market rates.
- Rewards points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active, but closing the account may forfeit unused points.
- You can redeem points for Harley-Davidson merchandise, dealership credit, or statement credits, depending on the redemption options available at the time.
Rewards rates and earning structure
The Harley-Davidson card typically earns 5 points per dollar spent at Harley-Davidson dealerships and on Harley.com. On all other purchases, you earn 1 point per dollar. Some cards in this family also offer bonus categories like gas stations or restaurants, but the exact structure changes periodically, so you should check the current terms on Synchrony's website or your cardholder agreement when you receive it.
Points accumulate in your Synchrony account and are tracked online through your cardholder portal. There is no cap on how many points you can earn. The redemption value of each point varies depending on what you redeem for — dealership credit is typically worth more per point than a statement credit, for example.
Interest rates and fees
The Harley-Davidson card has no annual fee. The purchase APR, cash advance APR, and penalty APR are not fixed and vary based on your credit score, credit history, and current market conditions. Synchrony will disclose the specific APR you may have access to for before you complete your process, so you will know the rate before you are approved.
If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, no interest is charged. Late payments trigger a penalty APR and may damage your credit score, so setting up automatic payments or calendar reminders is worth doing from the start.
how the process works and what documents you need
You can start an process on Synchrony's website by searching for "Harley-Davidson credit card" or by visiting a Harley-Davidson dealership and asking to explore in person. The online process takes about 10 minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, date of birth, income, and employment information.
You do not need to upload documents during the process. Synchrony will pull your credit report from one or more of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion) to make a decision. You will receive a decision when ready or within a few business days. If approved, the card ships to your mailing address within 7 to 10 business days.
Credit score requirements and approval odds
Synchrony does not publish a minimum credit score for the Harley-Davidson card, but approval is more likely with a score of 650 or higher. If your score is below 650, approval is still possible but less common. If you are denied, you can ask Synchrony for the reason and may be able to reapply after addressing the issue — for example, paying down existing balances or waiting for negative marks to age off your report.
Your income, employment history, and existing debt also factor into the decision. Synchrony looks at your debt-to-income ratio, which is the total of your monthly debt payments divided by your gross monthly income. A lower ratio improves your odds. If you have recently changed jobs or have a thin credit file, approval may take longer or result in a denial.
Redeeming points and managing your account
You redeem points through your Synchrony online account or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. Redemption options typically include Harley-Davidson dealership credit (which you can use toward parts, service, or merchandise), Harley.com credit, or a statement credit applied to your account balance.
The minimum redemption amount is usually 500 to 1,000 points, depending on the redemption option. Points do not expire as long as your account is open and you use the card at least once every 12 months. If your account is closed for inactivity or by you, unused points may be forfeited, so check your account balance before closing.
How the card compares to other rewards cards
The Harley-Davidson card is narrower in scope than a general-purpose rewards card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred or the American Express Blue Business Plus. Those cards earn rewards on a wider range of purchases and offer travel protections or other perks. The Harley-Davidson card is best for people who spend regularly at Harley-Davidson dealerships or on Harley.com and want to concentrate their rewards there.
If you rarely visit dealerships or buy Harley merchandise, a cash-back card with a flat 1.5% to 2% rate on all purchases will likely earn you more value. If you are a frequent Harley customer, the 5x rate at dealerships can add up quickly — $1,000 spent at a dealership earns 5,000 points, which may be worth $50 to $100 in redemption value depending on the option you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Points are typically forfeited when you close your account. Before closing, redeem any remaining points for dealership credit, statement credit, or merchandise. If you think you might reopen the account later, contact Synchrony to ask whether points can be held or transferred, though this is not standard practice.
Can I use the card outside the United States?
Yes, the card works internationally, but Synchrony charges a foreign transaction fee of 1% to 3% on purchases made outside the U.S. This fee is added to your statement. Check your cardholder agreement for the exact percentage, as it may vary by card version.
How long does it take to earn enough points for a meaningful redemption?
That depends on your spending. If you spend $2,000 per year at Harley dealerships, you earn 10,000 points annually, which might be worth $100 to $200 in dealership credit. If you spend $500 per year, you earn 2,500 points, worth roughly $25 to $50. Redemption value varies, so check current rates before deciding whether the card makes sense for your budget.
What if I am denied for the card?
Ask Synchrony for the specific reason — it may be a low credit score, high debt, or insufficient credit history. You can reapply after 30 to 90 days if you have addressed the issue. In the meantime, consider a secured credit card to build credit, or focus on paying down existing balances to improve your debt-to-income ratio.
Do I earn points on interest charges or fees?
No. Points are earned only on purchases you make with the card. Interest charges, late fees, and other charges do not earn points.