What Synchrony Financial credit cards are and who issues them
Synchrony Financial is a bank that issues credit cards branded for specific retailers and services — you will not find a generic "Synchrony card" on the shelf. Instead, Synchrony partners with companies like Amazon, Target, Lowe's, and others to create store-branded cards that offer rewards or financing tied to those retailers. When you use one of these cards, Synchrony handles the account behind the scenes: they set the credit limit, process payments, and manage your account online.
The card itself belongs to the retailer's brand, but Synchrony owns the financial relationship. This matters because when you log in to manage your account, you go through Synchrony's portal or the retailer's website, depending on which card you hold. Synchrony also sets the interest rate, annual percentage rate (APR), and terms — not the retailer.
Synchrony is a publicly traded company and a bank holding company regulated by the Federal Reserve. It has been in the credit card business since the 1980s and currently manages accounts for millions of cardholders across dozens of retail partnerships.
Key Takeaways
- Synchrony issues store-branded credit cards for retailers like Amazon, Target, and Lowe's, not standalone cards under its own name.
- Each Synchrony card comes with different rewards, financing offers, and APRs depending on the retailer partnership and your creditworthiness.
- You manage your Synchrony card account through the retailer's website or Synchrony's own portal, and you can set up automatic payments through either platform.
- Synchrony reports your payment history to the three major credit bureaus, so on-time payments help your credit score and late payments hurt it.
- If you carry a balance, the APR varies by card and by your credit profile, and promotional financing offers (like 0% for 12 months) have specific terms and exclusions.
How to find and open a Synchrony card
The easiest way to find a Synchrony card is to shop at a retailer you use regularly and look for their branded credit card offer. Most retailers display the card offer at checkout, on their website, or in their mobile app. You can also visit Synchrony's website directly and browse their full list of partner cards — this shows you every retailer they work with and links to each card's terms.
To open an account, you click the card offer (either at the retailer or through Synchrony's site) and fill out an online form. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, income, employment status, and current address. The form takes about five minutes. Synchrony then checks your credit report and makes a decision — usually within seconds, though some applications go to manual review and take a few minutes longer.
If you are approved, you receive a decision screen when ready. Some cards let you use the card number right away for online purchases; others require you to wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail (usually 7 to 10 business days). You can log into your account and set up automatic payments as soon as you receive your approval.
Understanding rewards, financing offers, and APR
Synchrony cards vary widely in what they offer because each partnership is different. A Target card might give you 5% back on Target purchases and 1% on everything else. An Amazon card might offer 3% back on Amazon purchases and 1% elsewhere. Some cards offer no ongoing rewards but instead provide promotional financing — for example, 0% APR for 12 months on purchases over $99.
The APR (annual percentage rate) is the interest rate you pay if you carry a balance. This rate depends on two things: the card itself and your credit score. A card might have a range of 16% to 24% APR, and Synchrony assigns you a rate within that range based on your credit history. If you have excellent credit, you might get 16%; if your credit is fair, you might get 22%. You find out your exact APR when you open the account.
Promotional financing offers — like 0% APR for 12 months — come with conditions. The offer usually applies only to purchases made during a specific window (often the first 30 days after opening the account) and only to purchases over a minimum amount. If you do not pay off the full promotional balance by the end of the period, the remaining balance is charged the regular APR, sometimes retroactively. Read the terms carefully before you rely on a promotional offer.
How to manage your account and make payments
You access your Synchrony card account in one of two places: through the retailer's website (if they host the account) or through Synchrony's own portal at mysynchrony.com. Log in with your email and password. From there, you can view your balance, recent transactions, available credit, and due date.
To make a payment, you have several options. You can pay online through your account portal using a bank account or debit card. You can set up automatic payments so a fixed amount or your full balance is paid on a date you choose each month. You can also pay by phone by calling the number on the back of your card, or by mail if you prefer to send a check.
The due date is usually the same each month (often the 15th or 25th, depending on the card). Payments made by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date count as on-time. If you miss the due date, Synchrony charges a late fee (typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment) and reports the late payment to the credit bureaus after 30 days past due.
What happens to your credit when you use a Synchrony card
Synchrony reports your account activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit bureaus. This means every payment you make (or miss) affects your credit score. On-time payments help your score; late payments hurt it. The impact of a late payment can last for years on your credit report.
Synchrony also reports your credit limit and current balance, so the amount you owe relative to your limit (your credit utilization) shows up on your credit report. Using more than 30% of your available credit can lower your score, even if you pay on time. For example, if your limit is $1,000 and you carry a $400 balance, you are using 40% of your credit, which may negatively affect your score.
Opening a new Synchrony card results in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your score by a few points. The impact fades after a few months. Closing a card can also affect your score because it reduces your total available credit and may raise your utilization ratio on other cards.
Synchrony card fees and what to watch for
Most Synchrony store cards have no annual fee. This is one of their main selling points compared to premium cards from other issuers. However, you may face other fees depending on how you use the card.
Late fees explore if you miss your due date. The first late fee is usually $25 to $40; subsequent late fees in the same year may be higher. If your payment is 60 days late, Synchrony may charge a penalty APR, which is a higher interest rate applied to your balance. A returned payment fee (usually $25 to $40) applies if a check or automatic payment bounces. Cash advance fees and balance transfer fees, if offered on your card, are typically 3% to 5% of the amount.
Foreign transaction fees explore if you use the card outside the United States. Most Synchrony cards charge 3% per transaction. If you travel internationally, check your card's terms before you go.
How to dispute charges and get help with your account
If you see a charge on your Synchrony card that you do not recognize or believe is wrong, you can dispute it. Log into your account, find the transaction, and look for a "dispute" or "report a problem" option. You can also call the number on the back of your card and speak to a representative.
When you report a dispute, Synchrony opens an investigation. You may be asked to provide documentation — for example, a receipt showing a different amount, or proof that you returned an item. Synchrony typically completes the investigation within 30 to 60 days. If the dispute is found in your favor, the charge is removed and you receive a credit. If Synchrony finds the charge was valid, you remain responsible for it.
For other account issues — a lost card, a question about your APR, trouble logging in — call the customer service number on the back of your card. Synchrony also offers online chat support through your account portal during business hours. Response times vary, but most issues are resolved within one business day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Synchrony card at stores other than the retailer it is branded for?
Yes. A Target Synchrony card works anywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted (depending on which network the card uses). However, you will only earn the higher rewards rate at Target; purchases elsewhere earn a lower rate or no rewards at all. Check your card's terms to see the rewards structure.
What is the difference between Synchrony and the retailer for my account?
Synchrony is the bank that issues the card and owns your account. The retailer is the partner whose name appears on the card. Synchrony sets the APR, credit limit, and fees. The retailer may offer exclusive promotions (like extra rewards during sales events) but does not control your account terms. If you have a billing dispute, contact Synchrony; if you have a question about a purchase or return, contact the retailer.
What happens if I do not pay my Synchrony card bill?
If you miss your due date, Synchrony charges a late fee and reports the late payment to the credit bureaus after 30 days. If you remain unpaid for 60 days or more, a penalty APR may be applied to your balance, raising your interest rate significantly. If the account goes unpaid for 180 days (six months), Synchrony may close the account and send it to collections, which can damage your credit for years.
Can I transfer a balance from another credit card to my Synchrony card?
Some Synchrony cards offer balance transfer options, but not all. Check your card's terms or call customer service to ask. If your card does offer balance transfers, there is usually a fee (3% to 5% of the amount transferred) and a promotional APR period (often 0% for a set number of months). After the promotional period ends, the regular APR applies to any remaining balance.
How do I close my Synchrony card account?
Log into your account and look for a "close account" or "manage account" option, or call the number on the back of your card and ask a representative to close it. Pay off any remaining balance first. Once the account is closed, you cannot use the card, but Synchrony continues to report the account to the credit bureaus for up to seven years (showing it as closed). Closing a card can affect your credit score because it reduces your available credit.