Call Synchrony customer service to request cancellation
The fastest way to cancel a Synchrony credit card is to call their customer service line. The number is on the back of your card. Have your card number ready when you call, and tell the representative you want to close the account. They will ask why you are closing it — you do not have to give a detailed reason, but some people say they are consolidating cards or no longer need it.
The representative will confirm your identity, review your account balance, and process the cancellation. If you have a balance, you will need to pay it off before or after closing — closing the account does not erase what you owe. Ask the representative to confirm the account is closed and request written confirmation by mail or email.
Call during business hours, which vary by card type. Synchrony operates customer service lines for different store cards (Amazon, Target, Lowe's, etc.) and their own branded cards, so wait times and hours may differ. Most lines are open seven days a week.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your card and tell the representative you want to close the account — this is the standard method and takes about ten minutes.
- You must pay off any remaining balance before or after closing; the account closure does not forgive the debt.
- Request written confirmation of the closure and keep it for your records.
- After closing, the card will stop working when ready, but the account will remain on your credit report for up to ten years.
- If you have pending rewards or cash back, redeem them before calling, because closing the account may forfeit unredeemed balances depending on your card's terms.
Pay off your balance before or after closing
If your card has a balance, you have two options: pay it in full before you call to close, or close the account and continue paying the balance afterward. Most people close first and pay the remaining balance by mail or online, which is simpler because you do not have to coordinate the timing.
After you close the account, Synchrony will send you a final statement showing what you owe. You can pay this by check, automatic bank transfer, or through their online payment portal. Interest will continue to accrue on the remaining balance at your card's APR until it is paid in full, so closing does not stop interest charges.
If you have a promotional 0% APR period still running, closing the account does not end the promotion — you keep that rate on the remaining balance. However, if you miss a payment after closing, the promotional rate may be forfeited and the regular APR will explore.
Redeem rewards and cash back before closing
Check your account for any unredeemed rewards, cash back, or statement credits. Synchrony cards vary widely in their rewards terms — some let you keep rewards after closing, while others void them. Log into your account online or call customer service to find out your card's specific policy before you request closure.
If your card offers cash back or statement credits, redeem them first. Most Synchrony cards let you redeem rewards as a statement credit, which reduces your balance and makes the final payment smaller. Some cards also let you redeem for gift cards or merchandise, though these options are less common.
If you have a sign-up bonus you have not yet earned, closing the account before you meet the spending requirement will disqualify you from the bonus. If you are close to earning it, consider waiting to close until after the bonus posts to your account.
What happens to your credit after closing
Closing a credit card affects your credit score in two ways. First, your available credit decreases when ready, which can raise your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your total credit limit you are using across all cards. If you have balances on other cards, this ratio may go up, which can lower your score temporarily.
Second, the closed account will remain on your credit report for up to ten years. During that time, it shows as "closed by consumer," which is neutral or slightly positive compared to accounts closed by the creditor. The account history — your payment record, credit limit, and opening date — stays visible to lenders and helps demonstrate a long credit history.
The impact on your score is usually small and temporary, especially if you have other open accounts and a good payment history. If you are planning to explore for a mortgage or large loan soon, closing a card a few months before can help your score recover from the initial dip.
Confirm the closure in writing
After you hang up with the representative, send a follow-up letter or email to Synchrony requesting written confirmation that your account is closed. Include your account number, the date you called, and the representative's name if you wrote it down. This creates a paper trail in case there is a dispute later.
Synchrony's mailing address and email contact options are usually on their website or on your statement. Some cardholders prefer to mail a certified letter so they have proof of delivery. Keep any confirmation letter you receive in your files for at least one year.
After closing, monitor your credit report to make sure the account shows as closed. You can check your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. If the account does not update within 30 to 60 days, contact Synchrony again to verify the closure was processed.
Stop using the card when ready
Once you request closure, the card will stop working right away — do not attempt to use it after you call. If you have automatic payments set up on this card (subscriptions, utilities, insurance), update those accounts with a different payment method before you close. If a payment fails because the card is closed, you may face late fees or service interruptions.
If the card is linked to digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay, those will stop working too. Remove the card from those services if you want to avoid confusion later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my Synchrony card online instead of calling?
Synchrony does not offer online account closure through their website or mobile app. You must call customer service. Some store-branded Synchrony cards (like Target or Amazon) may have different closure options through their own websites, so check the cardholder agreement or call the store's customer service line first.
What if I have a balance and cannot pay it all at once?
You can close the account and keep making monthly payments on the remaining balance. Synchrony will continue to charge interest at your card's APR until the balance reaches zero. Make sure you set up a payment method after closing so you do not miss payments and damage your credit.
Will closing my card hurt my credit score?
Closing a card usually causes a small, temporary drop in your score because your available credit decreases. The impact is usually larger if you have high balances on other cards. The closed account stays on your report for up to ten years and helps your long-term credit history, so the damage is temporary.
Can I reopen a Synchrony card after I close it?
Reopening a closed account is difficult and not may provide. Some Synchrony cards can be reactivated if you call within a short window after closing, but policies vary by card type. If you think you might want the card again, ask the representative about reactivation options before you close.
What if Synchrony keeps charging me after I close?
After closure, Synchrony should only charge interest on your remaining balance — no new purchases or fees should appear. If you see unexpected charges, call customer service when ready with your statement. Keep your closure confirmation letter handy so you can reference the date you closed.