Call Synchrony directly to close your account
The fastest way to close a Synchrony credit card is to call their customer service line. The number is on the back of your card. Tell them you want to close the account, and they will process it over the phone — you do not need to mail anything or visit a website form.
Before you call, pay your balance down to zero if you can. Synchrony will close the account even if you owe money, but you will still be responsible for the remaining balance. They will send you a bill each month until it is paid off, and interest will continue to accrue on what you owe.
When you reach a representative, have your card number ready. The call usually takes five to ten minutes. Ask them to confirm the account is closed and request a reference number for your records. Some representatives will offer you a retention offer (a discount or bonus) to keep the account open — declining is fine if you have decided to close it.
Key Takeaways
- Call the number on the back of your Synchrony card and tell the representative you want to close the account; they can do it when ready over the phone.
- Pay your balance to zero before closing if possible, because any remaining balance will still accrue interest and require monthly payments.
- Ask for a confirmation number when the account is closed so you have proof of the closure date.
- Your credit report will show the account as closed, which may lower your credit score temporarily because it reduces your available credit.
- Check your credit report a few weeks after closure to confirm Synchrony reported the account as closed by you, not by them.
What happens to your credit score when you close the account
Closing a credit card usually lowers your credit score, at least temporarily. The main reason is that your available credit shrinks. If you had a $5,000 limit and you close that card, your total available credit drops by $5,000, even if you were not using it. Credit scoring models reward people who use only a small portion of their available credit, so losing that available credit makes your score go down.
The impact is usually larger if this is your oldest card or if you carry balances on other cards. If you have multiple cards and this one is newer, the damage is smaller. If you have no other cards and this is your only source of available credit, the impact will be more noticeable.
The score drop is not permanent. Over time, as you keep other accounts in good standing and your credit history ages, the score will recover. Most people see the impact fade within a few months to a year.
Timing: when to close before or after paying off a balance
If you have a balance on the card, the order matters. Close the account after you have paid it to zero. If you close while you still owe money, Synchrony will freeze the account, meaning you cannot make new charges. You can still make payments, but the account will show as closed on your credit report while you are still paying it down, which looks worse to other lenders than an account that was open the whole time you were paying.
If you are paying off a large balance over time, make your regular payments first, then call to close once the balance hits zero. This takes longer but keeps the account open and in good standing while you are paying, which is better for your credit profile.
If you have a small balance and want to close when ready, you can do that too — just know that interest will keep accruing on what you owe, and you will receive bills until it is paid off. The total cost will be higher than if you paid it off first.
Confirming the closure on your credit report
After you close the account, check your credit report two to four weeks later to make sure Synchrony reported it correctly. You can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — once per year at annualcreditreport.com. This is the official government site, and it is truly free with no credit card required.
Look for the Synchrony account and confirm that it shows as "closed by consumer" or "closed at consumer's request." If it shows as "closed by creditor" or just "closed," that is incorrect and can hurt your score more than a consumer-initiated closure. If you see the wrong status, call Synchrony back with your reference number and ask them to correct the report they sent to the bureaus.
Also check that the balance shows as zero. If Synchrony reports a remaining balance after you have paid it off, that is a reporting error and you should dispute it with the bureau directly through their website.
What to do if you cannot reach Synchrony by phone
If you have trouble getting through to customer service or prefer not to call, you can also close your account through the Synchrony website. Log into your account, go to Account Settings or Account Management, and look for a "Close Account" or "Close This Account" option. The exact wording varies depending on which Synchrony card you have, but the option is usually in the settings area.
Closing online takes longer than calling — it can take several business days for the closure to process. You will not get when ready confirmation, so follow up by calling a week later to confirm the account is actually closed. Keep any confirmation emails Synchrony sends you.
If you have a store-branded Synchrony card (like a Target or Amazon card), you may also be able to close it through that retailer's website or app, though you will still need to contact Synchrony directly to may support the closure is complete.
After the account is closed: what you need to do next
Once the account is closed, you will no longer receive statements or be able to make charges. If you set up automatic payments on this card for any recurring bills, change those payments to a different card or bank account before you close. Synchrony will not process new charges, so any automatic payments will fail and you could miss a payment important date.
You can keep the physical card or destroy it — Synchrony does not require you to return it. If you keep it, make sure it is somewhere safe so you do not accidentally try to use it. If you destroy it, cut it in half or shred it to prevent someone else from finding it.
If you had a rewards balance or pending rewards points on the card, check your account before closing to see if you can redeem them. Once the account is closed, you may lose access to unredeemed rewards, depending on Synchrony's policy for that specific card.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will closing my Synchrony card hurt my credit score?
Yes, usually. Your credit score will drop because you are losing available credit, which makes your credit utilization ratio higher on your remaining cards. The impact is temporary and typically fades within a few months to a year. The damage is smaller if you have other cards or if this card is newer.
Can I reopen a Synchrony card after I close it?
Reopening a closed account is difficult and not may provide. Synchrony may allow you to reopen within a short window (usually 30 to 60 days), but after that you would need to explore for a new card from scratch. If you are unsure about closing, consider keeping the account open and just not using it instead.
What if I have a balance I cannot pay off right now?
You can still close the account, but interest will keep accruing on the remaining balance and you will receive monthly bills. You will be responsible for paying it off. If you are struggling with the balance, contact Synchrony to ask about hardship programs or payment plans before you close.
Do I need to return my Synchrony card when I close the account?
No. You can destroy the card or keep it in a safe place. Synchrony does not require you to mail it back. If you destroy it, cut or shred it to prevent misuse.
How long does it take to close a Synchrony credit card?
If you call, the account closes when ready and the representative will give you a confirmation number. If you close online, it can take several business days. Either way, it will take two to four weeks for the closure to appear on your credit report.