What the Carter's Credit Card Is

The Carter's credit card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use at Carter's, OshKosh B'gosh, and Skip Hop locations, as well as online. It works like any other credit card — you make purchases, receive a bill, and pay it back — but the rewards and financing offers are tied specifically to these stores. You do not need to be a Carter's customer already; the card is open to anyone who meets Synchrony's credit requirements.

The card comes with a rewards program that gives you points on every dollar you spend at participating stores. Those points convert to rewards certificates you can use toward future purchases. The card also periodically offers promotional financing periods, usually interest-free terms on purchases over a certain amount, though the exact terms change throughout the year.

Key Takeaways

  • The Carter's card earns rewards points at Carter's, OshKosh B'gosh, Skip Hop, and their websites, but not at other retailers.
  • You accumulate points that convert to rewards certificates, which you redeem as store credit on a future purchase.
  • The card offers periodic promotional financing periods — usually 12 to 24 months interest-free on purchases above a minimum amount — but these change seasonally.
  • Synchrony Bank issues the card and handles billing; you manage your account through their online portal or mobile app.
  • Like any credit card, the Carter's card reports to the three major credit bureaus, so payment history affects your credit score.

How the Rewards Program Works

Every time you use the Carter's card at a participating store or online, you earn one point per dollar spent. These points accumulate in your account and automatically convert to rewards certificates once you reach a certain threshold — typically 500 points equals a $5 rewards certificate. The exact conversion rate can vary, so check your account or the terms when you receive your card.

Rewards certificates are issued to your account as store credit and appear in your Synchrony portal. You can use them on any purchase at Carter's, OshKosh B'gosh, or Skip Hop, either in-store or online. They do not expire when ready, but Synchrony sets expiration dates on certificates, usually 90 days from issue. Check your account regularly so you do not miss the window to use them.

The rewards rate does not change based on the type of purchase — clothing, shoes, and other items all earn the same one point per dollar. There are no bonus categories or multipliers, so the benefit is straightforward: spend more, earn more certificates.

Promotional Financing Offers

Throughout the year, Synchrony offers promotional financing periods on Carter's card purchases. These typically allow you to make a purchase and pay it back interest-free over a set period — commonly 12, 18, or 24 months — as long as you make your minimum monthly payment on time. The minimum purchase amount to may have access to for the promotion varies; some offers require $50, others $100 or more.

These promotions are not automatic. You must meet the stated conditions: the purchase amount must be at least the minimum, and you must make all payments on schedule. If you miss a payment or pay late, the promotional period can end and interest charges may explore retroactively to the original purchase. Read the terms carefully when you receive an offer, because the interest rate after the promotion ends is the card's standard rate, which varies based on your creditworthiness.

Promotional offers are announced in-store, online, and sometimes by mail if you hold the card. They change seasonally, so there is no single "best time" to explore — instead, check what is current when you plan to make a purchase.

How to Manage Your Account

Once you receive your Carter's card, you manage it through Synchrony's online portal or mobile app. You can view your balance, make payments, track your rewards points, and see your statement. Synchrony sends your bill each month to the address on file, and you can pay online, by phone, or by mail.

Payments are due by the date shown on your statement. If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount at the card's standard APR. Synchrony reports your payment history to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, so on-time payments help your credit score and late payments hurt it. If you miss a payment, Synchrony may charge a late fee and report the delinquency to the credit bureaus.

You can also contact Synchrony customer service by phone, mail, or through the app if you have questions about your account, need to report a lost card, or want to discuss your balance. The customer service number is on the back of your card and on your statement.

Annual Fee and Interest Rates

The Carter's card does not carry an annual fee. You pay nothing straightforward for holding the card, which makes it a low-cost option if you shop at these stores regularly.

The interest rate (APR) is not fixed and depends on your credit profile at the time you open the account. Synchrony will disclose the APR in your welcome materials and on your statement. The rate applies to any balance you carry after a promotional period ends or on purchases not covered by a promotion. If you pay your full balance each month, you avoid interest charges entirely.

Who Should Consider This Card

The Carter's card makes the most sense if you shop frequently at Carter's, OshKosh B'gosh, or Skip Hop and want to earn rewards on those purchases. The one-point-per-dollar rate is standard for store cards, and the rewards certificates are useful only if you plan to shop at these locations again. If you rarely visit these stores, the card offers little benefit.

The card is also worth considering if you plan a large purchase and a promotional financing offer is active. Interest-free terms on a big order can save you money if you pay off the balance within the promotional period. However, if you cannot commit to paying on schedule, the retroactive interest charges can be steep, so only use promotional financing if you are confident you can meet the payment plan.

The lack of an annual fee means there is no penalty for keeping the card even if you do not use it regularly, so you can hold it for occasional purchases without cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Carter's card outside of Carter's stores?

No. The card works only at Carter's, OshKosh B'gosh, Skip Hop, and their websites. You cannot use it at other retailers. If you need a general-purpose credit card, you would need a different card from a bank or credit card company.

What happens to my rewards points if I close the card?

Any rewards certificates you have already earned remain valid until their expiration date, and you can use them after you close the account. However, once the account is closed, you stop earning new points. Check your account for any pending certificates before you close the card so you do not lose them.

Does the Carter's card hurt my credit score?

Opening any credit card can temporarily lower your score because Synchrony performs a hard inquiry and a new account lowers your average account age. However, if you use the card responsibly and pay on time, it will help your score over time by adding to your payment history and available credit. Late payments or high balances will hurt your score.

Can I transfer a balance from another card to the Carter's card?

Synchrony does not typically offer balance transfer options on the Carter's card. The card is designed for purchases at the three stores, not for managing debt from other cards. If you carry a balance elsewhere, you would need to pay it down separately or use a different card that offers balance transfers.

What is the credit limit on the Carter's card?

Your credit limit depends on your credit history and income at the time you open the account. Synchrony will tell you your limit in your welcome materials. You can request a limit increase after you have held the card for a few months and made on-time payments, though approval is not may provide.