Bath & Body Works does offer a store credit card through Synchrony Bank

Bath & Body Works has a co-branded credit card issued by Synchrony Bank. You can use it at Bath & Body Works and sister brand White Barn Co. stores, as well as online. The card is not a Visa or Mastercard, so you cannot use it anywhere else — only at those two retailers.

The card comes with a rewards program that gives you points on purchases. You earn points faster when you use the card compared to paying with cash or another card. Those points convert to rewards certificates you can spend on future purchases.

Like most store cards, this one is easier to open than a traditional credit card if your credit history is limited or imperfect. Synchrony tends to approve applicants with fair credit scores, though approval is never may provide.

Key Takeaways

  • The Bath & Body Works credit card is issued by Synchrony Bank and works only at Bath & Body Works and White Barn Co. locations and online.
  • Cardholders earn rewards points on every purchase, which convert to rewards certificates worth money off future buys.
  • The card often comes with promotional offers like extra points during certain months or discounts on opening day purchases.
  • You can open an account in-store at any Bath & Body Works location or online through the Synchrony website.
  • The card charges interest on balances you carry month to month, so carrying a balance costs you money even with the rewards.

How the rewards program works

When you use the Bath & Body Works credit card, you earn points on every dollar you spend. The exact earning rate changes based on current promotions, but typically you earn more points per dollar than you would with a regular payment method. Points accumulate in your Synchrony account and show up in your online portal.

Once you reach a certain point threshold — usually around 300 to 400 points depending on the promotion — Synchrony converts those points into a rewards certificate. The certificate arrives by mail or appears in your online account as a code you can use at checkout. Each certificate is worth a specific dollar amount, typically $10 or $15, and you can stack multiple certificates on a single purchase.

Bath & Body Works also runs seasonal promotions where you earn bonus points during specific months. For example, you might earn double or triple points during a holiday shopping period. These promotions are advertised in-store and online, and cardholders receive notices by email or mail.

Opening a Bath & Body Works credit card account

You can open an account in two ways: in any Bath & Body Works store or online through Synchrony's website. In-store, a cashier can hand you an process or direct you to a kiosk where you fill one out on a tablet. The process takes about 10 minutes. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and income information.

Online, you go to the Synchrony website, find the Bath & Body Works card, and complete the process there. You receive an when ready decision in most cases — approved, denied, or pending review. If approved when ready, you can use your card number right away for online purchases, though your physical card arrives by mail in 7 to 10 business days.

If your process goes to pending review, Synchrony may call you to verify information. This usually happens if there are inconsistencies in your process or if your credit report raises questions. The review typically takes a few business days.

Interest rates and fees to know about

The Bath & Body Works credit card charges interest on any balance you carry from month to month. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies based on your credit score and credit history. Synchrony will tell you the rate before you finish opening the account.

There is no annual fee to hold the card. You also will not pay a fee for late payments unless you miss a payment by more than 60 days, at which point penalty fees explore. If you pay your full balance by the due date each month, you pay no interest.

The card does charge a cash advance fee if you use it to withdraw cash, and a foreign transaction fee if you try to use it outside the United States (though remember, you can only use it at Bath & Body Works and White Barn Co. anyway). These fees are rare for most cardholders because the card is designed for in-store and online shopping only.

Comparing the store card to other payment options

A store credit card makes sense if you shop at Bath & Body Works regularly — at least several times a year. The rewards add up faster than they would with a general rewards credit card, because you earn bonus points during promotions and the earning rate is higher per dollar spent.

However, if you carry a balance month to month, the interest you pay will likely exceed the value of the rewards you earn. Store cards typically charge higher interest rates than general credit cards. The rewards are only valuable if you pay off your balance in full each month.

A general rewards credit card from a bank or credit union might earn you cash back or points you can use anywhere, not just at one retailer. Those cards often have lower interest rates and may offer sign-up bonuses. The trade-off is that you earn rewards more slowly per dollar at Bath & Body Works specifically.

What happens if you miss a payment

If you miss your payment due date, Synchrony reports the late payment to credit bureaus after 30 days. This damages your credit score. After 60 days, penalty fees kick in. After 120 days, Synchrony may close your account and send your debt to a collection agency.

If you know you will miss a payment, call Synchrony before the due date. They sometimes work out a payment plan or defer a payment for a month. Waiting until after you miss the important date makes negotiation much harder.

You can set up automatic payments from your bank account so the card payment comes out on the same day each month. This prevents accidental missed payments. You can choose to pay the full balance, a minimum amount, or a custom amount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Bath & Body Works card at other stores?

No. The card works only at Bath & Body Works and White Barn Co. locations and on their websites. It is not a Visa or Mastercard, so you cannot use it at other retailers, restaurants, or gas stations.

What is the credit limit on a Bath & Body Works card?

Your credit limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history. Synchrony sets the limit when you open the account. You can request a higher limit after you have held the card for a few months and made on-time payments. Call the customer service number on the back of your card to ask.

Do I have to use the card to get rewards?

No. Bath & Body Works customers who pay with cash, debit, or other credit cards do earn rewards, but at a slower rate. The card accelerates rewards earning, which is the main benefit of opening one.

How long does it take to earn a rewards certificate?

It depends on how much you spend. If you earn points at the standard rate and need 300 points for a certificate, you might reach that in two to four shopping trips if you spend $50 to $100 per trip. Bonus point promotions can cut this time in half.

What if I want to close my account?

Call Synchrony customer service at the number on your card and ask to close the account. They will ask why you are closing it, but you do not have to give a reason. Make sure you have paid off any balance before closing, or the remaining balance will still be due.