What the Northern Tool Credit Card Is
The Northern Tool Credit Card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use to make purchases at Northern Tool + Equipment locations and online. It works like most retail credit cards: you charge purchases, receive a bill, and pay it back over time or in full. The card comes with a rewards program tied to your spending at Northern Tool, and Synchrony handles the account management, billing, and customer service.
This is not a general-purpose credit card. You can only use it at Northern Tool + Equipment stores and their website. If you want to use a card at other retailers, you would need a different card. The card is designed for people who shop at Northern Tool regularly and want to earn rewards on those purchases.
Key Takeaways
- The Northern Tool Credit Card is issued by Synchrony Bank and can only be used at Northern Tool + Equipment locations and online.
- The card offers a rewards program where you earn points on purchases, though the exact earning rate and redemption value depend on the current card terms.
- You will need to provide personal information, income details, and consent to a credit check when you request the card.
- Synchrony Bank manages your account, sends your monthly bill, and handles customer service through their website and phone line.
- Store cards typically have higher interest rates than general credit cards, so carrying a balance can cost more than you might expect.
How to Request the Northern Tool Credit Card
You can request the card in person at any Northern Tool + Equipment store or online through their website. In-store, a cashier or customer service associate will direct you to a kiosk or paper process. Online, you will find the card offer on Northern Tool's website, usually in a section labeled "Credit" or "Financing."
The process asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, annual income, and employment status. Synchrony will run a credit check, which means they will pull your credit report to assess your creditworthiness. This inquiry appears on your credit report and may temporarily lower your credit score by a few points.
You will receive a decision within minutes if you explore online, or within a few minutes at the store. If you are approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you are denied, Synchrony will send you a letter explaining the reason.
Understanding the Rewards Program
The Northern Tool Credit Card rewards program gives you points on every purchase you make with the card at Northern Tool. The exact number of points per dollar spent varies depending on the current card terms, so you should check the offer details before you request the card or review your cardholder agreement once you receive it.
Points can usually be redeemed as a statement credit, which reduces your bill, or sometimes as a discount on a future purchase. Some promotions offer bonus points during certain periods or on specific product categories. These promotions change, so check your monthly statement or log into your Synchrony account online to see what is currently available.
Unlike some rewards programs, points from the Northern Tool card typically cannot be transferred to other programs or redeemed for cash. They are tied to your Northern Tool purchases only.
Interest Rates and Fees
Store credit cards, including the Northern Tool card, typically charge higher interest rates than general-purpose credit cards. The rate you receive depends on your credit score and credit history. Synchrony will disclose your specific rate in the terms and conditions before you request the card, and again in your cardholder agreement once you receive it.
The card may carry an annual fee, though many store cards waive the first year or offer no annual fee at all. Check the offer details to confirm whether there is a fee and when it applies. Other potential fees include late payment fees if you miss a due date, a returned payment fee if a check bounces, and a cash advance fee if you withdraw cash using the card.
If you carry a balance from month to month, the interest charges will add significantly to what you owe. For example, a $1,000 purchase at a 24% annual rate costs about $20 per month in interest alone if you make no payments. Paying your full balance each month avoids interest charges entirely.
How to Manage Your Account Online
Once your card arrives, you can set up an online account through Synchrony's website. You will need your card number and Social Security number to register. From your online account, you can view your balance, make payments, set up automatic payments, read statements, and update your contact information.
Synchrony also offers a mobile app where you can manage your account on your phone. The app lets you check your balance, make payments, view your rewards balance, and receive alerts about your account activity.
Your monthly statement will arrive by mail or email, depending on your preference. The statement shows your purchases, your current balance, your minimum payment due, your due date, and the interest rate being charged. Review your statement carefully to catch any unauthorized charges or errors.
What Happens If You Carry a Balance
If you do not pay your full balance by the due date, Synchrony will charge you interest on the remaining balance. The interest accrues daily, meaning you pay interest on interest if you carry the balance for multiple months. This is called compound interest, and it causes your debt to grow faster than you might expect.
Synchrony will also report your payment history to the credit bureaus. If you pay on time every month, this helps your credit score. If you miss a payment or pay late, it damages your score and stays on your credit report for seven years. A single late payment can lower your score by 100 points or more, depending on your current score and credit history.
If your account becomes seriously delinquent — usually 120 days or more past due — Synchrony may close your account, refer it to a collection agency, or pursue legal action. At that point, the debt becomes much harder to resolve.
Alternatives to the Northern Tool Credit Card
If you shop at Northern Tool occasionally but do not want a store card, you can straightforward pay with a general-purpose credit card or debit card. You will not earn Northern Tool rewards, but you may earn rewards through your other card's program.
If you want to finance a large purchase, Northern Tool often offers promotional financing through Synchrony as well — for example, "12 months no interest" on purchases over a certain amount. This is different from the credit card and may have different terms. Ask a store associate about current financing promotions before you request the card.
If you have a limited credit history or a lower credit score, you might be denied for the Northern Tool card. In that case, using a debit card or saving up to pay cash avoids debt altogether and does not require a credit check.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Northern Tool card anywhere besides Northern Tool?
No. The Northern Tool Credit Card works only at Northern Tool + Equipment stores and on their website. It cannot be used at other retailers. If you need a card for general purchases, you would need a different credit card.
What is the credit limit on the Northern Tool card?
Your credit limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history. Synchrony determines this when you request the card and will tell you your limit in your approval notice. You can request a credit limit increase after you have had the card for several months and have made on-time payments.
Does requesting the Northern Tool card hurt my credit score?
The credit check that Synchrony runs when you request the card will appear on your credit report as a "hard inquiry" and may lower your score by a few points temporarily. This effect usually fades within a few months. However, if you are denied and then request the card again shortly after, multiple inquiries can have a larger impact.
What should I do if I cannot pay my bill?
Contact Synchrony as soon as you know you will miss a payment. Their customer service team may be able to work out a payment plan or discuss your options. Ignoring the bill will result in late fees, interest charges, and damage to your credit score. Synchrony's phone number is on your statement and on their website.
Can I close my Northern Tool card account?
Yes. You can close your account by calling Synchrony customer service or through your online account. Make sure you pay off any remaining balance before you close the account. Closing the account will not remove it from your credit report, but it will stop you from making new charges.