What the GameStop credit card is and how to get one

The GameStop credit card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use at GameStop locations and online. It works like most retail credit cards: you explore through GameStop or Synchrony's website, get approved or denied based on your credit history, and then use it to make purchases at GameStop and earn rewards on those purchases.

The card comes in two versions. The standard GameStop credit card earns points on all purchases. The GameStop PowerUp Rewards Pro card is available only to members of GameStop's loyalty program and offers different rewards rates. You do not need to be a PowerUp Rewards member to get the standard card.

To open an account, you visit GameStop.com or Synchrony's website, fill out an process with your personal and financial information, and receive a decision usually within minutes. If approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can start using it online when ready after approval, even before the physical card arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • The GameStop credit card is issued by Synchrony Bank and can be used at GameStop stores and on GameStop.com to earn rewards points on purchases.
  • You earn points on every dollar spent, but the exact rate depends on whether you hold the standard card or the PowerUp Rewards Pro version.
  • Like all credit cards, approval depends on your credit score and history, and you will pay interest on any balance you do not pay in full each month.
  • The card has no annual fee, but carrying a balance will cost you money in interest charges.
  • You can manage your account online through Synchrony's portal, where you can view your balance, make payments, and check your rewards balance.

How rewards points work on the GameStop card

Every purchase you make with the GameStop credit card earns you points that you can redeem for GameStop merchandise or discounts. The standard card earns 1 point per dollar spent. The PowerUp Rewards Pro card earns a higher rate, but membership in the loyalty program is required.

Points accumulate in your account and do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. You redeem them through your online account or in-store by telling the cashier you want to use your points. The redemption value varies — sometimes 100 points equals a $5 discount, sometimes the rate changes — so check your account before you redeem to see what your points are worth at that moment.

Rewards are separate from any sales, promotions, or discounts GameStop is running. If you buy something on sale and use your card, you earn points on the sale price, not the original price. You can combine points with other offers in most cases, but read the terms of any promotion to be sure.

Interest rates, fees, and what it costs to carry a balance

The GameStop credit card has no annual fee. However, if you do not pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you will be charged interest on the remaining balance. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies based on your credit score and credit history. You will see your specific APR in your approval documents and in your online account.

If you pay your balance in full by the due date every month, you pay no interest. If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount. For example, if your APR is 20% and you carry a $500 balance for a full month, you will owe roughly $8.33 in interest charges on top of the $500.

Late payments trigger a late fee and can raise your APR even higher. Missing a payment by more than 30 days can damage your credit score. The best way to avoid these costs is to pay your full balance each month or pay more than the minimum payment if you cannot pay it all at once.

How to open a GameStop credit card account

Start by going to GameStop.com and looking for the credit card offer, usually found in the footer or under an account menu. You can also visit Synchrony.com directly and search for the GameStop card. Click the link to open an account.

You will be asked to provide your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, annual income, and employment information. Have a government-issued ID handy to verify your identity. The process takes about 5 to 10 minutes.

Synchrony will check your credit report with one or more of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). This is called a hard inquiry and may lower your credit score slightly. You will receive a decision when ready or within a few business days. If approved, you can use your card number online right away. Your physical card will arrive in the mail within 7 to 10 business days.

If you are denied, Synchrony will send you a letter explaining why. Common reasons include a low credit score, too much existing debt, or a recent bankruptcy. You can reapply after addressing these issues, though waiting at least 6 months between applications gives your credit score time to recover.

Managing your account and making payments

Once your account is open, log in to Synchrony's website or mobile app using your email and a password you create. From there, you can view your current balance, see your available credit, check your rewards points, and make payments.

Payments are due on a set date each month, shown on your statement. You can pay online through your account, by phone by calling the number on your card, or by mail by sending a check to the address on your statement. Online and phone payments usually post within one business day. Mail payments take 5 to 7 business days, so send them early if your due date is approaching.

You can set up automatic payments so that a fixed amount or your full balance is paid from your bank account each month. This prevents missed payments and late fees. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account.

If you lose your card or suspect fraud, call the number on the back of your card or contact Synchrony directly. Synchrony will cancel the card and send you a replacement, usually within 7 to 10 business days. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges if you report them promptly.

When the GameStop card makes sense and when it does not

The GameStop card is worth considering if you shop at GameStop regularly and want to earn rewards on those purchases. If you spend $500 or more per year at GameStop, the points add up to meaningful discounts. If you shop there only occasionally, the rewards may not justify the effort to manage another credit card account.

The card only works at GameStop. You cannot use it at other retailers, so it does not help you build rewards across multiple stores. If you want a card that earns rewards everywhere, a general-purpose card from Visa, Mastercard, or American Express would be better.

The card is also only worth opening if you can pay your balance in full each month or pay it down quickly. Interest charges will erase any rewards you earn. If you already carry balances on other cards, opening another card account may not be the right move until you pay down existing debt.

Frequently Asked Questions

What credit score do I need to get approved for the GameStop card?

Synchrony does not publish a minimum credit score, but the card is generally easier to get than premium rewards cards. Most people with a score of 650 or higher have a reasonable chance of approval. If your score is lower, you may still be approved depending on your income and existing debt. The only way to know is to explore.

Can I use the GameStop card outside of GameStop?

No. The GameStop credit card works only at GameStop stores and on GameStop.com. It is a store card, not a general-purpose credit card. If you need a card that works everywhere, you would need a different card.

What happens to my rewards points if I close my account?

Your points expire if your account is closed. Before you close an account, redeem any remaining points for discounts or merchandise. Once the account is closed, you cannot use those points.

How do I check my rewards balance?

Log into your account on Synchrony's website or mobile app. Your rewards points balance appears on your account dashboard. You can also call the number on the back of your card to hear your balance over the phone.

Can I transfer my GameStop credit card balance to another card?

Yes, you can do a balance transfer to another credit card if that card offers balance transfers. However, balance transfers usually come with a fee (typically 3% to 5% of the amount transferred) and a promotional interest rate that expires after a set period. Check the terms of your other card before you transfer.