Best Synchrony Credit Cards
April 2024
If your wallet holds a credit card with a store’s name on it, there’s a good chance that you’re a customer of Synchrony Bank.
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Synchrony Bank backs over 120 major credit and store-based credit cards. In fact, Synchrony holds over 74 million customer accounts connected to U.S. stores. These include big names like Amazon, eBay, and PayPal. Many cardholders, however, are unfamiliar with Synchrony Bank by name.
One reason for this unfamiliarity is that Synchrony Bank does not have brick and mortar branches for customers to visit. Headquartered in Draper, UT., Synchrony communicates with customers around the U.S. online or by phone. Credit cards like Chase or Capital One display their name on the front of their cards. Synchrony credit cards generally only display the store name. If you’re applying for a credit card from Sam’s Club, for example, you won’t see Synchrony displayed on the front, but that’s who you'll actually be banking with.
Synchrony is the issuer behind many different cards. Below are some of the best cards as voted by SuperMoney community members and SuperMoney's algorithms.
Pros and Cons of Synchrony Bank Credit Cards
Let's delve a little deeper into those pros and cons.
An excellent perk of credit cards by Synchrony bank is that even with a lower credit rating, many customers will qualify. Some customers with fair credit scores (in the 600s) have been approved.
This can be a two-edged sword of course. Used responsibly, a customer trying to rebuild their credit can benefit by applying for a Synchrony card and paying off their balance each month. If that same customer doesn’t pay on time though, the resulting interest rate can be brutal. The national average for credit card interest rates is around 17%. Synchrony Bank charges 25% APR, or even higher.
Customers should also be aware that most Synchrony credit cards perform a “hard pull” credit inquiry. This means that your credit score may drop by a few points each time you apply for one of their cards.
Since Synchrony carries cards for so many popular stores, there may be one that’s especially valuable to you based on your shopping habits. Some of these retail cards offer additional benefits, like sign up bonuses and special deals for cardholders. Others do not.
Additional Synchrony bank credit cards
FAQs on Synchrony Credit Cards
Should I get a Synchrony Bank credit card?
Before applying for a Synchrony Bank card, make sure you’re really benefitting from using that card, as opposed to a more valuable points card not connected to the store name. For example, using a Deserve Pro credit card could be earning you up to 3% cash back on your purchases. Using your store card may simply be allowing you to delay paying the bill until your statement comes in. There isn’t much, if any, the advantage there.
What credit cards are offered through Synchrony bank?
Synchrony Bank provides many types of credit cards. Amazon, American Eagle Outfitters Visa, Athleta Visa, At Home Mastercard, Banana Republic Visa, Belk Rewards Mastercard, BP Visa, Cathay Pacific Visa and CheapOair are just some dozens of cards offered through Synchrony.
Is Synchrony a safe bank?
Synchrony Bank accounts are FDIC insured. If Synchrony Bank defaults, the federal government guarantees the balance in your savings account, up to $250,000 through FDIC insurance. For joint accounts, each owner has up to $250,000 in protection.
In what stores can I use my Synchrony credit card?
Most Synchrony credit cards are for use only in the store that they are designed for. If your credit card is a Visa or Mastercard, you may use it anywhere that credit cards are accepted. There are thousands of participating Synchrony bank retailers. You can find the closest one to you on their website. Stores that use Synchrony are Amazon.com, BP Visa Credit Card, Crate and Barrel, and Mattress Firm just to name a few.
What is Synchrony Bank's credit score approval?
This depends on the card that you're applying for. Many require a credit score of over 740. However, there are others that allow for fair credit ratings (within the 600s). In general, cards with perks require a higher credit score.SuperMoney's credit card comparison tools make it easy to compare an extensive list of personal credit cards.
What credit score do I need for Amazon credit card?
According to the Amazon.com website, you will need the following minimum credit scores to have a likely chance of being approved: Excellent (720+); Good (680); and Fair (640). When you have no credit history, that doesn't necessarily mean you have a credit score of 0.
Can I make a payment to Synchrony using a credit card?
Yes, you can pay your Synchrony Credit card using another card. There is a link on their payment site allowing you to add a credit card number for payment.
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