Synchrony Bank issues store cards and co-branded cards, not general-purpose cards you can use anywhere
Synchrony Bank does not issue Visa, Mastercard, or American Express cards that work at all merchants. Instead, Synchrony issues private label cards — cards tied to specific retailers — and co-branded cards partnered with particular brands. You use these cards primarily at that retailer or within that brand's network, though some co-branded cards work more broadly.
Synchrony is one of the largest card issuers in the United States by volume, but most people encounter their cards without realizing it. If you have a store credit card from a major retailer, there is a strong chance Synchrony issued it.
Key Takeaways
- Synchrony issues store cards for retailers like Amazon, Target, Lowe's, and Home Depot, which work only at those stores or their websites.
- Synchrony also issues co-branded cards like the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card, which carry a Visa or Mastercard logo and work everywhere those networks are accepted.
- Store cards typically offer rewards or financing deals specific to that retailer, such as 12-month promotional interest rates on large purchases.
- Co-branded cards offer rewards both at the partner retailer and at other merchants, making them usable beyond a single store.
- Synchrony services the account after you open it, handling billing, customer service, and dispute resolution.
Private label store cards issued by Synchrony
Synchrony issues the majority of major U.S. retailer credit cards. These include the Target RedCard, Lowe's Advantage Card, Home Depot Consumer Credit Card, and Best Buy Credit Card. The Banana Republic, Gap, and Old Navy cards are also Synchrony products. Amazon also partners with Synchrony for its store card (separate from the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa).
These cards work only at the retailer or on their website. You cannot use a Target RedCard at Walmart or a Lowe's card at Home Depot. The appeal is usually a financing offer — 12 months or 24 months interest-free on purchases above a certain amount — or a rewards rate that is higher than you would earn with a general-purpose card at that store.
Store cards typically have lower credit score requirements than co-branded cards, meaning approval is sometimes easier if your credit history is thin or damaged. However, the interest rate after a promotional period ends is often higher than rates on general-purpose cards.
Co-branded cards that carry Visa or Mastercard logos
Synchrony also issues cards that carry Visa Signature or Mastercard logos alongside a retailer or brand name. The most common example is the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card, which earns 5% back on Amazon purchases and 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and drugstores, and 1% everywhere else. This card works at any merchant that accepts Visa.
Other co-branded cards include the Lowe's Advantage+ Card (a Mastercard), which works at Lowe's and anywhere Mastercard is accepted. The key difference from a private label card is the Visa or Mastercard logo — you can use it outside the partner retailer, though rewards are usually highest at that retailer.
Co-branded cards typically require a higher credit score than store-only cards. They also tend to have annual fees, though some waive the fee for the first year or for cardholders who meet spending thresholds.
How to learn about Synchrony issued your card
Check your card itself. If it is a store card from a major retailer, look at the fine print on the back or on your statement. The issuer name appears there. For co-branded cards, the Visa or Mastercard logo will be visible, but Synchrony's name should also appear as the issuer.
You can also log into your account online or call the customer service number on the back of the card. Synchrony's customer service team handles billing questions, disputes, and account changes for all cards they issue, regardless of the retailer name on the front.
If you do not have a card but want to know whether Synchrony issues a particular retailer's card, visit the retailer's website and look for their credit card offer. The issuer name is usually disclosed in the terms or on the application page.
Rewards and financing offers vary by card
Store cards from Synchrony often lead with financing offers rather than cash-back rewards. A Lowe's card might offer 12 months interest-free on purchases of $1,000 or more, while a Best Buy card might offer 18 months interest-free on purchases of $399 or more. These offers are designed to encourage large purchases and are usually the main reason people open the card.
Co-branded cards emphasize rewards. The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa earns 5% back on Amazon purchases, which is higher than the 1% to 3% you would earn with most general-purpose cards. Other co-branded cards offer category bonuses — for example, extra points at gas stations or restaurants — plus a base rate everywhere else.
Rewards are typically redeemed as statement credits, points toward future purchases, or (on some cards) cash back. Store cards may restrict redemption to that retailer, while co-branded cards usually allow more flexibility.
Annual fees and credit score requirements
Most Synchrony store cards have no annual fee. The Target RedCard, Lowe's Advantage Card, and Home Depot Consumer Credit Card are all free to hold. However, some co-branded cards do charge an annual fee — the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card has no annual fee, but other Synchrony co-branded cards may charge $39 to $95 per year.
Credit score requirements vary. Store cards often approve people with fair credit (scores in the 600 to 669 range), while co-branded cards typically require good credit (670 or higher). Synchrony does not publish exact score cutoffs, and approval depends on your full credit profile, not just your score.
If you are denied, you can request reconsideration by calling the number on the denial letter. Synchrony sometimes approves on reconsideration if you can explain recent positive changes to your credit or income.
How Synchrony handles billing and disputes
After you open a Synchrony card, Synchrony handles all account management — billing statements, payment processing, customer service, and fraud disputes. You do not deal with the retailer for account issues; you contact Synchrony directly.
Synchrony offers fraud protection under the Fair Credit Billing Act. If you report an unauthorized charge within 60 days of the statement date, Synchrony will investigate and typically remove the charge while the investigation is underway. You are not liable for fraudulent charges reported promptly.
Payments can be made online through Synchrony's website, by phone, by mail, or in some cases in-store (for store cards). Synchrony charges no fee for payments made online or by phone to a bank account. Late payments are reported to credit bureaus after 30 days past due.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Synchrony store card at other stores?
No, private label store cards work only at that retailer or on their website. A Target RedCard cannot be used at Walmart or any other store. Co-branded cards with a Visa or Mastercard logo can be used anywhere those networks are accepted, but rewards are usually highest at the partner retailer.
What happens if I miss a payment on a Synchrony card?
Synchrony reports missed payments to credit bureaus after 30 days past due. Your credit score will drop, and you may face a late fee (typically $25 to $40). If you miss a promotional financing offer deadline, the deferred interest may be charged back to your account. Contact Synchrony immediately if you cannot pay on time.
Do I need a Synchrony account to use a Synchrony card?
No. Synchrony is the card issuer, not a bank you deposit money into. You do not need a Synchrony checking or savings account. You manage your card account through Synchrony's website or by phone, but your money stays in your own bank account.
Can I transfer a balance from another card to a Synchrony card?
Some Synchrony cards offer balance transfer promotions, but not all. Check the card's terms before opening it. Balance transfer fees are typically 3% to 5% of the amount transferred, and the promotional rate applies only to the transferred balance, not new purchases.
What is the difference between a Synchrony store card and a regular credit card?
Store cards work only at one retailer (or within one brand's stores), while general-purpose cards like Visa or Mastercard work everywhere. Store cards often have lower credit requirements and higher promotional financing offers, but higher interest rates after the promotional period ends.