Which credit cards Synchrony Bank issues

Synchrony Bank issues credit cards under dozens of retail and brand names, but you won't see "Synchrony" on the card itself. Instead, the card carries the name of the store or company it's tied to — Amazon, Target, Lowe's, Best Buy, Walmart, and others. Synchrony is the bank behind the scenes that manages the account, processes payments, and sets the terms.

The cards fall into two main categories: store cards that work only at one retailer, and co-branded cards that work anywhere the payment network (Visa, Mastercard, or American Express) is accepted. A Target RedCard works at Target; an Amazon Prime Rewards Visa works anywhere Visa is accepted.

Synchrony also issues cards under its own brand name for people with limited credit history or those rebuilding credit, though these are less common than the retail partnerships.

Key Takeaways

  • Synchrony-issued cards carry the retailer's name on the card itself, not Synchrony's name, so you may already own one without realizing who the issuer is.
  • Store cards typically offer discounts or rewards at that specific retailer but charge higher interest rates and work nowhere else.
  • Co-branded cards work at any merchant that accepts the payment network and often come with rewards that accumulate across all purchases.
  • You can find a full list of Synchrony-issued cards on Synchrony's website under their retail partners section, organized by category.
  • Interest rates, fees, and rewards terms vary by card and are set by Synchrony, not the retailer, so read the disclosure before opening an account.

Store cards versus co-branded cards

A store card is issued by Synchrony but can only be used at one retailer or a small group of related stores. Examples include the Target RedCard, Lowe's Advantage Card, and Best Buy credit card. These cards often come with discounts on your first purchase or bonus rewards points, but the interest rate is typically higher than a general-purpose card, and the rewards only accumulate at that store.

A co-branded card carries both the retailer's name and a payment network logo (Visa, Mastercard, or Amex). The Amazon Prime Rewards Visa is a common example — it earns rewards at Amazon and Whole Foods, but also works at any store that accepts Visa. These cards usually have lower interest rates than store-only cards and let you earn rewards on purchases anywhere, though the bonus rate may be higher at the partner retailer.

Store cards are useful if you shop at one place regularly and want the discount. Co-branded cards make sense if you want a card that works everywhere but still earn rewards at your preferred retailer.

How to find the complete list of Synchrony cards

Synchrony publishes a list of all cards it issues on its corporate website under "Our Brands" or "Retail Partners." The list is organized by category — home improvement, electronics, apparel, grocery, and so on. You can search by retailer name or browse by category to see which cards are available.

The list changes over time as Synchrony adds or discontinues partnerships. If you're looking for a card from a specific store, searching "[Store Name] credit card" will tell you whether Synchrony issues it and direct you to the process page.

Each card's terms page shows the interest rate range, annual fee (if any), rewards structure, and any introductory offers. These terms are set by Synchrony and vary by card.

Interest rates and fees across Synchrony cards

Synchrony cards typically carry interest rates between 16% and 26%, though the exact rate depends on your credit score and the specific card. Store cards tend to be on the higher end of that range. Co-branded cards sometimes offer lower rates, especially if you have good credit.

Most Synchrony cards have no annual fee, but some premium co-branded cards may charge $39 to $95 per year. Check the terms disclosure before opening an account — the fee will be listed in the pricing section.

Many Synchrony cards offer an introductory period with no interest on purchases or balance transfers, usually lasting 6 to 12 months. After that period ends, the regular interest rate applies to any remaining balance. Read the fine print to understand when the promotional rate expires and what happens next.

Rewards and benefits by card type

Store cards typically offer a percentage discount on your first purchase (often 10% to 20%) and then earn points or cash back on future purchases at that retailer. Some cards offer bonus points during certain seasons or on specific product categories. The rewards are usually worth 1% to 5% of what you spend, depending on the card and the purchase.

Co-branded cards often earn higher rewards at the partner retailer — for example, 5% back at Amazon — and a lower rate (usually 1% to 2%) on purchases everywhere else. Some cards offer rotating bonus categories or bonus points for specific types of spending like groceries or gas.

Rewards do not expire on most Synchrony cards, but they may be forfeited if you close the account. Check your card's terms to understand how rewards work and whether there are any restrictions on how you can use them.

How Synchrony handles payments and account management

When you open a Synchrony-issued card, you make payments to Synchrony, not to the retailer. You can pay online through Synchrony's website, by phone, by mail, or in some cases through the retailer's app if they've integrated Synchrony's payment system. Payment due dates and minimum payments are set by Synchrony and appear on your monthly statement.

Your account information — balance, credit limit, transaction history — is managed through Synchrony's online portal or mobile app. You can also view your account through the retailer's website if they offer that integration, but the underlying account is always with Synchrony.

Synchrony reports your payment history to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion), so on-time payments help your credit score, and missed payments hurt it. Late fees and interest charges are set by Synchrony according to the card's terms.

What happens if you have a problem with a Synchrony card

Disputes over charges, billing errors, or fraud are handled by Synchrony's dispute resolution team, not by the retailer. You can file a dispute through your online account or by calling the number on the back of your card. Synchrony has 60 days to investigate and respond.

If you have a complaint about the card's terms, fees, or customer service, you can file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) online at consumerfinance.gov. The CFPB forwards complaints to Synchrony, which must respond within 15 business days. You can also contact your state's attorney general's office if you believe Synchrony has violated state law.

Synchrony is regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) and must follow federal consumer protection laws. If you believe your rights have been violated, documenting the issue and filing a complaint creates a record that regulators can review.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a Synchrony store card at other retailers?

No, store-only cards work exclusively at that retailer or its affiliated stores. If you want a card that works everywhere, look for a co-branded card from the same retailer — many major retailers offer both options.

What credit score do I need to open a Synchrony card?

Synchrony issues cards across a wide range of credit profiles. Store cards are sometimes available to people with fair or limited credit history, while co-branded cards typically require good credit. The best way to know is to check the card's terms page or call Synchrony directly — a soft inquiry won't affect your credit score.

Do Synchrony cards report to credit bureaus?

Yes, Synchrony reports account activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. On-time payments build your credit history, and missed payments damage it. This applies to all Synchrony-issued cards regardless of the retailer.

Can I transfer a balance from another card to a Synchrony card?

Many Synchrony cards offer balance transfer options, often with an introductory 0% interest period. Check the specific card's terms to see whether balance transfers are allowed and what fee applies. The fee is typically 3% to 5% of the amount transferred.

What if I want to close my Synchrony card?

You can close a Synchrony card by calling the number on the back of your card or through your online account. Pay off any remaining balance first. Closing a card reduces your available credit and may lower your credit score slightly, but it won't affect your ability to open other cards.