Synchrony Bank issues store credit cards and co-branded cards for dozens of major retailers
Synchrony Bank doesn't issue cards under its own name. Instead, it partners with large retailers and brands to issue their credit cards. When you explore for a store card at Target, Amazon, or Best Buy, or a co-branded card with a major airline or hotel chain, there's a good chance Synchrony is the bank behind it. The card itself carries the retailer's or brand's name on the front, but Synchrony handles the account, processes payments, and manages the credit line behind the scenes.
This arrangement is common in the credit card industry. Retailers partner with banks to offer their own branded cards because it brings customers back to their stores and gives the retailer access to customer spending data. Synchrony, as the issuing bank, handles the risk and the operations. For you as a cardholder, this means your account terms, interest rates, and customer service come from Synchrony, even though the card is branded by the retailer.
Key Takeaways
- Synchrony issues credit cards for major retailers like Target, Amazon, Best Buy, and Walmart, as well as co-branded cards with airlines, hotels, and gas stations.
- The card carries the retailer's or brand's name, but Synchrony Bank is the issuing bank that manages your account and sets the terms.
- Store cards from Synchrony typically offer discounts or rewards at that specific retailer, but usually carry higher interest rates than general-purpose cards.
- You can learn about Synchrony issued your card by checking your statement or contacting customer service — the issuer name appears on billing documents.
Major retailers with Synchrony-issued store cards
Synchrony issues cards for some of the largest retailers in the United States. Target, Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Lowe's, Home Depot, and Kohl's all offer Synchrony-issued store cards. Gap Inc. (which includes Gap, Old Navy, and Banana Republic) also uses Synchrony. These cards typically offer rewards or discounts when you shop at that retailer — for example, the Target RedCard gives you 5% off purchases — but the rewards are usually limited to that store or a small group of affiliated stores.
Beyond traditional retail, Synchrony also issues cards for furniture and appliance stores like Ashley Furniture, Rooms to Go, and Mattress Firm. These cards often come with promotional financing offers, such as "no interest for 24 months" on purchases above a certain amount. The terms of these promotions vary by store and by the specific offer you receive.
Co-branded cards with airlines, hotels, and other brands
Synchrony also partners with major travel and hospitality brands to issue co-branded cards. These cards carry both the brand's name and Synchrony's name, and they typically offer rewards or benefits tied to that brand. For example, Synchrony issues cards for various airline loyalty programs, hotel chains, and gas station brands. These cards usually earn points or miles that you can redeem with the partner brand, and they often come with perks like free checked bags, hotel upgrades, or statement credits.
The terms and rewards for co-branded cards vary widely depending on the partnership. Some offer annual fees in exchange for premium benefits, while others are free. The interest rates, credit limits, and approval requirements also differ by card. If you're interested in a co-branded card, check the specific card's terms before you explore.
How to learn about Synchrony issued your card
The easiest way to learn about Synchrony issued your card is to look at your billing statement or the back of your card. The issuing bank's name appears on both. If you see "Synchrony Bank" listed as the issuer, then Synchrony is the bank managing your account. You can also log into your online account or call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask which bank issued it.
If you're considering explore for a store card or co-branded card and want to know in advance whether Synchrony will be the issuer, you can check the card's terms and conditions before you explore. The issuer is usually listed on the process page or in the fine print. You can also contact the retailer or brand directly and ask which bank issues their card.
What to know about store cards issued by Synchrony
Store cards issued by Synchrony typically come with rewards or discounts at the partnered retailer, but they usually carry higher interest rates than general-purpose credit cards from banks like Chase or Capital One. The average interest rate on a store card can be several percentage points higher than a standard card. This means carrying a balance on a store card is more expensive than carrying the same balance on a rewards card with a lower rate.
Store cards also usually have a smaller credit limit than a general-purpose card, and the limit is often tied to how much you spend at that retailer. If you only use the card at one store, you won't build credit history as quickly as you would with a card you use everywhere. However, if you pay off the balance in full each month, the higher interest rate doesn't matter, and the rewards or discounts can make the card worthwhile.
Synchrony's store cards also sometimes offer promotional financing — for example, 0% interest for 12 months on purchases over $500. These offers can be valuable if you're planning a large purchase and can pay it off within the promotional period. Just be aware that if you don't pay off the balance by the end of the promotion, the regular interest rate kicks in on the remaining balance.
Synchrony customer service and account management
When you have a Synchrony-issued card, you contact Synchrony's customer service for account questions, disputes, or payment issues — not the retailer. The customer service number is on the back of your card. Synchrony handles billing, fraud claims, credit limit increases, and account disputes. You can also manage your account online through Synchrony's website or mobile app, where you can view your balance, make payments, and see your rewards or promotional offers.
If you have a problem with a purchase — for example, you received a damaged item or the store won't refund you — you can file a dispute with Synchrony. Synchrony will investigate and may reverse the charge if they find in your favor. This process is separate from any dispute you file with the retailer itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a Synchrony store card at other stores?
Most Synchrony store cards can only be used at the partnered retailer or its affiliated stores. For example, a Target RedCard works at Target and Target.com, but not at other stores. Some co-branded cards, like airline or hotel cards, can be used anywhere that accepts Visa or Mastercard, depending on the card type.
Will explore for a Synchrony store card hurt my credit?
Yes, explore for any credit card results in a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your score by a few points. Opening a new account also lowers your average account age. However, these effects are usually small and fade over time as you build a positive payment history with the card.
What happens if I close a Synchrony store card?
Closing a card removes it from your active accounts, but Synchrony will continue to report the account history to the credit bureaus. This can actually help your credit score over time because it shows a long history of on-time payments. Closing the card also removes the credit limit from your total available credit, which can slightly raise your credit utilization ratio.
Do Synchrony store cards report to all three credit bureaus?
Synchrony reports to all three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — so payment history on a Synchrony card will show up on all your credit reports. This means on-time payments help your credit score across the board, and missed payments will hurt it on all three reports.
Can I transfer a balance from another card to a Synchrony store card?
Most Synchrony store cards do not allow balance transfers. They are designed for purchases at the partnered retailer, not for moving debt from other cards. Some co-branded cards may offer balance transfer options, but you would need to check the specific card's terms.