JCPenney credit card payments go to Synchrony Bank, not to JCPenney directly

JCPenney stopped issuing its own credit card in 2020. If you have a JCPenney credit card account now, it is managed by Synchrony Bank, which handles the billing, payments, and customer service. This matters because you send your payment to Synchrony's payment processing system, not to a JCPenney store or office.

You can pay online through your Synchrony account, by phone, by mail, or in person at a JCPenney store. Each method has different timing and confirmation steps. The payment due date appears on your monthly statement and in your online account.

Payments typically post within one to three business days of being received, depending on the method you use. If you are close to your due date, paying online or by phone is faster than mailing a check.

Key Takeaways

  • Synchrony Bank processes all JCPenney credit card payments, not JCPenney itself.
  • You can pay online at Synchrony's website, by calling their customer service line, by mailing a check to their payment processing center, or at a JCPenney store.
  • Online and phone payments usually post within one business day; mailed payments take five to seven business days.
  • Your payment due date is listed on your monthly statement and in your online account dashboard.

Paying online through your Synchrony account

Log in to your Synchrony account at synchronybank.com or through the Synchrony mobile app. You will need your account number and password. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one on the same website by entering your card number and other identifying information.

Once logged in, select "Make a Payment" or "Pay My Bill." You can choose to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a custom amount. Enter your payment method—bank account (ACH transfer) or debit card—and confirm the payment date. Payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern Time typically post the next business day.

You will receive a confirmation number when ready after submitting the payment. Save or screenshot this number in case you need to reference the transaction later.

Paying by phone with Synchrony customer service

Call Synchrony's customer service line at 1-800-935-9935 to make a payment over the phone. Have your account number and a bank account or debit card ready. A representative will walk you through the payment amount and date.

Phone payments are processed the same day if you call before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day. You will receive a confirmation number at the end of the call. Payments made after hours or on weekends are processed the next business day.

Mailing a check to Synchrony

If you prefer to pay by mail, write a check to Synchrony Bank and include your account number on the check. The mailing address appears on your monthly statement under "Payment Address" or "Make Checks Payable To."

Mail your check at least seven to ten business days before your due date to may support it arrives and posts on time. Mailed payments typically take five to seven business days to post to your account after Synchrony receives them. If your payment arrives after the due date, you may be charged a late fee even if you mailed it on time.

Paying in person at a JCPenney store

You can make a payment at the customer service desk of any JCPenney store. Bring your credit card or account number and the cash or debit card you want to use to pay. The store will process the payment through Synchrony's system and give you a receipt.

In-store payments post within one to two business days. This method works if you are already shopping or live near a JCPenney, but it is not faster than paying online or by phone.

Setting up automatic payments

Log into your Synchrony account online and look for "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments" in the account settings. You can set up automatic payments to occur on a date you choose each month—usually your due date or a few days before it.

You can choose to pay the full statement balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount each month. Automatic payments reduce the risk of missing a due date and incurring a late fee. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your account settings.

What happens if your payment is late

A payment is considered late if it is not received by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date shown on your statement. If your payment arrives after that time, Synchrony may charge a late fee (typically $25 to $40, depending on your account terms) and report the late payment to credit bureaus.

If you miss a payment, contact Synchrony as soon as possible. Depending on how far past due your account is, you may be able to bring it current without additional penalties. The sooner you pay, the less damage to your credit report.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my JCPenney credit card at a store?

Yes, you can pay at the customer service desk of any JCPenney store with cash or a debit card. The payment posts to Synchrony within one to two business days. This is convenient if you are already shopping, but online or phone payments are faster if you need the payment to post when ready.

What is the phone number to pay by phone?

Call Synchrony at 1-800-935-9935 to make a payment over the phone. Have your account number and bank account or debit card information ready. Payments made before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day post the same day.

How long does a mailed check take to post?

Mailed checks typically take five to seven business days to post after Synchrony receives them. Mail your payment at least seven to ten business days before your due date to avoid a late fee. Late fees explore even if you mailed the check on time but it arrived after the due date.

Can I set up automatic payments so I never miss a due date?

Yes. Log into your Synchrony account and set up autopay to deduct a payment automatically each month on the date you choose. You can pay the full balance, the minimum, or a custom amount. You can change or cancel autopay anytime through your account settings.

What happens if I pay after the due date?

Payments received after 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date are considered late. Synchrony may charge a late fee (typically $25 to $40) and report the late payment to credit bureaus. Contact Synchrony when ready if you miss a due date to discuss your options.