What the Synchrony Amazon payment card is

The Synchrony Amazon payment card is a store credit card issued by Synchrony Financial that you can use to make purchases on Amazon.com and at Amazon physical locations like Whole Foods. It is not a general-purpose credit card — you can only use it at Amazon and its owned properties. Synchrony is the bank that issues the card and manages your account, sets your credit limit, and decides whether to approve your process.

This card is different from a regular credit card because Amazon and Synchrony have partnered to offer rewards and promotional financing deals that only cardholders receive. The card comes with no annual fee. You receive a physical card in the mail, though you can also add it to digital wallets like Apple Pay or Google Pay to pay on your phone.

When you use the card, you are borrowing money from Synchrony, not from Amazon. Synchrony reports your payment history to the credit bureaus, so how you use this card affects your credit score. You receive a monthly statement from Synchrony, and you make payments to Synchrony, not to Amazon.

Key Takeaways

  • The Synchrony Amazon card works only at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, and other Amazon-owned stores, not at other retailers.
  • Synchrony is the bank that issues the card and manages your account, including your credit limit and payment due dates.
  • The card offers rewards on Amazon purchases and sometimes promotional financing offers like 0% interest for a set period, but these terms change and are not may provide.
  • Your payment history on this card is reported to credit bureaus and affects your credit score just like any other credit card.
  • You can check your balance, make payments, and view your statement through the Synchrony website or mobile app, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.

How to get the Synchrony Amazon card

You can explore for the card directly on Amazon.com or through Synchrony's website. The process takes a few minutes and asks for your name, address, date of birth, Social Security number, and income information. Synchrony uses this information to check your credit and decide whether to approve you and what credit limit to offer.

There is no may provide you will be approved. Synchrony looks at your credit score, payment history, and current debt to decide. If you have a low credit score or a history of missed payments, you may be denied. If you are approved, you will see your credit limit when ready, and the physical card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use the card number to shop on Amazon before the physical card arrives if you want to start right away.

If you are denied, Synchrony will send you a letter explaining why. You can contact Synchrony to ask for more details about the decision. Some people reapply after improving their credit score or paying down other debts.

Rewards and promotional offers on the card

The Synchrony Amazon card earns rewards points on purchases, but the exact rate depends on where you shop. You typically earn a higher percentage back on Amazon.com purchases than on purchases at Whole Foods or other Amazon-owned stores. The rewards rate can change, so check your cardholder agreement or the Amazon website to see the current rates.

Synchrony and Amazon also run promotional financing offers throughout the year. These offers might include 0% interest for 6, 12, or 24 months on purchases over a certain amount, or a statement credit after you spend a certain amount in your first few months. These promotions are not permanent — they change based on what Amazon and Synchrony are running at any given time. When you explore or log into your account, you will see which promotions you are currently may be able to access for.

Rewards points can be used to reduce your statement balance or applied as a statement credit. You do not receive cash back or the ability to transfer points to other programs. The points stay in your Synchrony account until you use them.

How to make payments and manage your account

You can make payments to your Synchrony Amazon card through several methods. The easiest way is to log into your account on the Synchrony website or through the Synchrony mobile app, where you can make a one-time payment or set up automatic payments. You can also pay by phone by calling the number on the back of your card, or by mail by sending a check to the address on your statement.

Your payment is due on a specific date each month, shown on your statement. If you pay less than the full balance, Synchrony charges you interest on the remaining amount. The interest rate (called the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR) is shown in your cardholder agreement and can vary based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. If you miss a payment, Synchrony reports this to the credit bureaus, which can lower your credit score.

You can view your balance, recent transactions, and statement online anytime through the Synchrony website or app. You can also set up account alerts to notify you when your statement is ready, when a payment is due, or when your balance reaches a certain amount.

What happens if you carry a balance or miss a payment

If you do not pay your full statement balance by the due date, Synchrony charges you interest on the remaining balance. The interest rate depends on your credit and the current market, but it is typically higher than rates on general-purpose credit cards. Interest starts accruing when ready on any balance you carry, even if you have a promotional 0% offer — the 0% rate only applies to the specific purchase or time period mentioned in the promotion.

If you miss a payment entirely, Synchrony reports this to the credit bureaus after 30 days. A missed payment can lower your credit score significantly and may trigger a higher interest rate on any future purchases. If you miss multiple payments, Synchrony may close your account or send your debt to a collection agency.

If you are having trouble making a payment, contact Synchrony before the due date. They may be able to work out a payment plan or temporarily lower your payment, though this is not may provide. The sooner you contact them, the more options you may have.

How the Synchrony Amazon card affects your credit

Synchrony reports your account activity to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. This means your payment history, credit limit, and balance all factor into your credit score. Making on-time payments helps your credit score. Missed payments, high balances, or closing the account can hurt it.

When you first explore, Synchrony performs a hard inquiry into your credit, which can lower your score slightly for a few months. Opening a new credit account also lowers your average account age, which can temporarily affect your score. Over time, if you use the card responsibly and pay on time, it can help build your credit history.

Your credit utilization — the percentage of your credit limit that you are using — also affects your score. If you have a $1,000 limit and carry a $900 balance, your utilization is 90%, which can lower your score. Keeping your balance below 30% of your limit is generally better for your credit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Synchrony Amazon card anywhere other than Amazon?

No. The card works only at Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods, and other Amazon-owned businesses. You cannot use it at other retailers. If you need a credit card for general shopping, you would need a different card.

What should I do if I lose my card or think it has been used fraudulently?

Call the number on the back of your card or contact Synchrony when ready. Synchrony can freeze or cancel your card right away to prevent further unauthorized use. Federal law limits your liability for fraudulent charges, but you must report the fraud promptly. Synchrony will investigate and may issue you a replacement card.

How do I check my rewards balance?

Log into your Synchrony account online or through the mobile app. Your rewards balance is displayed on your account dashboard. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card to ask about your rewards.

What happens to my account if I close it?

If you close your account, you can no longer use the card, but you still owe any balance you have. You must continue making payments until the balance is paid off. Closing the account may also affect your credit score because it reduces your available credit and changes your credit history.

Is there a way to increase my credit limit?

Synchrony may automatically increase your credit limit over time if you use the card responsibly and pay on time. You can also request a credit limit increase by logging into your account or calling Synchrony. Synchrony will review your request and may perform a hard inquiry into your credit, which can temporarily lower your score.