Paying your Amazon credit card bill through Synchrony Bank
Synchrony Bank is the issuer of the Amazon.com Store Card and the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card. When you carry a balance on either card, you send payments to Synchrony, not to Amazon. Synchrony processes the payment, applies it to your account, and reports it to credit bureaus.
You can pay through Synchrony's website, by phone, by mail, or through automatic transfers from your bank account. Each method has different timing — some post the same day, others take several business days. The due date appears on your monthly statement and in your Synchrony account online.
Key Takeaways
- Synchrony Bank receives and processes all payments for Amazon credit cards, regardless of which card you hold or where you make the purchase.
- Online payments through Synchrony's website or mobile app typically post within one business day, while mailed checks may take five to seven business days.
- You can set up automatic payments from your bank account through Synchrony to may support your payment arrives by the due date each month.
- Your monthly statement from Synchrony shows the due date, minimum payment, and current balance — this is the official record of what you owe.
Payment methods and how long each takes
Synchrony offers four main ways to pay: online through their website or mobile app, by phone, by mail, or through automatic bank transfers. Online and phone payments usually post within one business day. Mailed checks typically take five to seven business days to arrive and process, so you must account for mail delivery time when choosing this method.
Automatic payments (also called autopay) transfer money directly from your checking or savings account on a date you choose. You can set them up through Synchrony's website or by phone. Automatic payments post on the date you select, so if you choose the due date itself, the payment should arrive in time — but some banks process transfers overnight, so paying a day or two early reduces the risk of a late payment if your bank is slow.
Phone payments are made by calling Synchrony's customer service number, which appears on your statement. You will need your account number and routing and account number from your bank if paying by transfer, or your debit card number if paying that way. Phone payments post the same day if you call before the cutoff time (usually early afternoon), or the next business day if you call after.
Paying online through Synchrony's website or app
Log into your Synchrony account at synchronybank.com or through the Synchrony mobile app. From your account dashboard, select "Make a Payment" or "Pay Now." You will see your current balance, minimum payment, and due date. Enter the amount you want to pay and choose your payment method — bank account transfer or debit card.
If you pay by bank transfer, you will enter your routing number and account number. If you pay by debit card, you will enter the card number, expiration date, and CVV. Synchrony will show you a confirmation screen with the payment amount and the date it will post. Online payments typically post within one business day.
You can also set up automatic payments from this same screen. Choose the amount (minimum payment, full balance, or a fixed dollar amount), the date each month you want it to post, and your payment method. Synchrony will send you a confirmation email after you set it up.
Mailing a check to Synchrony
Your statement includes a payment coupon with Synchrony's mailing address. Write your check, include the coupon, and mail it to the address shown. Do not mail a check without the coupon — Synchrony may not be able to match it to your account quickly.
Mailed payments take five to seven business days to arrive, plus one or two days for Synchrony to process and post it. If your due date is fewer than seven days away, mailing a check risks a late payment. Mail payments are useful for people without online access or bank accounts, but they require planning ahead.
What happens if your payment is late
A payment is late if it does not post to your account by 5 p.m. Eastern time on the due date (the exact time varies by card type, so check your statement). If your payment is late, Synchrony will charge a late fee — the amount depends on your card and your account history, but typically ranges from $25 to $40 for the first late payment.
A late payment also appears on your credit report and can lower your credit score. If you miss a payment by more than 30 days, Synchrony may freeze your account and stop allowing new purchases. If you realize a payment will be late, call Synchrony when ready — sometimes they will waive a late fee if you have a good payment history and this is your first miss.
Automatic payments and when to use them
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. You choose the amount and the date each month, and Synchrony pulls the money from your bank account on that date. Most people set automatic payments for the full statement balance, so they pay off the card completely each month and avoid interest charges.
You can also set automatic payments for the minimum payment only, though this means you will carry a balance and pay interest. Some people set a fixed dollar amount — for example, $200 per month — and pay the rest manually when they have extra money. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through your Synchrony account online.
If you set automatic payments for the due date itself, Synchrony will attempt to pull the money on that date. However, your bank may take an extra day to process the transfer, so paying one or two days before the due date gives you a safety margin. If your bank account does not have enough money on the scheduled date, the automatic payment will fail and you will be charged a late fee.
Paying more than the minimum or paying off your balance early
You can pay any amount above the minimum at any time. There is no penalty for paying early or paying more than you owe. If you pay more than your current balance, Synchrony will credit the extra amount to your account, and you can use it toward future purchases or request a refund.
Paying off your balance in full each month means you will not be charged interest. The interest rate (APR) on Amazon credit cards varies by card type and your creditworthiness, but typically ranges from 16% to 24%. If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Amazon credit card bill through Amazon.com instead of Synchrony?
No. Amazon does not process payments for its credit cards. You must pay Synchrony Bank directly through their website, phone line, mail, or automatic transfer. Amazon's website will direct you to Synchrony if you look for a payment option there.
What is the difference between the Amazon Store Card and the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card?
Both are issued by Synchrony and use the same payment system. The Store Card can only be used at Amazon and Whole Foods. The Prime Rewards Visa is a standard Visa and can be used anywhere. Both send payments to Synchrony, and both have the same due date rules and late payment policies.
If I pay online, when exactly does the money leave my bank account?
When you make an online payment through Synchrony, the money typically leaves your bank account within one business day. Your bank may hold the transfer for an extra day before processing it, so the exact timing depends on both Synchrony and your bank. If you need the money to post on a specific date, pay at least one business day early.
Can I change my automatic payment date if I get paid on a different day each month?
You can change your automatic payment date anytime through your Synchrony account, but it will be the same date every month. If your pay date varies, you may want to set automatic payments for a date near the end of the month when you are most likely to have funds available, or use manual payments instead.
What should I do if I think my payment was lost in the mail?
Log into your Synchrony account online and check whether the payment has posted. If it has not posted after seven business days from when you mailed it, call Synchrony customer service with the date you mailed the check. They can search for it and, if it cannot be found, you may need to make another payment to avoid a late fee.