Synchrony now lets you split purchases into monthly payments directly in Apple Pay
Synchrony, which issues store credit cards and financing options for retailers like Amazon, Best Buy, and Lowe's, added a monthly payment feature to Apple Pay in 2024. This means you can choose to pay for a purchase in installments when you check out using Apple Pay at participating stores, rather than paying the full amount upfront or using a traditional credit card payment schedule.
The feature works through Synchrony's existing financing programs. When you use Apple Pay at a store that accepts Synchrony financing, you'll see monthly payment options at checkout. You select the plan that fits your budget, and Synchrony handles the installment structure. The payments come out of your Apple Pay account on a schedule you agree to.
This is different from a regular credit card purchase because you're not borrowing money from Apple or your bank — you're using Synchrony's installment lending product through the Apple Pay interface. The terms, interest rates, and whether you pay interest at all depend on the specific store and promotion running at that moment.
Key Takeaways
- Synchrony monthly payment plans are available at checkout in Apple Pay at stores that partner with Synchrony, including Amazon, Best Buy, Lowe's, and others.
- You choose how many months to split the payment across at the time you check out, and the monthly amount is deducted from your Apple Pay account automatically.
- Interest rates and whether you pay interest at all vary by store and promotion — some offers are interest-free for a set period, while others charge interest from day one.
- You need an Apple device with Apple Pay set up and a Synchrony account or the ability to open one to use this payment method.
Which stores offer Synchrony monthly payments through Apple Pay
Synchrony partners with major retailers across multiple categories. The list includes Amazon, Best Buy, Lowe's, Wayfair, and Ashley Furniture, among others. However, not every Synchrony partner has activated this Apple Pay feature yet, and availability can vary by location and store.
The easiest way to see if a store you shop at offers this option is to start the checkout process in Apple Pay. If the store supports Synchrony monthly payments, you'll see the installment plan options appear alongside other payment methods. If you don't see it, the store either doesn't partner with Synchrony or hasn't enabled the feature yet.
Synchrony also issues store-branded credit cards for many of these retailers. If you already have a Synchrony store card, you may be able to use the same account for Apple Pay monthly payments, though this depends on how the store has set up its system.
How to set up and use monthly payments in Apple Pay
To use Synchrony monthly payments through Apple Pay, you first need Apple Pay set up on your device. This means adding a payment method (debit card, credit card, or bank account) to your Apple Wallet. You don't need to add a Synchrony card specifically — you can use any may be able to access payment method.
When you're ready to check out at a participating store, select Apple Pay as your payment method. At that point, you'll see available payment plan options. The number of months available and the monthly amount will be shown before you confirm. Select the plan you want, review the terms, and complete the transaction.
After you confirm, the monthly payments are scheduled automatically. Each payment comes out of the payment method you linked to Apple Pay on the date specified. You can typically view your payment schedule and account details through the Synchrony app or website, depending on the store.
Interest rates and promotional terms vary by store and time
Synchrony doesn't set a single interest rate for all monthly payment plans. Instead, each store decides what terms to offer. Some promotions are interest-free for a set number of months — for example, 12 months interest-free on purchases over a certain amount. Others charge interest from the first payment, with the rate depending on your creditworthiness and the store's agreement with Synchrony.
The terms you see at checkout are the ones that explore to your purchase. Before you confirm, the checkout screen should show the monthly payment amount, the total number of payments, and whether interest is included. If you don't see this information clearly, contact the store's customer service before completing the purchase.
Promotional rates can change frequently. A store might offer 12 months interest-free in January and 6 months interest-free in March. Always check the terms at the time you're checking out, not based on a promotion you saw weeks earlier.
What happens if you miss a payment or want to pay early
If you miss a monthly payment, the consequences depend on your payment method and the store's agreement with Synchrony. If the payment is linked to a debit card or bank account, the transaction may fail and you'll be notified. If it's linked to a credit card, the charge may go through as a late payment on that card, which could affect your credit.
Most Synchrony accounts allow you to pay off the full remaining balance early without penalty. You can do this through the Synchrony app or website, or by contacting customer service. Paying early can save you interest if the plan includes interest charges, though it won't affect promotional interest-free periods — you'll still owe the full amount if you're in an interest-free window.
If you have questions about your specific payment plan, the store's customer service or Synchrony's customer service line can walk you through your options. The account details should be available in the Synchrony app or through your Apple Pay transaction history.
How Synchrony monthly payments compare to other payment options
A Synchrony monthly payment plan through Apple Pay is different from paying with a regular credit card, a buy-now-pay-later service, or a store's own financing program. With a credit card, you get a bill at the end of the month for everything you bought. With Synchrony's monthly plan, the installments are set from the start and come out automatically.
Buy-now-pay-later services like Afterpay or Klarna also split purchases into installments, but they typically operate outside Apple Pay and have their own approval process. Synchrony's plans through Apple Pay are integrated directly into the checkout experience at partner stores.
Some stores offer their own financing through Synchrony — for example, Best Buy's financing options. When you use a Synchrony monthly payment plan through Apple Pay, you're using that same financing infrastructure, just accessed through Apple Pay instead of a store card or separate process.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Synchrony credit card to use monthly payments in Apple Pay?
No. You can use any payment method linked to Apple Pay — a debit card, credit card, or bank account. However, if you already have a Synchrony store card, your account may be connected to the monthly payment plan automatically. Check with the store to understand how your specific account is set up.
What if the monthly payment amount is too high or I want to change the number of months?
You choose the payment plan at checkout before you confirm the purchase. Once the transaction is complete, you typically cannot change the number of months or the monthly amount. If you need to adjust the plan after purchase, contact Synchrony customer service or the store to discuss your options, though they may not be able to modify an already-completed transaction.
Will using Synchrony monthly payments affect my credit score?
Yes, it can. Synchrony reports payment activity to credit bureaus. Making on-time payments can help your credit, while missed payments can hurt it. The monthly payment plan itself is a form of credit, so it may appear on your credit report and could affect your credit utilization ratio.
Can I use Synchrony monthly payments on any purchase at a partner store?
Not always. Stores set minimum purchase amounts for monthly payment plans, and some items may be excluded. For example, a store might require a $50 minimum purchase to use the feature. Check at checkout to see if your specific purchase qualifies for a monthly payment plan.
What happens if I return an item I bought with a Synchrony monthly payment plan?
The refund process depends on the store's return policy and how Synchrony processes the reversal. Typically, the remaining balance on your payment plan is cancelled and any payments already made may be refunded. Contact the store's customer service to understand how returns affect your specific payment plan.