Amazon Credit Cards Are Issued and Serviced by Synchrony
If you hold an Amazon credit card — whether the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature Card, the Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card, or the Amazon Business Prime Card — your account is managed by Synchrony Bank, not by Amazon itself. This means when you make a payment, you are sending money to Synchrony, even though the card carries Amazon's name.
Synchrony is the bank that approves your process, sets your credit limit, charges your interest, and processes your payments. Understanding this relationship matters because it tells you where to look when you need to pay your bill, check your balance, or dispute a charge.
Key Takeaways
- Amazon credit cards are issued by Synchrony Bank, so you pay Synchrony, not Amazon, even though the card has Amazon's branding.
- You can pay online through the Synchrony website or mobile app, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments set up in your account.
- Your payment due date and minimum payment appear on your monthly statement, which Synchrony sends by mail or email depending on your preferences.
- Late payments to Synchrony are reported to credit bureaus and can lower your credit score, so setting up automatic payments removes the risk of forgetting.
Making a Payment Online or Through the Mobile App
The fastest way to pay is through Synchrony's website or mobile app. Go to mysynchrony.com and log in with your username and password. If you do not have an account yet, you will need to create one using your card number and other identifying information. Once logged in, you can see your current balance, due date, and transaction history.
To make a one-time payment, select the payment option from your account menu, enter the amount you want to pay, and choose your payment method — usually a bank account or debit card. Synchrony processes most payments the same business day if you submit before their cutoff time, typically in the evening. The Synchrony mobile app offers the same features and is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Setting Up Automatic Payments to Avoid Late Fees
Automatic payments remove the risk of missing a due date. In your Synchrony account, you can set up recurring payments that deduct money from your bank account on a date you choose — usually a few days before your statement due date. You can choose to pay your full balance, your minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount each month.
If you set automatic payments to your full balance, you will pay no interest on purchases (assuming you have no existing balance). If you set it to your minimum payment, you will carry a balance and pay interest on it. Review your automatic payment settings once a year to make sure the amount still matches your needs, especially if your spending habits have changed.
Paying by Phone or Mail
You can call Synchrony's customer service line to make a payment by phone. The number appears on your monthly statement. Have your card number and bank account information ready. A representative will walk you through the payment process and confirm the amount and date.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order, include your account number on the check, and mail it to the address shown on your statement. Mail payments take longer to process — typically 5 to 7 business days — so send your payment at least a week before your due date to avoid a late fee. Do not send cash through the mail.
Understanding Your Statement and Due Date
Synchrony sends your statement either by mail or email, depending on what you selected when you opened your account. Your statement shows your opening balance, all transactions from the past month, your new balance, your minimum payment, and your due date. The due date is typically 21 to 25 days after your statement closing date.
If you pay only your minimum payment, the remaining balance carries forward to the next month and accrues interest. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. You can see your current APR on your statement or in your online account.
What Happens if You Miss a Payment
A payment is considered late if it arrives after your due date. Synchrony charges a late fee — the amount depends on your account history and state law, but typically ranges from $25 to $40 for a first late payment. More importantly, a late payment is reported to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) and can lower your credit score by 100 points or more.
If you miss a payment, contact Synchrony as soon as possible. Explain your situation and ask whether they can waive the late fee — many issuers will do this once if you have a good payment history. The sooner you bring your account current, the less damage to your credit score.
Paying Off Your Balance Faster
If you carry a balance and want to pay it off without paying interest, you have two main approaches. The first is to pay more than your minimum each month — any extra payment goes directly toward your balance and reduces the interest you owe. The second is to look for a balance transfer offer from another card with a 0% introductory APR period, though this requires opening a new account and meeting the transfer requirements.
You can also contact Synchrony to ask about hardship programs if you are struggling with payments. These programs may lower your interest rate or allow you to pause payments temporarily, though they typically require proof of financial hardship and may affect your credit score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Amazon credit card through Amazon's website?
No. Amazon does not process payments for the Amazon credit card. You must pay through Synchrony's website, app, or by phone. Amazon's website may have a link to Synchrony's payment portal, but the actual payment goes to Synchrony Bank.
How long does it take for my payment to show up?
Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. Mail payments take 5 to 7 business days. If you are close to your due date, pay online or by phone to avoid a late fee.
What if I pay more than my balance?
Synchrony will hold the overpayment as a credit on your account. You can use it toward future purchases, or request a refund by calling customer service. Some people intentionally overpay to build a buffer for the next month.
Can I change my due date?
Yes. Log into your Synchrony account and look for the option to change your statement closing date or payment due date. Synchrony typically allows you to move your due date once per year, though policies vary.
What if I want to close my Amazon credit card?
Call Synchrony customer service and ask to close the account. Pay any remaining balance first. Closing a credit card can lower your credit score slightly because it reduces your available credit, but it does not affect your ability to pay off what you already owe.