What the Amazon Synchrony Card Is and How to Pay It
The Amazon Synchrony Card is a store credit card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use to make purchases at Amazon and Amazon-owned retailers. When you carry a balance, you owe money to Synchrony Bank, not to Amazon. Payments go directly to Synchrony, either online through their website, by phone, by mail, or through automatic transfers from your bank account.
Your monthly statement will show your balance, minimum payment due, and the date payment is due. Synchrony charges interest on any balance you don't pay in full each month, unless you have a promotional 0% APR offer that covers your purchase. The interest rate and terms depend on your creditworthiness and the specific card offer you received.
Key Takeaways
- You can pay your Amazon Synchrony Card balance online at Synchrony.com, by phone at the number on your statement, by mail, or through automatic bank transfers.
- Your payment must arrive by the due date shown on your statement to avoid late fees and damage to your credit score.
- Setting up automatic payments ensures you never miss a due date, though you should still check your statement each month to verify the amount.
- Paying more than the minimum payment reduces the interest you owe and helps you pay off the balance faster.
- If you miss a payment, contact Synchrony when ready—they may waive a single late fee if you pay within a short window.
Paying Online Through Synchrony's Website
The fastest and most direct way to pay is through Synchrony's online portal. Go to Synchrony.com, select "Pay Your Bill," and log in with your username and password. If you don't have an account yet, you'll need to create one using your card number and other identifying information from your statement.
Once logged in, you can see your current balance, minimum payment, and due date. Enter the amount you want to pay and choose your payment method—you can pay from a checking or savings account, or use a debit card. Synchrony will show you the date the payment will post to your account, which is usually one to two business days after you submit it. Make sure to pay at least a few days before your due date to account for processing time.
You can also set up a one-time payment without creating an account by visiting Synchrony.com and selecting "Make a Payment" without logging in. You'll enter your card number, the amount, and your bank details, but you won't be able to see your full account history or set up recurring payments this way.
Setting Up Automatic Payments
Automatic payments remove the risk of forgetting a due date. Log into your Synchrony account online, go to "Manage Automatic Payments," and choose whether you want to pay your full statement balance, your minimum payment, or a fixed dollar amount each month. You can set the payment date to any day of the month, though most people choose a few days before their due date.
Automatic payments pull money directly from your bank account on the date you choose. You'll receive a confirmation email each time a payment processes. Even with automatic payments turned on, you should still review your statement each month to make sure the amount is correct and that your account is in good standing.
If you need to change or cancel an automatic payment, you can do so anytime in your online account. Synchrony will send you a notice before the next scheduled payment, giving you time to adjust if needed.
Paying by Phone or Mail
If you prefer not to pay online, you can call the customer service number on the back of your card or on your statement. A representative will walk you through the payment process over the phone. You'll need to provide your card number and the amount you want to pay, and you can pay from a checking or savings account. Phone payments typically post within one to two business days.
To pay by mail, write a check or money order payable to Synchrony Bank and include your card number on the check. Mail it to the address shown on your statement under "Payment Address." Do not send payment to Amazon or any other address. Mail payments take longer to process—usually five to seven business days—so send your payment at least two weeks before your due date to be safe.
Understanding Your Statement and Due Date
Your Synchrony statement arrives each month and shows your opening balance, all purchases and credits from the past month, your new balance, your minimum payment due, and your due date. The due date is typically 21 to 25 days after your statement closes. If your due date falls on a weekend or holiday, Synchrony will accept payment the next business day without penalty.
Your minimum payment is usually 1% to 3% of your balance plus any interest and fees. Paying only the minimum means you'll carry the balance longer and pay more in interest. If you have a promotional 0% APR offer, paying the full balance before the promotion ends will save you from interest charges entirely.
If you don't receive your statement in the mail, you can view it online anytime by logging into your Synchrony account. You can also set up paperless statements to receive email notifications when your statement is ready.
What Happens If You Miss a Payment
If your payment doesn't arrive by the due date, Synchrony will charge a late fee, typically $25 to $35 depending on your account history. More importantly, a late payment will be reported to the credit bureaus and will damage your credit score. Even a single late payment can lower your score by 100 points or more.
If you realize you've missed a payment, contact Synchrony when ready. Call the number on your statement and explain the situation. If this is your first late payment, Synchrony may waive the fee as a courtesy, though they are not required to do so. The sooner you pay, the better your chances of getting the fee removed.
Once you've caught up, focus on making on-time payments going forward. Your payment history is the most important factor in your credit score, so even one missed payment can affect your ability to borrow money or get favorable interest rates for months or years.
Promotional 0% APR Offers and Special Financing
The Amazon Synchrony Card often comes with promotional offers like 0% APR for 6, 12, or 24 months on purchases or balance transfers. During the promotional period, you won't be charged interest as long as you make at least your minimum payment each month. However, if you miss a payment or don't pay off the full balance before the promotion ends, you'll owe interest on the remaining balance at the regular APR, which can be 16% to 24% or higher.
To avoid interest charges, divide your promotional balance by the number of months remaining in the offer and pay at least that amount each month. For example, if you have a $1,200 balance with 12 months of 0% APR, aim to pay at least $100 per month. Paying more than the minimum will get you out of debt faster and give you a safety margin if you miss a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Amazon Synchrony Card with another credit card?
No, Synchrony does not accept credit card payments. You can only pay with a bank account, debit card, check, or money order. Paying a credit card with another credit card typically incurs cash advance fees and higher interest rates anyway, so it's not a good strategy.
What's the difference between my statement balance and my current balance?
Your statement balance is what you owed on the day your statement closed, usually 21 to 25 days ago. Your current balance includes any purchases, credits, or payments you've made since then. If you want to avoid interest, pay your full statement balance by the due date. Purchases made after your statement closed won't appear on this month's bill.
How long does it take for a payment to show up in my account?
Online and phone payments typically post within one to two business days. Mail payments take five to seven business days or longer depending on postal delays. Always pay at least a few days before your due date to account for processing time. Synchrony considers a payment on time if it's received by 5 p.m. Eastern time on the due date.
Can I change my payment due date?
Yes, you can request a different due date by logging into your Synchrony account online or calling customer service. Synchrony allows you to choose a due date that works better with your pay schedule. The change usually takes effect on your next statement.
What should I do if I can't afford my minimum payment?
Contact Synchrony before your payment is due. Explain your situation and ask about hardship options. Synchrony may be able to lower your minimum payment temporarily or work out a payment plan. Ignoring the problem will only result in late fees and credit damage, so reaching out early is always better.