What Lowe's Credit Card Services Offer
Lowe's offers two main credit cards: the Lowe's Advantage Card (for in-store and online purchases) and the Lowe's Visa Card (accepted anywhere Visa is taken). Both cards come with rewards on purchases at Lowe's, but they work differently depending on where you shop and what you're buying. The Advantage Card earns rewards only at Lowe's; the Visa earns rewards everywhere but at a lower rate at Lowe's than the Advantage Card does.
Both cards are issued by Synchrony Bank, which handles billing, payments, and customer service. You can manage your account online through Lowe's website or the Lowe's mobile app, pay your bill, view your statement, and check your rewards balance in one place. Neither card has an annual fee.
Key Takeaways
- Lowe's offers two cards with different rewards structures: the Advantage Card earns rewards only at Lowe's, while the Visa earns rewards everywhere but at a lower rate at Lowe's.
- Both cards are issued by Synchrony Bank and can be managed online through Lowe's website or mobile app.
- The cards come with promotional financing offers on large purchases, though the terms and rates depend on the promotion running at the time you open the account.
- You can use the card to pay your Lowe's bill in-store, online, by phone, or through the app, and payments typically post within one business day.
- Rewards are earned as points and can be redeemed as statement credits or used in-store at Lowe's checkout.
How to Open a Lowe's Credit Card Account
You can open either Lowe's card in-store at any Lowe's location or online through Lowe's website. In-store applications are when ready—you'll know whether you're approved within minutes and can use the card right away if approved. Online applications also process quickly, usually within the same day.
You'll need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and income. Synchrony will pull your credit report to make a decision. There is no deposit required, and you don't need to be a Lowe's customer already. If you're approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days for online applications, or you can set up it when ready in-store.
If you explore in-store and are approved, ask the cashier or customer service desk for your temporary card number so you can start earning rewards on purchases that day while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
Activating Your Card and Setting Up Online Access
If you applied online or received your card by mail, you'll need to set up it before you can use it. Call the number on the back of your card, or go to the Lowe's website and log in with your email address and the temporary password sent to you. You can also set up through the Lowe's mobile app.
Once activated, set up your online account when ready so you can view your balance, make payments, and track your rewards. You'll create a username and password during set up. If you already have a Lowe's.com account for shopping, you may be able to link your credit card to it, but you'll still need to set up a separate login for the credit card account through Synchrony's portal.
Enable account alerts through the app or website so you receive notifications when your statement is ready, when a payment is due, and when you earn rewards. This helps you stay on top of your balance and avoid late payments.
Making Payments and Managing Your Balance
You can pay your Lowe's credit card bill in four ways: online through Lowe's website or the app, by phone by calling the number on your statement, in-store at any Lowe's customer service desk, or by mail. Online and app payments are free and typically post within one business day. In-store and phone payments also post within one business day.
Set up automatic payments if you want to pay the same amount on the same day each month. You can choose to pay your full statement balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount you decide. Automatic payments reduce the risk of missing a due date and incurring a late fee.
Your statement closes on the same date each month, and your payment is due 25 days later. If you pay after the due date, you'll be charged a late fee (the amount varies but is typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment). Interest charges begin accruing on any balance you don't pay in full by the due date, at the card's current purchase APR.
Understanding Rewards and Promotional Financing
The Advantage Card earns 5% back on Lowe's purchases when you use it in-store or online at Lowe's.com, and 1% back on all other purchases. The Visa earns 3% back at Lowe's and 1% back everywhere else. Rewards are earned as points and appear in your account when ready after a purchase posts.
You can redeem your points as a statement credit (applied to your next bill) or as a discount at Lowe's checkout. One point equals one cent in value. There is no minimum number of points required to redeem, and points don't expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
Both cards come with promotional financing offers, typically 0% APR for a set period (such as 12 or 24 months) on purchases over a certain amount. These promotions change frequently. When you open your account, you'll see what promotions are currently running. If you make a purchase that qualifies, the 0% period starts on the date of purchase, not the date you open the account. If you don't pay off the promotional balance in full before the period ends, the remaining balance will be charged interest at the card's regular APR.
Disputing Charges and Reporting Problems
If you see a charge on your statement that you don't recognize or believe is wrong, contact Synchrony within 60 days of the charge appearing on your statement. You can call the number on the back of your card, log into your online account and submit a dispute, or write to the address on your statement.
Synchrony will investigate the dispute and contact you within 30 days with a result. During the investigation, the disputed amount won't count against your credit limit, and you won't be required to pay it. If the dispute is found in your favor, the charge will be removed from your account. If it's found against you, you'll be responsible for paying it.
If your card is lost or stolen, call the number on the back of your card or log into your online account when ready to report it. Synchrony will cancel the card and issue a replacement, which typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You're not responsible for fraudulent charges made after you report the card missing.
Closing Your Account or Changing Card Types
You can close your Lowe's credit card account at any time by calling Synchrony at the number on the back of your card or through your online account. Before you close, pay off any remaining balance. Once closed, you won't earn new rewards, but any points you've already earned remain in your account for 60 days and can still be redeemed.
If you want to switch from the Advantage Card to the Visa (or vice versa), you don't need to close your current account. Contact Synchrony and ask to convert your card type. The conversion is usually when ready, and your rewards balance transfers to the new card. Your account number and payment due date stay the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Lowe's Advantage Card outside of Lowe's?
No. The Advantage Card only works at Lowe's stores and Lowe's.com. If you need a card that works everywhere, the Lowe's Visa is accepted at any merchant that takes Visa, though it earns a lower rewards rate at Lowe's (3% instead of 5%).
What happens if I miss a payment?
A late fee (typically $25 to $40) will be added to your account, and interest will begin accruing on your balance at the card's purchase APR. A missed payment will also be reported to the credit bureaus and may hurt your credit score. If you miss a payment, contact Synchrony as soon as possible to bring your account current.
Do I need a Lowe's account to open a credit card?
No. You can open a Lowe's credit card without having a Lowe's.com account or shopping history. You only need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and income. Synchrony will review your credit report to make a decision.
Can I use promotional financing on multiple purchases?
Yes, but each purchase that qualifies for a promotion starts its own 0% period. If you make two separate purchases that each may have access to for 12 months 0% APR, each purchase has its own 12-month clock. You'll need to track each promotion separately to avoid interest charges when they end.
What if I want to dispute a charge after 60 days?
Synchrony's dispute window is 60 days from the date the charge appears on your statement. After 60 days, you cannot file a dispute through Synchrony. If you believe the charge is fraudulent or incorrect, contact your bank or credit card issuer for other options, though they may have their own time limits.