Synchrony Bank is one of the biggest players behind U.S. store credit cards and retail financing, powering hundreds of branded cards from Amazon, Lowe’s, Sam’s Club, TJX, CareCredit and more while also running an FDIC‑insured online bank with high‑yield savings and CDs. Because so many store cards say “Synchrony Bank” in the fine print, consumers constantly search for Synchrony Bank login help, the Synchrony Bank phone number, and whether Synchrony Bank is legit, safe, and good for their credit.
This 2026 review explains exactly what Synchrony Bank is, who owns it, how its online banking and credit card systems work, how to contact support, and how to use Synchrony‑issued cards without getting burned by high APRs or deferred‑interest promotions.
Table of Contents
- What Is Synchrony Bank?
- Who Owns Synchrony Bank?
- Synchrony Bank Login — How to Access Your Account
- Synchrony Bank Credit Cards — Stores & Brands (2026)
- Synchrony Bank Amazon Card — How It Works
- Synchrony Bank Phone Number — Customer Support Guide
- Is Synchrony Bank Legit?
- Is Synchrony Bank Safe in 2026?
- Synchrony Bank Pros & Cons (2026)
- Synchrony Bank FAQs (2026 Updated)
- Expert Tips to Use Synchrony Bank Cards Wisely in 2026
- Conclusion — Should You Use Synchrony Bank in 2026?
What Is Synchrony Bank?
Synchrony Bank is an FDIC‑insured online bank and major private‑label credit card issuer that partners with retailers, healthcare providers, and brands to offer store‑branded credit cards, co‑branded cards, and promotional financing.
On the banking side, Synchrony offers high‑yield savings accounts, money market accounts, and CDs with no monthly fees and FDIC insurance up to 250,000 dollars per depositor, per ownership category.
On the credit side, Synchrony Bank issues nearly 150–200 store, co‑branded, and private‑label credit cards for brands like Amazon, Sam’s Club, TJX (TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods), Lowe’s, PayPal, eBay, Verizon, and CareCredit in healthcare.
Because of this dual role, many people first encounter Synchrony Bank through a store card at checkout and only later realize their lender is a separate online‑only bank rather than the retailer itself.
Who Owns Synchrony Bank?
Synchrony Bank is owned by Synchrony Financial, a publicly traded U.S. consumer financial services company listed on the New York Stock Exchange under ticker symbol SYF.
Synchrony Financial was spun off from General Electric (GE Capital’s retail finance business) in 2014 and now operates independently as one of the largest private‑label credit card issuers in the U.S.
Synchrony Bank is a subsidiary of Synchrony Financial and operates under its own national bank charter, subject to federal banking regulation and examination.
As a public company, Synchrony Financial files regular reports with the SEC and must meet capital, risk management, and compliance requirements similar to larger traditional banks.
Synchrony Bank Login — How to Access Your Account
Because Synchrony runs both deposit accounts and dozens of different credit card programs, the Synchrony Bank login process starts by identifying which account you’re trying to access.
Step‑by‑Step: Synchrony Bank Online Login
- Go to the official site
Visit synchrony.com and click “Login” or go directly to the Synchrony Account Directory page, which lets you search by store or card name. - Choose your account type
- For savings, money market, and CDs: choose “Banking” or “Savings Products”.
- For store cards (Amazon, Lowe’s, TJX, CareCredit, etc.): select the retailer card from the directory (e.g., “Amazon Store Card,” “Lowe’s Advantage,” “TJX Rewards,” “CareCredit”).
- Enter your User ID and password
- Complete security verification
Synchrony supports multi‑factor authentication like one‑time SMS codes, email codes, or security questions before granting access to sensitive account data. - Access your dashboard
Once logged in, you can view balances, statements, promotional financing offers, and schedule or edit payments for your Synchrony Bank credit card or savings products.
Mobile App & Security Features
Many major partner brands (Amazon, PayPal, Sam’s Club, etc.) integrate Synchrony credit card management within their own apps, while Synchrony’s savings and CD accounts are managed via Synchrony’s online portal optimized for mobile browsers instead of a standalone retail‑banking app.
Synchrony uses encrypted connections, two‑factor authentication, fraud monitoring, and device recognition to protect online access.
Password Reset
If you forget your Synchrony Bank login credentials:
- Click “Forgot User ID / Password” on the login page for your specific card or savings account.
- Enter your SSN or tax ID, date of birth, and account number or last four digits as requested.
- Receive a reset code via email/SMS and create a new password through the secure portal.
Synchrony Bank Credit Cards — Stores & Brands (2026)
Synchrony Bank credit card portfolios cover more than 100–140 store and co‑branded cards across retail, home improvement, healthcare, travel, and more.
Major Retail Partners (2026)
According to recent issuer lists, Synchrony powers cards for:
- Retail & Department Stores: Amazon, Sam’s Club, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, JCPenney, Belk, American Eagle, At Home, Stein Mart.
- Home Improvement & Furniture: Lowe’s (consumer & business cards), Ashley Furniture, Cabinets To Go, Ethan Allen, Flooring America, HOM Furniture, Havertys.
- Online & Tech: Amazon Store Card, PayPal Extras/ CashBack Mastercard, eBay Extras/Platinum, Verizon Visa Card.
- Gas & Auto: BP Visa, Chevron/Texaco Visa, Synchrony Car Care, America’s Tire.
- Healthcare: CareCredit medical, dental, and veterinary financing.
- Travel & Airline: Cathay Pacific Visa, Norwegian Reward Card, some OTA cards (CheapOair, OneTravel).
Many of these are store‑only credit lines (usable just at that brand or family of brands), while others are co‑branded Visa/Mastercard that work anywhere those networks are accepted.
How Synchrony Store Cards Typically Work
- Often easier approvals than prime general‑purpose cards, aimed at fair‑to‑good credit customers.
- Frequently include special financing (e.g., 0% for 6–12 months, deferred interest, promotional rate plans).
- APRs are usually high, often 26–30%+ if you carry a balance beyond any promo period.
- Most report to major credit bureaus, so responsible use can help build credit—but missed payments will damage scores.
For a deeper overview, you can link readers to your dedicated store credit card guide and retail financing explainer on your site.
Synchrony Bank Amazon Card — How It Works
The Synchrony Bank Amazon portfolio includes the Amazon Store Card and Amazon Prime Store Card, which are private‑label lines usable only on Amazon.com.
These differ from the Amazon Visa cards issued by Chase, which can be used anywhere Visa is accepted and are not backed by Synchrony.
Amazon Store Card Basics
- Issuer: Synchrony Bank (private‑label).
- Where you can use it: Only on Amazon.com and some Amazon‑owned properties (not for other retailers).
- Rewards:
- Promotional financing on eligible purchases (e.g., 6, 12, or 24‑month special financing or equal‑payment plans).
- Prime Store Card variants may offer 5% back at Amazon instead of or in addition to financing, depending on active promotions.
- Annual Fee: $0 (Prime membership fee separate for Prime version).
Because it’s a closed‑loop Synchrony Bank credit card, the Amazon Store Card is primarily a financing tool rather than an everyday general‑purpose card.
Amazon Store Card vs Amazon Visa
| Feature | Amazon Store Card (Synchrony) | Amazon Visa (Chase) |
|---|---|---|
| Network | Private‑label (Amazon only) | Visa (everywhere Visa accepted) |
| Issuer | Synchrony Bank | Chase |
| Rewards | Financing + up to 5% back at Amazon (Prime) | 5% back at Amazon/Whole Foods (Prime), 1–2% elsewhere |
| Annual Fee | $0 (Prime separate) | $0 (Prime separate) |
| Use Case | Financing Amazon purchases | General rewards card |
Shoppers who mainly want Amazon‑only financing often choose the Synchrony option, while those seeking broader rewards choose Chase’s Amazon Visa instead.
Synchrony Bank Phone Number — Customer Support Guide
Because there are separate lines for savings, generic credit cards, and partner programs, there isn’t just one Synchrony Bank phone number—but a few key numbers handle most situations.
Core Synchrony Bank Phone Numbers (Consumers)
Official contact pages and aggregated customer‑service listings show these commonly used numbers:
Synchrony’s own “Contact Us” page highlights 1‑866‑226‑5638 as the main bank number and 1‑800‑677‑0718 for applying for accounts.
How to Contact Synchrony Bank by Phone
To contact Synchrony Bank by phone, call the main customer service line at 1‑866‑396‑8254 for credit cards or 1‑866‑226‑5638 for savings and CDs; both numbers are toll‑free and route you through an automated system where you can enter your account number or speak to a representative.
Best Times to Call
Crowdsourced customer‑service data suggests:
- Shortest waits: Weekends and mid‑week late mornings.
- Longest waits: Mondays and immediately after major holidays.
- Average hold time is often under 2 minutes, but may spike during billing cycles or outages.
Have your full name, last four digits of your SSN, and your account number ready before calling. This drastically speeds up identity verification and access to your Synchrony Bank credit card account.
Is Synchrony Bank Legit?
Yes, Synchrony Bank is absolutely legit — it is a real, regulated, FDIC‑insured U.S. bank and one of the largest private‑label credit card issuers in the country.
Key legitimacy signals:
- Synchrony Bank is a member of the FDIC, insuring deposits up to 250,000 dollars per depositor, per ownership category.
- It operates under a federal bank charter and is subject to U.S. banking regulations and examinations.
- Parent company Synchrony Financial is publicly traded on the NYSE (SYF) and files regular audited financial statements with the SEC.
- Synchrony has operated in consumer finance for decades (formerly GE Capital Retail Finance) and currently services tens of millions of active credit card accounts.
Frustrations with customer service or high APRs are common with many store‑card issuers, but that doesn’t make Synchrony a scam or fake bank. It is a legitimate institution whose products must be used carefully.
Is Synchrony Bank Safe in 2026?
Yes, Synchrony Bank is generally safe in 2026, offering FDIC insurance for deposits, modern cybersecurity protections, and the backing of a large, well‑capitalized parent company—but consumers still need to watch for high interest rates and deferred‑interest terms on credit cards.
FDIC Insurance
Synchrony Bank confirms that all its bank accounts (savings, money market, CDs, IRAs) are protected by FDIC insurance up to 250,000 dollars per depositor, per insured bank, per ownership category.
Synchrony’s own FDIC page explains how customers can use multiple ownership categories (single, joint, IRA, trust) to obtain up to 2.5 million dollars in total coverage through account structuring.
Cybersecurity & Fraud Protection
Independent reviews and Synchrony materials note:
- 24/7 system monitoring for suspicious activity.
- Encrypted web sessions and secure login with multi‑factor authentication.
- Support for biometric login (Touch ID, Face ID) via partner apps or mobile browsers.
- Zero‑fraud‑liability policies for unauthorized transactions on bank accounts.
Financial Stability
Synchrony Bank’s FDIC membership, capitalization standards, and supervision by federal regulators align its safety profile with other mid‑size U.S. banks.
While there is always some systemic risk in banking, depositors with balances under FDIC limits are highly protected even in rare failure scenarios.
Synchrony Bank Pros & Cons (2026)
Pros
- Huge store‑card network – Over 100–140 branded and co‑branded cards across Amazon, Lowe’s, TJX, Sam’s Club, PayPal, CareCredit and more give consumers flexible financing choices.
- Easier approvals – Many Synchrony Bank credit cards target fair‑to‑good credit shoppers and can be easier to qualify for than premium rewards cards.
- Promotional financing – Deferred‑interest and equal‑payment plans help spread large purchases like furniture, appliances, medical procedures, or home improvement across months.
- Online‑only banking with strong rates – Synchrony’s savings/CD products offer competitive APYs, no monthly fees, and no minimum opening deposits.
- FDIC‑insured deposits – Up to 250,000 dollars per depositor, per ownership category, protected by U.S. government insurance.
Cons
- High APRs on store cards – Standard purchase APRs often sit above 26–30%, making revolving balances very expensive.
- Deferred interest risk – Miss a promo payoff deadline by one day and all accrued interest may be added retroactively. This is a key risk with many Synchrony Bank credit card promos.
- Customer service complaints – Some third‑party review aggregators show low satisfaction (roughly 1–1.5 out of 5) for phone support, with reports of errors and billing disputes.
- Not a full‑service bank – Synchrony lacks checking accounts and branches; it’s best as a savings/CD and card issuer, not a one‑stop everyday bank.
- Multiple logins/portals – Each store card can have its own login flow, which can confuse people who hold several Synchrony products at once.
Synchrony Bank FAQs (2026 Updated)
What Is Synchrony Bank?
Synchrony Bank is an FDIC‑insured online bank and consumer finance company that issues store‑branded and co‑branded credit cards for major U.S. retailers while also offering high‑yield savings and CDs directly to consumers.
How to Contact Synchrony Bank by Phone?
You can contact Synchrony Bank by calling 1‑866‑396‑8254 for general credit card customer service or 1‑866‑226‑5638 for savings, CDs, and other bank products; both numbers are toll‑free and available with automated menus plus live agents.
Is Synchrony Bank Legit?
Yes, Synchrony Bank is a legitimate U.S. bank that is a member of the FDIC, regulated at the federal level, and owned by Synchrony Financial, a publicly traded company that was spun off from GE in 2014.
Who Owns Synchrony Bank?
Is Synchrony Bank Safe?
Synchrony Bank is considered safe for depositors because it is FDIC insured up to 250,000 dollars per depositor, per ownership category, and uses modern cybersecurity tools like encryption, multi‑factor authentication, and 24/7 fraud monitoring.
Is Synchrony Bank FDIC Insured?
Yes, Synchrony Bank is FDIC insured, with deposit insurance coverage up to 250,000 dollars per depositor, per insured bank, for each ownership category (single, joint, IRA, trust, etc.).
What Stores Use Synchrony Bank?
Synchrony issues store cards for retailers like Amazon, Sam’s Club, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, JCPenney, Belk, American Eagle, Lowe’s, Ashley Furniture, PayPal, eBay, Verizon, and many more.
Does Synchrony Bank Affect Credit Score?
Yes. Synchrony Bank credit cards are reported to the major credit bureaus, so on‑time payments, utilization, new accounts, and closures all impact your credit score just like any other revolving credit line.
Expert Tips to Use Synchrony Bank Cards Wisely in 2026
1. Treat Store Cards as Tools, Not Wallet Fillers
Synchrony Bank credit card lines can be useful for very specific purposes—like financing a big appliance at Lowe’s or a necessary medical procedure with CareCredit—but they should rarely be your main everyday card due to high APRs and store limitations.
Keep total credit exposure with Synchrony limited to what you can comfortably pay off in a few months and avoid opening every store card you’re offered at checkout.
2. Avoid Deferred Interest Traps
Many Synchrony offers are “no interest if paid in full by X date”, which is deferred interest, not true 0% APR.
If you have even 1 dollar left when the promo ends, all accrued interest from the purchase date can be charged retroactively, which often erases any savings and then some.
Set calendar reminders 30, 60, and 90 days before the promo expires and consider setting up automatic payments sized to pay off the full promotional balance early.
3. Pay In Full and On Time
With store card APRs often above 26–30%, carrying a balance for more than a statement cycle gets very expensive very fast.
Always aim to:
- Pay the statement balance in full by the due date.
- At minimum, pay more than the minimum to accelerate payoff and reduce utilization.
- Set up AutoPay through your Synchrony Bank login for at least the minimum, with manual extra payments as budget allows.
4. Track Multiple Store Cards Carefully
If you hold several Synchrony‑issued lines (Amazon, Lowe’s, TJX, Sam’s Club, CareCredit), log into each at least once a month to check:
- Statement balances.
- Due dates and promo expirations.
- Any unexpected fees or interest.
Use a budgeting app or spreadsheet to avoid missed payments across multiple small balances, which can be more damaging than one big card.
You can also link readers to your credit score improvement and budgeting and savings articles to show how to prioritize payoff.
5. Use Synchrony Bank for Savings Strategically
If you open Synchrony savings or CD accounts, treat them as high‑yield storage for emergency funds or medium‑term goals, not as a daily checking account.
- Keep 3–6 months of expenses in a high‑yield savings or money market at Synchrony.
- Use CDs for funds you won’t need for a fixed period, but avoid tying up 100% of your emergency reserve.
- Link to your own banking safety and emergency fund planning content to help readers size these balances correctly.
Conclusion — Should You Use Synchrony Bank in 2026?
Synchrony Bank is a powerful but specialized player: it’s one of the largest U.S. issuers of store‑branded credit cards and a solid online savings/CD bank, but it is not a full‑service everyday institution with checking accounts and branches.
For the right consumer, Synchrony Bank credit card products can be extremely useful—financing a big Costco‑style haul at Sam’s Club, remodeling a kitchen via Lowe’s, or covering medical expenses with CareCredit—provided balances are paid off before promotional periods end and ongoing APRs are avoided.
On the deposit side, Synchrony Bank offers competitive rates, FDIC insurance, and simple online access, making it a reasonable place to park emergency savings or medium‑term goals alongside your primary checking account at a traditional bank.
Overall, Synchrony Bank is worth using in 2026 if you:
- Already shop frequently with a retailer that uses Synchrony.
- Need promotional financing for a planned large purchase.
- Want an online high‑yield savings/CD option without monthly fees.
It is not ideal if you:
- Struggle with credit card discipline.
- Prefer in‑person branch support.
- Want a single bank to handle checking, savings, loans, and credit under one roof.
Used carefully—with clear payoff plans and close attention to promo deadlines—Synchrony Bank can be a helpful part of your credit and savings strategy rather than a source of costly interest.
Final CTA: Build Your Emergency Fund Before Using Store Credit
Before saying yes to any Synchrony Bank store credit card, promotional financing plan, or big retailer charge, make sure a real emergency fund stands between you and high‑interest debt.
👉 Use the Emergency Fund Calculator at emergencyfundcalculator.com to calculate exactly how much cash you should keep on hand for true financial security in 2026.