What is Synchrony Bank, and Are Its Credit Cards Right for You? - NerdWallet (2024)

Synchrony Bank specializes in co-branded store credit cards, offering a range of options for consumers looking to make purchases, earn rewards and build their credit.

Because store credit cards tend to have lower qualification standards than general purpose cards, many Synchrony Bank credit cards are appealing to borrowers looking to build credit. But generally, store cards feature drawbacks such as low credit limits, high annual percentage rates, limitations on where you can use them and restrictions on how you can redeem rewards.

And Synchrony specifically tends to earn poor ratings from cardholders. For instance, in a 2022 J.D. Power customer satisfaction survey that included around a dozen of the largest credit card issuers, Synchrony was ranked next to last.

Still, Synchrony Bank has a large portfolio of credit cards based on relationships with many retailers, and some of its cards are better and more useful than others. Let’s take a look at a few of the most popular cards from Synchrony’s credit card portfolio.

Synchrony-branded credit cards

Though it's best known for its co-branded credit cards with specific retailers, Synchrony also carries some credit cards directly under the Synchrony name. The most heavily marketed of those include the following $0-annual-fee cards, which can be used anywhere Mastercard is accepted:

Of those cards, the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard® is the standout: The ability to earn 2% back on all purchases puts it among the best flat-rate rewards cards on the market. However, unlike some competitors, you'll need excellent credit to qualify, and there are no upfront incentives, such as a sign-up bonus or 0% intro APR offer.

Synchrony also has branded cards for specific shopping needs. These cards can each be used at specific retailers, and they offer special financing terms like deferred interest:

Synchrony co-branded credit cards

Some of the following co-branded cards are "closed loop" products, meaning they can be used only on purchases with that co-branded partner. Others, though, are "open loop," meaning they can be used anywhere that accepts credit cards.

MyLowe’s Rewards Credit Card

Die-hard DIYers may gravitate to the MyLowe’s Rewards Credit Card for one main reason: Cardholders get a 5% discount on purchases when paying with the card in full at checkout. The card also features deferred interest on eligible purchases, but note that these two offers can’t be combined.

Either benefit could help you finance expensive home improvements or repairs.

Sam's Club® Mastercard®

With the Sam's Club® Mastercard®, members of the popular warehouse club can earn 3% cash back on dining and an even better 5% at gas and EV charging stations. That makes it one of the best gas credit cards on the market. It’s also a decent pick for those with a Sam’s Club Plus level membership, with less impressive rewards for base-level members.

The card comes with a variety of rules and rewards caps, so maximizing its value can take some work.

PayPal Cashback Mastercard®

The PayPal Cashback Mastercard® earns 3% cash back on any purchase made with PayPal, but a ho-hum 1.5% cash back on all other purchases. Still, considering the widespread acceptance of PayPal, especially online, the PayPal Cashback Mastercard® could be a lucrative card indeed for the right shopper.

Note that if you don't already have a PayPal account, you'll need to open one to get the card. Also, the card doesn’t offer much in the way of upfront incentives.

Venmo Credit Card

Holders of the Venmo Credit Card can earn excellent reward rates with very little effort. The card automatically gives you 3% back on your top spending category for the month (from a list of eight), and 2% on the next highest spending area (from one of the remaining seven eligible categories). You'll get 1% back on all other purchases. This feature allows for a customized yet seamless experience.

You'll need to use the card in tandem with the Venmo app, though. So as with the PayPal Cashback Mastercard®, you'll need to have a Venmo account first.

Verizon Visa® Card

If your goal for a credit card is to minimize your cell phone bill, the Verizon Visa® Card is a good option. You'll enjoy high reward rates in popular categories, including 4% back at "the big three" — grocery stores, gas stations and dining. But you'll get only 1% back on your monthly Verizon bill, and you'll have limited redemption options: Rewards can only be redeemed toward Verizon purchases such as a new phone, a monthly cell phone bill or on travel booked through Verizon’s travel portal.

Direct cash back isn't an option, nor does the card offer cell phone insurance.

Examples of other Synchrony co-branded cards:

Is a Synchrony credit card right for you?

Synchrony has no shortage of store credit cards, some of which could be useful for you if they align with stores where you frequently shop. And because store credit cards are usually easier to get than other general-purpose cards, they can help you build credit.

Before applying, though, it's crucial to weigh those benefits versus potential drawbacks, like high APRs and limited rewards redemption. For many consumers, a store credit card that can be used at only a handful of merchants is too restrictive. In that case, a general rewards credit card is more versatile. Synchrony offers some of those cards, too, and they can be solid choices depending on your spending habits.