Call Synchrony's customer service line to request cancellation

The fastest way to cancel a Synchrony card is to call their customer service number on the back of your card. Have your card number ready. Tell the representative you want to close the account. They will ask you why you're closing it — this is optional to answer, but they may offer you a retention offer (a bonus or rate reduction) to keep the card open. You can accept or decline.

Synchrony will confirm your request and give you a reference number. Write this down. The account will close within one to three business days. You'll receive a written confirmation in the mail within 7 to 10 days.

If you cannot reach customer service by phone, you can also request cancellation through your online account at Synchrony's website or through their mobile app, though phone cancellation is faster and gives you immediate confirmation.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the number on the back of your Synchrony card and tell the representative you want to close the account — this is the fastest method.
  • Write down the reference number the representative gives you so you have proof of your cancellation request.
  • Pay off any remaining balance before or at the time of cancellation; closing the account does not erase what you owe.
  • Check your credit report 30 to 60 days after cancellation to confirm the account shows as closed.
  • If you have a store-branded Synchrony card (like a Target or Amazon card), closing it may affect your ability to use store financing offers in the future.

Pay your balance before you cancel

Synchrony will not close your account if you have an outstanding balance. You must pay what you owe in full or bring the account to a $0 balance before the cancellation takes effect. If you have a promotional 0% APR period, closing the account does not end that promotion — you can still pay off the balance interest-free after the account closes, as long as you meet the original terms.

If you have a very small balance (under $5), some representatives will waive it, but this is not may provide. Ask when you call, but do not assume it will happen.

Understand what happens to your credit score

Closing a credit card can lower your credit score temporarily. This happens for two reasons: your credit utilization ratio (the amount of credit you're using compared to your total available credit) goes up when available credit decreases, and the average age of your accounts may drop if this is one of your older cards.

The impact is usually small and temporary — most people see their score recover within a few months. If you have other cards with low balances, paying those down before you close this card can soften the impact. Do not close multiple cards at once, as that will have a larger effect on your score.

What to do after the account closes

After Synchrony confirms the closure, destroy your physical card by cutting it in half. Do not throw it away whole, as the card number is still readable on the front.

Check your credit report 30 to 60 days after cancellation to confirm the account shows as closed. You can view your credit report for free once per year at AnnualCreditReport.com. The account will remain on your report for seven years (for closed accounts in good standing) or ten years (if it was closed with a late payment or charge-off), but it will no longer affect your available credit.

Store-branded Synchrony cards have extra steps

If your Synchrony card is branded for a specific store — such as Target, Amazon, Lowe's, or another retailer — closing the card may affect your ability to use that store's financing offers. Some stores tie financing offers to the card account itself, so closing it removes your access to those promotions.

Before you cancel a store card, check whether you have any pending financing offers or active promotional periods. If you do, you may want to wait until those are complete. You can also contact the store's customer service to ask whether closing the card will affect future financing offers.

If you cannot reach Synchrony by phone

If you have trouble reaching Synchrony's phone line, you can submit a cancellation request through your online account. Log in to your Synchrony account, go to Account Settings or Preferences, and look for an option to close or cancel the account. You can also send a written request by mail to Synchrony's address (found on your statement or the back of your card), but this takes longer — typically two to three weeks.

Keep a copy of any written request you send. If you use email or online chat, take a screenshot of the confirmation. This gives you proof that you requested cancellation if there is a dispute later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my Synchrony card hurt my credit?

Closing a card can lower your score temporarily because your available credit decreases and your utilization ratio goes up. The impact is usually small and fades within a few months. If you have other cards, paying down their balances before you close this one can reduce the effect.

Can I cancel my Synchrony card if I have a balance?

No. You must pay off your balance in full before Synchrony will close the account. If you have a promotional 0% APR period, you can continue paying it off interest-free after the account closes, as long as you meet the original terms.

How long does it take for my Synchrony card to close?

The account will close within one to three business days after you call and request cancellation. You'll receive written confirmation in the mail within 7 to 10 days. Check your credit report 30 to 60 days later to confirm it shows as closed.

What happens if I close my store-branded Synchrony card?

Closing a store card (like Target or Amazon) may remove your access to that store's financing offers. Contact the store's customer service before you cancel to ask whether closing the card will affect future promotions or financing options.

Do I need to cut up my card after closing the account?

Yes. Cut the card in half lengthwise so the card number is no longer readable. Do not throw it away whole. After the account closes, the card will no longer work, but destroying it prevents someone from finding it and using the number.