Call Synchrony customer service to close your account

The fastest way to close a Synchrony credit card is to call their customer service line. You'll reach a representative who can process the closure immediately and confirm it in writing. Have your card number ready when you call — you'll find it on the front of your card or in your online account.

Synchrony's main customer service number is on the back of your card. Call during business hours (typically 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Eastern, seven days a week, though hours vary by card brand). The representative will ask you to confirm your identity, verify that you want to close the account, and check whether you have an outstanding balance.

If you have a balance, you'll need to pay it before or at the time of closure. Synchrony will not close an account with an unpaid balance. If you have a $0 balance, the account closes immediately.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the customer service number on the back of your card to close the account — this is faster and more reliable than online closure.
  • You must pay any outstanding balance before Synchrony will close the account; a $0 balance closes right away.
  • Ask the representative to send you written confirmation of the closure, including the date and final balance.
  • After closure, continue checking your credit report for 30 to 60 days to confirm the account shows as closed.

What happens to your credit score when you close the account

Closing a credit card can lower your credit score, usually by a small amount. The main reason is that closing an account reduces your total available credit, which changes your credit utilization ratio — the percentage of your credit limit you're using across all cards. If you have other cards with balances, closing this card makes those balances represent a larger percentage of your total available credit, which can hurt your score.

The impact is often temporary. Your score typically recovers within a few months as the account ages and other factors in your credit history become more prominent. If you're planning to apply for a loan or mortgage soon, closing a card right before that application might not be ideal — but if you're not borrowing in the next few months, the timing matters less.

The closed account itself stays on your credit report for up to 10 years (for accounts in good standing) or seven years (for accounts with late payments). This means the account continues to affect your credit history even after it's closed, which is actually helpful — it shows you managed the account responsibly.

Steps to take before you call

Before closing the account, make sure you've paid off any balance. Log into your Synchrony account online or call customer service to check your current balance. If you have a pending payment, wait for it to post before closing — this prevents confusion about whether the account is truly at $0.

Check whether you have any pending rewards or cash back. Some Synchrony cards offer cash back or points, and these may expire or be forfeited when you close the account. Review your account to see if you have any rewards waiting to be redeemed, and redeem them before closure if that's important to you.

If you use this card for any recurring charges — subscriptions, automatic payments, or monthly bills — update those payments to a different card now. Synchrony will close the card, and any merchant trying to charge it after closure will get a declined transaction. This can interrupt service or cause late fees on other accounts.

What to do after the account closes

Ask the representative to email or mail you written confirmation of the closure. This confirmation should include the date the account closed and your final balance. Keep this document for your records — it's proof that you closed the account intentionally and that the balance was $0.

Check your credit report 30 to 60 days after closure to confirm the account shows as closed. You can view your credit report free once per year at annualcreditreport.com, which is the official government site. The three major credit bureaus are Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — your report should show the Synchrony account as "closed by consumer" or "account closed."

If the account doesn't show as closed after 60 days, or if it shows an incorrect balance, contact Synchrony again. Errors on your credit report can be disputed directly with the credit bureau, but it's faster to have Synchrony correct it first.

Closing the account online or by mail

Synchrony does not offer account closure through their online portal. You must call customer service or send a written request by mail. Calling is faster and gives you immediate confirmation, so it's the better option for most people.

If you prefer to close by mail, send a letter to Synchrony's mailing address (which you can find on your statement or by calling customer service). Include your full name, account number, and a clear statement that you want to close the account. Send it certified mail with return receipt so you have proof it was delivered. This method takes longer — typically one to two weeks — and you won't have immediate confirmation that the closure was processed.

What if you have a balance you can't pay right now

If you have an outstanding balance, Synchrony will not close the account until it's paid. You have two options: pay the balance in full, or keep the account open and continue making payments until it's $0.

If you're struggling to pay, contact Synchrony's customer service to discuss your options. They may offer a payment plan or hardship program, depending on your situation and the specific card. These programs vary, so ask what's available for your account. Once the balance reaches $0, you can then close the account.

Closing an account with an outstanding balance is not possible, and attempting to do so won't stop the debt from being reported to credit bureaus. The account will remain open and continue to accrue interest until the balance is paid.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I reopen a Synchrony card after I close it?

It depends on the specific card and Synchrony's policies at the time. Some cards can be reopened within a certain period if you contact customer service, but this is not may provide. If you think you might want the card again, ask the representative before closing whether reopening is possible. If you're certain you won't need it, don't worry about this — you can always apply for a new card later.

Will closing the card hurt my credit score permanently?

No. The initial dip in your score is usually small and temporary. Your score typically recovers within a few months. The closed account stays on your credit report for years, which actually helps your score because it shows a history of responsible credit use. The long-term impact is minimal.

What if I close the card but Synchrony keeps charging me?

This is rare, but if it happens, contact Synchrony immediately with your written closure confirmation. Explain that the account was closed and you should not be charged. Ask them to reverse any charges made after the closure date. If they don't resolve it, you can dispute the charges with your bank if you paid by bank account, or file a dispute with your credit card company if you paid by another card.

Do I need to cut up the card after closing?

Yes. Once the account is closed, cut or shred the physical card so it can't be used. The account is closed in Synchrony's system, so the card won't work anyway, but destroying it prevents accidental use or theft.

How long does it take for the account to show as closed on my credit report?

Usually 30 to 60 days. The credit bureaus update their records periodically, not in real time. If it hasn't updated after 60 days, contact Synchrony to confirm the closure was processed, then contact the credit bureau directly if there's still a delay.