Call Synchrony directly to close your card—they will not close it by mail or online

Synchrony does not offer a way to close a card through their website or mobile app. You must call their customer service line to request closure. The phone number is on the back of your card, or you can find it on your Synchrony account page. Have your card number ready when you call.

When you reach a representative, tell them you want to close the account. They will ask why you are closing it—this is optional information, and you do not have to give a detailed reason. They may offer you a retention offer (a discount, points, or a fee waiver) to keep the card open. You can accept or decline. If you decline, they will process the closure.

Closing takes effect immediately, but the account will remain on your credit report for up to 10 years. You will still be able to see the account history and payment record during that time.

Key Takeaways

  • Call the number on the back of your Synchrony card or log into your account online to find the customer service phone number.
  • Synchrony may offer you a retention incentive when you call to close; you can accept it or ask them to proceed with closure anyway.
  • Your account closes immediately after the call, but the closed account stays on your credit report for years and continues to show your payment history.
  • Pay off any remaining balance before or after closing; closing does not erase what you owe.
  • If you have pending rewards or cash back, redeem them before closing, because some Synchrony cards stop earning after closure.

Pay off your balance before you call

You can close a Synchrony card with a balance, but you will still owe the money. Synchrony will send you a bill each month until the balance is paid in full. Interest will continue to accrue on the remaining balance at your current APR unless you have a promotional rate.

If you have a promotional 0% APR offer that ends soon, closing the card does not end the promotion early—you keep the rate for the remaining promotional period. However, if you miss a payment after closing, the promotional rate may be forfeited and your APR will jump to the standard rate.

The safest approach is to pay the full balance before calling to close. If you cannot, pay as much as you can, then call to close. Make sure you have a way to pay the remaining balance—set up automatic payments or mark your calendar for the due date so you do not miss a payment on a closed account.

Redeem rewards and cash back before closing

Synchrony cards earn rewards or cash back on purchases. Once you close the card, you may lose the ability to earn new rewards, but you keep the rewards you have already earned. However, some Synchrony cards stop allowing you to redeem rewards after closure, so check your card's terms or call to ask before you close.

If your card earns cash back, you can usually redeem it as a statement credit, a check, or a deposit to your bank account. Redeem before you close to avoid any issues. If your card earns points toward a specific retailer (like Amazon or Target), redeem those points for purchases or gift cards before closure.

Ask the Synchrony representative when you call whether you can still redeem rewards after the account is closed. If the answer is no, hang up, redeem your rewards, and call back to close the account.

Understand how closing affects your credit score

Closing a credit card can lower your credit score, usually by a small amount. This happens because closing reduces your total available credit, which increases your credit utilization ratio—the percentage of your total credit limit that you are using across all cards. A higher utilization ratio signals risk to lenders and can lower your score.

The impact is temporary. Your score typically recovers within a few months as long as you keep other accounts in good standing and do not miss payments. If you have other cards with low balances, the impact will be smaller than if this is your only card or your only card with available credit.

If your credit score is important right now—for example, you are about to apply for a mortgage or car loan—consider waiting to close the card until after the application is approved. If you have already closed the card and are concerned about the timing, focus on paying down balances on your remaining cards to improve your utilization ratio.

What happens to your account after closure

After you close the account, you will not be able to make new purchases with the card. You can still log into your Synchrony account online to view your payment history, remaining balance, and closed account details. You will receive paper statements or electronic statements (depending on your preference) until the balance is paid off.

The closed account will appear on your credit report with a status of "closed by consumer" or "account closed." This notation stays on your report for up to 10 years. Having a closed account on your report is normal and does not hurt your credit—in fact, it shows you have successfully managed credit in the past.

If you ever need to dispute a charge or have a question about the account, you can still contact Synchrony customer service. They can look up the closed account and help you.

If you cannot reach Synchrony by phone

Synchrony's phone lines can have long wait times, especially during business hours or around the end of the month. If you have trouble reaching someone, try calling early in the morning or late in the afternoon on a weekday. You can also try calling on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday, when call volume is typically lower.

If you prefer not to call, you can send a written request to close your account by mail. Write a letter to Synchrony requesting closure, include your account number and full name, and send it to the address listed on your statement or on the Synchrony website. Keep a copy for your records. This method takes longer—usually two to four weeks—but it creates a paper trail.

Do not close the account by simply cutting up the card or stopping payments. These actions do not officially close the account, and your account will remain open and may accrue fees or interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will closing my Synchrony card hurt my credit score?

Closing a card usually lowers your score slightly because it reduces your available credit and increases your utilization ratio. The impact is typically small and temporary—your score usually recovers within a few months. If you have other cards with low balances, the effect will be even smaller.

Can I close my Synchrony card if I still owe a balance?

Yes, you can close a card with a balance. You will still owe the money and will receive monthly bills until it is paid off. Interest will continue to accrue unless you have an active promotional rate. Paying off the balance before closing is the safest option.

What happens to my rewards after I close the card?

You keep the rewards you have already earned, but some Synchrony cards stop letting you redeem rewards after closure. Redeem your rewards before you close the account to be safe. Call Synchrony to ask about your specific card's policy before closing.

How long does it take to close a Synchrony card?

Closure takes effect immediately when you call. If you send a written request by mail, closure usually takes two to four weeks. Either way, the account remains on your credit report for years after closure.

Can I reopen a Synchrony card after I close it?

Reopening a closed account is difficult and not may provide. Synchrony may allow you to reopen within a certain time frame, but they may also require you to apply for a new card instead. If you think you might want the card again, ask the representative about this before you close.