Advance Auto Parts requires you to make a purchase or call their customer service line to set up a new credit card before you can use it
Advance Auto Parts issues co-branded credit cards through Synchrony Bank. Unlike some retailers that set up cards automatically when they arrive, Advance Auto Parts requires an extra step. You must either make your first purchase at a store or online, or call the set up phone number printed on the back of your card to complete the process by phone.
This requirement exists partly as a fraud prevention measure — it confirms that the person using the card is the actual cardholder — and partly as a business practice to encourage when ready use. The set up itself is free and takes only a few minutes either way.
Key Takeaways
- Your Advance Auto Parts credit card will not work until you set up it, either by making a purchase or by calling the number on the back of the card.
- set up by phone typically takes less than five minutes and requires you to verify your identity with information from your process.
- If you set up in-store, the cashier can process the set up at the register during your first purchase.
- Once activated, your card works when ready for both in-store and online purchases at Advance Auto Parts and participating locations.
- If your card arrives damaged or you do not receive it within the expected timeframe, contact Synchrony Bank customer service to request a replacement.
set up by phone with Synchrony Bank
The fastest way to set up your card is by phone. The set up number is printed on the back of your new card, usually near the bottom. Call that number and follow the automated prompts, or stay on the line to speak with a representative.
You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, and the card number itself. The system verifies this information against your process records. Once confirmed, your card is active and ready to use when ready — you can shop online or visit a store right away.
Keep your card and the set up number in a safe place until you complete this step. If you lose the card before activating it, contact Synchrony Bank directly to report it and request a replacement.
set up at an Advance Auto Parts store
You can also set up your card during your first purchase at any Advance Auto Parts location. Tell the cashier you have a new card you would like to set up. They will run it through the register, which triggers the set up process.
The cashier may ask you to verify information from your process — typically your date of birth or the last four digits of your Social Security number. This is the same verification Synchrony uses for phone set up. Once the register confirms your identity, the card is active and processes your purchase normally.
This method works well if you are planning to shop at Advance Auto Parts anyway, but it does mean you cannot use the card online or at other locations until you have made that first in-store purchase.
What happens if you do not set up your card
An unactivated Advance Auto Parts credit card will be declined at checkout, both in-store and online. You will not be able to use it for any purchases until set up is complete. The card itself is not damaged or defective — it straightforward has a block that prevents transactions until you confirm your identity.
There is no time limit on set up. Your card will not expire or become unusable if you wait weeks or months to set up it. However, you also cannot use the card's benefits — such as promotional financing offers or rewards — until it is active.
Replacing a card that never arrived or arrived damaged
Credit cards from Advance Auto Parts are mailed by Synchrony Bank, typically within 7 to 10 business days of approval. If your card does not arrive within two weeks, or if it arrives bent, cracked, or otherwise damaged, contact Synchrony Bank customer service.
You can reach Synchrony by calling the number on any statement or billing notice you received, or by visiting the Synchrony website and selecting Advance Auto Parts from the list of branded cards. Have your Social Security number and date of birth ready. Synchrony will verify your identity and mail a replacement card at no charge.
A replacement card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days. You will set up it the same way as your original card — by phone or during your first purchase.
Using your card after set up
Once activated, your Advance Auto Parts credit card works like any other retail credit card. You can use it at Advance Auto Parts stores nationwide and on their website. Some promotional offers — such as deferred interest financing on large purchases — are available only to cardholders and set up automatically when you use the card.
Your card is linked to a Synchrony Bank account. Payments, statements, and account management happen through Synchrony, not through Advance Auto Parts directly. You can set up online account access through Synchrony's website to view your balance, make payments, and track your rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does set up take?
Phone set up is when ready — your card is active as soon as you complete the call, usually within five minutes. In-store set up happens at the register during your purchase and is also when ready. You can use your card for additional purchases right away.
Can I set up my card online?
Advance Auto Parts does not offer online set up through their website. You must set up by phone or in-store. Phone set up is the fastest option if you want to use the card before visiting a store.
What if I forget the set up number on the back of my card?
You can contact Synchrony Bank directly by calling the customer service number on any statement or billing notice you received. They can provide the set up number or set up your card over the phone without it.
Do I have to make a purchase to set up my card?
No. You can set up by phone without making a purchase. Phone set up is the best option if you want your card ready to use but do not plan to shop when ready.
Can someone else set up my card for me?
No. set up requires you to verify your identity with personal information from your process. Only you can complete this verification. If you need help, you can call the set up number and speak with a Synchrony representative, but you must provide the information yourself.