What a Ross payment plan is and how it works
A Ross payment plan is a way to split a purchase at Ross Dress for Less across multiple payments instead of paying the full amount upfront. Ross offers this through a third-party financing company, not directly. When you choose a payment plan at checkout, the financing company pays Ross in full when ready, and you then repay the financing company over time in installments.
The payment plan is not a loan from Ross itself — it is a credit arrangement between you and the financing partner. This matters because the terms, interest rates, and approval process all come from the financing company, not from Ross. You will receive statements and payment instructions from the financing company, and your payment history will be reported to credit bureaus under that company's name.
Payment plans are optional. You can still pay with a debit card, credit card, or cash at any Ross location or online. The payment plan is there if you want to spread out the cost, but it is not required to shop there.
Key Takeaways
- Ross payment plans are managed by a third-party financing company, not by Ross Stores directly, so you will make payments to that company.
- The financing company pays Ross the full purchase price right away, and you repay the financing company in installments over the agreed timeframe.
- Interest rates and terms depend on the financing company's approval of your credit, not on Ross's policies.
- Your payment history on a Ross payment plan is reported to credit bureaus and affects your credit score.
Which financing company handles Ross payment plans
Ross has partnered with Synchrony Bank to offer payment plans both in stores and online. Synchrony is a major credit card and financing company that handles payment plans for many retailers. When you choose a payment plan at Ross, you are entering into an agreement with Synchrony, not with Ross.
Synchrony will send you a bill each month and set up a payment schedule. If you have questions about your payment plan, your interest rate, or your account status, you contact Synchrony directly — not Ross customer service. Synchrony's customer service number is usually printed on your statement or available on the Synchrony website.
Interest rates and how they are determined
Ross payment plans through Synchrony carry interest rates that vary based on your credit history and the financing company's current rates. There is no single interest rate that applies to everyone. Synchrony will tell you the specific rate for your purchase before you complete the transaction, so you can see the total cost including interest before you commit.
Some payment plans may offer zero interest for a set period — for example, zero interest for 12 months — but this depends on the promotion running at the time and your credit approval. If you do not pay off the balance before the promotional period ends, interest will be charged on any remaining balance at the regular rate. Read the terms carefully at checkout to understand when interest kicks in.
The interest you pay is added to your monthly payment. If you pay off the plan early, you may reduce the total interest owed, but check with Synchrony about whether there are any prepayment penalties.
How to set up a payment plan at Ross
In a Ross store, tell the cashier you want to pay with a payment plan. They will direct you to choose the financing option at the register. You will need to provide your name, address, and Social Security number so Synchrony can check your credit. The approval usually happens in seconds or minutes.
Online at rossstore.com, the payment plan option appears at checkout alongside credit card and other payment methods. Select the financing option, and you will be taken through Synchrony's process. Again, you will need to provide personal information for a credit check. Once approved, Synchrony will give you a confirmation number and payment schedule.
You do not need to have a Ross credit card to use a payment plan, though Ross does offer a branded credit card through Synchrony as well. A payment plan is a separate financing option available to anyone who is approved.
What happens if you miss a payment
If you miss a payment on your Ross payment plan, Synchrony will contact you — usually by phone, email, or mail — to remind you that the payment is due. Missing a payment will be reported to credit bureaus and will lower your credit score. The longer the payment stays unpaid, the more damage it does to your credit.
If payments remain unpaid for a significant period, Synchrony may charge late fees, increase your interest rate, or refer the account to a collection agency. This can make it much harder to borrow money in the future and can affect your ability to rent housing or get certain jobs.
If you are having trouble making a payment, contact Synchrony as soon as possible. They may be able to work out a modified payment schedule or discuss other options with you. Waiting until the account is severely past due makes it much harder to resolve.
How a Ross payment plan affects your credit
A Ross payment plan is a form of credit, so it shows up on your credit report. When you open the account, Synchrony performs a hard inquiry into your credit, which can lower your score slightly for a few months. This is normal and temporary.
Once the account is open, your payment history is reported to the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Making on-time payments helps your credit score over time because payment history is the largest factor in how your score is calculated. Missing payments or paying late will hurt your score.
The amount you owe on the payment plan also affects your credit score. If you have a high balance relative to your credit limit, it can lower your score. Paying down the balance improves your score.
Paying off a Ross payment plan early
You can pay off your Ross payment plan at any time by contacting Synchrony and paying the remaining balance in full. Paying early can save you money on interest, especially if you are on a plan with a regular interest rate.
Some payment plans have a promotional zero-interest period. If you pay off the balance before that period ends, you will not owe any interest. If you pay after the promotional period ends, you will owe interest on any remaining balance, so check the terms to understand the exact cutoff date.
Ask Synchrony whether there are any prepayment penalties before you pay off early. Most payment plans do not have penalties, but it is worth confirming.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a Ross credit card to use a payment plan?
No. A payment plan through Synchrony is separate from the Ross credit card. You can use a payment plan without having a Ross card, and you can have a Ross card without using a payment plan. They are two different products.
What if I am denied for a payment plan?
If Synchrony denies your process, it means your credit history or current financial situation does not meet their approval standards. You can still pay with cash, debit, or a regular credit card at Ross. You may also ask Synchrony why you were denied and whether you can reapply after improving your credit.
Can I return an item I bought on a payment plan?
Yes, but the refund goes back to Synchrony, not to you directly. Your payment plan balance is reduced by the refund amount. You will still owe the remaining balance on any items you keep. Check Ross's return policy for the timeframe and any conditions.
Will a payment plan show up on my credit report?
Yes. The account will appear on your credit report, and your payment history will be recorded. Making on-time payments helps your credit score, while late or missed payments hurt it. The account will stay on your report even after you pay it off.
What is the longest payment plan available at Ross?
The length of payment plans varies depending on the promotion and the purchase amount. Synchrony will show you the available options at checkout. Longer payment plans mean smaller monthly payments but more total interest paid, so compare the options before you choose.