How to send a payment to Synchrony Bank

Synchrony Bank accepts payments through three main channels: their website, their mobile app, or by phone. The fastest route is usually the website or app, where you can schedule a payment to post within one to three business days. If you need the money to reach them today, call their customer service line — they can process an when ready payment over the phone, though this method carries a higher risk of error since you are dictating account numbers verbally.

You will need your Synchrony account number and routing number (which is 042000014 for all Synchrony accounts) to set up any payment method. If you are paying from a checking or savings account, have that account number and your bank's routing number ready. If you are paying by debit card, you only need the card number and expiration date.

Key Takeaways

  • Synchrony Bank's website and mobile app let you schedule payments that post in one to three business days without paying a fee.
  • Payments made by phone are processed when ready but require you to provide your account information verbally, which increases the chance of a typo.
  • You can pay from a bank account, debit card, or credit card, but paying with a credit card may trigger a cash advance fee depending on your card issuer.
  • Synchrony's routing number is 042000014 for all customers, but you will need your own account number to identify which account the payment goes toward.
  • If you miss a payment important date, contact Synchrony directly rather than assuming a late fee has been applied — some accounts have grace periods.

Paying through the Synchrony website

Log into your account at synchronybank.com and look for a "Pay Now" or "Make a Payment" button, usually located on your account dashboard. You will be asked to choose a payment method: from a bank account, debit card, or credit card. Select the account or card you want to pay from, enter the amount, and choose your payment date.

Synchrony offers two timing options. A standard payment typically posts within one to three business days and carries no fee. An expedited payment posts the same business day but usually costs between $15 and $25. Unless you are very close to a due date, the standard option is sufficient — Synchrony counts a payment as on-time if it is received by the due date, not if it posts that day.

After you submit, you will see a confirmation number on screen. Write this down or take a screenshot. Synchrony will also send a confirmation email, but the on-screen number is your when ready proof that the payment was accepted.

Paying through the Synchrony mobile app

The Synchrony mobile app (available on iOS and Android) has the same payment options as the website. Open the app, log in, and tap "Pay" or "Make a Payment." The process is identical: choose your payment source, enter the amount, pick your date, and confirm.

The app is often faster than the website if you are paying on a phone or tablet, since the interface is designed for a smaller screen. You still get a confirmation number when ready and a confirmation email afterward. If you have never used the app before, read it from your phone's app store and log in with the same username and password you use for the website.

Paying by phone

Call Synchrony's customer service line at 1-800-522-3000 (the number is on your statement). A representative will ask for your account number, the amount you want to pay, and the account or card you are paying from. They will read back the details to confirm, then process the payment when ready.

Phone payments are useful if you are close to a due date and cannot wait for a standard online payment to post. However, they carry a higher error risk — if you misstate a digit of your account number or the representative types it incorrectly, the payment may go to the wrong account. Ask the representative to repeat your account number back to you before they process the payment, and request a confirmation number at the end of the call.

What happens after you submit a payment

Once Synchrony receives your payment, they will post it to your account within the timeframe you selected (same day for expedited, one to three business days for standard). During this window, the payment is in transit and has not yet reduced your balance. You will see the payment reflected in your account once it posts.

Synchrony applies payments to your balance in this order: interest charges first, then fees, then the principal (the amount you originally borrowed). This means if you are carrying a balance and paying interest, part of your payment goes toward interest before it reduces what you owe. This is standard practice across the banking industry.

Paying from a bank account versus a card

Paying from a checking or savings account is the safest option. Synchrony processes these payments as ACH transfers (electronic bank-to-bank transfers), which are free and reliable. You need your bank's routing number and your account number, both of which appear on the bottom left of your checks.

Paying with a debit card is also free at Synchrony, but paying with a credit card may not be. Many credit card issuers treat payments to banks as cash advances, which means they charge a fee (usually 3 to 5 percent of the amount) and start charging interest when ready, even if your card has a 0 percent introductory rate. Before you pay a Synchrony bill with a credit card, call your card issuer and ask whether they classify bank payments as cash advances. If they do, use a bank account or debit card instead.

If a payment fails or does not post

Payments fail most often because of a typo in the account number, insufficient funds in the source account, or a closed or frozen account. If you submitted a payment and it did not appear in your Synchrony account within the expected timeframe, log back into your account and check the payment history. Synchrony shows the status of each payment — whether it is pending, posted, or failed.

If a payment failed, Synchrony will usually send you an email explaining why. If you do not receive one within 24 hours, call customer service at 1-800-522-3000 and ask them to look up the failed payment. They can tell you the reason and help you resubmit. If the payment was deducted from your bank account but did not reach Synchrony, contact your bank's customer service — they may need to file a trace to recover the funds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I set up automatic payments to Synchrony?

Yes. On the Synchrony website or app, look for "Autopay" or "Automatic Payments" in the settings menu. You can choose a fixed amount and a date each month, or set it to pay your full statement balance automatically. Automatic payments are free and remove the risk of forgetting a due date.

What if I pay more than I owe?

Synchrony will hold the overpayment as a credit on your account. You can use it toward future purchases or request a refund by calling customer service. Refunds typically take five to seven business days to appear in your bank account.

Does Synchrony charge a fee for online payments?

No, standard online payments are free. Expedited same-day payments cost $15 to $25 depending on the payment method. Phone payments are also free unless you request expedited processing.

What is Synchrony's routing number?

Synchrony Bank's routing number is 042000014 for all customers and all payment methods. You will also need your own Synchrony account number, which appears on your statement and in your online account.

Can I pay in person at a Synchrony location?

Synchrony Bank does not have physical branches where you can walk in and make a payment. All payments must be made online, through the app, or by phone. If you need to pay cash, you can deposit it into your own bank account and then transfer it to Synchrony electronically.