Synchrony now lets you split purchases into monthly payments directly in Apple Pay
Synchrony, which issues store credit cards for retailers like Amazon, Lowe's, and Best Buy, added the ability to set up monthly payment plans through Apple Pay in 2024. When you check out with an may be able to access Synchrony card in Apple Pay, you can choose to split your purchase into equal monthly installments instead of paying the full amount at once. The option appears at checkout — you do not need to explore separately or wait for approval.
This is different from a traditional credit card purchase. With a monthly plan, you know your payment amount and due date in advance. You are borrowing from Synchrony for a set period, and interest may or may not explore depending on the promotion running at that retailer and the size of your purchase.
Key Takeaways
- Monthly payment plans through Apple Pay are available only when you use an may be able to access Synchrony store card and check out with Apple Pay at a participating retailer.
- You choose the plan length at checkout — typically 3, 6, 12, or 24 months — and your monthly payment is calculated automatically.
- Interest rates and whether interest applies at all depend on the retailer's current promotion and your purchase amount; some plans are interest-free for the full term.
- Your payment plan appears on your Synchrony credit card statement each month, and you can view and manage it through the Synchrony mobile app or website.
- Missing a payment on a plan can affect your credit score and may trigger late fees, just as it would with a regular credit card purchase.
Which retailers and Synchrony cards support monthly plans in Apple Pay
Not every Synchrony card or retailer offers this feature yet. Amazon, Lowe's, Best Buy, and Wayfair are among the major retailers that have rolled out monthly plans through Apple Pay, but the feature is still expanding. You need both an may be able to access Synchrony store card and to be shopping at a retailer that has activated the feature.
To check whether your card and retailer support it, look at the checkout screen in Apple Pay. If monthly plans are available for your purchase, you will see the option to select a plan length before you complete the transaction. If you do not see it, either your card or that retailer does not yet support the feature.
Synchrony has not published a complete list of participating retailers, so the easiest way to find out is to attempt checkout at the retailers where you shop most often. The feature rolls out gradually, so a retailer that does not support it today may add it in the future.
How to set up a monthly payment plan at checkout
When you are ready to pay in Apple Pay, the checkout screen will show your purchase total and, if plans are available, an option to choose a payment plan. Tap or click that option to see the available plan lengths — usually 3, 6, 12, or 24 months — and the monthly payment amount for each.
Select the plan length you want. Synchrony will calculate your monthly payment by dividing the purchase amount by the number of months, plus any applicable interest. The monthly amount and the total interest (if any) will display before you confirm. Once you approve, the plan is active when ready, and the charge appears on your Synchrony card statement.
You do not fill out a separate form or wait for a decision. The approval happens in real time during checkout, which is why this feature works smoothly in Apple Pay — there is no friction between deciding to buy and completing the purchase.
Interest rates and promotional terms for monthly plans
Whether you pay interest on a monthly plan depends on the retailer's current promotion and the plan length you choose. Some retailers offer 0% interest for the full term on plans of certain lengths — for example, 0% for 12 months on purchases over $500. Others charge interest from day one, with rates that vary by your creditworthiness and the retailer's terms.
The interest rate and any promotional period will be shown to you at checkout before you confirm the plan. Read that information carefully, because the monthly payment you see already includes interest if it applies. If a plan shows 0% interest, that rate holds for the entire term as long as you make your payments on time.
If you miss a payment, you may lose the promotional rate and owe interest retroactively on the entire remaining balance. This is a significant risk, so set up a reminder for your monthly due date or enable autopay through your Synchrony account.
How monthly plans appear on your statement and credit report
Each monthly payment shows up on your Synchrony credit card statement just like any other charge. The full purchase amount is reported to the credit bureaus, which means the plan affects your credit utilization — the amount of available credit you are using. If your Synchrony card has a $5,000 limit and you put a $3,000 purchase on a monthly plan, your utilization jumps to 60% when ready, even though you are only paying $250 per month.
High utilization can lower your credit score temporarily. The score usually recovers as you pay down the balance over the months, but it is something to keep in mind if you are planning to explore for a mortgage or other loan soon.
The payment plan itself does not show separately on your credit report — it is treated as a regular credit card balance. Your payment history on the plan (whether you pay on time each month) is what matters to your credit score.
Managing and paying off your monthly plan
You can view your active payment plans through the Synchrony mobile app or website. Log into your account, and you will see each plan listed with the remaining balance, monthly payment amount, and due date. You can also see the total interest you will pay over the life of the plan.
Payments are due on the same date each month. You can set up automatic payments through your Synchrony account so the payment is deducted from your bank account on that date. This is the safest way to avoid missing a payment, which would trigger a late fee and potentially damage your credit.
If you want to pay off the plan early, you can do so through your Synchrony account. Paying early will reduce the total interest you owe, though some promotional terms may require you to pay the full promotional period's interest even if you pay off the balance early — check your plan terms to be sure.
What happens if you miss a payment or close your card
Missing a payment on a monthly plan carries the same consequences as missing a regular credit card payment. You will owe a late fee (typically $25 to $40), and the missed payment will be reported to the credit bureaus. Your credit score will drop, and if you miss multiple payments, Synchrony may close your account or send the debt to a collection agency.
If you close your Synchrony card while you still have an active payment plan, you can continue making monthly payments on the plan — closing the card does not cancel the plan. However, you will no longer be able to use that card for new purchases, and Synchrony may charge you interest at a higher rate if the plan had a promotional 0% period.
If you are having trouble making a payment, contact Synchrony before the due date. They may be able to work out a temporary adjustment, though this is not may provide and will depend on your account history and the reason for the hardship.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a monthly payment plan for any purchase with my Synchrony card in Apple Pay?
No. The option is available only at retailers that have activated the feature and only when you check out with Apple Pay. If you use the physical card or a different payment method, you will not see the monthly plan option. Additionally, some retailers may set a minimum purchase amount to may have access to for plans.
What if I want to return an item I bought on a monthly plan?
If you return the item, the refund is applied to your plan balance, which reduces the amount you owe. Your monthly payment may be adjusted, or the number of remaining payments may be shortened. Contact Synchrony to confirm how the refund affects your specific plan.
Does using a monthly plan hurt my credit score?
It can, temporarily. The full purchase amount counts toward your credit utilization when ready, which may lower your score in the short term. As you pay down the balance over the months, your utilization drops and your score typically recovers. On-time payments on the plan will actually help your credit over time.
Can I change the plan length after I have already set it up?
No. Once you confirm a monthly plan at checkout, the length and payment amount are locked in. If you want a different plan structure, you would need to pay off the current plan and make a new purchase with a different plan option.
What if my Synchrony card is declined when I try to set up a monthly plan?
This usually means Synchrony's real-time approval system determined you do not have enough available credit or your account has a problem. Check your available credit in your Synchrony account, or contact Synchrony customer service to find out why the plan was declined. You can still complete the purchase as a regular charge if you have available credit.