Where your Amazon credit card payment goes
When you make a payment on your Amazon credit card, the money goes to Synchrony Bank, not to Amazon. Synchrony is the bank that actually issues the Amazon credit card and holds your account. Amazon is the retailer you shop at — they do not handle the credit card payments themselves.
This matters because it changes where you send the payment and who you contact if something goes wrong. If your payment does not show up, you call Synchrony, not Amazon customer service. If you need to set up automatic payments, you do it through Synchrony's system, not through your Amazon account.
Key Takeaways
- Synchrony Bank processes all Amazon credit card payments, not Amazon itself, so you pay through Synchrony's website or app.
- You can pay online, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments, and the payment posts within one to three business days depending on the method.
- The minimum payment is due by the date shown on your statement, but paying only the minimum means you will owe interest on the remaining balance.
- Late payments are reported to credit bureaus after 30 days and can lower your credit score, so marking the due date on your calendar prevents missed payments.
- If you pay through Amazon's website or app, the money still goes to Synchrony, but the transfer may take longer than paying directly through Synchrony.
How to pay online through Synchrony
The fastest way to pay is through Synchrony's website or mobile app. Go to mysynchrony.com, log in with your username and password, and select "Make a Payment." You can pay the full balance, the minimum amount, or any amount in between. The payment posts within one business day if you pay before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day.
You can also link your bank account to Synchrony so the payment comes directly from your checking or savings account. This is safer than entering your bank details each time, and Synchrony stores the information securely. If you do not have a Synchrony account set up yet, you can create one using your credit card number and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Paying through your Amazon account
Amazon allows you to make a payment through your Amazon account, but the money still goes to Synchrony — Amazon is just a middleman passing it along. Go to Your Account, select "Login & Security," then "Manage Your Amazon Credit Card." From there you can make a one-time payment or set up automatic payments.
Payments made through Amazon take longer to reach Synchrony than payments made directly through Synchrony's website. A payment made through Amazon on Monday might not post to your Synchrony account until Wednesday or Thursday. If your due date is coming up, paying directly through Synchrony is safer because you know exactly when the payment will arrive.
Automatic payments and recurring billing
You can set up automatic payments through Synchrony so you never have to remember to pay manually. Log into mysynchrony.com, go to "Manage Automatic Payments," and choose whether you want to pay the full balance, the minimum, or a fixed amount each month. You pick the day of the month the payment should go out, and Synchrony pulls the money from your bank account automatically.
Automatic payments are useful if you want to avoid late fees and missed payments, but they do not stop you from carrying a balance. If you set up automatic payments for the minimum amount, you will still owe interest on whatever balance remains after that payment. To avoid interest entirely, set your automatic payment to the full balance and make sure you have enough money in your bank account on that date each month.
Paying by phone or mail
If you prefer not to pay online, you can call Synchrony at the number on the back of your credit card and make a payment over the phone. A representative will ask for your account number and the amount you want to pay, then take payment information from your bank account or another card. Payments made by phone post within one to three business days.
You can also mail a check to the address shown on your statement. Write your account number on the check and mail it to the address listed under "Payment Address" on your bill. Mailed payments take seven to ten business days to arrive and post, so mail your check at least two weeks before your due date to make sure it arrives on time.
What happens if you miss a payment
If your payment is not received by the due date shown on your statement, Synchrony charges a late fee. The amount of the late fee depends on your account, but it is typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment. If you miss another payment within six months, the fee may be higher.
More importantly, a missed payment is reported to the three credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — after 30 days. This report stays on your credit report for seven years and can lower your credit score by 100 points or more. If you realize you will miss a payment, call Synchrony before the due date to explain your situation. They cannot erase a late fee, but they may be willing to work with you on timing or temporarily lower your payment.
Understanding your statement and due date
Your statement shows the amount you owe, the minimum payment required, and the due date. The minimum payment is usually 1 to 3 percent of your total balance, but it always includes any interest and fees you have been charged. Paying only the minimum means the rest of your balance carries over to next month and you owe interest on it.
The due date is always at least 21 days after the end of your billing cycle, which gives you time to receive the statement and make a payment. If the due date falls on a weekend or holiday, Synchrony moves it to the next business day. Your payment must be received by that date — it does not count if you send it on the due date and it arrives late.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pay my Amazon credit card through the Amazon app?
Yes, but the payment goes to Synchrony, not Amazon, and it takes longer than paying directly through Synchrony. Payments made through Amazon typically post within two to three business days, while payments made through Synchrony's website post within one business day. If your due date is soon, pay through Synchrony's website to be safe.
What if I pay more than I owe?
Synchrony holds the extra money as a credit on your account and applies it to your next month's balance. You can also request a refund of the overpayment by calling Synchrony, though it may take five to seven business days to receive the refund.
Do I have to pay the full balance to avoid interest?
Yes. Interest is charged on any balance that remains after your payment, even if you pay more than the minimum. To avoid interest entirely, you must pay the full statement balance by the due date. The statement balance is shown on your bill and includes all purchases, fees, and interest from the previous month.
What if my payment was rejected?
Payments are usually rejected because your bank account does not have enough money or the account information is incorrect. Synchrony will notify you by email or phone. Contact Synchrony right away to find out why the payment failed and make a new payment before your due date, or you may be charged a late fee.
Can I change my due date?
Yes. Log into mysynchrony.com, go to "Account Settings," and select "Change Due Date." Synchrony allows you to move your due date to any day of the month. This is useful if your paycheck arrives on a different day or if you want to align multiple bills to the same date.