5 Things to Know about the Synchrony Mastercard

The Synchrony Premier World Mastercard® comes with a $0 annual charge and boasts limitless 2% money again on all purchases.
Amongst flat-rate cash-back bank cards, that makes it one of many higher choices in the marketplace, and definitely extra versatile than lots of Synchrony’s co-branded retailer bank cards, lots of which can be utilized solely at a particular service provider.
Nonetheless, you could find playing cards with comparable or greater charges, and it lacks some incentives you’d look forward to finding on playing cards in its class.
Nerdy tip: Along with the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard®, Synchrony additionally points a “Plus” and a “Most well-liked” model, however these playing cards are presently “invitation-only.”
1. 2% again on all the pieces is kind of good
There aren’t any limits on the amount of money again you possibly can earn, and since the two% charge applies to any buy, there isn’t any have to maintain monitor of revolving bonus classes. Spend $1,000 in a month; earn $20 again.
True, that simplicity comes at a worth. You forfeit greater rewards charges — some as excessive as 8% — that include different playing cards. However these charges usually additionally include limits, whether or not by way of a spending cap, service provider kind or time of yr.
In case you like the concept of money again however don’t have the time or want to be taught difficult reward applications, the Synchrony Mastercard could also be a sensible choice.
2. Redemption is easy however restricted
It’s fairly easy to redeem the rewards earned for spending with the Synchrony Mastercard: All money again is mechanically transformed to an announcement credit score each month. There isn’t any minimal redemption threshold.
Once more, should you respect simplicity, that is nice. However should you crave choices, possibly it isn’t so nice. The Citi® Double Money Card – 18 month BT supply, for instance, additionally earns 2% again on each buy — 1% once you purchase, 1% once you pay it again. However technically, these rewards are earned as factors, and you’ll redeem them for quite a lot of issues: assertion credit, sure, but in addition direct deposits, reward playing cards and purchases on Amazon. You’ll be able to even switch these factors to a restricted variety of journey companions.
Additionally, as a result of the Synchrony Mastercard mechanically converts rewards into an announcement credit score, you lose the flexibility to “financial institution” your money again and redeem it everytime you like for one thing particular.
3. There isn’t any sign-up bonus
The dearth of a sign-up bonus on a cash-back card is a little bit of a bummer.
For comparability, the $0-annual-fee Wells Fargo Lively Money® Card earns 2% again on all purchases, nevertheless it additionally includes a wealthy welcome supply: Earn a $200 money rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 months.
4. There isn’t any 0% intro APR supply
The Synchrony Mastercard is just not the perfect card should you count on to hold a stability on the account, whether or not from a stability switch or a big buy that you simply plan to repay over time. The continuing APR is 14.74%-27.74%, Variable.
Loads of cash-back bank cards supply 0% intro APR durations, typically for a yr or longer. Take the aforementioned Citi® Double Money Card – 18 month BT supply. You may get a 0% intro APR on Steadiness Transfers for 18 months, after which the continued APR of 14.74%-24.74% Variable APR.
In the meantime, the beforehand talked about Wells Fargo Lively Money® Card gives 0% intro APR on Purchases for 15 months and 0% intro APR on Steadiness Transfers 15 months from account opening on qualifying stability transfers, after which the continued APR of 15.74%, 20.74%, or 25.74% Variable APR.
5. You may get cellphone insurance coverage and different perks through Mastercard
Since this card is a “World” tier Mastercard, you may have entry to numerous advantages via the Mastercard cost community, together with limited-time credit for Lyft, HelloFresh and DoorDash. (Phrases apply.)
However maybe essentially the most helpful and/or probably helpful facet perk right here can be cellphone insurance coverage. In case your cellphone is misplaced or stolen, you will be reimbursed for the cellphone as much as $600.
It’s essential to pay your cellphone invoice with the Synchrony Mastercard to be eligible for protection.