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Synchrony Bank and Genesis Credit (formerly known as WebBank Genesis) are the two largest issuers of store credit cards in the US. Both partner with major retailers. Both serve fair-to-bad credit shoppers. The differences come down to approval criteria and the specific retailers they support.
| Feature | Synchrony Bank | Genesis Credit |
| Type | Major store credit issuer | Subprime store credit issuer |
| Credit minimum | Typically 600+ | Typically 550+ |
| APR | 25-29.99% | 29.99% standard |
| Reports to bureaus | All 3 | All 3 |
| Major retailers | Amazon, Lowes, Home Depot, Mattress Firm, etc. | BrandSource, RoomStore, Conn HomePlus, etc. |
Synchrony Bank store cards
Synchrony issues credit cards for hundreds of major retailers including Amazon, Lowes, Home Depot, Mattress Firm, Ashley Furniture, Discount Tire, Walmart Sams Club, and JCPenney. Most cards offer promotional 6-24 month deferred-interest financing on qualifying purchases.
Synchrony approval: Typically requires 600+ credit score. Some cards (Care Credit, Amazon Store Card) accept lower scores. Hard credit pull.
Genesis Credit cards
Genesis Credit is part of WebBank and specializes in subprime store cards. Often the only credit option for shoppers below 600 credit. Available at smaller furniture chains, jewelry stores, and rent-to-own retailers.
Genesis approval: More lenient than Synchrony. Typically accepts 550+ scores. Hard credit pull. APR 29.99 percent standard.
Where to find Synchrony cards vs Genesis
Synchrony: Amazon, Lowes, Home Depot, Mattress Firm, Walmart (cobranded), Ashley Furniture, Discount Tire, JCPenney, Care Credit (medical), Sams Club.
Genesis: BrandSource Premier furniture chain, RoomStore, Conn HomePlus, Bedrooms Today, Discount Bandit, smaller regional retailers.
Which should you apply for?
Synchrony if: Your credit is 600+ and you shop at major retailers (Amazon, Home Depot, Lowes, mattress chains).
Genesis if: Your credit is 550-600 and the retailer you want to shop at uses Genesis. Less competitive overall but easier approval.
The deferred-interest trap (applies to both)
Both Synchrony and Genesis cards offer “0 percent if paid in full within X months” promotions. Miss the deadline and they retroactively charge interest at 29.99 percent from the date of purchase. Always have a payoff plan before using deferred-interest financing.
Compliance note: Approval and rates depend on the lender and your credit profile. Subject to credit review. No guarantee of approval is implied.
FAQ
Can I have both a Synchrony and Genesis card?
Yes — they are separate issuers. Multiple hard pulls in a short period may hurt your credit temporarily.
Will Genesis approve me with a 500 credit score?
Below 550 is unlikely. Try a secured credit card (Capital One Secured) instead.