PC Richard and Son bill pay basics

PC Richard and Son issues its own store credit card through Synchrony Bank. When you carry a balance, you owe Synchrony, not PC Richard directly. To pay your bill, you log into your Synchrony account online, call Synchrony's customer service line, or mail a check to the address on your statement. The card works like most retail cards: you can use it only at PC Richard and Son stores and their website, and the interest rate applies to any balance you don't pay off in full each month.

Your monthly statement shows the minimum payment due, the full balance, and the due date. Synchrony typically gives you at least 21 days from the statement closing date to pay before interest charges apply to new purchases. If you pay only the minimum, interest accrues on the remaining balance at the card's annual percentage rate (APR), which varies by creditworthiness and changes over time.

Key Takeaways

  • You pay Synchrony Bank, not PC Richard and Son, because Synchrony issues and owns the card account.
  • Online payment through your Synchrony account is the fastest method and shows confirmation immediately.
  • Mailed checks take 7 to 10 business days to reach Synchrony's processing center, so send them early if your due date is near.
  • Paying only the minimum leaves you carrying a balance at the card's APR, which can cost significantly more over time than paying in full.
  • Late payments trigger late fees and can damage your credit score if reported to credit bureaus after 30 days past due.

Paying online through your Synchrony account

Log into your account at Synchrony's website or mobile app using your username and password. If you have not yet created an online account, you can register using your card number and other identifying information from your statement. Once logged in, select "Make a Payment" or a similar option (the exact wording varies by app version).

You can pay from a checking or savings account linked to your Synchrony profile, or use a debit card. Enter the amount you want to pay and the date you want the payment to post. Synchrony typically processes payments submitted before 8 p.m. Eastern Time on a business day the same day, though the funds may take one to two business days to actually leave your bank account. You will see a confirmation number immediately after submitting, which you should save or screenshot for your records.

Paying by phone or mail

To pay by phone, call the customer service number on the back of your card or on your statement. A representative will ask for your account number, the amount you want to pay, and the bank account or debit card you want to pay from. Phone payments process the same way as online payments and take the same time to post.

To pay by mail, write a check payable to Synchrony Bank and include your account number on the check memo line. Mail it to the address listed on your statement under "Payment Address" — this is different from the address where you send disputes or correspondence. Mailed payments typically take 7 to 10 business days to arrive and post to your account. If your due date is within two weeks, paying by mail risks a late payment, so use online or phone payment instead.

What happens if you miss a payment

If your payment does not arrive by the due date shown on your statement, Synchrony charges a late fee. The fee amount depends on your card terms but is typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment and may be higher for subsequent ones. Late fees are added to your balance and accrue interest at your card's APR.

Thirty days after your due date, if you still have not paid, Synchrony reports the late payment to the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). This mark stays on your credit report for seven years and can lower your credit score by 100 points or more, depending on your current score and credit history. After 60 days past due, Synchrony may freeze your account and stop allowing new charges. After 180 days past due, Synchrony may charge off the account, meaning they write it off as a loss and may sell the debt to a collection agency.

Understanding your interest charges and APR

The PC Richard and Son card APR varies based on your credit score and history. Synchrony does not publish a single rate; instead, you receive a range in your card agreement (for example, 16.99% to 26.99% APR). The rate you receive appears on your first statement. This rate can change over time if Synchrony adjusts its prime rate or if your account status changes.

Interest is calculated daily on your average daily balance. If you carry a balance from month to month, Synchrony adds interest charges to your next statement. Paying your full statement balance by the due date avoids interest charges entirely. If you pay only the minimum, the remaining balance accrues interest, and your next statement will show both new purchases and interest charges on the old balance.

Promotional financing offers and how they affect payment

PC Richard and Son periodically offers promotional financing, such as 0% APR for 12 months on purchases over a certain amount. During the promotional period, you pay no interest on that purchase, but you still owe the principal. If you do not pay off the promotional balance in full before the promotion ends, Synchrony applies the regular APR retroactively to the entire promotional purchase, meaning you suddenly owe all the interest that would have accrued during those months.

To avoid this trap, divide the promotional balance by the number of months in the promotion and pay at least that amount each month. For a $1,200 purchase with 12 months 0% APR, pay at least $100 per month. Your regular payment method (online, phone, or mail) works the same way; you are just directing the payment toward the promotional balance first.

Setting up automatic payments

Synchrony allows you to set up automatic payments from your bank account through your online account. You can choose a fixed amount, the minimum payment, or the full statement balance, and set it to recur on a date you choose (usually around the due date). Automatic payments reduce the risk of forgetting a payment, though you should still check your statements monthly to catch errors or unauthorized charges.

To set up automatic payments, log into your Synchrony account, find the "Automatic Payments" or "Recurring Payments" section, and enter your bank account details. You can change or cancel automatic payments anytime through the same menu. If your bank account changes or closes, update your payment method in your Synchrony account to avoid failed payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay my PC Richard and Son card at a store location?

No. PC Richard and Son stores do not accept payments on the credit card. You must pay through Synchrony Bank online, by phone, or by mail. Some retailers allow in-store payments, but PC Richard and Son does not offer this option.

What is the difference between the statement balance and the minimum payment?

The statement balance is the total amount you owe as of your last statement closing date. The minimum payment is the smallest amount Synchrony requires you to pay to keep your account in good standing and avoid late fees. Paying only the minimum leaves the rest of the balance to accrue interest. Paying the full statement balance avoids all interest charges.

How long does it take for an online payment to show up in my account?

Synchrony typically posts online payments the same business day if submitted before 8 p.m. Eastern Time. The funds may take one to two additional business days to leave your bank account. If you need the payment to post by a specific date, submit it at least two business days before your due date.

What happens if I pay more than I owe?

Synchrony credits the overpayment to your account and applies it to future charges or interest. You can also request a refund of the overpayment by calling customer service, though this typically takes 7 to 10 business days to process.

Does paying my PC Richard and Son card on time help my credit score?

Yes. On-time payments are reported to credit bureaus and make up 35% of your credit score calculation. Paying your bill by the due date every month builds a positive payment history. Late payments damage your score, so setting up automatic payments or calendar reminders can help you stay on track.