The Ross Credit Card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank for purchases at Ross Dress for Less
The Ross Credit Card is a store credit card that works only at Ross Dress for Less locations and online at rossstore.com. Synchrony Bank, a major credit card issuer, manages the account. Unlike a general-purpose card, you cannot use it at other retailers — it is tied to Ross purchases only.
The card offers rewards in the form of points on may have access to purchases. You earn points on every dollar spent, and those points convert to rewards certificates you can redeem for discounts on future purchases. The card also typically includes promotional financing offers, such as deferred-interest periods on larger purchases, though the terms change seasonally.
Because it is a store card, the approval process and credit limits are usually more flexible than a traditional Visa or Mastercard. People with fair or limited credit history sometimes find store cards easier to obtain. However, the interest rate on purchases made outside promotional periods is typically higher than rates on general-purpose cards.
Key Takeaways
- The Ross Credit Card only works at Ross Dress for Less stores and online, not at other retailers.
- You earn points on purchases that convert to rewards certificates, though the redemption value depends on how many points you accumulate.
- Synchrony Bank issues and manages the card, and they will pull your credit report as part of the decision process.
- Store cards often have higher regular interest rates than general-purpose cards, so carrying a balance can become expensive quickly.
- Pre-approval offers for store cards are not guarantees — the final decision depends on your credit report and income verification at the time you complete the full process.
How the Rewards Program Works
The Ross Credit Card rewards program operates on a points-per-dollar basis. You accumulate points with every purchase, and the program periodically converts those points into rewards certificates. The exact conversion rate and certificate value vary, so check your account statements or the Ross website for current terms.
Rewards certificates typically come as a percentage discount on a future purchase — for example, a certificate might give you $10 off a $50 purchase. The certificates have an expiration date, usually 30 to 90 days from issue, so you need to use them within that window or they expire. Checking your account online or through the Synchrony mobile app lets you see your current points balance and any active certificates.
Promotional financing offers — such as "12 months same as cash" on purchases over a certain amount — are separate from the rewards program. These offers appear at checkout and explore only to that specific purchase. If you do not pay off the promotional balance in full before the period ends, interest accrues retroactively on the entire amount.
Interest Rates and Fees
The Ross Credit Card carries a variable interest rate, meaning it changes based on market conditions and your creditworthiness. The rate you receive depends on your credit score and credit history at the time of approval. Synchrony does not publish a single rate; instead, you receive a range in your approval documents.
Annual percentage rate (APR) for store cards typically ranges higher than general-purpose cards — often between 18% and 28%, though this varies by individual approval. If you carry a balance outside a promotional period, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount. There is no annual fee for the card itself, but late payments trigger late fees, and exceeding your credit limit may result in over-limit fees.
The key to avoiding interest charges is paying your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you use a promotional financing offer, set a reminder to pay the balance before the promotional period ends, because the retroactive interest can be substantial.
What Happens After Pre-Approval
A pre-approval offer means Synchrony has reviewed basic information — usually your credit report and possibly income data — and determined you are likely to meet their approval criteria. However, pre-approval is not a final decision. When you submit a complete process, Synchrony pulls a fresh credit report and may request additional information such as recent pay stubs or tax returns.
The full process process typically takes a few business days. You will receive a decision by mail or email, and if approved, your card ships within 7 to 10 business days. If denied, Synchrony will provide a reason code, which you can use to understand what factor led to the decision — for example, insufficient credit history, high existing debt, or recent negative marks on your report.
If you are approved, your credit limit is set based on your credit profile and income. You can request a higher limit after you have used the card responsibly for several months, though Synchrony will pull another credit report at that time.
Store Card vs. General-Purpose Credit Card
The main trade-off with a store card is convenience versus flexibility. A store card gives you rewards and promotional financing only at one retailer, whereas a Visa or Mastercard works everywhere. Store cards also typically charge higher interest rates because the issuer has less ability to recover losses if you default — they cannot sell your debt to another retailer the way a bank can.
Store cards can be useful if you shop at Ross regularly and want to maximize rewards on those purchases. However, if you only shop there occasionally, the higher interest rate and limited rewards redemption may not justify opening another account. Each new credit card process triggers a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can temporarily lower your score by a few points.
If you already have a general-purpose card with a low interest rate and good rewards, compare the Ross card's rewards rate to what you earn elsewhere. A 1% or 2% discount on Ross purchases might not outweigh a 20%+ APR if you carry a balance.
How to Use the Card Responsibly
The safest approach to any credit card is to treat it like a debit card: spend only what you can pay off in full each month. With the Ross card, this means your statement balance should be zero when the due date arrives. This approach costs you nothing in interest and builds positive credit history, which improves your credit score over time.
If you do use a promotional financing offer, calculate the total purchase amount and divide it by the number of months in the promotional period to know how much you need to pay monthly to avoid interest. Set up automatic payments if possible, so you do not miss a important date. Missing even one payment during a promotional period can trigger the retroactive interest when ready.
Monitor your account regularly through the Synchrony app or online portal. Check for unauthorized charges, track your rewards balance before certificates expire, and watch for promotional offers that match your spending plans. Keeping your credit utilization — the percentage of your credit limit you are using — below 30% also helps maintain a healthy credit score.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Ross Credit Card online or only in stores?
You can use it both in Ross Dress for Less stores and on rossstore.com. The card does not work at other retailers or websites. If you shop online, the rewards and promotional financing offers explore the same way they do in physical stores.
What happens to my rewards if I close the card?
Any unused rewards certificates expire when you close the account. Points that have not yet converted to certificates may also be forfeited, depending on Synchrony's terms. Use or redeem all rewards before closing the account if you want to keep their value.
Does the Ross Credit Card hurt my credit score?
explore for the card triggers a hard inquiry, which can lower your score by a few points temporarily. However, if you use the card responsibly and pay on time, it will build positive credit history and improve your score over time. Opening a new account also lowers your average account age, which may have a small negative effect initially.
Can I transfer a balance from another card to the Ross card?
Most store cards, including the Ross card, do not offer balance transfer options. You can only use it for new purchases at Ross. If you want to consolidate debt, you would need a general-purpose card that offers balance transfers.
What should I do if my pre-approval offer expires?
Pre-approval offers typically expire after 30 to 60 days. If yours has expired, you can still explore for the card directly through Ross or Synchrony's website, but you will go through the full process process and may not receive the same terms as the original offer. Contact Synchrony to ask if they can extend your offer.