What the Fred Meyer Rewards Card does

The Fred Meyer Rewards Card is a store credit card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use at Fred Meyer, QFC, and Albertsons locations. You earn points on purchases — typically 4 points per dollar spent at Fred Meyer and affiliated stores, and 1 point per dollar elsewhere — which you can redeem for discounts on groceries and gas. The card also offers occasional bonus point promotions and a small discount on fuel purchases at Fred Meyer fuel stations.

This is not a general-purpose card like a Visa or Mastercard. You can only use it at the stores mentioned above, which means it works best if you already shop at these locations regularly. If you shop elsewhere, you would need a separate card for those purchases.

The card has no annual fee, which is standard for store cards. There is no sign-up bonus — you begin earning points when ready on your first purchase.

Key Takeaways

  • The Fred Meyer Rewards Card earns 4 points per dollar at Fred Meyer, QFC, and Albertsons, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases.
  • Points are redeemed as discounts on groceries and fuel, with the redemption rate varying by promotion and time of year.
  • The card carries no annual fee and is issued by Synchrony Bank, which handles billing and customer service.
  • Because it only works at Fred Meyer and affiliated stores, it is most useful if those are your primary shopping locations.
  • Your credit limit, interest rate, and approval odds depend on your credit history and current credit score.

How points and redemptions work

Points accumulate in your account each time you use the card. At Fred Meyer and its sister stores (QFC and Albertsons), you earn 4 points per dollar. On all other purchases, you earn 1 point per dollar. These points sit in your account until you choose to redeem them.

Redemption happens at the register or through the Fred Meyer app. You can redeem points for a discount on your current purchase, or you can save them up for a larger discount later. The value of each point varies — sometimes 100 points equals $1 off, sometimes the rate is better during promotional periods. Fred Meyer publishes these rates in their app and in-store, so you can see exactly what your points are worth before you redeem.

Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. However, if your account is closed for inactivity or other reasons, you may lose unused points. Check your account periodically to keep it active.

Interest rates and fees

The card charges interest on balances you carry from month to month. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) is not fixed — it depends on your credit score and credit history at the time you open the account. Synchrony Bank will tell you the rate when you explore or shortly after approval.

There is no annual fee, no late fee waiver, and no special introductory rate period. Late payments do incur a fee, and paying late also damages your credit score. If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount.

The card does offer a small discount on fuel purchases at Fred Meyer fuel stations — typically 10 cents per gallon — which is separate from the points you earn.

Who should consider this card

This card makes sense if you shop at Fred Meyer, QFC, or Albertsons multiple times a month and spend enough to accumulate points faster than you redeem them. If you spend $100 per week at these stores, you earn 400 points weekly, which adds up to meaningful discounts over time.

It is less useful if you shop at these stores only occasionally, or if you split your grocery spending across many different retailers. In that case, a general-purpose rewards card (like a Visa or Mastercard with cash back) would give you rewards everywhere you shop.

The card is also worth considering if you use the Fred Meyer fuel station regularly, since the fuel discount stacks on top of your points earnings.

How to open an account

You can open an account online at fredmeyer.com, in the Fred Meyer app, or in-store at a customer service desk. The process takes a few minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, and income information. Synchrony Bank then checks your credit and makes a decision — usually within minutes, though some applications take longer.

If you are approved, you can use the card when ready in-store or in the app, even before a physical card arrives in the mail. If you are denied, Synchrony will send you a letter explaining why. You can reapply after addressing the issue (for example, by paying down other debts or waiting for negative marks to age off your credit report).

You do not need to be a Fred Meyer loyalty member to open the card, but linking your card to your loyalty account lets you earn points on both the card and your loyalty membership simultaneously.

Credit score impact and responsible use

Opening a new credit card temporarily lowers your credit score because Synchrony makes a hard inquiry into your credit report. This dip usually recovers within a few months. Over time, using the card responsibly — making on-time payments and keeping your balance low — actually helps your credit score by showing lenders you manage credit well.

The danger is carrying a balance and paying interest. If you charge $500 and pay only the minimum, you will owe interest on the remaining balance each month, and it will take much longer to pay off. The points you earn (worth roughly $5 at typical redemption rates) will not offset the interest you pay. To avoid this, treat the card like a debit card: spend only what you can pay off in full each month.

Your credit limit — the maximum you can charge — is set by Synchrony based on your credit score and income. You can request a higher limit after you have used the card responsibly for several months.

Comparing this card to other options

If you shop primarily at Fred Meyer, this card's 4 points per dollar at those stores is competitive. However, if you shop at multiple grocery chains, a general-purpose rewards card might earn you more overall. For example, a Visa or Mastercard that earns 2% cash back everywhere would earn you $2 per $100 spent, versus $4 per $100 at Fred Meyer but only $1 per $100 elsewhere.

Store cards also typically have higher interest rates than general-purpose cards, so carrying a balance is more expensive. If you tend to carry a balance, a card with a lower APR might save you more money than the rewards earn you.

The trade-off is convenience: a store card is simpler if you shop at one place regularly, and the rewards are automatic. A general-purpose card requires more tracking but works everywhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Fred Meyer card outside the United States?

No. The card only works at Fred Meyer, QFC, and Albertsons locations in the United States. It cannot be used internationally or at other retailers.

What happens to my points if I close the account?

You will lose any unused points once the account is closed. Redeem your points before closing the account, or contact Synchrony to ask about your options if you have a large balance.

How long does it take to receive the physical card in the mail?

Typically 7 to 10 business days, though this varies. You can use the card when ready in-store or in the app while you wait for the physical card to arrive.

Can I transfer my points to another rewards program?

No. Points can only be redeemed as discounts at Fred Meyer, QFC, and Albertsons. They cannot be transferred to airline programs, hotel programs, or other rewards systems.

What credit score do I need to be approved?

Synchrony does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. Generally, store cards are easier to get approved for than general-purpose cards, but approval depends on your full credit history, not just your score. If you have been denied before, waiting and rebuilding your credit will improve your chances.