What the Ross Dress for Less Credit Card Does
The Ross Dress for Less Credit Card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use at Ross Dress for Less locations and online at rossdressforless.com. The card offers rewards on purchases — typically a percentage back in the form of points or statement credits — and occasional promotional financing offers like deferred interest periods.
This is not a general-purpose credit card. You can only use it at Ross and its sister store dd's DISCOUNTS. If you want a card that works everywhere, you need a different card. But if you shop at Ross regularly, the rewards structure may offset some of what you spend.
The card is unsecured, meaning you do not need to put down a cash deposit to open it. Synchrony Bank reports your payment history to the three major credit bureaus, so on-time payments build your credit history.
Key Takeaways
- The Ross card earns rewards points on every purchase at Ross and dd's DISCOUNTS, with bonus points during promotional periods.
- You can redeem points as statement credits toward your card balance or use them in-store at checkout.
- The card occasionally offers promotional financing — usually 12 to 24 months interest-free on purchases over a minimum amount — but regular purchases carry a standard interest rate.
- Late payments and missed payments will damage your credit score and may trigger penalty interest rates.
- You can check your balance, make payments, and view your rewards through the Synchrony mobile app or online portal.
How to Get the Ross Dress for Less Credit Card
You can request the card in three ways: in-store at any Ross location, online at the Ross website, or through the Synchrony Bank website directly. In-store applications are usually when ready — you get a decision within minutes and can use the card the same day if approved.
To explore, you will need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information. Synchrony will pull your credit report to make a decision. There is no annual fee.
If you are denied, you can request reconsideration by calling Synchrony at the number on the denial letter. Some applicants are approved after providing additional income documentation or explaining recent credit issues. You can also reapply after a few months if your credit has improved.
Understanding the Rewards Program
The Ross card earns points on every dollar you spend at Ross and dd's DISCOUNTS. The exact earning rate varies — Synchrony periodically adjusts the program — but typically ranges from 1 to 2 points per dollar depending on the purchase category or current promotion.
Points accumulate in your account and can be redeemed as a statement credit (applied to your card balance) or used directly at checkout in-store. Some cardholders prefer statement credits because they reduce what you owe; others use points at the register to lower their out-of-pocket cost on the spot.
The card also offers bonus point events — usually during holidays or seasonal sales — where you earn extra points on all purchases for a limited time. These promotions are announced in-store, by email if you are on the mailing list, and through the Synchrony app.
Promotional Financing and Interest Rates
Synchrony regularly offers promotional financing on the Ross card, typically 12 to 24 months interest-free on purchases of $100 or more. During these promotions, if you make only the minimum payment each month, you will not pay interest on that purchase for the promotional period.
However, if you miss a payment or do not pay off the promotional balance in full by the end of the period, interest is charged retroactively — meaning you owe interest on the entire original purchase amount from the date you made it. This can add hundreds of dollars to what you owe.
Outside of promotional periods, the card carries a standard variable interest rate (APR) that depends on your creditworthiness. The rate can range significantly based on your credit score and payment history. You will see your APR in your cardmember agreement and on your monthly statement.
Managing Your Account and Making Payments
You can view your balance, make payments, and track rewards through the Synchrony mobile app (search "Synchrony" in your phone's app store) or by logging into your account at mysynchrony.com. Both let you set up automatic payments so you never miss a due date.
Your statement closes on a date set by Synchrony — usually between the 1st and 28th of each month — and your payment is due about 21 days later. If you pay the full statement balance by the due date, you will not pay interest on regular purchases. If you carry a balance, interest accrues daily on the unpaid amount.
Late payments trigger late fees (usually $25 to $40 depending on how late you are) and can cause your interest rate to increase. A payment 30 or more days late will be reported to the credit bureaus and will lower your credit score. Set up automatic payments for at least the minimum to avoid this.
When the Ross Card Makes Sense
The card is worth considering if you shop at Ross or dd's DISCOUNTS at least several times a year. The rewards rate is modest — typically 1 to 2 percent back — so you need to spend enough to make the points meaningful. If you spend $1,000 a year at Ross, you might earn $10 to $20 in rewards, which is real but not transformative.
The card is also useful if you plan to take advantage of promotional financing offers. If Synchrony is running a 24-month interest-free promotion and you have a large purchase planned, the card can save you hundreds in interest compared to paying with cash or a regular credit card.
The card is not worth opening if you rarely shop at Ross, if you carry a balance month to month, or if you are trying to rebuild credit — the rewards do not offset the risk of paying interest. In those cases, a general-purpose rewards card or a secured card designed for credit building is a better choice.
Comparing the Ross Card to Other Options
Store cards like the Ross card typically offer higher rewards rates at that store than a general-purpose card would, but they only work at one retailer. A cash-back credit card might earn 1 to 2 percent back everywhere, which is competitive with the Ross card's rewards but gives you flexibility across all your spending.
The trade-off is that store cards often have lower credit limits and higher interest rates than general-purpose cards. If you carry a balance, the Ross card's APR may be higher than what you would pay on a major credit card. Check your offer letter or call Synchrony before explore if you want to know the specific rate you will receive.
If you shop at Ross frequently and always pay your balance in full, the store card's rewards can add up. If you carry a balance or shop there only occasionally, a general-purpose card is usually the better choice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the Ross card at other stores?
No. The Ross Dress for Less Credit Card works only at Ross Dress for Less and dd's DISCOUNTS locations and on their websites. You cannot use it at other retailers. If you need a card that works everywhere, you need a different card.
What happens if I miss a payment?
A missed payment triggers a late fee (usually $25 to $40) and may increase your interest rate. If the payment is 30 or more days late, Synchrony will report it to the credit bureaus, which will lower your credit score. Contact Synchrony when ready if you miss a due date — sometimes they will waive a first late fee if you call and pay right away.
How do I redeem my rewards points?
You can redeem points as a statement credit through the Synchrony app or website, or you can use them at the register in-store when you check out. Statement credits are applied to your card balance; in-store redemption reduces what you pay that day. Both are equally valid — choose whichever works better for you.
Does the Ross card hurt my credit score?
Opening any new credit card temporarily lowers your score because Synchrony pulls your credit report and you have a new account with no payment history. Over time, on-time payments will build your score. Carrying a high balance or missing payments will damage it. If you use the card responsibly, your score should recover and improve within a few months.
What is the credit limit?
Your credit limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history. Synchrony does not publish a standard limit. You will see your limit in your cardmember agreement after you are approved. You can request a credit limit increase after you have had the card for several months and have made on-time payments.