What the Sunoco Credit Card Is

The Sunoco Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by Synchrony Bank in partnership with Sunoco gas stations. It works like a standard credit card but offers rewards and discounts when you buy fuel and other items at Sunoco locations. You can also use it at other merchants, though the rewards structure is built around Sunoco purchases.

The card comes in two versions: the standard Sunoco Credit Card and the Sunoco Plus Credit Card. Both let you earn cents-per-gallon discounts at Sunoco pumps, but the Plus version offers higher rewards rates and additional benefits. Neither version charges an annual fee.

This card is issued by Synchrony, which also issues cards for other gas stations and retailers. Synchrony handles billing, customer service, and account management. Sunoco handles the fuel discount program and partnership details.

Key Takeaways

  • The Sunoco Credit Card earns rewards in the form of cents-per-gallon discounts at Sunoco pumps, with higher rewards on the Plus version.
  • Both versions have no annual fee, making them free to hold if you use them regularly at Sunoco.
  • You can use the card at any merchant that accepts Mastercard, not just Sunoco, but rewards are limited to Sunoco fuel purchases.
  • Synchrony Bank issues and manages the card, so you will work with Synchrony for billing, payments, and customer service.
  • The card requires a credit check during the request process, and approval depends on your credit history and income.

How Rewards Work on the Sunoco Card

The standard Sunoco Credit Card earns 10 cents per gallon in rewards at Sunoco locations when you use the card to pay for fuel. The Sunoco Plus Credit Card earns 30 cents per gallon on fuel purchases. Both cards also earn rewards on non-fuel purchases at Sunoco, though at a lower rate than fuel rewards.

Rewards accumulate as you make purchases and are applied as a discount at the pump on your next visit. You do not receive a separate rewards statement or redeem points manually — the discount shows up automatically when you swipe your card. This means the savings happen in real time rather than requiring you to track or transfer rewards later.

The rewards rates and terms can change, and Sunoco may adjust them based on market conditions or promotional periods. Check your cardholder agreement or contact Synchrony to confirm current rates before you rely on a specific discount amount.

Requesting the Card and What Happens Next

You can request the Sunoco Credit Card online through Synchrony's website, at a Sunoco gas station, or by phone. The request process takes about 15 minutes and asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. Synchrony will run a hard credit inquiry, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.

After you submit your request, Synchrony reviews your credit history and income to decide whether to approve you. Most decisions come within minutes, though some requests are flagged for manual review and may take a few business days. You will receive a decision by email or mail, depending on how you requested the card.

If you are approved, your card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You must set up it before you can use it — Synchrony sends set up instructions with the card or you can set up it online through your account. Once activated, you can use it at any Mastercard merchant and start earning rewards at Sunoco when ready.

Setting Up Your Account and Making Payments

After set up, you log into your Synchrony account online or through the Synchrony mobile app to view your balance, make payments, and manage your account settings. Synchrony sends your monthly statement by mail or email, depending on your preference. The statement shows all purchases, your current balance, and your minimum payment due.

You can pay your bill online through Synchrony's website, by phone, by mail, or through automatic payments. Setting up automatic payments ensures you never miss a due date — you can choose to pay the full balance, the minimum payment, or a fixed amount each month. Payments made online or by phone usually post within one business day.

Your credit limit depends on your credit score, income, and credit history. Synchrony may increase your limit over time if you use the card responsibly and pay on time. You can also request a credit limit increase through your online account or by calling Synchrony customer service.

Interest Rates, Fees, and Terms You Should Know

The Sunoco Credit Card charges interest on any balance you carry from month to month. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates. Synchrony will tell you your specific APR when you are approved, and it appears on your monthly statement.

The card has no annual fee, no late fees if you pay on time, and no foreign transaction fees. However, you will be charged a late fee if your payment arrives after the due date, and interest will accrue on any unpaid balance. Cash advances (withdrawing money from an ATM using your card) carry a higher APR and an upfront fee.

If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, Synchrony reports the missed payment to the credit bureaus, which damages your credit score. If you miss payments for 180 days, Synchrony may close your account and send it to collections. Paying on time, even if only the minimum, keeps your account in good standing.

Using Your Card at Sunoco and Other Stores

At Sunoco gas stations, swipe or insert your card at the pump or inside at the register. The rewards discount applies automatically — you see the cents-per-gallon savings reflected in your total. You can also use your card to buy snacks, drinks, and other items inside Sunoco convenience stores, though rewards on those purchases are lower than fuel rewards.

Outside Sunoco, your card works like any other Mastercard. You can use it at restaurants, grocery stores, online retailers, and anywhere else that accepts Mastercard. However, you earn no rewards on these purchases — rewards are limited to Sunoco locations only. This makes the card most valuable if you regularly fill up at Sunoco.

If you do not have a Sunoco station near you or rarely buy fuel there, the card's value drops significantly since you lose access to the main reward. In that case, a general-purpose rewards card from another issuer may serve you better.

Comparing the Standard and Plus Versions

The main difference between the two cards is the rewards rate. The standard Sunoco Credit Card earns 10 cents per gallon, while the Sunoco Plus Credit Card earns 30 cents per gallon. Both have no annual fee, so the Plus version offers three times the fuel rewards at the same cost.

The Plus version may also include additional benefits such as roadside information, purchase protection, or extended warranty coverage. Check the current cardholder agreement to see what benefits come with each version, as Sunoco and Synchrony may add or remove benefits over time.

If you fill up at Sunoco frequently, the Plus version's higher rewards rate pays for itself quickly. For example, if you buy 50 gallons per month, the Plus version saves you an extra $1 per fill-up compared to the standard card. Over a year, that adds up to $12 or more in additional savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the Sunoco Credit Card at other gas stations?

Yes, you can use it anywhere Mastercard is accepted, including other gas stations and retailers. However, you earn rewards only at Sunoco locations. At other gas stations and merchants, you earn no rewards and pay the regular purchase price.

What happens if I do not pay my bill on time?

If your payment is late, Synchrony charges a late fee and interest accrues on your unpaid balance. If you miss a payment by 30 days or more, the missed payment is reported to credit bureaus and damages your credit score. Paying at least the minimum by the due date keeps your account in good standing.

How do I set up my card when it arrives?

Synchrony includes set up instructions with your card. You can set up it online through your Synchrony account, through the mobile app, or by calling the number on the back of the card. set up takes a few minutes and you can start using the card when ready after.

Can I transfer my balance from another credit card to the Sunoco card?

Synchrony does not typically offer balance transfer options on the Sunoco Credit Card. You would need to pay off your other card using cash or another payment method. Check your cardholder agreement or contact Synchrony to confirm whether balance transfers are available on your specific card.

What credit score do I need to be approved?

Synchrony does not publish a minimum credit score requirement. Approval depends on your overall credit history, income, and current debt. Generally, a score of 600 or higher improves your chances, but approval is not may provide at any score level. You can request the card and see whether you are approved.