What the Horizon Outlet Card is and who issues it
The Horizon Outlet Card is a store credit card issued by Synchrony Bank for use at Horizon Outlet locations. Unlike a general-purpose credit card, it works only at Horizon Outlet stores and their website. Synchrony Bank handles the account management, billing, and credit decisions.
The card is designed for frequent Horizon Outlet shoppers who want to earn rewards on their purchases and access promotional financing offers. You receive a physical card in the mail after your account opens, and you can also add it to a digital wallet for online shopping.
Key Takeaways
- You can request a Horizon Outlet Card through the Horizon Outlet website, in a store, or by phone, and Synchrony Bank will review your credit history to make a decision.
- The card typically offers promotional financing periods (often 0% APR for a set number of months on purchases over a minimum amount) and rewards points on purchases.
- You need to be at least 18 years old, have a valid Social Security number, and provide a current mailing address to complete the request.
- Synchrony will perform a hard credit inquiry, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points, so you should only request the card if you plan to use it.
- You will receive a decision by mail or email within one to two weeks, and the card arrives within 7 to 10 business days if approved.
How to request the card online or in person
The fastest way to request a Horizon Outlet Card is through the Horizon Outlet website. Look for a link labeled "Credit Card" or "Horizon Outlet Card" in the footer or main navigation. Click through to Synchrony's process page, where you will enter your personal information: full name, date of birth, Social Security number, current address, phone number, and email. The form also asks for your annual income and employment status.
If you prefer to request in person, visit a Horizon Outlet store and ask a cashier or customer service representative for a card process. They can hand you a paper form or direct you to a kiosk in the store where you can fill out the request on a tablet. Some stores also have staff who can walk you through the process on the spot.
You can also call Synchrony Bank's customer service line (the number appears on the Horizon Outlet website under "Credit Card") to request over the phone. A representative will ask the same questions as the online form and can answer questions about the card's terms before you commit.
What information you need to provide
Synchrony requires your legal name, date of birth, and Social Security number to verify your identity and pull your credit report. You will also need your current mailing address, a phone number where they can reach you, and your email address. Have a government-issued ID (driver's license or passport) nearby so you can confirm details if asked.
The process also asks for employment information: your employer's name, your job title, and your annual income. If you are self-employed, retired, or receive income from investments or benefits, you can enter that instead. Synchrony uses this information to assess your ability to pay, though the credit decision relies more heavily on your credit history and existing debt.
Do not guess at your income or misrepresent your employment status. Synchrony may verify this information, and inaccuracies can delay approval or result in a denial.
How Synchrony reviews your request and makes a decision
When you submit your request, Synchrony Bank performs a hard credit inquiry. This means they pull your full credit report from one or more of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion). A hard inquiry temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points — typically 5 to 10 points — and stays on your credit report for about one year.
Synchrony reviews your credit score, payment history, existing debts, and credit utilization (how much of your available credit you are using). They also consider the income and employment information you provided. The decision usually takes one to two weeks. You will receive notice by mail or email stating whether you were approved, denied, or approved with a lower credit limit than you requested.
If you are denied, the notice will include a reason code. Common reasons include a low credit score, recent late payments, high existing debt, or insufficient income. You can contact Synchrony to ask for details, though they cannot override a decline based on a single conversation.
What happens after approval
Once approved, Synchrony mails your physical card to the address you provided on your request. Delivery typically takes 7 to 10 business days. You can begin using the card in Horizon Outlet stores and on the website as soon as you receive it.
Your account opens when ready after approval, even before the card arrives. You can log into your account online at Synchrony's cardholder portal using your email address and a password you create. From there, you can view your credit limit, check promotional offers, and set up automatic payments.
Your first billing statement arrives about 30 days after your first purchase. Synchrony typically offers a grace period (usually 21 to 25 days) before interest charges begin, so you have time to pay your balance in full if you want to avoid interest. Check your statement for any promotional financing offers that may explore to your account — these often come with conditions, such as a minimum purchase amount or a specific product category.
Promotional financing and rewards on the Horizon Outlet Card
The Horizon Outlet Card frequently offers promotional financing periods, often 0% APR (no interest) for 6, 12, or 24 months on purchases over a minimum amount (commonly $100 to $500, depending on the promotion). These offers are usually printed on your statement or displayed when you log into your account. To may have access to, you must make the purchase during the promotional period and meet the minimum amount.
If you do not pay off the promotional purchase in full by the end of the interest-free period, Synchrony charges interest on the remaining balance at the card's regular APR, which varies based on your creditworthiness. The regular APR is disclosed in your account terms and on your statement.
The card also earns rewards points on purchases. The exact earning rate depends on the current program — common structures offer 1 point per dollar spent, with bonus points during promotional periods. You can redeem points for discounts on future purchases or statement credits. Check your account online or call Synchrony for the current rewards rate and redemption options.
What to do if your request is denied
If Synchrony denies your request, you have options. First, review the reason code in the denial letter. If it relates to your credit score or recent late payments, you can wait 6 to 12 months, improve your credit, and request again. If the reason is high existing debt, paying down balances on other cards or loans before reapplying may help.
You can also request reconsideration by calling Synchrony and speaking with a representative. Explain any circumstances that affected your credit (such as a temporary job loss or medical emergency) and ask if they will review the decision. Reconsideration does not always succeed, but it is worth attempting if you have a legitimate explanation.
If you are denied and do not want to wait, you can shop at Horizon Outlet using a different credit card or debit card. You will straightforward miss out on the card-specific rewards and promotional financing offers until you are approved in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an existing Horizon Outlet customer account to request the card?
No. You can request the Horizon Outlet Card without a prior customer account. However, if you already have an account, linking it to your new card makes tracking purchases and rewards easier. You can do this during the request process or after your card arrives by logging into your Horizon Outlet customer account and adding the card information.
What is the credit limit on the Horizon Outlet Card?
Your credit limit depends on Synchrony's assessment of your credit history and income. Limits typically range from $300 to $5,000 or higher for applicants with strong credit. Synchrony will tell you your approved limit in the approval notice. You can request a higher limit after you have used the card responsibly for several months.
Can I use the Horizon Outlet Card at other stores?
No. The Horizon Outlet Card works only at Horizon Outlet locations and on the Horizon Outlet website. It is not a Visa, Mastercard, or Amex, so you cannot use it anywhere else. If you need a general-purpose credit card, you would need to request a separate card from another issuer.
How long does the hard credit inquiry stay on my credit report?
The hard inquiry from your Horizon Outlet Card request stays on your credit report for about one year, though its impact on your credit score fades after a few months. Multiple hard inquiries within a short period (such as requesting several store cards in one week) can lower your score more significantly, so space out requests if you are planning to explore for multiple cards.
What if I want to close the card after I receive it?
You can close your Horizon Outlet Card account at any time by calling Synchrony or logging into your online account and requesting closure. Pay off any remaining balance first. Closing the account does not hurt your credit score directly, but it does reduce your total available credit, which can slightly raise your credit utilization ratio on other cards and affect your score that way.