What the B&H Photo Credit Card Does

The B&H Photo Credit Card is a store card issued by Synchrony Bank that you can use at B&H Photo Video, the electronics and camera retailer. It works like most retail credit cards: you get a credit line to spend at that store, you receive a monthly bill, and you pay interest on any balance you don't pay off in full each month.

The card comes with promotional financing offers—typically 0% APR for a set period on purchases over a certain amount—and a rewards program that gives you points on every dollar you spend. Those points can be redeemed for discounts on future purchases at B&H Photo Video.

This is not a general-purpose credit card. You cannot use it anywhere except B&H Photo Video stores and their website. If you shop elsewhere, you need a different card.

Key Takeaways

  • The B&H Photo Credit Card only works at B&H Photo Video locations and online, not at other retailers.
  • The card offers promotional 0% APR financing on may have access to purchases, usually for 12 to 24 months depending on the promotion running at the time.
  • You earn rewards points on purchases that can be redeemed as statement credits or discounts toward future B&H Photo Video orders.
  • Interest rates on regular purchases (outside promotional periods) are typically in the 19% to 27% APR range, which is standard for retail cards.
  • Missing a payment or paying late can end your promotional rate early and trigger a higher interest rate on your entire balance.

How to Get the Card and What You Need

You can request the B&H Photo Credit Card through B&H Photo Video's website or in a store. Synchrony Bank, which issues the card, will ask for your Social Security number, date of birth, income, and employment information. They pull a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.

There is no annual fee for the card. You do not need to be a B&H Photo Video customer already, though most people who request it are.

Approval is not may provide. Synchrony looks at your credit score, payment history, and debt-to-income ratio. If you have recent late payments, high existing debt, or a low credit score, you may be denied. If you are approved, your credit limit depends on your creditworthiness—it could be $500 or $5,000 or more.

Promotional Financing and How It Works

The main draw of the B&H Photo Credit Card is the 0% APR offer. B&H Photo Video runs different promotions throughout the year. A typical offer might be "0% APR for 24 months on purchases of $500 or more" or "0% APR for 12 months on all purchases."

The promotion applies only to new purchases made during the promotional period. If you carry a balance from before the promotion started, that old balance is not covered—it accrues interest at the regular APR.

If you miss a payment or pay late during the promotional period, Synchrony can end the 0% offer when ready and explore the regular APR (usually 19% to 27%) to your entire promotional balance. This is called deferred interest. You then owe all the interest that would have accrued during the promotional period, even though you were paying on time until that one missed payment.

To avoid this trap, set up automatic payments for at least the minimum amount due each month, or pay the full promotional balance before the 0% period ends.

Rewards Points and How to Use Them

Every dollar you spend on the B&H Photo Credit Card earns rewards points. The exact earning rate varies—some cards earn 1 point per dollar, others earn more on certain categories. Check the current terms when you request the card, because B&H Photo Video changes the rewards structure occasionally.

Points accumulate in your account and can be redeemed as a statement credit (which reduces your bill) or as a discount on a future B&H Photo Video purchase. One point typically equals one cent in value, though redemption options may vary.

Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing. If you close the account, you may lose any unused points—check the terms before closing.

Interest Rates and Fees Outside Promotions

Once a promotional period ends, purchases made during that period (if not paid off) are charged the regular APR. This rate is variable and typically ranges from 19% to 27%, depending on your creditworthiness and current market conditions. Synchrony will tell you your specific rate when you are approved.

There is no annual fee, no foreign transaction fee (not that you can use it outside B&H Photo Video), and no late fee listed in most cardmember agreements. However, Synchrony may charge a fee if your payment is returned or if your account goes to collections.

Cash advances are not available on this card. You cannot withdraw cash using the card.

When the B&H Photo Credit Card Makes Sense

This card is worth requesting if you plan to spend $500 or more at B&H Photo Video in the next few months and can pay off the balance before the 0% period ends. Photographers, videographers, and tech enthusiasts who buy cameras, lenses, lighting, and computers regularly may find the rewards points valuable over time.

It does not make sense if you cannot commit to paying off a promotional balance before interest kicks in, or if you only shop at B&H Photo Video occasionally. The high regular APR means carrying a balance is expensive.

If you already have a general-purpose rewards card with a lower APR, compare the B&H Photo Card's rewards rate to what you earn elsewhere. A 1% rewards rate on the B&H card may not beat a 2% cash-back card from another issuer, even with the 0% promotional period.

How to Manage Your Account and Avoid Problems

Once approved, you can manage your B&H Photo Credit Card account through Synchrony's website or mobile app. You can view your balance, make payments, see your available credit, and check your rewards points balance.

To stay out of trouble with deferred interest, pay attention to the promotional period end date. Mark it on your calendar and either pay the full promotional balance before that date, or switch to a card with a lower APR if you cannot pay it off in time.

Make all payments on time, even if you are only paying the minimum. One late payment can cost you thousands in unexpected interest charges if you are in a promotional period.

Do not max out your credit limit. Using more than 30% of your available credit can hurt your credit score. If you need to make a large purchase, request a credit limit increase first.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the B&H Photo Credit Card anywhere besides B&H Photo Video?

No. This is a store card that only works at B&H Photo Video locations and on their website. You cannot use it at other retailers, restaurants, or gas stations. If you need a card for general spending, you need a different credit card.

What happens if I do not pay off my balance before the 0% period ends?

Any remaining balance is charged the regular APR, which is typically 19% to 27%. If you were in a deferred interest promotion, you do not owe back interest as long as you paid on time. However, new interest accrues on the unpaid balance going forward at the regular rate.

Can I get the card if my credit score is below 650?

It is unlikely but not impossible. Synchrony typically looks for a credit score of 650 or higher, but approval depends on your full credit profile—income, employment, existing debt, and payment history all matter. You can request the card and see what happens, but a denial is more probable with a lower score.

Do I lose my rewards points if I close the account?

Most likely yes. Check your cardmember agreement, but typically unused rewards points are forfeited when you close the account. If you have accumulated points, redeem them before closing.

What is the difference between a store card and a regular credit card?

A store card only works at one retailer or group of retailers. A regular credit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express) works almost anywhere. Store cards often have higher interest rates and lower credit limits, but they may offer better promotional financing or rewards at that specific store.