JCPenney and Synchrony Extend Long-Term Financing Partnership with Multi-Year Contract Renewal

Rhea-AI Summary

Synchrony (NYSE: SYF) and JCPenney have extended their nearly 25-year partnership with a long-term contract renewal. The expanded partnership adds Synchrony Pay Later, a buy now, pay later financing option, to JCPenney's existing credit offerings. This new feature allows customers to finance fine jewelry purchases over $300 through 6, 12, or 24-month installment payments. The partnership covers JCPenney's credit card services across more than 650 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, as well as JCPenney.com. Cardholders earn 1.5 JCPenney Rewards points for every $1 spent on qualifying purchases.

Positive

• Long-term extension of established 25-year partnership secured
• Expansion into BNPL market with new Synchrony Pay Later option
• Credit card holders show higher spending and visit frequency

Negative

• None.

Insights

Financial Services Analyst

The renewal and expansion of Synchrony's long-term partnership with JCPenney represents a significant strategic move in the consumer financing space. The addition of BNPL options specifically targeting jewelry purchases over $300 is particularly noteworthy, as fine jewelry typically generates higher margins and average transaction values. Historical data shows that store cardholders tend to demonstrate higher purchase frequency and larger basket sizes, making them valuable for both companies.

The partnership's expansion into BNPL reflects broader market trends, where traditional credit card companies are adapting to compete with fintech BNPL providers. For Synchrony, this helps defend market share while potentially attracting younger consumers who prefer installment payments. The integration of QR code-based applications and virtual cards shows technological advancement in point-of-sale financing, potentially reducing friction in the purchase process.

Expanded Partnership Adds Buy Now, Pay Later Installment Loans to JCPenney Financing Options 

STAMFORD, Conn., Oct. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Synchrony (NYSE: SYF) today announced a long-term extension of their nearly 25-year partnership with JCPenney. Synchrony and JCPenney have partnered for more than two decades to manage and service rewards-rich credit cards for JCPenney customers at the retailer's more than 650 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico, as well as JCPenney.com.

The long-standing partnership has been expanded to include new financing options that offer customers more choice and flexibility in how they make purchases. Synchrony Pay Later, a buy now, pay later financing option, will now be offered at JCPenney to meet customer needs, especially in JCPenney's fine jewelry business. 

With the addition of Synchrony Pay Later at JCPenney, customers will be able to finance fine jewelry purchases over $300 in store or online offering 6, 12, or 24-month installment payments, giving customers another way to make a purchase. To apply for Synchrony Pay Later at checkout for jewelry purchases over $300, customers can scan a QR code in store to complete an application on their own device. If approved, customers select their preferred loan terms from the option provided, add a one-time use virtual card to their mobile wallet, and complete their purchase immediately.

"JCPenney has always found a valuable ally in Synchrony for innovation, with a variety of credit card financing options and now the Synchrony Pay Later option. These offerings give our customers more choice and control over their purchasing," said Keith Melker, Chief Financial Officer, JCPenney. "Thanks to our continued partnership with Synchrony, customers who use JCPenney cards have become some of our most loyal shoppers, visiting us more often and spending more per trip than other customers do."

"Our goal is to help our partners build lifelong relationships with their customers that go beyond a single purchase," said Courtney Gentleman, EVP & CEO, Diversified and Value at Synchrony. "This long-term renewal agreement as we celebrate nearly 25 years of partnership with JCPenney is a testament to Synchrony's commitment to our partners' growth, differentiation, and transformation as customer needs evolve."

To apply for a JCPenney Rewards credit card, customers can see if they prequalify with no impact to their credit score and then apply by visiting https://www.jcpenney.com/m/plcc-benefits or in the JCPenney app. They can also apply at any store. Applications are reviewed instantly, and approved cardholders can use their account to make purchases right away. JCPenney cardholders are automatically enrolled in JCPenney Rewards, where they can earn 1.5 JCPenney Rewards points for every $1 spent on a qualifying purchase at JCPenney stores or jcp.com. JCPenney Mastercard cardholders can also earn points when they spend anywhere Mastercard is accepted.

To learn more about Synchrony Pay Later, visit https://www.synchrony.com/financing/paylater.

ABOUT JCPENNEY
JCPenney is the shopping destination for America's diverse, working families. With inclusivity at its core, the Company's product assortment meets customers' everyday needs and helps them commemorate every special occasion with style, quality and value. JCPenney offers a broad portfolio of fashion, apparel, home, beauty and jewelry from national and private brands and provides personal services including salon, portrait and optical. The Company and its 50,000 associates worldwide serve customers where, when and how they want to shop – from jcp.com to more than 650 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

In 2022, JCPenney celebrated 120 years as an iconic American brand by continuing its legacy of connecting with customers through shopping and community engagement. Please visit JCPenney's Newsroom to learn more and follow JCPenney on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

About Synchrony
Synchrony (NYSE: SYF) is a premier consumer financial services company delivering one of the industry's most complete digitally enabled product suites. Our experience, expertise and scale encompass a broad spectrum of industries including digital, health and wellness, retail, telecommunications, home, auto, outdoor, pet and more. We have an established and diverse group of national and regional retailers, local merchants, manufacturers, buying groups, industry associations and healthcare service providers, which we refer to as our "partners." We connect our partners and consumers through our dynamic financial ecosystem and provide them with a diverse set of financing solutions and innovative digital capabilities to address their specific needs and deliver seamless, omnichannel experiences. We offer the right financing products to the right customers in their channel of choice. For more information, visit www.synchrony.com.

Media Contact
Tyler Allen
tyler.allen@syf.com

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SOURCE Synchrony Financial

FAQ

What new financing option did Synchrony (SYF) add to JCPenney's credit offerings?

Synchrony added the Synchrony Pay Later option, a buy now, pay later financing solution for fine jewelry purchases over $300, offering 6, 12, or 24-month installment payments.

How many reward points do JCPenney credit cardholders earn through Synchrony (SYF)?

JCPenney cardholders earn 1.5 JCPenney Rewards points for every $1 spent on qualifying purchases at JCPenney stores or jcp.com.

How many stores does the Synchrony (SYF) and JCPenney partnership cover?

The partnership covers more than 650 JCPenney stores across the U.S. and Puerto Rico, as well as JCPenney.com.