America's Best offers payment plans through Synchrony, their financing partner

America's Best Contacts & Eyeglasses offers in-store financing through Synchrony Financial, a third-party lender. You do not pay America's Best directly on a payment plan—Synchrony funds the purchase upfront, and you repay Synchrony over time. The plans are available at checkout when you buy glasses, contacts, or eye exams, and you find out when ready whether you're approved.

The specific terms—how many months, what interest rate, whether there's a promotional period—depend on the purchase amount and your credit profile. Synchrony runs a soft credit check at the register, which does not affect your credit score. If you're approved, you sign the agreement on the store tablet or terminal before you leave.

Payment happens through Synchrony's system, not through America's Best. You'll receive a Synchrony credit card or account number, and you make monthly payments to Synchrony either online, by phone, or by mail. America's Best has no role in collecting payments or managing your account once the sale is complete.

Key Takeaways

  • Synchrony, not America's Best, funds your purchase and collects your payments over the agreed term.
  • You find out whether you're approved at the register in seconds, with no impact to your credit score from the initial check.
  • Interest rates and promotional periods vary by purchase amount and your credit history; some plans may offer zero interest for a set period.
  • You manage your account and make payments directly to Synchrony through their website, app, or phone line.
  • If you miss a payment or default, Synchrony reports it to credit bureaus, not America's Best.

What happens when you choose a payment plan at checkout

When you reach the register at America's Best, the cashier or optician will ask if you want to pay in full or finance your purchase. If you choose financing, they'll direct you to a tablet or payment terminal where you enter basic information: name, date of birth, address, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. Synchrony runs the soft credit check in real time, usually within 30 seconds.

The screen shows you the approved amount, the monthly payment, the number of months, and the interest rate or promotional terms. You review and sign electronically. Once approved, the transaction is complete—America's Best receives payment from Synchrony that day, and you walk out with your glasses or contacts. Your first payment to Synchrony is typically due 30 days later.

If you're declined, you can ask the store associate whether a smaller purchase amount might be approved, or you can pay in full. There's no penalty for being declined, and the soft check doesn't appear on your credit report.

How much you can finance and what the terms look like

America's Best does not publish a fixed minimum or maximum financing amount. Synchrony sets limits based on your credit profile, income, and existing Synchrony accounts. A small purchase—say, $150 for contacts—might be approved for a shorter term (6 to 12 months), while a larger purchase like $800 for premium frames and lenses might may have access to for 24 months or longer.

Interest rates vary. Some Synchrony plans offer zero percent interest for a promotional period (often 6, 12, or 18 months) if you pay on time, then a standard APR applies to any remaining balance. Other plans carry interest from day one. The rate you see at checkout reflects your specific approval, so two customers financing the same $500 purchase might see different terms.

If you miss a payment during a zero-percent promotional period, Synchrony typically applies the full APR retroactively to the entire balance. This is a common trap: a missed payment can turn a zero-interest plan into a high-interest one when ready. Read the terms carefully before you sign.

Making payments and managing your Synchrony account

After you leave America's Best, you manage your account entirely through Synchrony. You can set up an online account at Synchrony's website or through their mobile app. You'll need your account number (printed on your receipt or sent by mail) and your date of birth to log in.

Payments can be made online, by phone at Synchrony's customer service line, or by mailing a check. Most customers set up automatic monthly payments to avoid missing a due date. You can pay more than the minimum each month without penalty, which reduces interest and shortens the term.

Your Synchrony account shows your balance, remaining term, interest charges, and payment history. If you have questions about your account, you contact Synchrony directly—America's Best cannot access your account or make changes on your behalf.

What happens if you pay late or default

Synchrony reports your payment history to the three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. On-time payments build your credit; late payments damage it. A payment 30 days late appears on your credit report and may trigger a call or letter from Synchrony. A payment 60 or 90 days late significantly harms your credit score and may result in collection action.

If you default on the account, Synchrony may close it and refer the debt to a collection agency. You remain responsible for the full balance plus any collection fees. This debt can appear on your credit report for up to seven years and will make it harder to get approved for credit in the future.

If you're struggling to make a payment, contact Synchrony before the due date. They sometimes offer hardship programs, payment deferrals, or restructured terms. Waiting until you're late gives you fewer options.

How Synchrony financing differs from other payment methods

A Synchrony payment plan is a loan, not a layaway or a store credit card. You receive the full purchase when ready, and Synchrony owns the debt. If America's Best goes out of business, your obligation to Synchrony does not disappear. You still owe the balance and must continue making payments.

If you use a personal credit card instead, you control the repayment terms and can move the balance to a different card if you find a lower rate. With Synchrony, you're locked into the terms you agreed to at checkout. You cannot transfer the balance to another lender or card.

Some people use Synchrony plans to avoid putting a large purchase on their personal credit card, which can raise their credit utilization ratio. Others use it because they don't have a credit card or because the promotional zero-percent rate is better than what their card offers. The trade-off is that you're taking on a separate loan with its own payment schedule and credit reporting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I pay off my Synchrony plan early without a penalty?

Yes. Synchrony does not charge prepayment penalties. You can pay the full balance at any time. If you're in a zero-percent promotional period and you pay off the balance before the period ends, you pay no interest. If you pay after the promotional period ends, you'll owe interest on the remaining balance at the standard APR.

What if I want to return my glasses after I've already financed them?

America's Best handles the return, but Synchrony handles the refund. If you return your purchase within America's Best's return window (typically 30 to 60 days), the store will credit your Synchrony account. The refund appears as a credit on your next statement, and your monthly payment may be adjusted or the term shortened. Contact Synchrony to confirm the refund was applied.

Does the soft credit check affect my credit score?

No. The initial check Synchrony runs at the register is a soft inquiry, which does not appear on your credit report and does not lower your score. However, if you sign the agreement and Synchrony funds the purchase, that becomes a hard inquiry and a new account, both of which may temporarily lower your score by a few points.

Can I use a Synchrony plan if I have bad credit?

Synchrony approves customers across a range of credit profiles, including those with lower scores or limited credit history. The terms you receive—the interest rate, the maximum amount, the promotional period—will reflect your credit risk. You may be approved for a smaller amount or a shorter term than someone with excellent credit. The only way to know is to try at checkout.

What happens if I move and Synchrony can't reach me?

Update your address with Synchrony as soon as you move. You can do this online, by phone, or by mail. If Synchrony sends statements or notices to an old address and you miss a payment important date, you're still responsible for the late fee and the credit damage. Synchrony's system relies on you staying reachable, so keeping your contact information current is your responsibility.