Synchrony Premier World Mastercard review: Automatic cash-back redemptions
Editor's Note
Synchrony Premier World Mastercard overview
The Synchrony Premier World Mastercard® is a solid no-annual-fee credit card that earns an unlimited 2% cash back on every purchase. With automatic rewards and no changing categories, this could be the most straightforward cash-back card out there. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐
*Card rating is based on the opinion of TPG's editors and is not influenced by the card issuer.
The information for the Sycnrhony Premier World Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
There are many cash-back credit cards on the market, and virtually all of them include some kind of hurdle to overcome. Whether it's shifting merchants at which you can earn bonus rewards or specific requirements for actually redeeming them, making the most of these cards can sometimes require a lot of legwork.
Many consumers want an easier way to be rewarded for using a credit card — without worrying about tracking bonus categories or even remembering to redeem what they've earned. The Synchrony Premier World Mastercard is a great option for those looking for simplicity. It earns 2% cash back on all purchases, has no annual fee and offers automatic redemptions.
Most approved applicants have a credit score of 690 or higher. Keep reading to learn more about whether the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard deserves a spot in your wallet.
Synchrony Premier pros and cons
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Synchrony Premier welcome offer
The Synchrony Premier Mastercard does not offer any sort of welcome offer.
Meanwhile, there are other cash-back credit cards with no annual fee that extend welcome offers, such as the Chase Freedom Flex® (see rates and fees).
Related: Best no annual fee cards
Synchrony Premier benefits
The Synchrony Premier does not offer benefits such as statement credits or purchase or travel protections.
However, as a part of the Mastercard network, the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard comes with additional benefits at companies like DoorDash, Lyft and ShopRunner. You'll also unlock select travel perks to make your next trip more enjoyable.
As a cardholder, you'll enjoy savings on hotels, rental cars and even flight bookings through Mastercard Travel and Lifestyle Services. Plus, you'll gain access to World Mastercard's luxury hotel and resort portfolio, which includes more than 3,000 luxury accommodations. Here, you'll enjoy perks such as complimentary breakfast, on-property credits and more.
Note that some Mastercard benefits may have end dates, so check your card's guide to benefits.
Related: World Elite vs. World Mastercard: What are the differences in benefits and value?
Earning cash back on the Synchrony Premier
The card has a simple yet generous earning structure: Every time you swipe (or tap) it, you'll earn an unlimited 2% cash back. You can use the card for every expense — including groceries, gas, dining and travel — and always get 2% cash back.
Unlike some other cash-back cards, the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard doesn't have rotating or quarterly spending categories to keep up with. You can spend knowing that you'll earn 2% back on every purchase, no matter the time of year or the place you're shopping.
And with no annual fee, there's no up-front cost to open the card and begin using it — you'll start earning cash back immediately.
The drawback to a flat cash-back earning rate is that if your monthly expenses in one category are fairly large compared to others, you're potentially missing out on additional rewards you'd get if you used a cash-back credit card with bonus categories, such as the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (see rates and fees).
From a personal standpoint, travel and dining are the two categories where I spend the most money every month, and I would prefer the chance to earn more cash back on this spending.
Related: How to choose a cash-back credit card
Redeeming cash back on the Synchrony Premier
With many other cards, you may need to earn a certain amount of rewards before you can redeem your cash back, or you can only redeem rewards for specific spending categories.
And even those cards that don't impose these limits often require you to manually initiate a redemption. Some cards even put an expiration date on their rewards.
Not the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard.
As a cardholder, the cash back is automatically applied as a monthly statement credit. There's nothing you need to do, no button you need to click. The process is automatic, removing yet another hurdle that could prevent you from enjoying the rewards you've earned.
However, automatic redemption of cash back is a no-go for many people. Earning cash back could be a de-facto savings account for cardholders who are saving up their rewards to cover specific expenses.
Additionally, by automatically applying cash back, there's no ability to maximize redemption value. For example, some issuers allow cash back to be redeemed for gift cards; sometimes, they run promotions that add bonuses for gift card redemptions.
TPG credit cards editor Emily Thompson doesn't like automatic redemptions, as she likes to save up cash-back rewards and cash them in specifically to cover activities for a trip or Christmas gifts at the end of the year.
Related: 5 reasons to keep a cash-back credit card in your wallet
Which cards compete with the Synchrony Premier?
There are other cash-back credit cards in the marketplace that offer additional benefits or elevated earning rates if the Synchrony Premier does not fit your needs.
- If you prefer rotating categories: The Chase Freedom Flex offers 5% cash back (up to $1,500 in combined purchases each quarter) in quarterly bonus categories after you activate each quarter. The card also earns 5% cash back on travel purchases with Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on dining at restaurants (takeout and delivery included) and 3% cash back on drugstore purchases. To learn more, check out our full review of the Chase Freedom Flex.
- If you want to maximize category purchases: The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express earns 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. online purchases and U.S. gas stations each year (up to $6,000 for each category per calendar year, 1% thereafter). Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit and at Amazon.com checkout. The card also provides a statement credit for an eligible Disney Streaming purchases and Home Chef (subject to auto-renewal), all while having no annual fee (see rates and fees). To learn more, check out our full review of the Amex Blue Cash Everyday.
- If you want flexible redemptions options: The Citi Double Cash® Card (see rates and fees) is a simple card similar to the Synchrony Premier where you earn 2% cash back on all purchases (1% when you buy and 1% as you pay). Cash back can be redeemed for a statement credit, travel or gift card purchases. To learn more, check out our full review of the Citi Double Cash.
For additional options, please see our list of the best cash-back credit cards.
Related: Amex vs. Chase cash-back: Which is best?
Is the Synchrony Premier worth it?
Understanding the nuances of many cash-back credit cards can take time and energy, but the Synchrony Premier World Mastercard makes it simple with a consistent and strong earning rate and automatic redemptions. However, if you want bonus categories or more redemption options, you'll want to choose a different card.
Bottom line
The Synchrony Premier, with no annual fee, includes automatic statement credits each month, so there's never any need to manually redeem your cash-back rewards. You'll also receive some complimentary World Mastercard benefits.
If earning 2% cash back on every purchase while enjoying no annual fee is your cup of tea, then go for it. However, if you're looking to maximize rewards, this card is not for you.
For rates and fees of the Amex Blue Cash Everyday, click here.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.