How Synchrony and American Eagle Built 30 Years of Connected Retail Success

In a move that underscores the enduring power of strategic retail partnerships, Synchrony has extended its multi-year agreement to power the credit programs for American Eagle Outfitters and its sister brand Aerie. The expansion signals how technology and customer-centric financing can create a truly connected commerce experience—what industry observers are calling an “AEO connected” ecosystem that bridges online and offline shopping seamlessly.

The Foundation of a Three-Decade Alliance

The relationship between Synchrony and American Eagle isn’t built overnight. Over nearly three decades, these two companies have developed a deep understanding of what consumers truly want: frictionless access to credit combined with tangible rewards for loyalty. This longevity speaks volumes in an industry where partnerships often shift.

“Our partnership with AEO has thrived for nearly three decades because it is founded on shared values,” said Darrell Owens, Executive Vice President and CEO of Lifestyle at Synchrony. The sentiment reflects more than nostalgia—it highlights how alignment on customer experience and operational excellence creates sustainable growth.

Real Rewards: From Concept to Market Recognition

The Real Rewards credit card sits at the center of this connected strategy. Cardholders earn rewards both at American Eagle and Aerie stores—in physical locations and online—while the Real Rewards Visa variant works anywhere Visa is accepted. This dual functionality transforms a traditional co-branded card into a versatile financial tool.

The program’s market validation is evident in its accolades. For five consecutive years, Real Rewards has been recognized as one of America’s Best Loyalty Programs by Newsweek. In 2025, the Real Rewards Credit Card received Money magazine’s Best Retail Credit Card award for in-store rewards, cementing its position as a category leader.

What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is the evolution toward digital-first experiences. The extended partnership specifically emphasizes a seamless cardholder journey where technology enables rather than hinders the buying process.

Synchrony’s Broader Impact on American Commerce

Synchrony operates at a significant scale within the consumer finance ecosystem. The company serves tens of millions of people through products spanning health, home, auto, and retail sectors. Its portfolio includes relationships with more than 400,000 small and midsize businesses and health and wellness providers.

With nearly 100 years of operational history, Synchrony has positioned itself as infrastructure for modern American commerce. This new extension with American Eagle reflects a broader strategy: deepening existing relationships while continuously innovating how consumers access credit.

What This Means for Consumers

For American Eagle and Aerie customers, the extension translates to continued rewards optimization and a shopping experience designed around their needs. Whether purchasing casual apparel at American Eagle or wellness-focused products at Aerie, cardholders benefit from an integrated rewards structure and promotional flexibility.

The “AEO connected” positioning suggests future enhancements to how seamlessly customers move between brands and channels. As retail continues its digital-first transformation, partnerships like this one demonstrate that credit functionality and loyalty programs can evolve alongside consumer expectations.

Looking Forward

This multi-year extension arrives at a moment when retail partnerships face significant pressure to deliver both convenience and value. By anchoring the deal in shared values and proven execution—nearly three decades of results—Synchrony and American Eagle have signaled their commitment to sustained mutual growth.

The Real Rewards ecosystem exemplifies how consumer financing, when designed thoughtfully, becomes a competitive advantage rather than a commodity offering. For both companies, that alignment on customer value creation appears to be the recipe for another chapter of success in retail commerce.