Credit Builders:
Unlocking Financial Freedom
Millions of Americans use store cards as an opportunity to build both creditworthiness and a healthier financial future.
From Store Card to Dream Home:
Unlocking Financial Freedom and Inspiring Others to Do the Same
From an early age, Desiree DeLeon—known as Des—dreamed of owning a home where she could gather her family for holidays. After graduating from the University of North Texas, she landed a job at American Eagle, and her dream felt within reach.
Des knew she had to build her credit, so she applied for a credit card—but hit a wall. Even though she had no debt (a rare win for a college grad), she had no credit history either. Like millions, she was “credit invisible” and with no borrowing record, lenders turned her down. That moment hit hard. Without a way to build a credit history, she knew eventually getting a mortgage or even a car loan – let alone at an affordable rate – would be much more difficult.
When she was working at American Eagle as a store team leader, Des was educating her customers every day about the Real Rewards credit card by American Eagle and Aerie. As she told others about the benefits, she realized the card could be a good way to build credit herself while earning rewards on purchases she already loved. She applied, and this time, she was approved.
What changed?
Des’s first card was a Synchrony-issued Real Rewards credit card, also known as a store card. A store credit card is often a consumer’s first card because it usually has a lower credit limit, making it easier for people with little or no credit history to get approved. The lower limit may make it easier for people to pay the card company back – showing they can use credit responsibly, which ultimately can help build their credit score.
There’s more to it than just a credit score, however, and Des benefited from the fact that the Real Rewards credit card, like all of Synchrony’s financing products, is powered by Synchrony PRISM. PRISM is an advanced credit decisioning platform that, unlike others in the industry, goes beyond traditional credit scores. By using unique data from across someone’s financial life to assess creditworthiness, PRISM finds qualified applicants – like Des – who might be missed by traditional methods. It helps people borrow wisely and can help protect them from taking on too much debt. And this was true for Des. Des shares that she started with a $500 credit limit that increased to $4,000 within a year due to her paying her card bill on time every month, and she soon raised her credit score from 500 to 700.
Des’s story isn’t unique. Millions of Americans use store cards as an opportunity to build both creditworthiness and a healthier financial future. Consumers have shared that getting approved for their first card makes them feel that someone else believes in them.
Des believes that first entry to credit with her Real Rewards credit card, along with staying on top of her payments and not overextending, was key to her success and opened new opportunities for her. A strong credit score has allowed her to get the things she wants and needs and set her on the path to purchasing her dream home. A few years ago, equipped with a stellar credit history, she qualified for a mortgage and bought a house in Texas close to her family.
“I love caring for others—whether babysitting my nieces, or taking care of my parents and neighbors,” Des says. “I’m so grateful for my home, and it all started with my Real Rewards credit card.”
Today, Des shares her journey to inspire others. She hopes to one day teach her nieces how to achieve financial success, just as she did.
“Credit really changed my life,” Des says. “I want everyone to have the same opportunity I’ve had.”
Beyond the Sale: Partnering with Aerie to Make
Financial Literacy Fashionable
Des’s story offers a roadmap for how responsible credit management can unlock opportunities—from owning a home to lowering insurance costs and more. Her journey highlights how credit is about more than limits and scores—it’s about empowerment, confidence, and community.
As part of their mission to build confidence, Aerie, the intimate apparel and lifestyle brand of American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. (AEO), partnered with Synchrony to change how young consumers see financial literacy.
As part of Aerie's REAL Fest activation, Synchrony joined forces with the brand for candid financial discussions. At these events, financial expert Tonya Rapley of My Fab Finance tackled real topics, such as building credit, escaping the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, and finding paths to financial empowerment.
“For many young people, traditional financial education feels disconnected,” says Sue McKee, General Manager of the AEO partnership at Synchrony. “By partnering with Aerie, we’re meeting their community where they’re comfortable, in a space they trust and speaking their language.”
The success of the first event led to more sessions, featuring millennial debt expert Melissa Baptiste. Her practical advice and personal stories of financial transformation connected with attendees, who also received copies of her book.
What makes these events different is their holistic approach. While they include information about Synchrony's financial products – from credit cards to savings accounts– the focus remains on empowerment and education.
"This is about giving young people the tools and confidence to make smart financial decisions,” explains McKee. “When someone understands how credit works or how to set financial goals, they're better equipped to use any financial product responsibly."
“We’re not just teaching people about money,” McKee adds. “We’re empowering them to see financial confidence as an integral part of self-expression and personal growth.”
