If you’ve spotted SYNCB Belk on your credit report, you might be wondering what it means and whether it’s affecting your credit. Here’s what you need to know and how to remove it if necessary.
What Is SYNCB Belk on Your Credit Report?
SYNCB Belk stands for Synchrony Bank/Belk and shows up on your credit report when you apply for a Belk Rewards credit card. This retail card, issued by Synchrony Bank, offers discounts and rewards for purchases at Belk department stores.
When you apply, Synchrony Bank reviews your credit history, which results in a hard inquiry listed as SYNCB Belk.
Why SYNCB Belk Appears on Your Credit Report
Hard inquiries appear on your credit report anytime a lender checks your credit for approval. When you apply for a Belk Rewards credit card, Synchrony Bank runs a credit check, which shows up under SYNCB Belk.
Even if your application gets denied, the inquiry still stays on your credit report as a record showing you recently applied for credit.
How SYNCB Belk Inquiries Affect Your Credit Score
A hard inquiry from SYNCB Belk can lower your credit score by a few points. One inquiry usually won’t make a big difference, but multiple hard inquiries in a short timeframe can hurt your score more significantly.
Lenders often view several recent inquiries as a sign you’re actively seeking credit, which can make them cautious. To help protect your credit score, only apply for new credit when necessary, especially if you have plans for major financial moves.
How Long SYNCB Belk Stays on Your Credit Report
Hard inquiries like SYNCB Belk stay on your credit report for up to two years. Their impact on your credit score fades over time, but the inquiry remains visible to lenders until it drops off automatically after 24 months.
Monitoring your credit report regularly can help you track these inquiries and keep your credit file accurate.
What to Do If You Didn’t Authorize a SYNCB Belk Inquiry
If SYNCB Belk shows up on your credit report and you didn’t apply for a Belk Rewards credit card, here’s how to handle it:
- Contact Synchrony Bank: Ask for details about the inquiry. They can confirm whether it was legitimate or made in error.
- Dispute the Inquiry: If the inquiry wasn’t authorized, file a dispute with Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion to have it removed.
- Protect Your Credit: If you suspect identity theft, consider placing a fraud alert or credit freeze on your credit report to prevent further unauthorized activity.
Can You Remove SYNCB Belk From Your Credit Report?
If the inquiry was unauthorized or recorded incorrectly, you have the right to dispute it with the credit bureaus. Removing inaccurate hard inquiries helps protect your credit score and keeps your credit report accurate.
Many people turn to professional help to deal with unauthorized inquiries and other negative marks. Credit Saint is a trusted credit repair company that works to remove hard inquiries, late payments, collections, charge-offs, repossessions, foreclosures, and bankruptcies from credit reports.
Need Help Fixing Your Credit?
If hard inquiries or other negative items are holding back your credit score, Credit Saint may be able to help. They even offer a 90-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with their service.
Visit their website, fill out the short form, and take the first step toward improving your credit.
Ready to Clean Up Your Credit Report?
Learn how credit repair professionals can assist you in disputing inaccuracies on your credit report.
