Seeing SYNCB/MC on your credit report can be confusing, especially if you’re not sure where it came from. Let’s break down what it means, how it impacts your credit score, and what you can do if it wasn’t authorized.
What SYNCB/MC Means on Your Credit Report
SYNCB/MC stands for Synchrony Bank/Mastercard. This shows up on your credit report when you apply for a store credit card that’s backed by Synchrony Bank and carries the Mastercard brand.
Many popular retailers offer credit cards through Synchrony Bank. Whether you applied for a card from a department store, furniture outlet, or another retailer, that application likely triggered the SYNCB/MC entry on your credit report.
Why SYNCB/MC Appears on Your Credit Report
SYNCB/MC is tied to a hard inquiry. A hard inquiry happens when a lender checks your credit report as part of a credit application. It doesn’t matter if you were approved or denied—the inquiry still shows up.
Common reasons this entry appears include:
- You applied for a store credit card backed by Synchrony Bank.
- You applied for a Mastercard version of a Synchrony Bank store card.
- Someone else applied using your information without your consent.
How SYNCB/MC Inquiries Affect Your Credit Score
Hard inquiries can lower your credit score by a few points. A single inquiry has a small, short-term effect. But several inquiries in a short period can add up and make lenders cautious.
Lenders may see multiple inquiries as a sign you’re seeking too much credit at once. That could raise concerns about your financial stability.
If you’re preparing for a major purchase like a home or car, limit how often you apply for new credit to protect your score.
How Long SYNCB/MC Stays on Your Credit Report
A hard inquiry from SYNCB/MC stays on your credit report for two years. The impact on your credit score is most noticeable in the first few months. Over time, the effect fades, and after two years, the inquiry automatically drops off your report.
You can’t avoid hard inquiries entirely if you apply for new credit, but keeping them to a minimum helps maintain your credit score.
How to Handle Unauthorized SYNCB/MC Inquiries
If you see an SYNCB/MC inquiry you don’t recognize, act fast. Unauthorized inquiries could be a sign of identity theft or reporting mistakes.
Here’s what to do:
- Contact Synchrony Bank – Ask them to explain the inquiry. They can confirm whether it was legitimate or a possible error.
- Dispute the Inquiry with the Credit Bureaus – If Synchrony Bank says the inquiry was unauthorized, file a dispute with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Removing unauthorized inquiries can help safeguard your credit score.
- Monitor Your Credit Reports – Keep an eye on your credit reports regularly. Early detection of unauthorized activity helps prevent bigger problems.
Can You Remove SYNCB/MC From Your Credit Report?
You can only remove SYNCB/MC if the inquiry was unauthorized or reported incorrectly. Authorized hard inquiries, even if they lowered your score, will stay on your report for the full two years.
If you suspect an unauthorized inquiry, file disputes with all three major credit bureaus. You’ll need supporting details, so contact Synchrony Bank first to gather information.
Get Help Removing Negative Marks From Your Credit Report
If dealing with credit report issues feels overwhelming, professional help is available. Credit Saint has more than 15 years of experience helping people remove inaccurate hard inquiries, collections, late payments, charge-offs, repossessions, bankruptcies, and more.
They even offer a 90-day money-back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with their services.
If you’re ready to take action, visit their website to request a free credit consultation. It’s a simple first step toward improving your credit score and gaining better financial peace of mind.
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