How to Remove SYNCB/MC From Your Credit Report

SYNCB/MC on your credit report is a Synchrony Bank code that points specifically to a Mastercard product. SYNCB stands for Synchrony Bank, and MC stands for Mastercard.

Where it gets a little complicated is that Synchrony issues Mastercard-branded cards for a wide range of retail partners, and also offers their own standalone Mastercard products, which means this code can trace back to more than one possible source.

The first step is figuring out which product generated the entry, and a quick call to Synchrony Bank can usually answer that.

What Is SYNCB/MC on Your Credit Report?

SYNCB/MC is the credit bureau code for a Synchrony Bank hard inquiry tied to a Mastercard-branded credit card application. Synchrony offers several of their own Mastercard products that are not tied to a specific retailer, including:

• Synchrony Premier World Mastercard: A cash back card offering 2% back on all purchases, usable anywhere Mastercard is accepted.
• Synchrony Plus World Mastercard: A mid-tier Synchrony Mastercard with rewards on everyday spending.
• Synchrony Preferred Mastercard: An entry-level Synchrony Mastercard option.

In addition, many Synchrony retail partner cards offer a Mastercard version alongside a store-only version. When you apply for the Mastercard version of one of those co-branded cards, the inquiry may also appear as SYNCB/MC rather than under the retailer-specific code.

Why SYNCB/MC Appears on Your Credit Report

This entry shows up when Synchrony Bank runs a hard inquiry for any of their Mastercard products. Common situations that generate it include:

• Synchrony-branded Mastercard application: Applying directly for the Synchrony Premier, Plus, or Preferred Mastercard generates this entry.
• Retail co-brand Mastercard application: Some Synchrony retail partners offer a Mastercard version of their store card. Applying for the Mastercard variant of a co-branded card can generate SYNCB/MC rather than the retailer-specific code.
• Unauthorized application: If someone used your personal information to apply for a Synchrony Mastercard product without your knowledge, the hard inquiry still appears on your credit report.

How SYNCB/MC Affects Your Credit Score

A single hard inquiry from Synchrony Bank causes a small dip in your credit score, typically just a few points. That’s not a meaningful concern on its own. The impact grows when multiple hard inquiries appear within a short period, which can signal to lenders that you’re actively seeking new credit.

The effect on your credit score fades within the first 12 months and becomes negligible well before the entry drops off your credit report.

How Long SYNCB/MC Stays on Your Credit Report

Hard inquiries remain on your credit report for two years from the date they were pulled. All three major credit bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion, display the entry during that window. Once the two years are up, it drops off automatically with no action required.

If your application was approved and an account was opened, that account also appears separately on your credit report as a tradeline, affecting your credit score based on payment history, credit utilization, and account age.

What to Do If You Don’t Recognize the SYNCB/MC Entry

Whether or not you recognize this entry, the most important first step is identifying exactly which card generated it.

• Contact Synchrony Bank directly: Ask them to identify which Mastercard product the inquiry is tied to and when it was pulled. This will usually connect the entry to a specific application you can verify or rule out.
• Dispute with the credit bureaus: If Synchrony cannot verify that you authorized the inquiry, file a formal dispute with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Include your personal details and a written explanation of why the entry should be removed from your credit report.
• Place a fraud alert or credit freeze: If you suspect identity theft, a fraud alert requires lenders to verify your identity before approving new applications. A credit freeze provides stronger protection by blocking new credit entirely until you lift it.

Synchrony Bank Contact Information

If you need to reach Synchrony Bank to ask about a SYNCB/MC inquiry, here is their contact information:

Phone: (866) 419-4096

Mailing Address: Synchrony Bank, 170 Election Road, Suite 125, Draper, UT 84020

Bottom Line

SYNCB/MC on your credit report is a Synchrony Bank hard inquiry tied to a Mastercard-branded credit card application. It could point to one of Synchrony’s own Mastercard products or to the Mastercard version of a retail co-branded card. Calling Synchrony Bank is the fastest way to identify exactly which product generated the entry.

If you recognize it, the entry is legitimate and will age off your credit report after two years. If you don’t, dispute it with the credit bureaus and take steps to protect your credit score while you investigate.