Seeing “SYNCB/SMRTCN” on your credit report can be confusing, especially if you don’t recognize the name. Here’s what it means, how it affects your credit score, and how to remove it if the inquiry wasn’t authorized.
What Is SYNCB/SMRTCN?
SYNCB/SMRTCN stands for Synchrony Bank/PayPal Smart Connect. If this appears on your credit report, it likely means you applied for—or someone tried to apply for—a PayPal Smart Connect account, which is issued by Synchrony Bank.
It usually shows up as a hard inquiry, triggered when your credit report is pulled during the application process.
Why SYNCB/SMRTCN Appears on Your Credit Report
When you apply for a PayPal Smart Connect account, Synchrony Bank checks your credit to decide whether to approve the application. That credit check generates a hard inquiry, and it’s recorded as SYNCB/SMRTCN.
If you didn’t apply for anything from PayPal or Synchrony Bank, this could be a sign of a mistake—or even fraud.
How a SYNCB/SMRTCN Inquiry Affects Your Credit Score
Hard inquiries can lower your credit score, though the drop is usually small—just a few points. However, having several hard inquiries in a short time can have a bigger impact and make lenders wary of extending new credit.
To protect your credit, it’s smart to limit unnecessary applications and keep an eye out for inquiries you don’t recognize.
How Long SYNCB/SMRTCN Stays on Your Credit Report
Hard inquiries like SYNCB/SMRTCN stay on your credit report for up to two years. The effect on your credit score usually fades after about 12 months.
If the inquiry wasn’t authorized, you don’t have to wait for it to fall off. You can request to have it removed.
What to Do If You Don’t Recognize the SYNCB/SMRTCN Inquiry
If you see a SYNCB/SMRTCN inquiry that you didn’t approve, reach out to Synchrony Bank to verify whether someone submitted an application using your information.
Synchrony Bank Contact Info:
Phone: (866) 419-4096
Website: www.synchrony.com
You may also want to place a fraud alert on your credit file to prevent further unauthorized activity.
How to Remove SYNCB/SMRTCN From Your Credit Report
If the inquiry was made without your permission—or if there’s an error—you can dispute it directly with the credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. They each offer online, phone, and mail-in options for filing disputes.
Need help? Credit repair services like Credit Saint can assist in removing unauthorized or inaccurate inquiries. They also help address:
- Late payments
- Collections
- Charge-offs
- Repossessions
- Foreclosures
- Bankruptcies
Fixing Your Credit Starts With the Right Support
Credit Saint has worked with thousands of clients to clean up their credit reports and improve their financial future. They even offer a 90-day money-back guarantee—so there’s no pressure to see what they can do.
Visit their website today to take the first step toward stronger credit.
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