If you see SYNCB/JCP on your credit report, it usually means Synchrony Bank ran a credit check after a JCPenney credit card application. Whether you applied or the inquiry came as a surprise, here’s what it means and how to remove it if necessary.
What SYNCB/JCP Means on Your Credit Report
SYNCB/JCP is the code that appears when Synchrony Bank checks your credit in connection with a JCPenney credit card application. JCPenney’s store credit cards are issued by Synchrony Bank, and any application—approved or denied—can trigger a hard inquiry listed under this code.
Why SYNCB/JCP Appears on Your Credit Report
This entry shows up because you applied for credit at JCPenney, and Synchrony Bank pulled your credit file as part of the approval process. Hard inquiries like this are standard whenever you apply for a credit card or financing offer.
Even if the application was declined or not completed, the credit check is still recorded by the credit bureaus.
How a SYNCB/JCP Inquiry Affects Your Credit Score
A hard inquiry from SYNCB/JCP can lower your credit score slightly—usually by just a few points. A single inquiry doesn’t do much damage, but several in a short period can add up and make lenders more cautious. Multiple recent inquiries may give the impression that you’re seeking credit aggressively.
To protect your score, try to limit how often you apply for new accounts, especially before major loans or financial decisions.
How Long SYNCB/JCP Stays on Your Credit Report
A hard inquiry from SYNCB/JCP remains on your credit report for up to two years. It may be recorded by all three major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
The effect on your score typically fades after one year, but the inquiry will stay visible until it’s automatically removed after 24 months.
What to Do if the SYNCB/JCP Inquiry Wasn’t Authorized
If you didn’t apply for a JCPenney credit card and see SYNCB/JCP on your report, it’s important to act quickly. Here’s how to handle it:
- Contact Synchrony Bank to verify the inquiry
- Dispute the entry with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion if it wasn’t authorized
- Monitor your credit reports for any other unfamiliar activity
An unauthorized inquiry may be a sign of identity theft or a clerical error.
Can You Remove SYNCB/JCP From Your Credit Report?
If the inquiry was made without your consent or recorded in error, you have the right to dispute it. You can submit disputes yourself, or work with a credit repair company for additional support.
Credit Saint is one option that helps consumers challenge inaccurate or unauthorized items on their credit reports. They also assist with:
- Late payments
- Collections
- Charge-offs
- Foreclosures
- Repossessions
- Bankruptcies
Improve Your Credit With Expert Help
If you’re dealing with negative items or unwanted inquiries on your credit report, professional support can make a difference. Credit Saint offers free consultations and helps clients take meaningful steps to restore their credit profile.
They even offer a 90-day money-back guarantee, giving you peace of mind while working toward better credit. Visit their website to learn how they can support your credit goals.
Ready to Clean Up Your Credit Report?
Learn how credit repair professionals can assist you in disputing inaccuracies on your credit report.
