SYNCB on your credit report usually points to an account or credit application with Synchrony Bank. Whether you opened a store-branded card or spotted an inquiry you don’t recognize, understanding what SYNCB means—and how to remove it if necessary—can help you protect your credit score.
What SYNCB Means on Your Credit Report
SYNCB stands for Synchrony Bank, one of the largest issuers of store credit cards in the U.S. They partner with major retailers to offer co-branded and private label credit cards. Here is a full list of Synchrony Bank credit cards.
If you see SYNCB on your credit report, it means you either:
- Applied for a credit card issued by Synchrony Bank (which triggers a hard inquiry), or
- Have an open or closed Synchrony Bank account that is being reported to the credit bureaus.
Why SYNCB Might Be Showing Up
There are two main reasons SYNCB shows up on your credit report:
- Hard inquiry: You applied for credit through a Synchrony Bank partner. That application resulted in a credit check reported to Equifax, Experian, or TransUnion.
- Account reporting: You opened a Synchrony-backed card (like a store card from Lowe’s, Amazon, or Old Navy), and that account is now being reported each month.
Synchrony Bank (SYNCB) Hard Inquiries
The following is a list of Synchrony Bank inquiry codes that you may find on your credit report:
How SYNCB Inquiries Affect Your Credit Score
A hard inquiry can temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. One inquiry isn’t a big deal, but multiple inquiries in a short period can add up. If you’re applying for a mortgage, car loan, or personal loan soon, even a small dip can impact your approval odds.
To minimize the effect, avoid applying for multiple lines of credit around the same time.
How Long SYNCB Inquiries Stay on Your Credit Report
Hard inquiries remain on your credit report for up to two years. The impact on your credit score fades much sooner—usually within a few months—but the inquiry itself stays visible to lenders for the full 24 months.
Keeping tabs on your credit report lets you know what’s there and whether anything needs to be addressed.
What to Do If You Didn’t Authorize a SYNCB Inquiry
If you spot a SYNCB inquiry that you don’t recognize, don’t ignore it. It could be a mistake—or a sign of identity theft. Here’s what to do:
- Contact Synchrony Bank: Ask for details about the inquiry. They can confirm whether your information was used and which retailer initiated the request.
- Dispute the inquiry: File a dispute with all three credit bureaus—Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. Explain that the inquiry wasn’t authorized.
- Take extra precautions: If you suspect fraud, consider placing a fraud alert or even freezing your credit to prevent further unauthorized accounts.
Other Reasons SYNCB May Appear on Your Credit Report
Even if you didn’t apply for new credit recently, SYNCB may show up because of an existing account. Here’s how that works:
- Account status: If the account is open, closed, or in default, that status will be visible on your credit report.
- Payment history: Synchrony Bank reports your payment activity, including on-time payments, missed payments, or late payments. These details directly affect your credit score.
How to Remove SYNCB Inquiries or Accounts
If the SYNCB inquiry is legitimate, it can’t be removed before the two-year expiration. But if the inquiry was unauthorized or you’re dealing with other negative marks from Synchrony Bank—like late payments or charge-offs—there are ways to clean up your credit.
One option is to work with a reputable credit repair company like Credit Saint. They’ve helped many people remove hard inquiries, late payments, collections, charge-offs, repossessions, and more.
Take the First Step Toward Better Credit
Bad credit doesn’t have to follow you around. If you’re ready to take control and start improving your credit, Credit Saint may be able to help. Their 90-day money-back guarantee shows how confident they are in their service.
Visit their website to get started and see how they can help clean up your credit report.
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