Sued for PayPal Synchrony Card Debt? How to Win Your Case

By Talk About Debt Team
Reviewed by Ben Jackson
Last Updated: February 17, 2026
4 min read
The Bottom Line

When sued for PayPal Synchrony Card debt, you must respond to the court summons within 20-30 days to avoid default judgment. Demand proof of the debt, check if the statute of limitations has expired, and challenge any violations of contract terms or consumer protection laws. Even if you owe the debt, responding gives you power to negotiate a settlement and avoid wage garnishment.

Answer Your Lawsuit

The PayPal Extras Mastercard comes from Synchrony Bank. You earn rewards points on gas and PayPal purchases. But missing payments can quickly become a serious problem.

When you fall behind on your PayPal Synchrony Card, you might receive a court summons. You’re being sued to collect the debt. PayPal or a debt collector may file the lawsuit against you.

Respond to Your PayPal Synchrony Card Lawsuit Today

You have only 20-30 days to file your Answer before losing by default. Our partner Solo walks you through every step to respond correctly and protect your wages from garnishment.

File Your Answer Now

You have options to fight back and protect yourself. Our partner Solo can help you respond to the lawsuit correctly.

Defend Yourself by Demanding Proof of the Debt

PayPal or the debt collector must prove you owe the money. Without proof, a judge may dismiss your case. You need to respond to the summons and appear in court.

The credit card company must show the exact amount you agreed to pay. You can challenge their evidence in your Answer.

Request the Original Credit Agreement

PayPal likely has the original agreement if they’re suing you. A third-party debt collector might not have this proof. Courts require physical evidence to support legal claims.

Without a signed contract, there’s no proof you owe the debt. Demand they provide the original creditor agreement with your signature.

Require Proof of a Breached Contract

The credit card company must prove you broke the contract terms. They need account statements showing you didn’t pay. They must also prove they suffered financial harm from your nonpayment.

If PayPal didn’t lose money, there’s no harm done. Courts operate on evidence and documented losses.

Affirmative Defenses That Win Debt Lawsuits

You need a legal defense if you plan to fight the lawsuit. Saying you can’t afford to pay won’t work in court. You must show PayPal or Synchrony violated laws or procedures.

The Statute of Limitations

Each state limits how long creditors can sue for debt. Vermont allows six years while New York allows 20 years. The debt becomes time-barred after this period expires.

You can’t be sued in court for time-barred debt. Collectors may still contact you, but they can’t win a judgment. Check your state’s statute of limitations on debt collection immediately.

Other Strong Defenses Include

  • Failure to comply with court regulations and filing requirements
  • Failure to attach the proper contract or required paperwork
  • Being sued for fees not listed in your original contract
  • Being charged an illegal interest rate above state limits
  • Being sued for charges you never authorized or made
  • Being charged illegal fees prohibited by your state law

Each defense requires specific evidence from your account records. Review all documents carefully before filing your Answer.

Respond Quickly to All Court Correspondence

You must respond to every notice from the court. Ignoring correspondence leads to a default judgment against you. Default judgments happen when you don’t respond to the summons.

You typically have 20 to 30 days to file your Answer. Missing this deadline means you automatically lose the case. PayPal Synchrony can then garnish your wages and freeze bank accounts.

You must respond even if you know you owe the debt. Our partner Solo helps you file a proper Answer quickly. Don’t give up your right to defend yourself in court.

What to Do If You Owe the Debt

You can still settle the debt if you don’t have strong defenses. Settlement means negotiating a payment arrangement with the creditor. You can pay in full or set up monthly payments.

Paying in full often gets you a reduced settlement amount. You might pay 40-60% of what you owe. Monthly payment plans let you avoid a judgment on your credit report.

PayPal Synchrony is the original creditor with detailed account records. You’ll need strong evidence to win or negotiate effectively. Responding to the lawsuit gives you negotiating power you won’t have otherwise.

Avoid Wage Garnishment and Bank Levies

Default judgments give creditors powerful collection tools. They can garnish up to 25% of your paycheck. They can freeze your bank account and take your money.

Fighting the lawsuit protects your income and savings. Even if you eventually settle, you control the terms. You prevent forced collections that destroy your finances.

File your Answer within the court deadline. Every day counts when you’re facing a lawsuit summons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I ignore a lawsuit from PayPal Synchrony Card?

Ignoring the lawsuit results in a default judgment against you. PayPal Synchrony can then garnish up to 25% of your wages, freeze your bank accounts, and damage your credit report for seven years. You lose all rights to defend yourself or negotiate once a default judgment is entered.

How do I respond to a PayPal Synchrony Card lawsuit?

You must file an Answer with the court within 20-30 days of receiving the summons. Your Answer should deny allegations you dispute, demand proof of the debt, and include any affirmative defenses like statute of limitations. Our partner Solo helps you prepare and file a proper Answer quickly.

Can I settle PayPal Synchrony Card debt after being sued?

Yes, you can negotiate a settlement even after being sued. Responding to the lawsuit gives you leverage to negotiate payment terms or a reduced lump sum payment. Many creditors accept 40-60% of the balance if you can pay in full immediately.

What is the statute of limitations for PayPal Synchrony Card debt?

The statute of limitations varies by state, ranging from three to ten years for credit card debt. Once expired, the debt becomes time-barred and creditors cannot sue you in court. Check your state's specific time limit and when your last payment was made.

How can I prove I don't owe the PayPal Synchrony Card debt?

Demand the original signed credit agreement, account statements showing the charges, and proof that you breached the contract. If the collector cannot provide these documents, the judge may dismiss the case. You must file your Answer to force them to provide this proof.