Synchrony Bank Lawsuit: How to Respond and Win Your Case
Synchrony Bank sues thousands of consumers for credit card debt every year. Responding to the lawsuit protects your rights and forces them to prove their case. Many consumers win or settle for less when they respond properly instead of ignoring the summons.
Answer Your LawsuitDid Synchrony Bank sue you for credit card debt? You need to act now. Ignoring the lawsuit won’t make it disappear.
When you fail to respond, Synchrony Bank wins a default judgment. The court then allows them to garnish your wages or freeze your bank accounts.
Respond to Your Synchrony Bank Lawsuit in 15 Minutes
Don't let Synchrony Bank win by default. Answer your lawsuit before the deadline and force them to prove their case. Our partner Solo guides you through every step with a simple questionnaire.
Start Your Answer NowThe good news? You can fight back and protect yourself. Our partner Solo helps you prepare the right documents and respond properly to debt lawsuits.
Understanding Synchrony Bank and Its Credit Cards
Synchrony Bank provides credit cards for major retailers and online stores. When you apply for a store card at Old Navy, DICK’S Sporting Goods, or Guitar Center, you’re getting a Synchrony Bank card.
Amazon also partners with Synchrony Bank for its store credit cards. Synchrony now ranks among the largest private-label credit card issuers in America.
Synchrony Bank’s Background
Synchrony Bank started as GE Capital Retail Bank. In 2014, GE Capital Retail settled claims worth millions for illegal credit card practices. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and U.S. Justice Department filed these claims.
After the settlements, the company rebranded as Synchrony Bank. Today, Synchrony Financial owns the bank as a publicly traded subsidiary.
Popular Credit Cards Issued by Synchrony Bank
Synchrony Bank issues credit cards for over 200 retail brands. Here are some of the most common ones:
- Amazon Store Card and Amazon Prime Secured Card
- Lowe’s Advantage Credit Card
- PayPal Cashback Mastercard and PayPal Credit
- CareCredit Credit Card
- Sam’s Club Credit Card and Mastercard
- TJX Rewards Credit Card
- Gap Inc. Credit Card and Visa Card
- Belk Rewards Card and Mastercard
- JCPenney Credit Card and Mastercard
- BP Credit Card and Visa varieties
- Guitar Center Account
- Ashley Credit Card
- Rooms to Go Credit Card
- MyWalgreens Credit Card
- QVC Credit Card
You can access your specific card agreements through the CFPB’s Synchrony card agreements database.
Does Synchrony Bank Sue for Credit Card Debt?
Yes. Synchrony Bank regularly sues consumers for unpaid credit card debt.
If you defaulted on payments with any Synchrony partner store, collections will contact you first. When you don’t pay or negotiate a settlement, they file a lawsuit.
Why You Should Respond to the Lawsuit
Many people think responding is pointless. You might believe they have all the proof they need.
That’s wrong. Creditors often lose when consumers respond properly. Why? They can’t always prove their case in court.
Synchrony must prove you owe the debt. They need documentation showing the account belongs to you, the amount is accurate, and they have legal standing to sue.
How to Respond to a Synchrony Bank Lawsuit
You don’t need an expensive attorney. You can represent yourself with the right tools and documents.
You typically have 14 to 30 days to respond, depending on your state. Check your court summons for the exact deadline.
Three Critical Steps for Your Answer
Your Answer document must address three key elements:
- Respond to every allegation: Go through the Complaint line by line. Admit or deny each statement about the debt.
- Assert affirmative defenses: List reasons why you shouldn’t be held liable. Common defenses include statute of limitations, identity fraud, or already paid debt.
- File on time: Submit your Answer to the court before the deadline. Mail a copy to Synchrony’s attorney too.
Our partner Solo walks you through each step with a simple web app. Answer basic questions, and the tool generates your legal Answer document.
What Happens After Filing Your Answer
Filing an Answer protects your rights. It forces Synchrony to prove their case.
The lawsuit continues after you file. You’ll need to track court dates, respond to discovery requests, and possibly attend hearings.
Many cases settle before trial. Synchrony often negotiates when they see you’re willing to fight.
How to Settle Your Debt With Synchrony Bank
Settlement often costs less than the full debt amount. Creditors prefer getting something over risking nothing in court.
Five Steps to Negotiate a Settlement
- Verify the debt: Send a debt validation letter requesting proof. Confirm the amount matches your records.
- Make an initial offer: Start low, typically 25-50% of the balance. You can negotiate up from there.
- Get everything in writing: Never pay without a written settlement agreement. The document should specify the amount and confirm full satisfaction of the debt.
- Pay as agreed: Follow the payment terms exactly. Get proof of payment for your records.
- Monitor your credit report: Verify that Synchrony updates your credit report and dismisses the lawsuit.
Settling before a lawsuit saves you time and stress. Even after being sued, you can still negotiate a favorable settlement.
Synchrony Bank’s Debt Collection Practices
Synchrony handles its own collections internally. They don’t typically hire outside collection agencies.
The Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) still protects you. Synchrony can’t harass you, lie about the debt, or threaten illegal actions.
Your Rights Under the FDCPA
Debt collectors must follow specific rules:
- They can’t call before 8 AM or after 9 PM
- They must stop calling your workplace if you request it
- They can’t threaten arrest or legal action they won’t take
- They must provide written verification of the debt
- They can’t discuss your debt with third parties
Report violations to the FTC, CFPB, and your state attorney general’s office.
Arbitration Clauses in Synchrony Bank Agreements
Most Synchrony credit card agreements include mandatory arbitration clauses. These clauses let you force the dispute out of court into private arbitration.
Should You Use Arbitration?
Arbitration has pros and cons. The process moves faster than court trials. You avoid formal courtroom procedures.
However, consumers lose more often in arbitration than in court. A CFPB study confirmed that arbitration favors creditors. You also lose appeal rights.
You can file a Motion to Compel Arbitration if your agreement includes this clause. The court must then dismiss the lawsuit and send the dispute to arbitration.
Synchrony Bank Class Action Lawsuits
Multiple class action lawsuits have targeted Synchrony Bank’s collection practices.
In 2021, a California court ordered Synchrony to pay $3.5 million for harassing robocalls. Consumers complained about frequent calls and rude representatives.
The FTC has also investigated Synchrony for unfair debt collection practices.
Filing Your Own Small Claims Case
You can sue Synchrony in small claims court for FDCPA violations. Small claims limits vary by state, ranging from $2,500 to $20,000.
You’ll need strong documentation proving the violations. Save all voicemails, letters, and call records from Synchrony.
Removing Synchrony Bank From Your Credit Report
Negative entries from Synchrony Bank can damage your credit score for seven years. You have options to remove or correct these entries sooner.
Four Strategies to Clean Your Credit Report
- Request debt validation: Make Synchrony prove the debt belongs to you. If they can’t verify it, they must remove it.
- Dispute inaccuracies: Contact TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian directly. They’ll investigate and correct or remove false information.
- Negotiate pay-for-delete: Offer to pay in exchange for complete removal from your credit report.
- Request goodwill deletion: After paying, ask Synchrony to delete the entry as a courtesy. They’re not required to, but many creditors do.
Consumer Reviews and Complaints About Synchrony Bank
Reading other consumers’ experiences helps you understand Synchrony’s tactics.
The Better Business Bureau lists thousands of Synchrony Bank reviews. Common complaints involve aggressive collection calls and disputed charges.
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau database contains detailed complaints about Synchrony. Search their complaint database to see patterns in how Synchrony handles disputes.
Taking Action Against Your Synchrony Bank Lawsuit
Synchrony Bank files lawsuits hoping consumers won’t respond. They win most default judgments without proving their case.
Don’t give them an easy victory. You have rights and defenses available.
Respond to the lawsuit within your state’s deadline. Our partner Solo makes preparing your Answer simple and affordable. You can defend yourself and possibly get the case dismissed or settled for less.