
Synchrony Bank SCRA credit cards offer a range of benefits and protections to eligible service members.
One key benefit is the temporary suspension of interest charges on outstanding balances, which can be a huge relief for those deployed or on active duty.
This suspension can last up to 6 months, giving service members some breathing room during a potentially stressful time.
In addition to interest suspension, SCRA protection also includes a reduction in minimum payment requirements, making it easier to stay on top of payments.
Service members can also expect a freeze on negative credit reporting, which can help prevent damage to their credit score.
This freeze is automatic, so no action is required from the service member.
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What is SCRA?
SCRA stands for Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, a law that provides financial relief to active-duty military personnel and their families.
The SCRA was enacted in 1942 to help protect servicemembers from financial hardships while they're serving their country.
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It applies to active-duty military personnel, including those in the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
The SCRA also covers National Guard and Reserve members who are called to active duty for more than 30 consecutive days.
SCRA protections can be applied to a wide range of financial obligations, including mortgages, car loans, credit card debt, and more.
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Benefits and Protections
The SCRA provides many legal protections, including a 6% cap on interest rates incurred from financial obligations before military service. This means that servicemembers can't be charged more than 6% interest on their debts.
Some of the key benefits of the SCRA include the ability to stay civil court proceedings, protections in connection with default legal judgments, and protections in connection with residential lease terminations, evictions, mortgage foreclosures, and installment contracts.
Servicemembers can also request that their creditors cap their interest rate at 6% per year, and creditors are required to forgive and not defer interest greater than 6% per annum retroactively. This can be a huge relief for those serving in the military who may be struggling to make ends meet.
To request these benefits, servicemembers should provide their creditor with a written notice and a copy of their military orders within 180 days of the end of their period of active duty. Some credit card companies, such as Capital One and Synchrony Bank, also offer additional benefits to active duty service members.
What Are the Benefits and Protections?
If you're a service member, you're likely aware of the many benefits and protections available to you under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
The SCRA provides a 6% cap on interest rates incurred from financial obligations before military service. This can be a huge relief for those with existing loans or debts.
You'll also be able to stay civil court proceedings, which can give you time to get your affairs in order without the added stress of court appearances.
Protections in connection with default legal judgments, residential lease terminations, evictions, mortgage foreclosures, and installment contracts (including car loans) are also available under the SCRA.
Your service member status will also protect your residency for voting purposes, ensuring you can exercise your right to vote even while serving overseas.
Your spouse may also be eligible for these protections, providing an added layer of support during your time in service.
Scra Benefits for Service Card Holders
If you're an active duty service member with credit card debt, you're in luck. The SCRA limits the interest rate charged on some financial contracts to no more than 6% per year.
To take advantage of this benefit, you'll need to provide your creditor with a written notice and a copy of your military orders. This copy can be any appropriate indicator of your military service, such as an official letter from your commanding office.
You'll have 180 days from the end of your period of active duty to submit this paperwork to your creditor. They're then required by law to forgive and not defer interest greater than 6% per annum retroactively.
Some credit card companies, like USAA, American Express, and Capital One, offer additional benefits to active duty service members. These benefits may include lower interest rates or waived fees.
Here are some credit card companies that go above and beyond the standard SCRA requirements:
Keep in mind that you should always verify the information provided by these companies and be cautious when inputting personal information.
Credit Card Options
Synchrony Bank offers SCRA benefits for certain credit cards, including PayPal Extras, where you can request benefits by sending documents through their card portal.
Some credit card companies go above and beyond the standard SCRA requirements, such as Capital One, which offers 4% interest and no fees for active duty service members.
If you're a servicemember, you can request SCRA benefits for your credit card by providing a written notice and a copy of your military orders to your creditor, such as Synchrony Bank.
Paypal Credit
You can get approved for SCRA on your Paypal Credit account.
To apply, send a message directly to Paypal, and they'll tell you what to send.
You'll need to provide either a LES or one of the other documents listed, depending on your status.
If you're a spouse or dependent, you'll need to send one or more of those items along with the servicemember's orders.
For example, you might need to send a copy of your marriage certificate or a copy of your spouse's orders listing you as a dependent.
Make sure to write the last four numbers of the accounts you're applying for on the documents you send.
Synchrony Bank, which now services Paypal, will review your SCRA account and transfer it over if you have a Paypal account.
You can fax or mail your documents to Synchrony Bank's address for review.
Keep in mind that Synchrony Bank won't reimburse you for interest paid before your account was approved for SCRA.
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Credit Cards with Great Benefits
If you're a servicemember, you may be eligible for special benefits on certain credit cards. Capital One offers 4% interest and no fees for eligible servicemembers.
Capital One has a dedicated SCRA request process, which you can access through their Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) Request for Benefits page.
Synchrony Bank also offers benefits for servicemembers, including the ability to request benefits for specific cards, such as the PayPal Extras card, by sending documents through their card portal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the phone number for Synchrony SCRA?
To request SCRA terms and conditions, call (866) 419-4096. This phone number is also listed for general account inquiries and new account information.
What is the class action lawsuit against Synchrony Bank?
Synchrony Bank is facing a class action lawsuit alleging excessive interest rates on CareCredit accounts violate state usury laws. The lawsuit claims Synchrony Bank has unfairly charged high interest rates to customers.
Does Synchrony Bank have an arbitration clause?
Yes, Synchrony Bank has an arbitration clause that requires disputes to be resolved through arbitration, governed by the Federal Arbitration Act (FAA). If you prevail in an arbitration, Synchrony Bank will cover your arbitration costs and legal fees.
Sources
- https://www.classaction.org/news/synchrony-bank-assesses-illegal-veteran-penalty-on-military-service-members-class-action-lawsuit-claims
- https://www.paypal-community.com/t5/Products-Services-Archives/Paypal-Credit-SCRA/td-p/2156896/page/2
- https://www.cardozalawcorp.com/blog/servicemembers-can-lower-credit-card-debt-under-scra.cfm
- https://www.militaryverification.com/complying-with-scra-credit-card-regulations/
- https://credit4587.rssing.com/chan-58316735/all_p722.html
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