Will Synchrony Bank Settle with Customers

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Synchrony Bank has a history of settling with customers who have filed complaints against them. In 2020, the bank paid $210 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over alleged deceptive marketing practices.

Synchrony Bank's settlement process can be lengthy and complex. It took over three years for the bank to settle the 2020 lawsuit.

Synchrony Bank has also been required to implement changes to its business practices as a result of settlements. For example, they were required to provide clear and transparent disclosures to customers.

Synchrony Bank's settlements often involve monetary compensation for affected customers. The amount of compensation can vary widely depending on the specific terms of the settlement.

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Credit Report Issues

Credit Report Issues can be a real headache. Synchrony Bank may report late payments or accounts sent to collections to the credit bureaus, which can negatively affect your credit score.

If you're dealing with a Synchrony Bank credit account, be aware that they have a reputation for being aggressive in collecting debt. This can lead to credit report issues.

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A single late payment on a Synchrony Bank credit card can lower your credit score by as much as 100 points. This is because credit scoring models take into account your payment history.

If Synchrony Bank is reporting your account to the credit bureaus, you can request a goodwill deletion to have the negative mark removed. However, this is not guaranteed and depends on the specific circumstances.

Synchrony Bank credit cards are often associated with store credit, such as credit cards from department stores. These types of accounts can be more susceptible to credit report issues due to their nature.

Suing Synchrony Bank

Suing Synchrony Bank can be a viable option, especially if you've been mistreated as a customer. Many consumers have successfully sued Synchrony Bank in class-action lawsuits.

In 2021, a California debtors' class-action lawsuit resulted in a victorious ruling, with Synchrony Bank ordered to pay $3.5 million. This shows that Synchrony Bank can be held accountable for their actions.

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You can start by suing Synchrony Bank in small claims court, but you'll need to check your state's qualifications first. This option requires attending a hearing and paying legal fees.

Alternatively, you can use consumer arbitration, which is a more convenient option that allows you to resolve the issue from home. However, this option may prevent you from joining a class-action lawsuit.

Settling with Synchrony Bank

Synchrony Bank has a reputation for being difficult to work with and using aggressive debt collection tactics.

Synchrony Bank receives over 7,000 complaints on its Better Business Bureau profile in the most recent three-year period.

You can expect to deal with Synchrony Bank's in-house collections and billing department, which is responsible for collecting its own debt.

Synchrony Bank has nearly 16,500 complaints against it in the last ten years, according to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

If you're facing a lawsuit from Synchrony Bank, you can fight back and win.

See what others are reading: Complaints about Synchrony Bank

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Synchrony Bank sues for credit card debt relentlessly, even if the debt is outside of the statute of limitations, as seen in a real complaint from the CFPB database.

You can report Synchrony Bank's bad business practices to the FTC, CFPB, and your state's attorney general's offices.

Synchrony Bank ignores demands for proper handling of accounts, as seen in the example from the CFPB complaint database.

If you're a victim of Synchrony Bank's bad business practices, you have the right to dispute the information and seek proper handling of your account.

Arbitration and Class-Action Lawsuits

Synchrony Bank has an arbitration clause in most of its credit card agreements, which allows consumers to take disputes to a private panel instead of court.

Consumers who have Synchrony Bank credit agreements with arbitration clauses can consider filing a Motion to Compel Arbitration in their lawsuits.

Arbitration can be expensive, but creditors like Synchrony are usually responsible for all costs, making it a viable option for consumers who want to resolve disputes outside of court.

Do Credit Agreements Include Arbitration?

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Most credit card issuers, including Synchrony Bank, have a mandatory arbitration clause in their credit agreements. This clause allows consumers to force a debt lawsuit out of court and into arbitration.

Credit card companies permit consumers to take disputes into a private panel, also known as arbitration, instead of proceeding to court. This is often cited as a way to avoid lengthy court processes.

A CFPB study on arbitration found that consumers lose more than they win in these private hearings. The process also lacks an appeal provision.

Creditors like Synchrony are usually responsible for all costs in the arbitration process. This means that consumers may not have to pay a dime to resolve their disputes in arbitration.

If your Synchrony credit card agreement includes an arbitration clause, you should consider filing a Motion to Compel Arbitration into your Synchrony lawsuit.

Class-Action Lawsuit

Synchrony Bank has faced numerous class-action lawsuits, with many consumers winning their cases.

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Consumers have been able to sue Synchrony Bank due to the Fair Trade Commission's involvement after receiving many complaints about mistreatment, including receiving annoying robocalls and dealing with rude representatives.

Since 2014, many consumers have sued Synchrony Bank, and a majority have won these class-action lawsuits.

One notable case was filed by a California debtor in 2021, who claimed to have received frequent harassing calls from Synchrony Bank collections, resulting in a victorious ruling.

Synchrony Bank was ordered to pay $3.5 million in this case.

Consumers have been able to receive compensation for the suffering and damages they incurred as customers, with each consumer receiving a reasonable percentage of the total money owed to Synchrony Bank.

In one case, a Gap Inc and Banana Republic credit card holder claimed that their reward points were unlawfully deleted after replacing their card, and ultimately won their class-action lawsuit.

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Don't Get Taken Advantage Of

Synchrony Bank, like any other company, has a reputation for being a trustworthy lender, but it's essential to remember that they're not perfect.

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Their customer service is often praised for being helpful and responsive, which is a significant advantage for those who need assistance with their accounts.

However, some customers have reported difficulties in getting their accounts settled, which can be frustrating and time-consuming.

As of 2022, Synchrony Bank has a customer satisfaction rating of 74%, indicating that while many customers are satisfied, some are not.

It's crucial to keep track of your statements and payments to avoid any potential issues or misunderstandings.

Customer Options

As a Synchrony customer, you have two main options for taking action against the bank if you feel you've been wronged.

One option is to take your case to small claims court, where you'll have to attend a hearing and pay legal fees. Every state has its own qualifications for small claims court, so it's essential to check your local laws.

You can also use consumer arbitration, a process that allows you to resolve disputes from the comfort of your own home. This option might be more appealing if you're not comfortable with the idea of a courtroom.

Keep in mind that consumer arbitration is the same process that prevented you from joining class action lawsuits in the first place.

Here's an interesting read: Commercial Banking vs Consumer Banking

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if you don't pay Synchrony bank?

If you don't pay Synchrony Bank, you may face a default judgment, leading to debt repayment, wage garnishment, and damage to your credit report. Ignoring the debt can have serious financial consequences, so it's essential to address the issue promptly.

Does Synchrony have a financial hardship program?

Yes, Synchrony offers support for customers experiencing financial hardship, including waiving fees and evaluating credit limits. Contact us to learn more about our assistance options.

Vanessa Schmidt

Lead Writer

Vanessa Schmidt is a seasoned writer with a passion for crafting informative and engaging content. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for research, she has established herself as a trusted voice in the world of personal finance. Her expertise has led to the creation of articles on a wide range of topics, including Wells Fargo credit card information, where she provides readers with valuable insights and practical advice.

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