Does Synchrony Bank Report to Credit Bureaus?

What Information Does Synchrony Report?

Synchrony doesn't publish a field-by-field list, but credit card accounts generally show up on credit reports with details like these:

• The date the account was opened
• Your credit limit and current balance
• Your payment status, including any late payments
• Whether the account is open, closed, or in default

Applying for a new account can also add a hard inquiry. Synchrony's application disclosures say a consumer credit report may be obtained when it evaluates your application.

When Does Synchrony Bank Report to Credit Bureaus?

Synchrony doesn't publish a reporting date. Synchrony's own credit education blog says card issuers tend to send an update to the bureaus once a month, near the close of each billing period, so the balance on your report usually reflects a recent statement rather than today's balance.

Late payments work differently. Equifax says creditors usually don't report a late payment until it's at least 30 days past due, and some wait longer. Paying within that window can keep a missed due date off your report, though you may still owe a late fee.

How Can Synchrony Reporting Affect Your Credit Score?

Positive Impact

• On-time payments build payment history, which is 35% of a FICO® Score according to myFICO.
• A low balance relative to your limit keeps your credit utilization down.
• An account you keep open in good standing adds to the age of your credit history over time.

Potential Negatives

• A payment 30 or more days late can be reported and lower your score.
• Store cards often have modest limits, so a single large purchase can push your utilization up quickly.
• Each new application can add a hard inquiry.

Tips for Managing a Synchrony Account

• Turn on autopay for at least the minimum payment so a busy month never becomes a late payment.
• Understand promotional financing. If a purchase has a deferred interest promotion, interest can be charged back to the purchase date if the promo balance isn't paid in full by the deadline. Check your statement for the end date.
• Watch your utilization. Paying the balance down before the statement closes can lower the balance that gets reported.
• Dispute errors in writing. Synchrony's card agreement says to write to Synchrony Bank, P.O. Box 965036, Orlando, FL 32896-5036 if you think it reported wrong information, and to include a copy of the credit report if you have one.

Get More From Your Credit Cards

Store cards usually reward spending at one retailer, so it helps to know which card to use everywhere else. Kudos recommends the card in your wallet that earns the most at online checkout, autofills it for you, and shows all your card rewards in one place.

If you're thinking about a new card, the Kudos Card Explorer lets you filter thousands of cards, and Kudos shows your approval odds before you apply. Our guide to increasing your credit score covers the habits that matter most.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Synchrony Bank Report to All Three Credit Bureaus?

Synchrony's card agreement says it may report to credit bureaus but doesn't name them. Check your reports from Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion at AnnualCreditReport.com to see where your account appears.

Does Applying for a Synchrony Card Hurt My Credit?

It can. A credit application can add a hard inquiry, which may lower your score slightly for a short time.

Will Paying Off a Synchrony Card Help My Credit?

Paying down the balance lowers your credit utilization once the new balance is reported, which can help your score.

How Do I Fix a Synchrony Error on My Credit Report?

Write to Synchrony at the dispute address in your card agreement, and you can also file a dispute directly with the credit bureau that shows the error.