Consumer complaint received 2025-05-28 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — Store credit card
Issue: Trouble using your card — Credit card company won't increase or decrease your credit limit
Company: SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this formal complaint against Synchrony Bank for repeated violations of federal consumer protection laws, specifically the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ), the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ), and the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ( SCRA ). 

On XX/XX/XXXX, Synchrony Bank unilaterally lowered the credit limit on my CareCredit account to {$250.00} without any advance notice. The explanation I received contained vague, overly broad statements such as : - XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  ' - XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX ' XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXt ' This type of non-specific language is in direct violation of ECOA Regulation B ( 12 CFR 1002.9 ), which requires creditors to provide a clear, individualized reason for adverse actions. General scorecard-based phrases are not legally sufficient. 

This is the second time Synchrony Bank has taken adverse credit action against me using similar vague reasoning. A separate credit account of mine was previously closed, also without a legally sufficient explanation. I now feel that I am being targeted and discriminated against, especially in light of Synchrony Bank 's previous federal enforcement history for discriminatory conduct. 

As a XXXX woman and an XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX, this experience has been deeply distressing. The unexplained financial instability caused by Synchrony 's actions has begun to affect my career, performance and focus in service, as well as my mental and emotional well-being. I feel singled out, and I am now deeply concerned that my demographic status may be a factor in their decision-making processespecially given Synchronys documented history of discrimination. 

Legal References : - Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ) 15 U.S. Code 1691 ( d ) ( 2 ) : Requires specific written reasons for any adverse credit action.

- Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) 15 U.S. Code 1681m : Requires creditors to disclose numerical credit scores and the factors used in adverse decisions.

- Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ( SCRA ) 50 U.S. Code 3937 : Prohibits creditors from taking adverse financial action against XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  without due diligence and proper cause. 

Supporting Case Law : 1. CFPB XXXX XXXX XXXX GE Capital Retail Bank  ( Synchrony ) XXXX : Synchrony was fined {$220.00} XXXX for discriminatory lending practices against marginalized groups, including Spanish-speaking consumers and Puerto Rican residents. 

XXXX. FTC v. XXXX XXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  ) : Affirmed that consumer reporting systems must provide transparency and comply with federal data laws. 

XXXX. Doe XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. XXXX XXXX ( XXXX. XXXX XXXX ) : Ruled that vague or evasive adverse action reasoning can support a claim of discrimination under ECOA.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation