Consumer complaint received 2026-02-05 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Fees or interest — Unexpected increase in interest rate
Company: SYNCHRONY FINANCIAL
State: NY

Complaint narrative:
I financed a purchase of approximately {$1300.00} through XXXX XXXX using a 0 % promotional financing plan offered by Synchrony Bank in XX/XX/XXXX. I accepted this offer specifically because it was presented as 0 % interest, and I had the full funds available to pay immediately but chose the promotion based on that representation. 

When opening the account, I spoke directly with a Synchrony Bank representative and set up an autopay plan of {$100.00} per month from my bank account. I was advised that paying $ XXXX monthly would allow me to pay off the full balance within XXXX year under the 0 % promotional rate. Based on that guidance, I relied on autopay and made all payments on time without any missed or late payments. 

As of early 2026, my remaining balance was approximately {$170.00}, meaning I had already paid over {$1100.00} of the original balance and was essentially at the final payment stage. This month was expected to be my last payment to fully close out the promotional balance. 

When I contacted Synchrony Bank to stop autopay and pay the remaining {$170.00}, I was shocked to learn that {$390.00} in deferred interest had been added to my account in XX/XX/XXXX, without my knowledge or clear warning. I was told only after the fact that the promotional period had ended and that the interest charge was automatic and non-reversible. 

At no point during my monthly payments, autopay setup, or customer service interactions was it clearly explained that : interest was accruing retroactively during the promotional period, or that any remaining balanceeven as small as $ XXXX trigger a large lump-sum interest charge, or that I needed to pay the balance in full before a specific date to avoid this outcome. 

I was also enrolled in paperless statements, relied on autopay, and did not receive any clear or direct notification warning that the promotion was about to expire or that a substantial interest charge would be imposed if a small balance remained. 

Despite having an excellent payment history, acting in good faith, and relying on guidance from Synchrony representatives, I was told that the {$390.00} interest charge could not be removed and that my XXXX would now increase to approximately 35 %, which would cause the balance to grow rapidly. 

I am formally disputing this charge and requesting a one-time courtesy removal of the {$390.00} deferred interest based on : full and timely payment history autopay reliance lack of clear disclosure at promotion expiration minimal remaining balance relative to the original amount good-faith effort to pay the account in full I am willing and prepared to immediately pay the remaining {$170.00} principal balance. I am requesting that the deferred interest be removed so the account can be closed fairly and without ongoing financial harm. 

I respectfully request written review and resolution of this matter.

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 monetary relief