Regulation E (12 CFR § 1005.11) governs disputes over electronic fund transfer (EFT) errors in Synchrony Bank accounts for U.S. consumers. As the account-holding institution, Synchrony Bank must investigate alleged errors if you notify them no later than 60 days after the periodic statement or passbook documentation first reflects the error. This covers issues like unauthorized EFTs or incorrect debits from bank accounts, but not credit card disputes. Contact Synchrony Bank using details from your statement or account portal, provide transaction details, and expect an investigation report with findings and your right to request supporting documents.
What Regulation E Requires for EFT Error Disputes
Regulation E (12 CFR Part 1005) sets the procedures for resolving EFT errors. You must notify Synchrony Bank of the alleged error no later than 60 days after they send the periodic statement or provide passbook documentation on which the error first appears. The bank must investigate, and time periods for resolution may be extended in certain circumstances under § 1005.11(c)(3).
For unauthorized EFTs, Synchrony Bank must follow liability limits in § 1005.6 before imposing any liability on you. The bank may correct the error without a full investigation if it meets other § 1005.11 requirements. A notice of correction can appear on a periodic statement mailed or delivered within the applicable time limits, as long as it clearly identifies the correction.
No Synchrony Bank-specific policy deviating from these Regulation E requirements appears in official sources.
What Does Not Control Synchrony Bank Account Error Disputes
Regulation E applies only to EFT errors in bank accounts, such as debit card transactions or ACH transfers. It does not cover credit card billing disputes under Regulation Z, merchant chargebacks, or wire transfers under Article 4A. Synchrony Bank account policies must meet at least Regulation E minimums but cannot reduce your federal protections.
Error resolution under § 1005.11 excludes items outside its definition, such as routine inquiries or requests for information.
Next Steps to Dispute an Error with Synchrony Bank
Notify Synchrony Bank orally or in writing within 60 days of the statement date showing the error. Use contact information from your account statements, online banking, or their help resources. Gather evidence like account statements, transaction records, and any supporting documents detailing the issue.
Synchrony Bank must provide a report of investigation results, including an explanation of findings and your right to request copies of documents they relied on (§ 1005.11(d)). If unresolved, file a complaint with the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
| Step | Action | Evidence to Gather |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Check deadline | Confirm error appears on statement; notify within 60 days | Statement date, transaction details |
| 2. Contact bank | Call or write Synchrony Bank | Account number, error description |
| 3. Follow up | Request investigation report and documents if needed | Bank's response reference |
| 4. Escalate if needed | Submit to CFPB | All prior correspondence |
This outlines the process under current Regulation E guidance as of 2026.
FAQ
What counts as an "error" under Regulation E for my Synchrony account?
Regulation E defines errors in § 1005.11(a), such as unauthorized EFTs or incorrect transfers. Check the full rule for scope.
Can I notify Synchrony Bank by phone for an EFT error dispute?
Yes, notice can be oral or written under § 1005.11(b).
What if Synchrony Bank extends the investigation timeline?
Time periods may be extended in certain circumstances per § 1005.11(c)(3).
How do I escalate if Synchrony Bank denies my Regulation E dispute?
File a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint after receiving their investigation report.
Does Regulation E apply to Synchrony credit card errors?
No, credit card disputes fall under Regulation Z, not Regulation E for bank account EFTs.