U.S. consumers with Synchrony credit cards facing unauthorized charges can notify Synchrony as the card issuer to start a billing dispute under the Fair Credit Billing Act (FCBA). The FTC provides guidance on using credit cards and disputing charges, which covers billing errors including unauthorized transactions. This process applies to credit cards issued by Synchrony, such as store cards or general-purpose cards. No Synchrony-specific unauthorized charge dispute policy appears in reviewed official sources, so follow the general FCBA process and check your cardholder agreement for contact details. Liability during disputes follows FCBA protections, distinct from merchant refunds or other payment methods.

What Controls Synchrony Unauthorized Charge Disputes

The FCBA governs billing disputes for U.S. credit card accounts, including those issued by Synchrony. As the issuer, Synchrony must comply with FCBA requirements for handling disputes over unauthorized charges treated as billing errors. FTC guidance confirms consumers can dispute charges by notifying the creditor in writing, with the issuer required to acknowledge and investigate.

This falls under CFPB Regulation Z, which implements the FCBA for credit cards. Card network rules (Visa, Mastercard) may add layers but do not override FCBA for issuer disputes. Official evidence does not confirm Synchrony-specific procedures beyond standard issuer obligations.

What Does Not Control This Dispute

Unauthorized credit card charge disputes with Synchrony follow FCBA, not merchant refund policies, which apply only to direct returns or adjustments from the seller. This differs from EFT/ACH debit disputes under Regulation E or prepaid card claims.

CFPB Regulation § 1005.6 limits liability for unauthorized electronic fund transfers after access device loss or theft, but it excludes credit card billing disputes. Non-U.S. consumer rules do not apply to U.S.-issued Synchrony cards. Financed purchases or buy-now-pay-later plans follow separate Synchrony terms, not FCBA billing disputes.

Practical Steps to Dispute with Synchrony

Contact Synchrony immediately upon spotting an unauthorized charge--start by calling the number on the back of your card or listed on your statement to report potential fraud. Follow up with a written dispute letter sent to the billing address on your statement, describing the charge, the date it appeared, and why it is unauthorized. Gather evidence such as your statement copy, account details, and any related transaction records.

FTC guidance emphasizes notifying the issuer of billing errors promptly. Official sources do not confirm exact timelines or resolution periods.

Escalation and Limits

If Synchrony does not resolve the dispute satisfactorily, submit a complaint through the CFPB complaint portal. This prompts issuer response under federal oversight. FCBA protections pause collection on disputed amounts during investigation, but undisputed balances remain due.

Limits include cases where the consumer authorized the charge or evidence supports validity. Review your Synchrony card terms for any arbitration clauses or additional procedures. Official evidence shows no confirmed zero-liability guarantee specific to Synchrony; FCBA provides baseline protections.

FAQ

What evidence helps prove an unauthorized Synchrony charge?
Statement showing the charge, account details, and lack of receipts or recognition of the transaction strengthen your case per FTC guidance.

Does a phone call to Synchrony count as an official dispute?
A call reports fraud but FCBA requires written notice for formal billing disputes.

Can I dispute online with Synchrony?
Check your online account portal at synchrony.com for dispute options; otherwise, use phone followed by mail.

What if the charge is small--still dispute?
Yes, FCBA covers all billing errors regardless of amount if unauthorized.