Credit card -- Advertising and marketing, including promotional offers -- Complaint #13856052
Complaint Overview
Complaint ID: 13856052
Company: Synchrony Financial
Product: Credit card
Sub-Product: Store credit card
Issue: Advertising and marketing, including promotional offers
Sub-Issue: Confusing or misleading advertising about the credit card
State: Florida
ZIP Code: 33160
Date Received: 2025-06-02T12:00:00-05:00
Date Sent to Company: 2025-06-02T12:00:00-05:00
Company Response: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Submitted Via: Web
Consumer Narrative
We financed an XXXX XXXX through a promotional " 0 % interest for 24 months '' offer provided by our contractor and backed by Synchrony Bank. As part of the setup, the contractor and Synchrony Bank assisted in processing the application and explicitly helped configure auto-payments designed to pay off the balance within the promotional window thereby avoiding any interest charges. We followed this payment plan precisely and every monthly payment was made on time. Despite our diligence, we were shocked to discover that a trivial remaining balance of {$87.00} out of an original {$6000.00} triggered an outrageous deferred interest charge of {$2800.00}. This amounts to nearly 46 % of the original loan, all levied after XXXX years of perfect payment compliance. Our claim citing deceptive marketing and payment structuring was summarily denied, with the only justification being that the " promo can not be changed '' and that the transaction was " beyond XXXX months old. '' This response blatantly ignores the central issue : the loan and payment plan were structured and approved in a way that guaranteed a balance would remain even after full, timely payments simply to justify retroactive interest charges. This is not merely a customer service issue ; it reflects deliberate misrepresentation and financial entrapment. There was no notice, warning, or outreach at any point prior to the expiration of the promotion. No courtesy email, no heads-up, no attempt to reconcile a negligible shortfall before imposing XXXX of dollars in interest. This scheme appears to be intentionally designed to mislead customers into believing they are paying off their balance, only to penalize them at the last moment. It is deceptive, unethical, and borders on predatory lending.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Complaint #13856052 about?
Complaint #13856052 was filed against Synchrony Financial regarding Credit card specifically about Advertising and marketing, including promotional offers. It was received by the CFPB on 2025-06-02T12:00:00-05:00.
How did Synchrony Financial respond to this complaint?
The company responded with: "Closed with explanation". The response was timely.
What is the risk level of this complaint?
See the risk assessment section for details on this complaint's risk profile.
How do I file a similar complaint?
You can file a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. Select the appropriate product category (Credit card) and describe your issue in detail.
Can I see other complaints against Synchrony Financial?
Yes, visit the Synchrony Financial company profile at readthecomplaint.com/company/synchrony-financial to see all complaints, risk scores, and analysis.
Disclaimer
This analysis is AI-generated based on publicly available CFPB complaint data. It does not constitute financial or legal advice.