If you’ve recently checked your credit report and spotted “SYNCB/PPC,” you might be wondering what it means, why it’s there, and whether it’s a good or bad thing. Let’s break it all down so you can understand exactly what’s happening and what (if anything) you need to do about it.
What Is SYNCB/PPC?
“SYNCB/PPC” stands for Synchrony Bank/PayPal Credit.
PayPal Credit is a line of credit that lets you buy now and pay later when shopping online. It was originally known as Bill Me Later, but in 2018, Synchrony Bank officially took over all PayPal Credit accounts. As part of this transition, Synchrony Bank began reporting these accounts to the three major credit bureaus—Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion. That’s why you’re seeing “SYNCB/PPC” show up on your credit report.
Why Is SYNCB/PPC Showing Up on Your Credit Report?
There are a few reasons you might see this entry:
- You Opened a PayPal Credit Account
- If you’ve ever signed up for PayPal Credit, this is the most likely explanation. Even if you don’t use the account frequently, Synchrony Bank is still reporting it to the credit bureaus.
- You Applied for PayPal Credit
- If you recently applied for PayPal Credit but were denied, a hard inquiry was still placed on your credit report. Hard inquiries can temporarily lower your score by a few points.
- You Were Added as an Authorized User
- If someone added you as an authorized user to their PayPal Credit account, it could show up on your credit report even if you never personally applied for it.
- There’s an Error or Possible Fraud
- If you don’t recognize the account or application, it could be an error or even identity theft. In this case, you’ll want to dispute the entry ASAP.
How Does SYNCB/PPC Affect Your Credit Score?
Depending on how you manage your PayPal Credit account, it can either help or hurt your credit score. Here’s how:
- On-Time Payments Help: PayPal Credit is a revolving line of credit (similar to a credit card). Making on-time payments can boost your credit score.
- Late Payments Hurt: If you miss payments, PayPal Credit will report those late payments to the credit bureaus, damaging your credit score.
- Credit Utilization Matters: Your credit utilization (how much of your credit limit you’re using) plays a big role in your score. Keeping your balance low can help your score, while maxing it out can hurt it.
- New Credit Inquiries Can Lower Your Score: Applying for PayPal Credit results in a hard inquiry, which may lower your score temporarily.
Want to check your credit utilization ratio? Use a free calculator at Experian.
What If You Didn’t Apply for SYNCB/PPC?
If you don’t recognize the account, don’t panic—there are steps you can take to fix it.
Step 1: Check Your PayPal Account
- Log in to your PayPal account and check if you have PayPal Credit linked.
- If you do and recognize the charges, then there’s no issue.
Step 2: Contact Synchrony Bank
If you don’t recognize the account, you can call Synchrony Bank’s customer service at: 📞 (866) 419-4096 (PayPal Credit customer support)
They can verify whether the account is actually in your name and when it was opened.
Step 3: Dispute the Entry With the Credit Bureaus
If you’re sure you didn’t apply for PayPal Credit, you’ll want to dispute the entry with the credit bureaus. Here’s how:
- Equifax: Dispute Online
- Experian: Dispute Online
- TransUnion: Dispute Online
💡 Pro Tip: If you suspect fraud, consider freezing your credit at all three bureaus to prevent further unauthorized activity.
How to Protect Your Credit Moving Forward
To keep your credit safe and strong, follow these best practices:
Monitor Your Credit Regularly – Sign up for free credit monitoring through services like Credit Karma or Experian.
Set Up Account Alerts – Enable email or SMS notifications for new account activity in your PayPal and bank accounts.
Use Strong Passwords – Secure your financial accounts with unique, complex passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
Pay Off Balances Quickly – If you use PayPal Credit, avoid carrying a high balance to keep your credit utilization low.
Be Cautious of Offers – PayPal Credit is often auto-suggested during checkout. Make sure you understand the terms before accepting an offer.
Final Thoughts
Seeing “SYNCB/PPC” on your credit report is usually nothing to worry about—it just means you have (or applied for) PayPal Credit through Synchrony Bank. However, if you don’t recognize the account, it’s important to investigate and dispute any errors.
If you’re using PayPal Credit, treat it like any other credit card: make payments on time, keep balances low, and monitor your credit to ensure it’s helping—not hurting—your financial health.
Got questions? Drop a comment below or check out more resources on how to build and protect your credit on Our Blog!
