Synchrony Bank Closed My Account - What Should I Do Next?
Written, Reviewed and Fact-Checked by The Credit People
Synchrony Bank closed your account - contact them immediately to confirm the reason, as most closures result from inactivity, missed payments, or new risk policies. Check your account for remaining balances, update or cancel any auto-payments, and request written confirmation of the closure. Pull your credit report from all three bureaus to monitor for negative impacts or errors. Take these steps quickly to avoid fees, credit score drops, or payment disruptions.
Let's fix your credit and raise your score
See how we can improve your credit by 50-100+ pts (average). We'll pull your score + review your credit report over the phone together (100% free).
9 Experts Available Right Now
54 agents currently helping others with their credit
Why Did Synchrony Close My Account?
Synchrony closes accounts mainly because of risk factors they detect based on their internal policies. You might see closure if your account went inactive for too long, you missed multiple payments, maxed out your credit repeatedly, or if your credit profile changed significantly. Synchrony also considers its overall risk management, so even accounts in good standing can close unexpectedly if their lending criteria shift.
Here's a quick breakdown of common triggers:
- Inactivity for months or years.
- Consistent late or missed payments.
- High credit utilization near or above your limit.
- Significant drops in your credit score.
- Synchrony's internal risk evaluations or policy updates.
When they shut your account, they do it to limit potential losses. Always contact Synchrony to get the exact reason. This helps if you want to appeal or understand what to improve next. If you want to dig deeper into specific reasons behind account closures, check out the section on '5 common reasons synchrony shuts accounts'. Knowing the exact cause guides your next steps smartly.
5 Common Reasons Synchrony Shuts Accounts
Synchrony shuts accounts mainly for five clear reasons you should know about. First, extended inactivity often triggers closure; if you haven't used your account in months, they might see it as unused risk. Think of your account like a gym membership - no visits, no welcome.
Second, repeated late payments or missed bills flag trouble. Synchrony depends on consistent payments, so if you fall behind often, expect your account to get the boot. It's like missing rent; landlords don't stick around long.
Third, maxing out or regularly exceeding your credit limit raises red flags. They view this as financial stress, increasing the chance of closing your account to minimize losses. Imagine always asking for more with no signs of easing up - that's a no-go.
Fourth, a significant drop in your credit score, possibly due to other financial wounds, can make Synchrony pull the plug. Your credit health reflects your reliability; a nosedive suggests you're riskier than before. It's like suddenly showing up late to every appointment.
Finally, changes in Synchrony's own lending policies or risk tolerance can lead to closures. Sometimes it's not you - it's them adjusting the rules behind the scenes. Kind of like a club raising membership standards overnight.
Keep these reasons in mind to avoid surprises and understand why your account might shut. If you want to explore what to do next, check out 'can i get my account reopened?' for practical moves after closure.
Can I Get My Account Reopened?
Yes, you can ask to get your account reopened, but it's pretty rare that Synchrony agrees. They make that call based mostly on why they closed your account in the first place - things like payment issues or inactivity. Before reaching out, pinpoint exactly what led to the closure.
If you decide to ask, be polite and provide any evidence that clears up the problem. Synchrony usually won't reopen accounts unless there's a clear mistake or exceptional situation. Keep in mind, reopening won't be a quick or guaranteed fix.
Focus on paying off any balances, monitoring your credit, and moving your automatic payments quickly. If reopening doesn't work out, the section on 'appealing synchrony's decision: is it worth it?' might help you figure out your next move.
Appealing Synchrony’S Decision: Is It Worth It?
Appealing Synchrony's decision is usually not worth it unless you spot a clear mistake or have a compelling reason to dispute it. Synchrony's approval rate for appeals is low, so investing time without solid evidence often leads to frustration.
If you choose to appeal, prepare by gathering documents that prove your case
like payment records or proof of extenuating circumstances
and write a polite, concise letter explaining why they should reconsider. Keep in mind, appeals rarely result in reinstatement if the closure is due to policy adherence or risk assessments.
Focus instead on rebuilding your credit and managing your remaining accounts responsibly. After this, it's smart to check out '3 immediate steps after account closure' for practical ways to protect your finances and avoid added headaches.
3 Immediate Steps After Account Closure
Right after your account closes, the first thing you should do is check your credit report for any inaccurate info linked to that account. It's crucial to spot errors that could drag your score down unfairly. Next, update any automatic payments tied to that account to avoid missed bills or penalties
this is urgent if you rely on your card for subscriptions or utilities. Finally, reach out to Synchrony to get a clear reason for the closure; knowing why helps prevent future surprises.
These steps aren't just busy work; each one protects your credit health and financial flow. Without catching billing glitches or unclear closure reasons, you risk unexpected late fees or credit damage. Think of it like putting out fires before they spread. Also, keep tabs on your accounts - you might want to peek at 'how to move automatic payments fast' next to avoid slipping up there.
Don't wait. Credit report check, payment switch, and a call to Synchrony - do these now, not later. These moves stabilize your footing before you tackle paying off any balances or repairing credit damage.
Will Synchrony Close My Other Accounts?
Synchrony closing one of your accounts doesn't automatically mean they'll shut down your others, but it's a warning sign you shouldn't ignore. They evaluate each account individually, but a closure can flag risk across your entire relationship with them. To avoid a domino effect, stay on top of payments and keep your debt low on your other accounts.
Here's what you can do to protect your other accounts:
- Make all payments on time, every time.
- Avoid maxing out your credit limits.
- Monitor your credit report for any negative marks.
- Contact Synchrony promptly if you spot any issues.
If Synchrony notices consistent risk signals, like missed payments on any of your accounts, they might close multiple ones. But closing one account isn't automatic, so focus on proving reliability now. Think of it like keeping your whole credit profile healthy so you don't lose more access.
Take a deep breath, lock down your current accounts, and check out '3 immediate steps after account closure' for practical next moves to stabilize your credit life.
How To Move Automatic Payments Fast
To move automatic payments fast, first list every bill or subscription linked to your closed Synchrony account by checking recent statements or your bank's payment history. Don't guess - track down each service charging your old account to avoid missed payments.
Next, set up a valid new payment method immediately on each service's website or by phone. Many providers let you input a new card or bank info in minutes - do this right away to prevent service interruptions or late fees.
If possible, temporarily pay bills manually while updating your automatic payments. This avoids late charges if your changes take a day or two to process. Also, double-check that the new payments are active by monitoring your accounts for confirmation emails or payment debits.
Act quickly - early action minimizes financial headaches. Keeping your payments current protects your credit after Synchrony's closure. Once you're done, consider the next step: '3 immediate steps after account closure' to handle balances and credit follow-up efficiently.
Can I Still Use My Rewards Or Points?
Unfortunately, once Synchrony closes your account, you typically lose access to any accumulated rewards or points. Most programs void rewards when the account closes, especially if closure stems from negative activity like late payments. However, policies differ - some may let you redeem points within a limited window. Your best bet: check the specific rewards terms or call Synchrony directly to confirm.
If you still have a balance or pending rewards, act fast. Document everything you confirm from customer service and ask about deadlines. This helps avoid letting hard-earned rewards slip away unnoticed.
Keep this tip in mind before moving to should I pay off a closed account? - because clearing your balance might be key to preserving any available rewards or future goodwill.
Should I Pay Off A Closed Account?
Yes, you should pay off a closed account as soon as you can. Even though you can't use the account anymore, any balance left unpaid can lead to late fees, interest charges, and seriously hurt your credit score. Plus, unpaid debts on closed accounts can eventually go to collections, making things worse.
Clearing that balance shows responsibility and stops negative marks from piling up. It also prevents the account from damaging your overall credit utilization ratio, which lenders watch closely. Keep in mind, your closed account will still appear on your credit report until it ages off, so keeping it in good standing matters.
Here's what to do right now:
- Confirm the exact amount owed.
- Set up a payment plan if you can't pay it off at once.
- Ask for a payoff statement to avoid surprises.
Paying off your closed account helps you close this chapter cleanly and protects your credit health. For what's next, check out 'what happens to my credit score?' to understand the bigger picture.
What Happens To My Credit Score?
What happens to your credit score when an account closes? It often drops, at least short term. Closing a credit line cuts your available credit, which can spike your credit utilization ratio - a major factor lenders notice. If that closed account had a strong positive history, losing it also trims your long-term credit age, another blow to your score.
Short-Term Drop: Expect a dip if the closed account held a high limit or low balance. Suddenly, you have less credit available against the same debt. This looks riskier to scoring models.
Long-Term Recovery: With steady, on-time payments on your other accounts, your score can bounce back. But the impact depends on your overall credit profile - if you're tight on credit or carrying balances, the effect is sharper.
Bottom line? Keep your utilization low elsewhere, payoff any balance on the closed account fast, and monitor your credit report for errors. These moves help you rebuild. Next, the section on 'does 'closed by credit grantor' hurt me?' sheds light on how that note affects lenders' views.
Does “Closed By Credit Grantor” Hurt Me?
Yes, "Closed by Credit Grantor" can hurt you, especially your credit score. It signals that the lender, not you, ended the relationship, which often raises red flags for future creditors. They might assume there was a problem like missed payments, risk concerns, or account misuse - even if that's not the case.
This notation can lead to these impacts:
- Reduced available credit, raising your credit utilization ratio.
- Potential drop in credit score due to lender-initiated closure.
- A possible hit to your creditworthiness for new loans or cards.
That said, the damage depends heavily on your overall credit behavior. If you maintained a solid payment history and low balances, the impact softens over time, but don't expect it to vanish overnight. It's crucial to check your credit reports to ensure the closure reason is recorded accurately.
Focus on paying off any remaining balance promptly and keep your other accounts in good standing to rebuild trust with lenders. For a practical next move, see 'how to protect your credit after closure' to shield your score going forward.
Stay proactive - credit repair doesn't happen by magic.
How To Protect Your Credit After Closure
Protecting your credit after an account closure, like one from Synchrony Bank, starts with staying vigilant and proactive. The moment your account shuts, your credit doesn't vanish, but your strategy must shift.
Check Your Credit Reports Immediately. Mistakes happen. Confirm the closed account's status and any outstanding balance is reported correctly. Errors here can tank your credit unfairly.
Pay Any Remaining Balance Fast. Even though the account is closed, if you owe money, paying it off quickly avoids late fees and collections that wreck credit scores.
Keep Other Accounts in Tip-Top Shape. Timely payments on your active cards and loans show lenders you're responsible and stabilize your credit profile.
Lower Your Credit Utilization Ratio. If the closed account boosted your total credit line, losing it can spike your utilization. Reduce debt on remaining cards to avoid that jump.
Avoid Opening New Credit Too Soon. It's tempting to replace lost credit, but too many inquiries can hurt your score. Apply sparingly and only when necessary.
Monitor for Fraud and Identity Issues. Closure sometimes hints at risk. Regularly check for suspicious activity on all credit accounts.
Update Automatic Payments. Make sure subscriptions and bills tied to the closed card move to an active one to prevent missed payments.
Consider a Secured Card or Credit Builder Loan. If your credit needs a jumpstart, these tools help rebuild history without risky borrowing.
Think of this as damage control plus credit hygiene. Stay calm, pay down balances, watch your report, and hold off on chasing new credit. Protecting your credit is about consistent, deliberate moves - not quick fixes. For more on managing payments, check 'how to move automatic payments fast.'
4 Mistakes To Avoid After Account Closure
After your account closes, the biggest traps are easy to fall into but tough to undo. Avoid these four mistakes to keep your financial footing steady. First, never ignore the balance on your closed account. Leaving it unpaid can spiral into fees, collections, or credit damage. Second, don't forget to switch all automatic payments linked to that account right away. Missing bills hits your credit hard and causes headaches.
Next, steer clear of applying for lots of new credit immediately. This signals risk to lenders and can tank your score further. Finally, keep a close watch on your credit reports. Errors are common after closures and can hurt your credit unfairly if left unchecked. Set alerts or check monthly to catch and dispute problems fast.
To recap: handle leftover balances, update automatic payments, hold off on new credit, and monitor your reports without fail. This approach stops small issues from ballooning. If you want to understand what to do first, see '3 immediate steps after account closure' - it guides those all-important actions right after closure.

"Thank you for the advice. I am very happy with the work you are doing. The credit people have really done an amazing job for me and my wife. I can't thank you enough for taking a special interest in our case like you have. I have received help from at least a half a dozen people over there and everyone has been so nice and helpful. You're a great company."
GUSS K. New Jersey