How to Settle Debt With SYNCB

George Simons | February 01, 2025

Fact-checked by Patrick Austin, J.D.

Patrick Austin
Attorney from George Mason
Patrick Austin, JD

Patrick Austin is a licensed attorney with a background in data privacy and information security law. Patrick received his law degree at George Mason University's Antonin Scalia Law School, where he served as the Editor-in-Chief for the National Security Law Journal.

George Simons
Co-Founder of SoloSuit
George Simons, JD/MBA

George Simons is the co-founder and CEO of SoloSuit. He has helped Americans protect over $1 billion from predatory debt lawsuits. George graduated from BYU Law school in 2020 with a JD-MBA. In his spare time, George likes to cook, because he likes to eat.

Edited by Hannah Locklear

Hannah Locklear
Editor at SoloSuit
Hannah Locklear, BA

Hannah Locklear is SoloSuit’s Marketing and Impact Manager. With an educational background in Linguistics, Spanish, and International Development from Brigham Young University, Hannah has also worked as a legal support specialist for several years.

Summary: Sued for a debt by Synchrony Bank for the PayPal Extra Mastercard? This guide is for you. Use Solo to respond effectively and resolve your debt issue.

Being on the receiving end of a debt collection notice from Synchrony Bank / PayPal Extra Mastercard (SYNC/PPEXTR) is no one's idea of fun. However, it happens, and if you are in receipt of a letter from SYNCB attempting to collect a debt, you'll want to know how to handle it. Do not get stressed out. You got this. There are proactive steps you can take to resolve your debt issue, like negotiating a debt settlement.

Settle debt with SYNCB

You can negotiate debt settlement at any stage of the collections process. SoloSettle makes it easy.

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What Is SYNCB?

SYNCB stands for Synchrony Bank, an online bank offering high-yield savings accounts, money market accounts and CDs. Synchrony also offers financing and credit cards, including the PayPal Extra Mastercard, across different retail and service categories.

Synchrony Bank manages debt collection internally through a department and does not typically hire outside debt collection agencies. However, if the debt is so delinquent that legal action is necessary, SYNCB will hire a debt collection law firm to file a lawsuit and escalate the debt in an effort to persuade the debtor to pay it off.

Read SYNCB reviews online

Researching the online reviews of other people who interacted with SYNC/PPEXTR on a debt collection matter is a prudent decision, especially if you intend to reach out to the debt collector to discuss your own debt issue. Solo is here to help. Below are sources to real online reviews:

Objectively, the online reviews of SYNC/PPEXTR are a mixed bag. Despite the up and down reviews, this should not deter you from taking steps to engage with SYNC/PPEXTR in an effort to resolve the debt collection matter. Many debt collectors, including those affiliated with SYNC/PPEXTR, are willing to work with individuals to resolve a collection matter. Proactive communication is essential.

Negotiate with SYNCB to settle your debt

Whether you were served with a Summons and Complaint related to a debt collection lawsuit or have only received a few phone calls, you retain the ability to try and negotiate a debt settlement.

Here are some recommended steps to try and settle your debt with SYNCB:

  1. If SYNCB sued you, file a written Answer with the court to avoid a default judgment. This is important because a default judgment would hinder your position during settlement discussions.
  2. Take the time to calculate what you can pay towards the amount owed. For example, if you owe $10,000 and could reasonably pay half the amount and still have funds left over to cover your living expenses, then this can provide some parameters for your settlement negotiations.
  3. Contact SYNCB and make a fair offer to settle. You can send a debt settlement letter requesting that the firm consider your offer. The settlement offer should be lower than the number you calculated in Step 1. This will leave room for you to negotiate upward if they reject your first offer. Make sure to engage in written settlement communications with SYNC/PPEXTR and continue to use written communication throughout the process.
  4. Get the agreement in writing. If you are successful in reaching a debt settlement agreement, draft a debt settlement agreement containing the relevant terms and provisions.
  5. Sign the agreement. Make sure both you and the debt collector sign the agreement. This will make the contract legally binding and help you avoid discrepancies or disputes in the future.
  6. Be sure to pay the agreed amount in time. Fulfill your end of the agreement and keep your word. Failure to do so will probably lead to bigger issues like wage garnishment and liens on your property.

To learn more about these tips and others that may assist you on your journey to settle debt with SYNC/PPEXTR, watch the following interview with a consumer rights attorney, John Skiba, where he shares the best tips for negotiating debt settlement with collectors:

Credit card companies must prove the debt is valid

If a credit card company has sued you for an outstanding balance, it must prove that you owe the money. If there is a flaw in the case, you can demonstrate that the company failed to show you owe the money or that you owe a lower amount. During the plaintiffs' presentation, you defend against their case by showing the flaws in it.

A debt collection case from a credit card company is a breach of contract lawsuit. The amount the credit card company is suing you for must be directly linked to your failure to perform responsibilities under a valid contract. Therefore, the first element of their case that must be proven is the existence of a valid contract.

Courts operate on evidence, so the credit card company must present a copy of the contract. This contract must prove that the company offered it to you, you accepted it and that valid consideration was given. Valid consideration could be the services the company provided to you.

In addition, the credit card company must prove that you breached the contract. It will need to show account statements and records demonstrating that you failed to pay the required amount. In addition, the credit card company must show that it suffered harm. For example, if you breached the contract but the company lost no money, then the credit card company cannot prove harm.

When you receive a lawsuit or notification of a potential lawsuit, you should ask yourself some important questions, including the following:

  • Did I own a credit card from this company?
  • Are these even my charges?
  • Is the amount in the suit accurate?

In many cases, the credit card company will have evidence to prove its claim; however, you may have affirmative defenses that entitle you to a dismissal.

Use these affirmative defenses if you’re sued by SYNCB

Affirmative defenses show that the credit card company violated a point of law, which entitles you to a dismissal of the case or a reduction in the amount owed.

For example, if you paid the balance and the credit card company failed to give you credit, it has breached the contract, not you. If you can show you paid, then you fulfilled your responsibility. If the company failed to account for it correctly, you are not responsible.

With SoloSuit you can make the right affirmative defenses the right way.

Typical affirmative defenses include the following:

Statute of Limitations

Each state sets a statute of limitations. For example, in Florida, a four-year limit applies to breach of contract lawsuits. If too much time has passed, the case must be dismissed, and you owe nothing.

Note: When a statute (law) applies, the company cannot write language into a contract that allows it to get around the law. For instance, if the contract states that the company has five years to file a lawsuit, but the law only allows for four, then the five-year requirement is invalid. The law always supersedes.

Plaintiff Failed to Attach Contract or Other Required Paperwork to the Lawsuit

The company must document its allegations.

Plaintiff Failed to Comply with Court Regulations

The company will hold you to all rules, so do the same to them.

Sued for Unauthorized Charges

If you never authorized the charges, you are not responsible for them. Period. The only exception is if you are a co-signer on someone else's account and that person made the charges.

Sued for Fees not Included in the Contract

Late fees, over limit fees, collection charges, attorney fees, court cost and all other fees must be included explicitly in the contract.

Sued for Fees That Violate Statutory Laws

Many states limit or bar certain fees. If you have been charged a fee that is unlawful, it must be dismissed, regardless of what the contract reads.

Charged an Interest Rate That Violates the Law

Many jurisdictions place a ceiling on interest rates. You have an affirmative defense if you have been overcharged according to the law.

Always Respond to a Lawsuit from SYNCB/PPEXTR

The worst mistake you can make as a debtor is to ignore a lawsuit. Many people make this mistake because they believe, erroneously, that there is no point if they cannot afford to pay the debt. Nothing could be further from the truth.

If you lack funds, responding is even more important because it prevents the company from receiving a default judgment. When the defendant doesn't show, the court automatically enters an order in favor of the plaintiff for whatever monies are demanded. This can result in a judgment that far exceeds the original debt.

Solo makes it simple to respond the right way.

Further, the default judgement gives the creditor the right to levy your bank account or garnish your wages. If you are low on money, this is a terrible result.

Upon receipt of the lawsuit, make sure to file an answer. The answer should demand that the company prove you owe the debt and assert any affirmative defenses. If the company can prove you owe the money, it may be wise to settle out of court. Often, the company will agree to waive fees, interest, penalties and some of the original debt itself.

Since SYNCB/PPEXTR is an original creditor (as opposed to a collection firm that buys debt) it is more likely to have the paperwork needed to prove you owe money and it has the right to collect it. Because of this, focusing on affirmative defenses and negotiating for a lower settlement often works best. By responding to the lawsuit, demanding proof of the debt and asserting affirmative defenses, you gain the leverage you need to obtain a productive settlement agreement.

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How to Answer a Summons for debt collection in all 50 states

Here's a list of guides on how to respond to a debt collection lawsuit in each state:

The Ultimate 50 State Guide

Debt collector guides

Are you being contacted by a debt collector? We’re making guides on how to resolve debt with each one.

Arbitration

If the thought of going to court stresses you out, you’re not alone. Many Americans who are sued for credit card debt utilize a Motion to Compel Arbitration to push their case out of court and into arbitration.

Below are some resources on how to use an arbitration clause to your advantage and win a debt lawsuit.

Bankruptcy

Bankruptcy is a great way to legally resolve debt, but it's usually best to consider it as a last resort. Here are some bankruptcy guides to help you decide which debt resolution option is best for you.

Check your case status

Don’t have time to go to your local courthouse to check the status of your case? We’ve created state guides on how to check the status of your case throughout the US, complete with online search tools and court directories.

Credit

Debt has a big impact on your credit. Below is a list of guides on how to repair and improve your credit, even while managing major debt, along with other credit-related resources.

Debt collection FAQs

Find answers to some of our the most commonly-asked questions about debt collection below.

Debt collection documents and templates

If you're dealing with debt, these documents and templates will help you respond, protect your rights, negotiate, and resolve your debts.

Debt relief

We’ve created a specialized guide on how to find debt relief in all 50 states, complete with steps to take to find relief, state-specific resources, and more.

Debt settlement

Debt settlement is one of the most effective ways to resolve a debt and save money. We’ve created state guides on debt settlement. Find out how to settle in your state with a simple click and explore other debt settlement resources below.

Eviction

Facing an eviction? The following guides will help you navigate your situation with confidence.

Federal debt collection laws

Knowing your rights makes it easier to stand up for your rights. Below, we’ve compiled all our articles on federal debt collection laws that protect you from unfair practices.

Legal aid

Helping people find access to justice is at the heart of Solo's misison. If you're dealing with a legal debt issue, the following guides will help you through it.

Medical debt

Having a health challenge is stressful, but dealing with medical debt on top of it is overwhelming. Here are some resources on how to manage medical debt.

Personal finance

Learn how to manage your finances and overcome crushing debt. Check out our personal finance guides below.

State debt collection laws

Debt collection laws vary by state, so we have compiled a guide to each state’s debt collection laws to make it easier for you to stand up for your rights—no matter where you live.

Statute of limitations on debt

Like all debt collection laws, the statute of limitations on debt varies by state. So, we wrote guides on each state’s statutes and more.

Stop collection calls

Do you keep getting calls from an unknown number, only to realize that it’s a debt collector on the other line? If you’ve been called by any of the following numbers, chances are you have collectors coming after you, and we’ll tell you how to stop them.

Wage garnishment

Forgot to respond to your debt lawsuit? The judge may have ordered a default judgment against you, and with a default judgment, debt collectors can garnish your wages. Here are our guides on how to stop wage garnishment in your state, plus other wage garnishment resources.

The Debt Hotline

Hosted by Team Solo, The Debt Hotline breaks down debt and personal finance topics with help from attorneys, financial experts, and industry pros. We respond to real questions to help you navigate debt with knowledge and courage.

Other debt resources


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