Sued by Synchrony Bank in Kansas? Here's What to Do Next

2014 · consent order

$228.5M total ($225M consumer relief + $3.5M CFPB civil money penalty)

CFPB consent order finding GE Capital Retail Bank (now Synchrony Bank) deceptively marketed credit card debt-cancellation and payment-protection add-on products, and excluded Spanish-speaking and Puerto Rico cardholders from debt-relief promotions offered to other delinquent customers in violation of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act.

CFPB source

Statute of Limitations Defense

In Kansas, the statute of limitations for credit card debt is 5 years. If your last payment was more than 5 years ago, the debt is time-barred. Verify when your last payment or account activity occurred and raise the SOL defense in your Answer if applicable.

Challenge the Amount

Demand a complete accounting from the original creditor's last statement through the current claimed balance. Any unauthorized fees, post-charge-off interest, or collection costs not in the original agreement should be disputed line by line.

Kansas Wage Garnishment Exemptions

Federal limits apply. Head of household protections available.

Kansas Consumer Protection Act

In addition to the federal FDCPA, Kansas's Kansas Consumer Protection Act may provide additional protections and remedies against Synchrony Bank's collection practices.

Kansas Court System

Small claims limit $4,000. District court handles larger civil cases. Filing fees in Kansas typically range $45-$200.

What store cards does Synchrony Bank issue?

Synchrony issues cards for Amazon Store Card, Walmart, Lowe's, Sam's Club, PayPal Credit, CareCredit, JCPenney, Gap, and many others. If you have a store-branded credit card, Synchrony is likely the issuer.

Can Synchrony sue me for a store card balance?

Yes. Synchrony regularly sues for unpaid store card and CareCredit balances. They may sue directly or assign the account to a collection law firm.

What if I was misled about CareCredit terms?

CareCredit promotional financing has been the subject of CFPB enforcement actions for deceptive practices. If you were misled about the terms, you may have a defense or counterclaim.

How long does Synchrony wait before suing?

Synchrony typically charges off accounts after about 180 days of non-payment. They may sue shortly after charge-off or sell the debt to a buyer who will sue.

How long do I have to respond in Kansas?

21 days from service.

What is the SOL in Kansas?

5 years for written contracts. 3 years for oral contracts.

Can wages be garnished in Kansas?

Yes. Federal limits apply.

What court handles debt lawsuits?

Small claims up to $4,000. District court for larger amounts.

What is the statute of limitations on debt collection in Kansas?

Kansas's statute of limitations on a written contract is five years under K.S.A. § 60-511, and three years on an oral contract under K.S.A. § 60-512. Kansas courts apply the five-year written-contract limit to credit-card debt when the cardholder agreement is in writing. The clock starts on the date of the last payment or the date the account was charged off. If you are sued more than five years after last activity, statute of limitations is an affirmative defense you must plead in your answer under K.S.A. § 60-208(c)(1) or you waive it. Filing a time-barred collection lawsuit can support a counterclaim under the federal FDCPA at 15 U.S.C. § 1692e(2) for misrepresenting the legal status of a debt and under the Kansas Consumer Protection Act at K.S.A. § 50-626. Partial payment or written acknowledgment can restart the clock under K.S.A. § 60-520.

How much can be garnished from my wages in Kansas?

Kansas wage-garnishment law at K.S.A. § 60-2310 follows the federal Consumer Credit Protection Act limit at 15 U.S.C. § 1673. Creditors may take the lesser of 25 percent of weekly disposable earnings or the amount by which weekly disposable earnings exceed 30 times the federal minimum wage. Disposable earnings means gross pay minus required deductions like federal and state income tax, FICA, and Medicare. Child support, alimony, and federal student-loan garnishments follow different percentages. Social Security, SSI, VA benefits, unemployment, workers compensation, and most retirement income are exempt under federal law and K.S.A. § 60-2308. After service of the order of garnishment, you can request a hearing under K.S.A. § 60-2310(e) to assert exemptions or correct calculation errors.

Does Kansas Consumer Protection Act apply to abusive debt collectors?

Yes. The Kansas Consumer Protection Act at K.S.A. § 50-626 prohibits deceptive acts and practices in consumer transactions, and Kansas appellate courts have applied it to debt-collection conduct that misrepresents amounts owed, threatens action the collector cannot take, or harasses the consumer. K.S.A. § 50-627 separately prohibits unconscionable acts. A consumer can recover actual damages or a civil penalty of up to $10,000 per violation, whichever is greater, plus attorney fees under K.S.A. § 50-634(b). The Act covers original creditors and third-party debt collectors, which is broader than the federal FDCPA. Combine a Kansas CPA claim with a federal FDCPA claim under 15 U.S.C. § 1692k for maximum leverage. The Attorney General Consumer Protection Division at 1-800-432-2310 also investigates complaints.

What property is exempt from collection in Kansas?

Kansas has generous personal-property exemptions under K.S.A. § 60-2304. A debtor can keep up to $20,000 in motor-vehicle equity, or up to $40,000 if the vehicle is equipped for use by a disabled person. Tools of the trade, including books and equipment used in a profession, are exempt up to $7,500 under K.S.A. § 60-2304(e). Household furnishings, food, and clothing are exempt without dollar limit if reasonably necessary for the family. The Kansas homestead exemption at K.S.A. § 60-2301 protects unlimited home equity on the family residence, although it is capped at $189,050 in bankruptcy under federal BAPCPA. Social Security, SSI, VA benefits, unemployment, workers compensation, and retirement accounts are exempt under federal law and K.S.A. § 60-2308. Exemptions must be claimed in writing within 14 days of receiving the writ of execution.

How do I respond to a Kansas debt-collection limited-actions case?

If you are sued in limited actions under K.S.A. § 61-2802 for a claim up to $20,000, you must file a written answer with the clerk within 21 days of service under K.S.A. § 61-2901, or by the appearance date listed on the summons if earlier. In your answer, deny the allegations you do not know to be true, demand strict proof of the chain of assignment from the original creditor, and assert affirmative defenses including statute of limitations under K.S.A. § 60-511, lack of standing of the assignee, improper venue under K.S.A. § 60-603, and any Kansas Consumer Protection Act or FDCPA counterclaim. The Kansas Judicial Branch offers fillable forms and limited-actions information for self-represented parties. Default judgment under K.S.A. § 60-255 is entered automatically if you do not answer or appear.