Beware: Google Store & Synchrony bank issues

[anthonium]

I placed an order for the smaller pixel limited edition really blue on December 2nd and my order has been pending since. After several back and forth calls with Google and Synchrony it seems they are having issues with payments for customers that are attempting to pay with the Google Store Finance account. Both parties have received complaints from many customers regarding this and both parties are looking into the issue. Google did say they'll at least send me an email once they can identify the issue.

Unfortunately in my case I already took a credit hit for the application process and now I can't even use it with Google! Ultimately I just cancelled my order today. I'm not sure I'll try to purchase another way. A bit peeved with the whole situation. If anyone can prove suggestions on a way I can pay for this phone on a monthly basis I'd appreciate it. I think it's possible with a credit card but I'm not so sure how that works. I suppose it depends on the card whether you have to pay the full balance once it's charged or not? I rarely use credit card.

Anyway I'd thought I'd share this for those that are thinking of applying and purchasing the phone through Google Store Finance.

 

[chestvrg]

Beware: Google Store & Synchrony bank issues

Thank you for sharing that I also used the google finance but I just placed my order like two days ago, mine also shows as pending. How inconvenient it is that the google pixel is only offered by Verizon otherwise I would ah e gotten it on a payment plan with T-Mobile.

 

[twinkiestoes]

Beware of Synchrony Bank. I think the main problem lies on them, I am starting to be suspicious!

[edited because I think I was a bit too detailed]

So far Google CS has been helpful with me but not Synchrony bank. Google needs to ditch synchrony bank!

 

[chestvrg]

how strange this is, you know in my case like a few days later they sent me a google card with what seems to be my account number. Mine has been on hold as well but only for 3 days I believe as opposed to yours since December 2nd. It doesn't make sense for a bank to approve you on one end and deny you on the other unless their servers are experiencing issues.

So in your case, if they denied you, the order has to be canceled, not pending. Now in my case, I will call tomorrow to see what is going on with my google account number.

 

[twinkiestoes]

I checked with Google CS and my order is still pending. Google CS told me there is a grace period, until 12/15 before my order is canceled

[edited because I was a bit too detailed]

 

[anthonium]

I can't say for certain what the problem is. I've used Synchrony before a while ago for financing some furniture I purchased without a problem. After cancelling my order I waited one day (today) to purchase the phone again and this time the charge went through without a problem and the phone is being delivered this week. I think it might be some technical issues in their systems why people are having trouble. I would think Google partnered with them knowing what they were doing.

Perhaps try cancelling your current order and putting a new one. Delivery date could still be before Christmas like it currently is for me.

 

[twinkiestoes]

No way I am cancelling my order, I waited specifically for the blue one.

[edited as I fee it was too detailed]

But Synchrony bank is no-no for me from now on.

 

[chestvrg]

Yes it may not be a good idea to just cancel the order by now because if we put another order in, is going to delay the phone further to a further out date. Yes this is strange, I can also think that their systems are overloaded it could be another reason.

I'm going to call google CS tomorrow to inquire about my order.

 

[twinkiestoes]

I don't think it's the system alone. They seem to have a bad structure and bad customer service. I've never seen a customer service this bad (as Synchrony bank). I generally do not have problem with outsourcing but I think outsourcing their customer service ruins their quality.

 

[twinkiestoes]

I don't think it's the system alone. They seem to have a bad structure and bad customer service. I've never seen a customer service this bad (as Synchrony bank).

 

[chestvrg]

I don't think it's the system alone. They seem to have a bad structure and bad customer service. I've never seen a customer service this bad (as Synchrony bank).

I'm in EST any idea until what time their CS is operational

 

[twinkiestoes]

double post

 

[Almeuit]

No issues here. Applied, got it, and bought the phone via the financing.

 

[twinkiestoes]

9 AM - 9PM EST (Monday to Friday). I think they are only up to 8 PM EST for weekends (this is Synchrony)

If you mean Google, there is an "order support" that will allow you to call them in your order page.

 

[chestvrg]

9 AM - 9PM EST (Monday to Friday). I think they are only up to 8 PM EST for weekends (this is Synchrony)

Thank you, perfect for after work calling

 

[twinkiestoes]

Look at what I dug around regarding Synchrony Bank

CFPB Orders GE Capital to Pay $225 Million in Consumer Relief for Deceptive and Discriminatory Credit Card Practices | Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

 

[chestvrg]

Wow no wonder why all this delay is hppening, they are being deceptive. Now what's going to happen with our orders. I still hope I get mine, but if not I'll have to cancel it. I'm still going to call google CS tomorrow.

 

[anthonium]

Just a small note, the article is from 2014. Usually, after getting fined, most banks clean up their acts. Most banks are getting fined all the time nowadays.

Regardless, if you can pay for the phone upfront, go for it. Less hassle.

 

[twinkiestoes]

Just a small note, the article is from 2014. Usually, after getting fined, most banks clean up their acts. Most banks are getting fined all the time nowadays.

Regardless, if you can pay for the phone upfront, go for it. Less hassle.

That is the problem with Synchrony bank. They were already sued and fined, they're still up to the shenanigans. Amazon uses Synch and there are gazillions of complaints too post 2014. I inquired in other forums if there are people who have the same experience as mine, and there were!

What concerns me is privacy. I have read complaints that Synch bank opened new accounts for them withOUT their permission.

They are the fishiest bank that I have encountered.

 

[anthonium]

Recently Wells Fargo got fined for opening accounts without customer's consent. Banks in general tend to be a bit fishy. Some more than others.

Best thing to do is definitely maintain an eye on your credit report using something like Credit Karma) or anti identity theft sites. You'll be notified whenever something impacts your credit or someone opens a loan or credit card under your name/social.

In general, play it safe with any bank!