Is SYF (Synchrony Financial) Halal or Haram?

Based on our AAOIFI-standard shariah screening, SYF is Not Halal (Haram) and is not considered permissible for Muslim investors. It failed 4 of 4 compliance screens. Synchrony Financial's core business activity was found to be non-compliant. Its debt-to-market-cap ratio of 59.09% exceeds the ≤33% threshold. Its interest income of 118.23% exceeds the ≤5% limit. Its cash & securities ratio of 67.42% exceeds the ≤33% threshold.

Synchrony Financial is a major consumer financial services company in the United States, specializing in private label credit cards, co-branded cards, and installment loans. It also provides a range of conventional consumer banking products, including certificates of deposit, high-yield savings accounts, and money market accounts. For Muslim investors using HalalStocks.co.uk, Synchrony Financial is classified as Not Halal (Haram) and should be avoided entirely. The stock fails every single AAOIFI screening metric, meaning its core business and financial structure are fundamentally incompatible with Islamic investing principles. From an Islamic finance perspective, the company's financial structure is highly problematic. It carries an excessive debt-to-market cap ratio of 59.1% and derives a massive 118.23% of its revenue from interest income, far exceeding the strict 5% threshold allowed for halal portfolios. Because its entire business model is built on riba (usury) through credit services and conventional banking, there is no scholarly debate regarding its non-compliance. Muslim investors must exclude this stock from their portfolios and look toward permissible sectors instead. Synchrony Financial operates in the Financial Services sector under the Financial - Credit Services industry and is headquartered in Stamford, CT, US. The company is led by CEO Brian D. Doubles and employs approximately 20,000 people.

SYF was screened using AAOIFI-based shariah compliance criteria. Four tests are applied: (1) Business Activity — the company's core business must not derive primary income from haram (prohibited) activities such as alcohol, gambling, tobacco, or interest-based finance. (2) Debt-to-Market-Cap — total debt must not exceed 33% of market capitalization. (3) Interest Income — interest income must not exceed 5% of total revenue. (4) Cash & Securities — cash and interest-bearing securities must not exceed 33% of market cap. SYF passed 0 of these 4 screens.

SYF was last screened on 2026-04-29. Shariah compliance status can change as companies report new financial data, acquire new businesses, or shift revenue streams. We recommend checking back periodically for the most up-to-date screening results.