Consumer complaint received 2019-04-11
Company: CITIBANK, N.A.
State: IL
Product: Checking or savings account
Sub-product: Checking account
Issue: Opening an account
Sub-issue: Confusing or missing disclosures

Complaint:
The attached is an explanation and the actual letter I sent to Citibank. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX . 
XXXX IL XXXX To whom it may concern, I am writing in regards to a complaint I have with Citibanks overdraft protection line of credit policy. On XX/XX/19 my wife XXXX XXXX XXXX and I went to the XXXX Citibank branch at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX IL XXXX. We went in for the sole purpose of adding myself ( her husband ) to her Citibank checking account with optional overdraft protection line of credit as well as her savings account which she had prior to us getting married. When my wife got this checking account years ago, she opted in for the optional overdraft protection line of credit. Her credit was run and she was approved for {$5000.00}. When we went into the bank, we spoke with branch manager XXXX XXXX who told us in order for me to get added to my wifes checking account I needed a credit check. I questioned this because I was not applying for credit and she could only respond that it was Citibanks overdraft protection policy. Being unable to elaborate why it was necessary, XXXX XXXX started suggesting to just add me as a beneficiary, so I would only have access if my wife passes away contrary to what my wife and I already discussed and agreed upon. I then explained I have the same overdraft protection at other banks and when my wife was added they did not do a hard or soft credit check on her because I was already approved for the line of credit protection. Even to open a new checking account with those banks only one party needs a credit check for the protection. My wife has also been added as an authorized user to every retail credit card ( multiple banks ) I had prior to marriage. This is also the same for new credit cards I opened by myself after marriage with no credit check required of wife. Later in the evening I called Citibank customer service about the policy and again received explanation as to why my credit needs to be pulled to be added to a checking account other than it is policy. Today XX/XX/19 I spoke with XXXX XXXX from the XXXX branch who explained again the credit check is necessary because it is Citibanks line of credit protection policy. When asked if our line of credit protection will increase after my credit check XXXX replied no and that it will be dropped if my credit is not good ( which it not the case ). I feel the unnecessary need to have my credit checked for something my wife has been approved for already is an invasion of my privacy. I say this due to the fact that I am not getting anything in return for having Citibank access my personal financial information other than to be added to what I have a legal right to. I also understand my wife can opt out of the line of credit protection which she was approved for because of my reluctance to a credit check, but she does not want to do so. Also, there is nothing in the overdraft policy or fine print I can find stating how or why my credit check is necessary or how it will or will not be used. I am also fully aware the soft credit inquiry being requested are used for employers/new employees, landlords/new tenants, when you check your credit yourself or for pre-approved for a credit offer which is not the case here. Actually, a hard credit check is more applicable here because it is a line of credit. After this unpleasant experience with Citibank and causing much stress between my wife and I, you can guarantee I will be attempting to have my wife switch her accounts. Thank you.

Company public response: Company has responded to the consumer and the CFPB and chooses not to provide a public response
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation