Consumer complaint received 2021-05-17
Company: DISCOVER BANK
State: AZ
Product: Credit card or prepaid card
Sub-product: General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Other features, terms, or problems
Sub-issue: Other problem

Complaint:
Hello, My name is XXXX XXXX. I have a personal secured credit card line with Discover credit card. I have been a customer since XXXX. In or around XXXX of XXXX. I enrolled in a deferment payment program that was supposed to lower my interest and give me lower minimum payment terms, due to my losing my employment due to XXXX. I was told that upon entering this program, my spending privileges were going to be suspended until such time of the balance has been paid or time on the program has expired. After requesting an option that would better fit my financial ability, this option was the only one that was offered to me. In good faith, I reluctantly accepted the offer to stop the collections calls from Discover. After enrolling in the program, the collection/harassment calls continued. On XX/XX/XXXX ; I was able to pay the entire balance of the card, after receiving my stimulus payment. At this time, I was told my enrollment in the deferment program had been voided as the balance was paid off. I was also informed to be aware of the monthly interest on the amount that was paid. On XX/XX/XXXX ; I paid off the existing current interest due for the previous amount paid ( {$1900.00} ). At that time the program should've been completely voided to its entirety, as the card has a zero balance. I spoke to representatives from several different department ( Customer service, Collections, Account Review & Credit Operations ) on the dates of XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX, XX/XX/XXXX, XXXX, & XX/XX/XXXX. All calls were pertaining to either reinstating my spending privileges so that I could freeze my account. Or refusing the account review process as it forces a credit check that I decline to participate in. I am currently trying to purchase a home and checking my credit or having a newly financial account opened or closed is detrimental to my credit standing. Once my home is purchased it is my desire to close this account if a resolution can not be obtained for this specific issue. 
Today, XX/XX/XXXX, I was told by a csr on the account review team and the credit operations department that my account is being reviewed monthly and my credit is being checked without my consent. At this time, I asked what the results were, as my credit is in a better standing today than it was when I initially opened the account! If credit is the sole decision maker to reinstate my account, then technically there is no reason why my spending privileges should be suspended. I was told that my account has been reviewed twice since I paid the entire balance and that because of the deferment program my credit standings will determine my spending privileges. At that time, I then expressed my concerns of possibly being retaliated against or discriminated against due to race. I told the csr that I felt I was being retaliated against because almost every CSR that I have enacted with has become aggressive towards my questions about my account. Defiant to give any written information concerning my account. Combative when asked to speak to a superior, and reluctant to resolve my issue by forwarding my call to the correct superior with decision-making abilities. And I feel discriminated against because they are privilege to my XXXX demographic information from my credit report and from me revealing my race over the phone. When asked If the decision to extend credit to existing accounts were the same for everyone, I was assured they were. But when asked about the decision-making process. I was declined this knowledge and was told it was under their proprietorship, and not for public knowledge. 
In conclusion, I am filing this claim today to receive a resolution about how to reinstate my account. I would like to see a reinstatement on my account that does not involve my credit worthiness being jeopardized. I do not feel that credit standings should be a sole decision maker for current account holders who are NOT requesting to increase credit limits. ( FYI- my credit standing is in a better predicament today than it was when I opened this account in XXXX. ) How are the credit requirements different today, than just 2 years ago? I also would like to see current account holders who are experiencing fragile credit situations, the option to decline or suspend the decision for account review or credit checks for a limited time. This will give customers the options to stabilize credit worthiness. And if this cant be done, then Discover should offer credit management operators to help customers to overcome such overwhelming situations. Discover should not willing involve itself in the detriment of its customers credit worthiness. Especially if that customer doesnt owe a debit to their company. A credit card company should be a benefit to its consumers as well as a financial entity.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation