Consumer complaint received 2020-06-19
Company: NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
State: VA
Product: Mortgage
Sub-product: Conventional home mortgage
Issue: Applying for a mortgage or refinancing an existing mortgage

Complaint:
On XX/XX/2020, at the end of an unnecessarily exhaustive mortgage refinance process, Loan Officer XXXX XXXX ( ( XXXX ) XXXX x XXXX, XXXX ) of NFCU informed us that NFCU will not provide a mortgage refinance because my wife was born in XXXX XXXX vs. the United States. 

We are being denied a mortgage refinance solely based on race/national origin. This is illegal based on several laws, including the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ) and the Fair Housing Act ( FH Act ). 

The ECOA prohibits discrimination based on : Race or color Religion National origin Sex Marital status Age ( provided the applicant has the capacity to contract ) The applicants receipt of income derived from any public assistance program The applicants exercise, in good faith, of any right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act The Fair Housing Act ( FH Act ) prohibits discrimination in all aspects of " residential real-estate related transactions, '' including but not limited to : Making loans to buy, build, repair or improve a dwelling Purchasing real estate loans Selling, brokering, or appraising residential real estate Selling or renting a dwelling The FH Act prohibits discrimination based on : Race or color National origin Religion of Consumer Financial Protection and Access National Credit Union XXXX XXXX Familial status ( defined as children under the age of XXXX living with a parent or legal custodian, pregnant women, and people securing custody of children under XXXX ) Handicap I am a United States XXXX. My wife and I are legally married. We have children. Both of us individually and jointly hold property in the United States. We both have social security numbers. We both pay taxes. We are both NFCU members ( long members ) and have individual NFCU accounts and joint accounts. We both have outstanding credit ( both rating and duration, 15 and 30 years ).  We reside solely in the United States. The refinance is for our primary residence. We have had and have paid off several mortgages. Our current mortgage is held by XXXX XXXX. 

We have met all NFCU criteria. We have provided all information as requested. All information, substantial assets, and employment have been verified. 
The loan is showing as approved on both my wifes and my NFCU log in screen ( for days ). 
A closing estimate has been provided. 
All borrower information has been verified. 
NFCU ( without notice or consent ) has changed my lien holder with XXXX to NFCU. 
Money has been spent for appraisals and credit reports. 
There is no mention whatsoever in application documents, NFCU policy, or the NFCU website regarding denials/non-qualifications based on race, national origin, citizenship, or other. 
And, most importantly, my wife and I are both long-standing NFCU members. 

This is a simple 50 % XXXX loan, with borrowers who have outstanding credit, verified income, and significant reserve funds that could pay off the loan at any time. 

The following NFCU supervisors have been contacted regarding this matter and have refused to respond : XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX, XXXX ), XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX, XXXX ), Summer Wise ( XXXX Ext. XXXX, XXXX ). 

Thank you for your attention to this matter and I look forward to your response. 

V/r, XXXX XXXX

Company public response: Company believes it acted appropriately as authorized by contract or law
Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation