Consumer complaint received 2023-09-16
Company: NAVY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
State: NY
Product: Credit card
Sub-product: General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Getting a credit card
Sub-issue: Application denied

Complaint:
Dear Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recent denial of my credit application and to seek clarification on certain matters pertaining to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ). 

Firstly, I would like to clarify that I understand Navy Federal Credit Unions right to assess credit applications based on established criteria. However, I know there might be a misunderstanding regarding the nature of my credit application. 

I wish to highlight that I have an open-ended credit line associated with my social security number. This credit line represents a credit relationship that I have established and maintained over time. As the CARDHOLDER, I utilize my social security number as the basis for these credit transactions. According to ( Section 15 USC 1681a, subsection 1, ) which defines the term credit, it includes the RIGHT granted by a creditor to defer payment of debt or to incur debt and defer its payment. Additionally, the definition of a credit card in ( SECTION 15 USC 1681a Subsection 3, ) encompasses any card, plate, coupon book, or other single credit device that may be used from time to time to obtain money, property, labor, or services on credit. 

( Section 15 USC 1681a, subsection k, ) defines adverse action as a denial or revocation of credit, a change in the terms of an existing credit arrangement, or a refusal to grant credit in the amount or on the terms requested. 

Furthermore, as it relates to my credit denial, I received an adverse action letter as required by law. This adverse action was Adverse to the interest of the consumer, as my interest was in applying for credit cards, securing credit lines, and obtaining loans to support various financial needs and goals. 

I also want to bring to your attention ( Section 15 USC 1691a, subsection 3 ) which outlines the exercise of the rights of a consumer in good faith. I have diligently exercised my RIGHTS as a consumer in good faith by applying for credit based on my established credit line associated with my social security number. Despite this exercise in good faith, I have faced credit denial, which raises concerns about compliance with the ECOA.

( 15 USC 1691a ) defines discrimination as a denial of credit to an applicant who is a married applicant or a joint applicant, because of the applicants or joint applicants sex or marital status. It is essential to uphold the principles of non-discrimination as outlined in this section.

Furthermore, it is with deep concern that I address the matter of potential discrimination. I have made multiple attempts to exercise my fundamental RIGHT to access credit, a right that is safeguarded by the ECOA. However, despite my genuine efforts and a well-established credit history associated with my social security number, I have been met with credit denials. This pattern of denials raises concerns about the possibility of discrimination, as outlined in ( Section 15 USC 1691a ) which prohibits a denial of credit based on certain factors such as sex or marital status.

I believe it is essential to ensure that all credit applications are evaluated without prejudice and in strict adherence to the principles of fairness and equality enshrined in the law. I would appreciate clarification on whether it is within the legal framework of the ECOA to deny credit to me, the primary account holder, when I am utilizing my own social security number for credit transactions. If there are specific reasons for my credit denial, I kindly request that those reasons be communicated to me in accordance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

I value my relationship with Navy Federal Credit Union and want to ensure that all credit-related matters are handled fairly and in accordance with applicable laws and regulations. I am open to discussing this matter further and finding a resolution that aligns with the legal requirements.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your prompt response and a constructive dialogue. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX

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