Consumer complaint received 2025-06-04 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Trouble using your card — Credit card company won't increase or decrease your credit limit
Company: BARCLAYS BANK DELAWARE
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
On XX/XX/year>, I contacted BarclaysXXXX XXXX Credit Card to request a credit limit increase ( from {$6500.00} to {$20000.00} ). I was told that I would need to temporarily lift my credit bureau security freeze for a soft inquiry. I specifically confirmed whether the request would be a hard or soft inquiry and was repeatedly assured it would be a soft inquiry only. 

After lifting the freeze and authorizing the request, I was denied the credit limit increase. I then requested a copy of the call recording, which was refused. I also made it clear on the call that, as a consumer, I am entitled to documentation and disclosure under the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ) and Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ). The representative stated a letter explaining the denial would be mailed. 

My concerns : Misrepresentation about the inquiry type : If it was truly a soft pull, the freeze should not have been an obstacle. If it was a hard pull, this was never disclosed and constitutes a deceptive practice. 
Refusal to provide call recording : This is vital evidence, especially when I made my request clear. 
Potential ECOA/FCRA violations : The denial reason must be specific, in writing, and comply with adverse action notice requirements. I requested that the letter not use vague or generic reasons, but state the exact reason for denial. 

Legal Summary FCRA & ECOA Violations by BarclaysXXXX XXXX Barclays Bank Delaware , as the issuer of the XXXX  XXXX Credit Card , is subject to federal consumer protection statutes including the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA, 15 U.S.C. 1681 et seq. ) and the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA, 15 U.S.C. 1691 et seq. ).

1. Misrepresentation of Inquiry Type : Barclays represented that the credit inquiry for a limit increase would be soft, yet required the removal of a security freezea step only necessary for hard inquiries.

FCRA 604 ( c ) ( 2 ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1681b ( c ) ( 2 ) ) : XXXX XXXX restricts consumer reporting access except for permissible purposes.

Deceptive or misleading representations about the nature of a credit inquiry violate both the FCRA and the FTC Acts prohibition on unfair or deceptive acts or practices ( UDAP ).

2. Adverse Action Notice Requirement : When denying a request for credit ( including a limit increase ), the creditor must provide a specific written adverse action notice stating the precise reasons for denial not generic or vague explanations.

ECOA 701 ( d ) ( 15 U.S.C. 1691 ( d ) ) ; Regulation B ( 12 C.F.R. 1002.9 ( a ) ( 2 ) ).

3. Right to Evidence and Documentation : You requested a copy of the call recording documenting all representations and Barclays refused. If the matter proceeds to arbitration, the call log, disclosures, and adverse action communications become discoverable and part of the legal record.

In summary : Barclays actionsmisleading statements about inquiry type, refusal to provide evidence, and the obligation to provide a specific adverse action noticemay constitute violations of the FCRA, ECOA, and general consumer protection law. These issues are now formally reported to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and, if not resolved, will be escalated through arbitration or civil litigation.

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