Consumer complaint received 2025-06-06 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — Store credit card
Issue: Getting a credit card — Application denied
Company: AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
State: SC

Complaint narrative:
To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to file a formal complaint against American Express for a violation of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ), 15 U.S. Code 1691 ( a ) and Regulation B, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of age if the applicant has the legal capacity to contract. 

On or around XX/XX/XXXX XXXX, XXXX, I applied for an American Express XXXX XXXX. I am XXXX XXXX XXXX, a legal adult, and I have full capacity to enter into binding contracts. American Express denied my application and cited reasons such as : No recent credit card accounts No recent revolving accounts Too few accounts paid as agreed XXXX  score of XXXX Their denial letter thanks me for my interest, acknowledges the application, and then proceeds to use credit history factors which closely correlate with age as the primary reason for denying me. Under XXXX, this creates a disparate impact on younger applicants with limited credit histories even if age is not mentioned directly. 

It shall be unlawful for any creditor to discriminate against any applicant, with respect to any aspect of a credit transaction ( 1 ) on the basis of age ( provided the applicant has the capacity to contract ). 15 U.S. Code 1691 ( a ) By using credit score factors that naturally disadvantage younger applicants without considering that I am a fully competent legal adult American Express is effectively treating me as though I am under XXXX and lack capacity, which is discriminatory.Furthermore, I am asserting clearly and in good faith that I possess the full legal capacity to contract, as I am XXXX XXXX XXXX. I raised this issue directly with American Express, and I believe I am now facing retaliation or unjust treatment for exercising my legal rights under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ) .on page XXXX of their denial letter, American Express itself quoted XXXX legal language : The federal Equal Credit Opportunity Act prohibits creditors from discriminating against credit applicants on the basis of ... age ( provided that the applicant has the capacity to enter into a binding contract )... 

This confirms that age-based factors can not be used to deny credit to a legally competent adult. Yet, their reasoning denial based solely on the absence of prior accounts disproportionately harms younger applicants and reflects a disparate impact, effectively treating me as if I am underage or without legal capacity, despite being XXXX. 

Furthermore, I am submitting this complaint in good faith, as protected under ECOA 1691 ( a ) ( 3 ). If American Express refuses to reconsider my application after Ive asserted my legal capacity and my right to fair treatment, that refusal itself becomes retaliatory and constitutes an additional ECOA violation. 

If American Express refuses to reconsider my application after being informed of my lawful capacity and rights, that refusal would constitute discrimination under 15 U.S. Code 1691 ( a ) ( 3 ). This provision prohibits any creditor from discriminating against an applicant " because the applicant has in good faith exercised any right under this chapter. '' I have done so, and I expect fair and lawful treatment not adverse action in response. 

Failure to act in accordance with this provision confirms a violation of ECOA, and I am prepared to take further legal steps if necessary.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation