Consumer complaint received 2025-08-02 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Other features, terms, or problems — Other problem
Company: BARCLAYS BANK DELAWARE
State: MI

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this complaint regarding Barclays handling of a minor billing issue that occurred just before the start of my military training, which has led to significant negative impacts on my credit history. 

On XX/XX/year>, I made a payment to my Barclays XXXX XXXX XXXX. Unbeknownst to me, Barclays charged me {$6.00} in interest later that same day, resulting in a new minimum payment due shortly after. I departed for Basic Training on XX/XX/year>, and was unaware that a balance was still due. I acknowledge the missed payment is my fault and responsibility. 

Due to my military training obligations, I missed subsequent payments that cascaded. I later discovered that this relatively small oversight resulted in a total repayment of {$53.00}, multiple delinquencies being reported to the credit bureaus, and a reduction in my credit limit from {$3000.00} to {$250.00}. This severely increased my credit utilization ratio. The credit utilization and the reported delinquencies that should have been protected caused a sharp decline in my credit score. 

I wrote to Barclays on XX/XX/year>, requesting two things : XXXX. That they apply SCRA protections retroactively to the start of my XXXX XXXX ( XX/XX/year> ), including reducing the interest rate and waiving fees incurred during training. 
XXXX. That they correct the reported delinquencies due to circumstances protected under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act ( SCRA ). 

In their written response, Barclays entirely ignored my SCRA-related requests. Instead, they denied my request to correct the account history, stating they were obligated to report accurate information. However, they did not address the SCRA documentation or provide a method to submit proof of XXXX XXXX service, which I specifically asked for. 

I followed up with a XXXX phone call on XX/XX/year>, during which a representative confirmed they would not apply SCRA benefits retroactively and declined to reverse the late payment reporting. Unfortunately, I do not have written documentation of this call. 

I am requesting the CFPB to : Ensure Barclays reviews and applies SCRA protections retroactively starting XX/XX/year> ; Instruct Barclays to correct the negative reporting to consumer reporting agencies caused by a minor interest charge incurred during the protected period ; Consider the long-term impact of reducing my credit limit from {$3000.00} to {$250.00} as a result of this issue, despite my otherwise good standing and honorable service. In my total credit history, I have never had any other late payments reported. 

The SCRA exists to prevent precisely these types of harms to servicemembers who are unable to manage day-to-day financial issues while in military training or XXXX. I respectfully request your assistance in resolving this matter.

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