Consumer complaint received 2025-04-04 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: MO

Complaint narrative:
To the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau : I am filing this complaint regarding what I believe to be an unfair and potentially retaliatory action taken by Barclays Bank Delaware in response to a full payment made on my credit card account. 

I have been a Barclays credit card holder since XX/XX/XXXX. My credit limit was {$4300.00}, and my payment due date is the XXXX of each month. In XX/XX/XXXX, I was late on my payment. My total balance had reached {$4500.00}. On XX/XX/XXXX, I made a payment of {$50.00}. Then, on XX/XX/XXXX, I paid the remaining {$4400.00} in full. 

Despite bringing my account fully current and paying off the entire balance, Barclays held the payment for nearly a week and then immediately reduced my credit limit to {$500.00}. This is not only significantly lower than the previous limit of {$4300.00}, but also lower than my original limit when I opened the account in XXXX, which I believe was {$1200.00}. 

My minimum payment has historically ranged between {$140.00} and {$190.00} per month. I have never had a payment more than 30 days late. 

Barclays later sent a letter stating that the reason for the credit limit reduction was due to too high of an account balance and too many accounts with high balances. However, I had just paid off approximately {$11000.00} out of {$15000.00} in total credit card debt across all accounts. It is concerning that I was penalized right after making such a major financial effort to reduce my debt especially when my account was paid in full and Barclays could no longer collect nearly 30 % interest. 

This sudden reduction in credit limit has negatively impacted my credit utilization ratio and harmed my credit score at a time when I am actively working to recover from a difficult financial year. I lost my job in XXXX and had to cash out my XXXX, retirement savings, and stocks just to stay current on bills. Ive worked hard to remain responsible with my obligations and expected fair treatment in return. 

I have attached both the letter from Barclays ( dated XX/XX/XXXX ) and a screenshot showing my full payment was made on XX/XX/XXXX. This proves that their decision to reduce my credit limit was not based on an outstanding balance but took place after my account was fully paid off. 

Although I initially requested that the account be closed out of frustration, I now respectfully ask that : 1. My account be reopened with the previous {$4300.00} credit limit reinstated, with no harm to my credit report.

2. Barclays ' decision and policy regarding credit limit reductions following full or large payments be reviewed for potential discriminatory or predatory behavior.

3. An investigation be conducted into whether this action violates consumer protection principles or fair lending standards.

4. I would also appreciate consideration for a significantly reduced interest rate moving forward, given my long-standing history with Barclays and my recent efforts to pay down my debt. While I understand this may be outside standard procedure, I believe it would be a fair show of good faith and loyalty.

Consumers who act in good faith to repay their debts and restore their financial health should not be punished for doing so. I hope CFPB will review this matter and ensure appropriate oversight and accountability. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. 

Sincerely, XXXX XXXX P.S. I apologize if any portion of the attached document appears blurred. It was raining today, and a few water drops got on the paper.

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