Consumer complaint received 2025-08-19 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Getting a credit card — Application denied
Company: JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.
State: VA

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this complaint regarding my recent application on XXXX XX/XX/XXXX for the Chase Freedom Unlimited credit card. Despite my strong financial qualifications, I was denied, and the reasons given reflect opaque internal policies that were not disclosed before applying. 

I am a veteran with 13 years of military service and hold a 100 % permanent and total XXXX rating. After leaving the military two years ago, I have worked hard to build my financial stability. My income has grown significantly. I now earn approximately quadruple what my annual income was during my military service. My credit scores are excellent : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. I maintain less than 5 % utilization on my existing {$87000.00} in credit lines. 

I applied for the Chase Freedom Unlimited card because of its 0 % introductory APR, intending to responsibly manage unplanned family expenses related to the recent passing of my father. To my surprise, I was denied, not due to my creditworthiness, but because of Chases 5/24 rule ( an internal policy that automatically denies applicants with 5+ new accounts in the past 24 months, regardless of financial strength ) and recent credit inquiries. The representative explicitly confirmed these were the reasons. 

My concerns are as follows : 1. Lack of Transparency : At no point during the application process was I warned that my application would be automatically denied due to this internal policy. Had I been aware, I would not have applied.

2. Hard Inquiry Penalty : The denial still resulted in a hard credit inquiry, which negatively impacts my credit score, despite Chase knowing in advance they would not approve the application due to this rigid policy.

3. Failure to Consider Full Profile : The bank did not provide a manual review option or allow reallocation of existing Chase credit lines ( I am already a Chase Sapphire Reserve cardholder in good standing ).

4. Punitive to Responsible Borrowers : I feel I am being punished for responsibly opening and managing credit cards as part of building my credit profile, despite maintaining extremely low utilization and excellent payment history. 
5. Disproportionate Impact on Veterans : As a XXXX veteran, I feel this rigid policy, coupled with the lack of transparency, unfairly limits my access to responsible credit management tools. 

I respectfully request that the CFPB review this matter to ensure : Chase provides clear disclosures upfront about internal policies ( like the 5/24 rule ) that automatically disqualify applicants, Consumers are not penalized with unnecessary hard inquiries when denials are predetermined by rigid criteria, Consideration is given for manual review when an applicant demonstrates strong financial standing and responsible credit use, especially in cases involving veterans managing hardship. 

This experience has left me frustrated and disadvantaged at a time when I most needed flexibility to manage my familys finances. I believe greater transparency and fairness in the process are warranted.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation