Consumer complaint received 2025-04-07 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Getting a credit card — Application denied
Company: AMERICAN EXPRESS COMPANY
State: NC

Complaint narrative:
Date : XXXX ] Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  XXXX XXXX Re : Formal Complaint Regarding Credit Denial, Withholding Access to Credit, and Violation of Consumer Rights Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to formally file a complaint against American Express for multiple violations of my consumer rights under federal law, including the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ), the Consumer Credit Protection Act ( CCPA ), and related statutes. I was denied credit on three separate occasions, and I believe these denials were mishandled in violation of my rights as a consumer and discriminated against due to my credit score. 

The following are the details of the denials : XX/XX/XXXX Reference Number : XXXX Denial Reason : No clear explanation was provided for the denial, and I was not given the required adverse action notice. 

XX/XX/XXXX Reference Number : XXXX Denial Reason : Similarly, I was not informed of the denial 's reasoning, nor was I provided the necessary documentation as mandated under the ECOA XXXX 

XX/XX/XXXX Reference Number : XXXX Denial Reason : Once again, I did not receive the required explanation for the denial of my credit request. 

Furthermore, when I requested that my application be retracted, American Express refused to allow me to withdraw my application, stating they could not retract it. I informed them that by withholding access to my securities and not allowing me to access my credit line, they are committing security fraud and violating the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and Consumer Credit Protection Act, which give me the right to access and use my credit without interference. 

As a consumer, I am entitled to access the credit available to me and to be treated fairly in the process of credit extension. Under the ECOA, I have the right to be informed about the terms of credit and to not face discrimination in any credit decisions. Additionally, the Consumer Credit Protection Act ( 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. ) ensures that credit is extended transparently and fairly, and I should not be denied my right to use that credit once it's been granted. 

Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ) - 15 U.S.C. 1691 : This statute ensures that no creditor can discriminate against a persons application for credit. It ensures that consumers have the right to access credit based on fair treatment it requires that credit be granted on equal terms and that consumers arent unduly denied or restricted from access to credit.

Consumer Credit Protection Act ( CCPA ) - 15 U.S.C. 1601 et seq. : This is the umbrella act for consumer credit transactions, and it outlines the rules regarding how credit must be extended and managed. It establishes consumer protections such as the right to receive clear and honest information from creditors and ensures that no unnecessary barriers are placed between consumers and their ability to use credit. 

Regulation Z ( Truth in Lending Act ) - 12 C.F.R. 1026 : Regulation Z works in conjunction with the Consumer Credit Protection Act and provides guidelines that creditors must follow when extending credit. This regulation outlines your rights as a consumer, including clear communication about the terms of credit and the ability to access that credit once its granted.

American Express ' refusal to grant me access to my credit and their actions in denying me information regarding the reasons for the denials and the status of my application are a violation of my consumer rights. 

Relevant Case Law : XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX, XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX. XXXX ) : This case discussed violations of the ECOA when a creditor did not follow proper procedures in denying credit and failed to provide the required notices. 

XXXX XXXX American Express, XXXX XXXX XXXX ( XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX ) : In this case, American Express was found in violation of the ECOA for failing to provide the required adverse action notice to a customer who was denied credit. 

XXXX XXXX American Express, XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX  XXXX XXXX ) : This case involved a dispute over credit card issuance and highlighted how American Express failed to properly explain why an applicant was denied, which was a violation of the FCRA and ECOA requirements. 

I respectfully request that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) investigate these violations and assist me in resolving this matter. I seek clarity on the reasons for the credit denials and a fair remedy for the actions taken by American Express. Additionally, I request that they be held accountable for withholding access to my credit. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to your response and a fair resolution to this issue.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation