Consumer complaint received 2026-04-30 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Opening an account — Unable to open an account
Company: BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to file a complaint regarding Bank of Americas refusal to open a personal bank account for me, despite my lawful presence and valid work authorization in the United States. My name is XXXX XXXX XXXX. I am currently in the United States under an XXXX XXXX, which is a XXXX XXXX XXXX. My wife is under XXXX status. We reside at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. On XX/XX/2026, I visited a Bank of America branch located at XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX to open a personal bank account. The branch staff was courteous and professional and assisted me in submitting my application. I provided all requested documentation, including my XXXX, Social Security card, proof of address, and immigration petition. After submitting my information, I was informed that the application was reviewed by Bank of Americas compliance team and ultimately declined. No clear or specific explanation was provided regarding the reason for the denial or what documentation or requirements were considered insufficient. Additionally, Bank of America declined to escalate my case for further review and did not provide any pathway for clarification, leaving me without guidance on how to resolve the issue. In some instances, I was informally told that the issue may be related to compliance or Office of Foreign Assets Control ( OFAC ) -related concerns. However, I have not received any formal determination, written explanation, or instructions on how to address or resolve the situation. To proactively address any potential compliance concerns, I contacted the Office of Foreign Assets Control ( OFAC ) on XX/XX/2026 ( case numbers XXXX and XXXX ). As of today, I have not received any response. As a legally authorized worker in the United States, I require access to basic banking services in order to receive my salary, pay for housing and daily expenses, and support my family. The inability to open a bank account is creating significant hardship and is preventing me from fully participating in the financial system. I have experienced similar issues with other major banks, including XXXX and XXXX XXXX, which suggests a broader pattern that may warrant further review. I respectfully request that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau : 1. Investigate whether Bank of Americas actions are compliant with applicable laws and regulations. 2. Determine whether OFAC-related restrictions are being improperly or inconsistently applied to individuals in lawful immigration status. 3. Require Bank of America to provide a clear, written explanation of the reasons for denial and the specific requirements needed to resolve the issue. 4. Assist in ensuring that I am able to access basic banking services without unjustified barriers. I am willing to provide any additional documentation required to support this complaint.

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