Consumer complaint received 2025-01-16 00:00:00
Product: Checking or savings account — Checking account
Issue: Opening an account — Unable to open an account
Company: TRUIST FINANCIAL CORPORATION
State: TX

Complaint narrative:
I am writing to formally file a complaint regarding discriminatory practices I encountered while attempting to open a bank account at TRUIST BANK XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. My experience suggests violations of regulations enforced by Federal Law 1. *The USA PATRIOT Act* : This federal law requires financial institutions to implement Customer Identification Programs ( CIPs ) to verify the identity of customers, but it does not explicitly require a Social Security number. XXXX. XXXX  XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX, Chapter XXXX : This chapter governs the operation of banks and other financial institutions in XXXX  XXXX While it requires financial institutions to verify the identity of customers, it does not specify that a Social Security number is required.3. XXXX Government Code, Section 405.021* : This section prohibits state agencies from denying services or benefits to individuals who do not have a Social Security number. 

Facts of the Case On XXXX XX/XX/XXXX, I visited TRUIST BANK with the intention of opening a checking account. During the application process TRUIST BANK Branch leader, Vice President XXXX XXXX Collected XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX and Notarized Signature page along with Certification of Trust with Signature page with Acceptance of Trustee Signature and IRS XXXX number to XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX. I was then informed by TRUIST BANK Branch leader, Vice President XXXX XXXX after Collecting Trust documents, that I needed to provide my Social Security number, if not he would be unable to open XXXX  account due to XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX for XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX not providing Social Security number at his request. XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX replied XXXX just provided the necessary notarized documents requiring XXXX account opening. Which are included the following : XXXX XXXX, Declaration of XXXX, Acceptance of Trustee, Acceptance of Successor, Certification of XXXX and signature page, all of which were notarized. XXXX XX/XX/XXXX. 

XXXX XXXX XXXX Trustee also mention to TRUIST BANK Branch , Vice President XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX a violation in accordance to XXXX  Government Code, Section XXXX : This section prohibits state agencies from denying services or benefits to individuals who choose not to disclose a Social Security number, and moreover unable to provide full access to XXXX  : XXXX XXXX XXXX decision not to provide Social Security number was based on Privacy Act of 1974 Sec. 7 [ 5 U.S.C 552 ] ( a ) ( 1 ), USA PATRIOT Act* : 31 U.S.C. 5318 ( l ) ( 2 ) requires financial institutions to implement customer identification programs, which may include alternative forms of identification. At this point XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX did provide XXXX XXXX with United States Passport card and XXXX XXXX XXXXXXXX XXXX XXXX. 



Trustee XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX stated to TRUIST Representative XXXX XXXX XXXX there is conditionally acceptance upon proof of claim. XXXX XXXX was not able to prove his claim. 

Privacy Act of 1974 Sec. 7 [ 5 U.S.C 552 ] ( a ) ( 1 ). states that XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX for XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX not be denied a right or Privilege for Failure to disclose social security number. XXXX XXXX XXXX, XXXX elected XXXX maintain the confidentiality and privacy of the XXXX 's sensitive information, which is protected under specific legal and fiduciary guidelines. Federal Law Bank Secrecy Act ( BSA ) : 31 U.S.C. 5318 ( l ) requires financial institutions to verify the identity of customers but does not mandate the use of Social Security number. 

Despite providing TRUIST BANK Branch, Vice President XXXX XXXX how my rights are being violated and the afore mentioned notarized documentation of the XXXX was necessary documents to open XXXX account, I was informed by TRUIST BANK Branch, Vice President XXXX XXXX he would not be allowed to open the account. 

Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ) In reference to my complaint with TRUIST BANK Branch and Vice President XXXX XXXX, my complaint falls under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( Act ). Therefore, Regulation B, which implements the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ), prohibits lenders from discriminating in any credit transaction based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, age ( provided the applicant has the capacity to contract ) ; the fact that all or part of the applicants income derives from a public assistance program ; or the fact that the applicant has in good faith exercised any right under the Consumer Credit Protection Act.

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