Consumer complaint received 2026-02-11 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Getting a credit card — Delay in processing application
Company: BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
State: MD

Complaint narrative:
I am filing this complaint against Bank of America , N.A . regarding the improper handling of my credit application, including inconsistent identity verification, post-approval obstruction, unreasonable demands regarding lawful funds, and conduct that raises serious concerns under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ), Fair Lending laws, and the CFPBs Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices ( UDAAP ) standards. 

I am an existing Bank of America checking account holder. Despite this established banking relationship, Bank of America subjected me to repeated, inconsistent, and unnecessary verification procedures even after approving my application and representing that my card would be shipped. 

Timeline and key facts : I was initially approved for a {$10000.00} credit limit, with the only stated condition being identity verification. 
Despite already having a Bank of America checking account, I was required to complete additional identity verification steps. 
During this process, I successfully read my XXXX XXXX card number and other identifying details directly from my credit file, and I also received a text message prompting me to authenticate through my Bank of America mobile app, further confirming my identity. 
After completing these steps, I was approved again for a {$10000.00} credit limit. 
On XX/XX/year>, during a recorded phone call, Bank of America representatives explicitly confirmed my approval and stated that my card would arrive the next day, indicating that my application had progressed to final approval and fulfillment. I was informed that the approval and call were recorded. 

Despite this finalized approval : 1. Bank of America continued to impose additional and shifting verification demands, including questioning the legitimacy of my funds, even though the funds were lawful, documented, and already deposited within financial institutions.

2. I submitted pay statements showing income exceeding {$800000.00}, along with a written cover letter explaining that I launched my company and detailing the lawful source of my funds, including self-employment income and proceeds from operating and selling a family business. 
3. I also submitted a XXXX Bank statement as part of this verification process. The use of a XXXX statement should not invalidate or undermine the legitimacy of my funds, particularly where the funds are documented and traceable. 
4. Despite this documentation and the fact that I had already been approved and told my card would ship, I was told Bank of America still needed proof of where the money came from. This request is unreasonable given that : The funds were already deposited The amounts were documented through pay statements A written source-of-funds explanation was provided Bank of America had already approved the application and initiated fulfillment 5. I further advised Bank of America that I could provide additional documentation, including investment accounts and high-yield savings accounts reflecting high six-figure balances or greater, yet Bank of America failed to provide a clear, written list of acceptable documentation or explain why what had already been provided was insufficient. 
XXXX. During this process, a Bank of America underwriter made a recorded statement questioning how I could possess this level of funds at my age ( How are you 27 with that much money ). This comment was unrelated to any stated policy requirement and improperly focused on age rather than objective financial criteria.

7. When I requested escalation to a supervisor for clarity regarding the verification requirements and the status of my already-approved application, my request was refused, and I was told I would not be transferred, despite the calls being recorded. 

At no point did Bank of America allege fraud, misrepresentation, or unlawful activity. No adverse action notice was issued, and no written explanation was provided identifying any deficiency. Instead, Bank of America approved my application, represented that my card would arrive next day, and then continued to subject me to open-ended and inconsistent verification demands without policy justification. 

I am a XXXX consumer, and I raise this issue to ensure that my application and account were evaluated using objective, race-neutral criteria. The age-based remarks, post-approval obstruction, and heightened scrutiny of lawful, documented funds raise concerns that similarly situated applicants may not be treated equally. I am not asserting intent ; however, I am requesting confirmation that my race played no role, directly or indirectly, in the handling of my application and that Bank of Americas actions complied fully with ECOA and Fair Lending obligations. 

Harm Experienced Post-approval delays and uncertainty Stress and reputational harm caused by improper insinuations regarding lawful funds Denial of a clear, transparent review process Loss of confidence in Bank of Americas compliance with consumer protection and fair lending laws

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