Consumer complaint received 2025-04-13 00:00:00
Product: Mortgage — Home equity loan or line of credit (HELOC)
Issue: Applying for a mortgage or refinancing an existing mortgage — Application denials
Company: PNC Bank N.A.
State: FL

Complaint narrative:
Formal Complaint to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau ( CFPB ) Subject : Urgent Complaint Regarding Potential Discriminatory HELOC Mortgage Practices at PNC Bank XXXX XXXX, FL To : Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Date : [ Insert Date ] Dear CFPB Representative, I am submitting a formal complaint to report potentially discriminatory lending practices at PNC Banks XXXX XXXX, Florida branch regarding handling Home Equity Line of Credit ( HELOC ) applications. 
Upon applying for a HELOC mortgage at this branch, I encountered an unusually invasive review process. While thorough financial assessments are expected in lending decisions, the scrutiny applied in my case appeared excessive and inconsistent with standard practices. This experience has led me to question whether Spanish-speaking applicants or individuals with rental properties are systematically subjected to more exhaustive investigations, potentially violating fair lending protections outlined in the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ).

Detailed Account of My Experience : - Initial Application & Disclosure of Rental Property- During my first interaction with a PNC Bank loan officer, I disclosed that I owned a rental propertya standard financial detail for HELOC applications. 
- Immediately following this disclosure, I was informed that my application would undergo a detailed investigation beyond standard financial qualifications. 

- Unusual Scrutiny & Delays- Throughout the application process, I noticed a disproportionate level of questioning and requests for documentation that appeared to exceed what should be necessary for a HELOC approval. 
- The assigned loan reviewer conducted what seemed like a deeper investigative process, which was not well-justified or clearly explained. 
- Additional delays occurred without transparent reasoning, despite my strong and well-documented financial standing. 

- Concerns About Broader Impact- If this level of scrutiny disproportionately affects Spanish-speaking applicants, it raises serious concerns about PNCs compliance with anti-discrimination laws.

Other applicants with similar financial profiles but different backgrounds may not face such hurdles in their HELOC applications. 
- The XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX have internal review practices that place an undue burden on applicants based on language, ethnicity, or property ownership status, creating unequal access to financial resources. 
- Initial Application & Disclosure of Rental Property- During my first interaction with a PNC Bank loan officer, I disclosed that I owned a rental propertya standard financial detail for HELOC applications.

- Immediately following this disclosure, I was informed that my application would undergo a detailed investigation beyond standard financial qualifications. 

- Unusual Scrutiny & Delays- Throughout the application process, I noticed a disproportionate level of questioning and requests for documentation that appeared to exceed what should be necessary for a HELOC approval. 
- The assigned loan reviewer conducted what seemed like a deeper investigative process, which was not well-justified or clearly explained. 
- Additional delays occurred without transparent reasoning despite my strong and well-documented financial standing. 

- Concerns About Broader Impact- If this level of scrutiny disproportionately affects Spanish-speaking applicants, it raises serious concerns about PNCs compliance with anti-discrimination laws. 
Other applicants with similar financial profiles but different backgrounds XXXX not face such hurdles in their HELOC applications. 
- The XXXX XXXX XXXX XXXX have internal review practices that place an undue burden on applicants based on language, ethnicity, or property ownership status, creating unequal access to financial resources.

Request for Investigation & Action : I urge the CFPB to investigate PNC Banks lending procedures at its XXXX XXXX, FL XXXX, focusing on : - Whether Spanish-speaking applicants or individuals with rental properties experience incredible difficulty obtaining HELOC approvals. 
- Any internal review practices at PNC that exceed standard lending assessments without justification. 
- XXXX PNC Banks policies adhere to federal fair lending laws ensuring equal treatment of all mortgage applicants? 

I am seeking transparency and accountability in this matter to protect borrowers from unfair lending practices. Please advise on additional steps I can take to support this complaint and any relevant documentation that may strengthen the investigation.

Thank you for your time and attentionI look forward to your response.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation