Consumer complaint received 2025-03-15 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Trouble using your card — Credit card company won't increase or decrease your credit limit
Company: JPMORGAN CHASE & CO.
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
I am filing a formal complaint against Chase for their discriminatory and unjustified denial of my credit limit increase request on XX/XX/year>. This denial not only lacks factual basis but also represents a clear violation of federal regulations, including but not limited to the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ) and Regulation B, as well as potential violations of the Fair Credit Reporting Act ( FCRA ). Furthermore, I believe that Chase 's actions may also constitute a violation of California 's Unruh Civil Rights Act.

The stated reason for the denial, " High debt relative to income '', is demonstrably false and based on information Chase could not have legitimately accessed. My income, which they cited as a factor, is not reported on my credit report. My liquid and illiquid wealth is also unknown to them. This fabricated justification indicates that the decision was arbitrary, biased, and made without any genuine consideration of my financial circumstances, violating the ECOAs prohibition against discrimination in credit transactions.

Furthermore, Chase failed to provide adequate disclosure regarding the information they would use to evaluate my credit limit increase request. The application process did not specify which data sources would be consulted, whether a credit report would be utilized, or how such information would impact the decision. This lack of transparency constitutes a violation of Regulation B, which mandates clear and specific reasons for adverse credit actions. 

I believe this denial is the result of an automated, algorithmic decision-making process that lacks or has minimal human oversight and is inherently discriminatory. This process, coupled with a history of arbitrary and detrimental actions against customers, including sudden and unjustified reductions in credit limits, demonstrates a systemic failure to comply with fair lending practices and consumer protection laws. I have personally experienced these arbitrary reductions, having held significantly higher credit limits with Chase in the past, without any justifiable reason for the subsequent decrease. 

My current credit limit with Chase is the lowest among all my credit cards, despite a long-standing and positive credit history. This disparity reinforces the belief that the denial was based on discriminatory factors and a flawed evaluation process.

Additionally, I believe that Chase 's actions may also constitute a violation of California 's Unruh Civil Rights Act. As a business establishment operating within California, Chase is obligated to provide equal access to its services. The arbitrary and unjustified denial of my credit limit increase, particularly in light of my positive credit history and the lack of transparent evaluation criteria, suggests a pattern of discriminatory behavior. 

The Unruh Act prohibits arbitrary discrimination by business establishments. In this case, the banks behavior of : Providing an explanation of denial that is factually incorrect. 
The history of arbitrary reductions in credit limits. 
The lack of transparency in the credit increase process. 

all point to the possibility of arbitrary discrimination. This behavior denies me the full and equal advantages of their credit services. Therefore, I request that the CFPB also consider this complaint in light of potential violations of the Unruh Civil Rights Act, and that they coordinate with relevant California authorities as needed. 

I demand the CFPB conduct a thorough investigation into Chase 's practices, including their compliance with the ECOA, Regulation B, the FCRA, and the Unruh Civil Rights Act, to name a few. I specifically request an investigation into their automated decision-making processes or subsequent human evaluation processes and their failure to provide adequate disclosure to consumers. 

I urge the CFPB to take swift and decisive action to hold Chase accountable for their violations of federal and state regulations and to ensure that consumers are protected from discriminatory lending practices. 

It's been more than 15 years of such an abhorrent treatment and this matter will no longer remain unresolved. I'll defend my rights to the full extend of the law and am ready to proceed with legal actions.

Company response to consumer: Closed with explanation