Consumer complaint received 2025-10-14 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Getting a credit card — Application denied
Company: CITIBANK, N.A.
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
CFPB, I am filing this complaint against Citibank , N.A . because I believe that my recent credit card application was unfairly denied and that the decision may have been influenced, at least in part, by XXXX bias or XX/XX/XXXX factors rather than a fair and transparent review of my actual creditworthiness and financial stability. I am deeply troubled by this outcome because I have been responsibly managing my finances, paying my obligations on time, and maintaining a solid track record that should make me reasonably eligible for approval. What makes this situation especially concerning is that I have observed others with similar or even weaker financial profiles being approved for the very same product, which raises a legitimate question about whether the denial I received was consistent with fair lending practices under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. I understand that credit card issuers use various models and scoring systems, but I am also aware that these systems are not immune to embedded bias or algorithmicXX/XX/XXXX which can result in disparate treatment of applicants based on XX/XX/XXXXor other protected characteristics. As someone who takes pride in maintaining good credit and following all the necessary steps to be financially responsible, it feels disheartening and unjust to be rejected without any clear explanation or detailed reasoning beyond a vague notice of adverse action. This lack of transparency only deepens the sense that something is fundamentally wrong with how my application was evaluated, and I strongly believe that all consumers deserve equal treatment and equal access to financial products, regardless of their XXXX or XXXX background. It is painful and disappointing to think that even in todays world, where institutions claim to value diversity, equity, and inclusion, there can still be systems or individuals within those institutions who make decisions that disadvantage people of XXXX, consciously or unconsciously. I am not making this complaint lightly ; I am doing so because I want accountability, fairness, and the assurance that others in similar situations will not be subjected to the same kind of experience. I also want to make clear that I am not asking for any special treatmentonly for the opportunity to be treated fairly and evaluated on the same objective standards as any other applicant. I am asking that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau review Citibanks internal credit decision processes and practices to ensure they are in compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act and that implicit bias or discriminatory factors are not influencing lending outcomes. Additionally, as part of the resolution of this complaint, I am respectfully requesting that Citibank give me the opportunity to apply for another card under fair and unbiased conditions, without the shadow of this prior denial affecting my standing or the consideration of my application. I am confident that if my application were evaluated purely on the merits of my financial behavior and responsibility, I would meet the standards for approval, and I want to be given that fair chance. I believe that everyone, regardless of race or background, deserves equal access to financial opportunities that help build credit, stability, and financial independence. The denial I received has caused not only frustration but also a sense of exclusion and unfair treatment that no consumer should have to experience. I hope that the Bureau will take this matter seriously and investigate whether Citibanks credit decision-making systems and review procedures are being applied fairly and lawfully, and that the company will take corrective action where necessary to ensure compliance and fairness in all future determinations. My ultimate goal is simple : to have my case reviewed properly, to have Citibank reconsider its decision based on fair and lawful criteria, and to be granted the opportunity to apply again and be evaluated on the true merits of my credit history, not on the basis of any potential discriminatory factor that may have influenced the initial outcome.

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