Consumer complaint received 2026-05-26 00:00:00
Product: Credit card — General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Getting a credit card — Application denied
Company: BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION
State: CA

Complaint narrative:
Subject : Complaint Regarding Bank of America Credit Card Application Handling and Possible Age Discrimination I am submitting this complaint regarding my recent applications for the Bank of America XXXX XXXX XXXX co-branded credit cards, specifically the XXXX XXXX and XXXX XXXX XXXX products. I have maintained an excellent credit history for more than XXXX years. My current credit scores are approximately XXXX. I have no bankruptcies, no liens, no defaults, low utilization, no revolving debt, stable employment of more than XXXX years with a major financial services firm, and residence in the same home for more than XXXX years. Despite these factors, my applications were subjected to what I believe was an unusually burdensome, inconsistent, and highly frustrating review process. Application information : XXXX XXXX XXXX - Application ID : XXXX - Application Date : XX/XX/year> - Decision Date : XX/XX/year> - Status : Declined XXXX XXXX - Application ID : XXXX - Application Date : XX/XX/year> - Status : Still under review at the time of this complaint During the review process, I spent an estimated XXXX hours on hold or being transferred between departments, including repeated transfers to the fraud department. In many cases, representatives stated they did not understand why my application continued to be routed in that manner. Bank of America requested highly sensitive documentation, including : - XXXX form - Tax returns- Income verification documents I complied with these requests, including mailing a signed XXXX form with a wet ink signature as instructed. I was later informed that Bank of America allegedly did not receive the signed XXXX. I was also told that my electronically filed tax return was not signed, despite electronic filing procedures not involving traditional physical signatures in the manner apparently requested. I was then instructed to mail approximately XXXX pages of tax return documentation. I requested the ability to securely upload documents electronically or deliver them in person to a branch location. I was informed that neither option was available and that mailing sensitive documents was the only acceptable method. Given modern banking and cybersecurity standards, I found this extremely concerning. At no point was I provided with a clear or coherent explanation as to why an applicant with my credit profile required such extraordinary review measures. I understand that financial institutions may conduct fraud prevention and income verification procedures. However, the handling of this matter appeared inconsistent, contradictory, and excessively burdensome relative to my financial profile and creditworthiness. I am over the age of XXXX and have maintained an exceptionally stable financial history for decades, including : - More than XXXX years with the same employer - More than XXXX years at the same residence - Approximately XXXX years of positive credit history - Credit scores around XXXX - No meaningful debt obligations - No bankruptcies, liens, or defaults Despite these indicators of stability and low credit risk, my applications were subjected to repeated delays, extensive document demands, contradictory instructions, and what felt like an unusually high level of scrutiny. Because of these circumstances, I am concerned that age may have been an impermissible factor in the handling or evaluation of my applications, whether directly or indirectly. I recognize that proving discriminatory intent can be difficult, and I am not making accusations lightly. However, given my longstanding financial stability and exceptionally strong credit profile, I believe the treatment I received warrants regulatory review for possible violations of fair lending laws, including the Equal Credit Opportunity Act. I respectfully request that this matter be reviewed for : - Fair lending compliance - Compliance with the Equal Credit Opportunity Act - Possible age-related discriminatory treatment - Improper handling of submitted documentation - Excessive and unreasonable procedural burdens - Deficient customer service and application processing practices I also request that Bank of America provide a clear and complete explanation for the denial decision and the unusually extensive verification demands associated with these applications. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

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