Credit card or prepaid card -- Advertising and marketing, including promotional offers -- Complaint #7290744
Complaint Overview
Complaint ID: 7290744
Company: Citibank, N.A.
Product: Credit card or prepaid card
Sub-Product: General-purpose credit card or charge card
Issue: Advertising and marketing, including promotional offers
Sub-Issue: Confusing or misleading advertising about the credit card
State: Virginia
ZIP Code: XXXXX
Date Received: 2023-07-23T12:00:00-05:00
Date Sent to Company: 2023-07-23T12:00:00-05:00
Company Response: Closed with explanation
Timely Response: Yes
Consumer Disputed: N/A
Submitted Via: Web
Tags: Servicemember
Consumer Narrative
I am writing to file a formal complaint against Citibank Online for misleading and false practices in their credit limit increase evaluation process. On the week of XX/XX/2023, I applied for a credit limit increase through Citibank Online, and I was disheartened to receive a denial letter citing reasons that directly contradict the representations made during the application process. As evidence, I have attached a screenshot of the online application where Citibank stated, " We will not obtain a credit bureau report to evaluate your request and you will receive a decision instantly. '' Furthermore, I have also enclosed the denial letter, which clearly contradicts this statement by mentioning two crucial points : 1. The denial letter asserts that my credit report contains a late or missed payment with another creditor as the reason for rejecting my credit limit increase request. 2. The same letter admits that the decision was based, at least in part, on information provided by XXXX, a consumer reporting agency. These contradictory statements demonstrate that the online application process was deceptive, misleading, and falsely advertised. By assuring applicants that no credit bureau report would be obtained and decisions would be instant, Citibank created a false impression of the credit evaluation process, leading applicants to believe that their credit history would not be a determining factor. The actions of Citibank Online are in direct violation of the following laws : 1. 15 U.S.C. 1691 ( d ) of the Equal Credit Opportunity Act ( ECOA ) : This statute explicitly prohibits creditors from making false statements or providing misleading information to applicants concerning the reasons for denying credit. Citibank 's contradictory statements during the credit limit increase application and denial process clearly breach this law. 2. 15 U.S.C. 1661 - Prohibited Practices : Section 1661 outlines prohibited advertising practices, including misrepresenting credit terms, using false or misleading statements, and failing to disclose essential information. Citibank 's deceptive advertising, promising an instant decision without obtaining a credit report while subsequently relying on credit report information for the denial, is a clear violation of this law.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Complaint #7290744 about?
Complaint #7290744 was filed against Citibank, N.A. regarding Credit card or prepaid card specifically about Advertising and marketing, including promotional offers. It was received by the CFPB on 2023-07-23T12:00:00-05:00.
How did Citibank, N.A. respond to this complaint?
The company responded with: "Closed with explanation". The response was timely.
What is the risk level of this complaint?
See the risk assessment section for details on this complaint's risk profile.
How do I file a similar complaint?
You can file a complaint with the CFPB at consumerfinance.gov/complaint. Select the appropriate product category (Credit card or prepaid card) and describe your issue in detail.
Can I see other complaints against Citibank, N.A.?
Yes, visit the Citibank, N.A. company profile at readthecomplaint.com/company/citibank-n-a to see all complaints, risk scores, and analysis.
Disclaimer
This analysis is AI-generated based on publicly available CFPB complaint data. It does not constitute financial or legal advice.