On 9/23/15 I went to CitiBank to open an account. Before actually going to the branch I called customer service where I was going to initially open the account over the phone. I was told that it could take 2 weeks to open and if I went to a branch they could open it the same day. So of course I did not want to wait 2 weeks and I headed to the nearest branch. Before I headed out I checked with the personal banker to verify that I had all the documents needed to open the account. I had everything and more. I live on 39th st and 5th Ave, so I walked to the nearest branch which is located at 5324 5th Ave. Upon arrival I explained to the woman at the desk I wanted to open a new account. I was told to have a sit someone will be right with me.
About 5 minutes later a personal banker greeted me and took me to his cubicle. Once we sat down, I was not asked for my Identification or what type of account I wanted to open. I was told I have to have $500 dollars to open an account today. This confused me as well as made me furious. I explained that I didn't have $500 dollars and that I was told by a banker on the phone that it was not necessary to open an account. The gentleman was persistent. I left his cubicle and called CitiBank customer service again. They verified again that not only was it not necessary but outrageous that he would say that. I headed back inside to talk to the gentle man and the manager of the bank. After we have a long back and forth discussion they finally agree to open the account for me. Now they ask for 2 forms of Identification. I give it to them. They are valid however its not good enough because now they want my social security card. Which is not a necessary part of the application process.
Needless to say I did not open the account. I was just a victim of discrimination. It was the way i was dressed and the color of my skin that cause me to be denied a bank account.
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