Question


Richard O

Can a credit card company ask questions about eye color?

Hi, My credit card company, HSBC, sent me a new card (for my protection). When I called to activate the card, I was asked several questions to confirm my identity, these included: my name, my address, my social security number, my phone number, my mothers maiden name, my middle initial and my date of birth. I was happy to comply with those requests. Then I was asked further 'security' questions which I refused to answer: the color of my eyes and what car I drove! I told the representative that I would NOT answer these questions because they were intrusive and potentially discriminatory. Would having brown eyes instead of blue made me more or less credit worthy? Owning a Lexus vs a Chevy? Does anyone know if this is legal? I would think things related to physical appearance are illegal. I would like to activate the card because I have had it for over 15 years and I have 'loyalty' reward points on it but I don't think I should have to answer those types of questions. What can I do? Is it legal? Who can I call? No, I have never told them about the color of my eyes. What recourse do I have to get the card activated? As for the type of car, I viewed that as less intrusive since the car is a GM card and I used the points to buy a car with it. But, I still think they should NOT be allowed to ask eye color. I stopped the line of questioning when it got to the eye color thing. Hi, No, I never reported the card lost or stolen, I had no issues with it. None at all.

1 year ago - 6 answers

Best Answer

Chosen by Asker

You mention they sent you a new card for your protection. Did you report your original card lost or stolen? If you did, then they will require even more evidence of your identity as your credit report has been flagged due to lost or stolen card. They just want to verify who you are before activating a new card. They get the info they asked for from DMV records. This is why they ask those questions, the correct answers are on your DMV reports and only you would know this information. Hope this answers your question

Source(s)

Been through it once before

by Sgt Big Red

1 year ago

Asker's Rating: 

Other Answers

At any point did you setup security questions such as: What is my eye color? or What type of car do I drive? A creditor cannot ask questions of that nature for the purpose of extending an offer of credit. However, if you setup questions (as most companies require), they may ask those questions. Did you ask the representative why he was asking that particular series of quesitons?

by Jasper- 1 year ago

Generally, the items you had already answered should be sufficient by calling the activation line using your home phone. It would be the same even in applying for a new credit card. I've never been asked eye color and/or what car I drove in activating any of my credit cards, although I remember being asked my driver's license number at the time of credit application. Since you had the same card for over 15 years, something is not right here. Call the customer service number listed on your credit card statement and inquire why you are being asked these additional questions which you never had to do in the past.

by Kay- 1 year ago

Although I wouldn't doubt that HSBC would use your security question answers as a part of research for data mining and maybe even to judge how your account should be handled in the future (i.e.: the credit limit offers, rates, and other things), it is not discriminatory. HSBC is mainly trying to ensure that it is you who logs into your account or requests a password retrieval activation. This helps prevent fraud, which helps both you and HSBC. And although HSBC is based in London, England - they still have to follow the laws of the countries they operate in, including the US. And eye color is not included in discrimination laws.

by tudorjason (matt)- 1 year ago

Sheesh. Its not a discriminatory thing, everything is not discrimination. Its just a security thing, so that if they need to verify your identity, they have these secret questions. Its not like they asked you if you were irish, or if you are handicapped. That might be discrimination.

by Mr. Goodkat- 1 year ago

probably, if your job asks for credit reports nowadays then i imagine so

by theosharatos- 1 year ago