I do notice that, and yes only he can confirm. But I just think he's summarizing the situation and not being exact with his language, while most of the replies are taking those words literally. I think this because I just got one letter like this last week from Barclays. The letter basically says (to paraphrase) "congratulations, you have been approved for a credit increase on your account to the amount of $xxx." So that's where I think he's getting his language from.

If OP requested an increase, then yes, he should have known and we all should know. But Barclays moved my limit up unsolicited on my part whatsoever. I did not check to see if it was a hard pull, and I assumed it was not. I would also be surprised just like the OP if that "upgrade" was a hard pull, so that is why I am suggesting maybe OP didn't request it.

I could clearly be wrong. If he/she requested then there's not much debate. However, if unsolicited and resulted in a hard pull, that's more of a debate as to how to handle it.

I did NOT ask for a credit increase.

I did Not request a CL Increase, I just received a letter in the mail, then a couple of days later, an alert from Karma/Sesame. That is why I am mad. US BANK & CHASE have offered me in the past with CL increases, with me explicitly confirming it, and in both situations without hard pulls.

Anyways, I doubt I can get it removed at this point, but it makes me mad that they did this.

That is really strange of all the years I have had credit cards no bank or credit union has just increased my CL without me requesting an increase.

1. It is pretty routine for CC issuers to increase CL's without request.

2. It is pretty routine for CC issuers to do a pull on a random basis or in connection with a CL increase. If you read the t&c of your card you will see that you have authorized them to do this.

I agree. I've had several increases over the years from more than one card issuer without asking for it.

How did paypal get your SSN number? I have a paypal account, but never gave them my bank details (to get "verified" what ever that means!) nor my SSN number. Even if I gave, it would not have made a difference. i keep all 3 of my credit files frozen.

I'm speaking from personal experience but when both of the above are done, they only do soft pulls.