Got turned down for first credit card. Can someone tell me why?

JoCJo2

I applied for the platinum amex and got declined.

Never had a credit card before. Never had any loans/ mortgages/ debts. I have catalogue accounts and these are always fully paid off.

I am not currently working (housewife) but my husband, who was included on the application, is in full time employment earning a decent wage.

Would my age (24) be against me? Or could it be that our old address was blacklisted by previous occupants? We have also recently moved to a new house.

Am a bit cross to be honest!

Any help appreciated,

Jo xxx

gomer

You probably set your goals a bit high for a first time card holder. The platinum card has high criteria which you may not have satisfied, especially if you don't work.

From the application :-


In order to qualify for the Platinum Charge Card, you must make sure that you:

• Are aged 18 or over
• Have a current UK bank or building society account
• Have an Annual Household Income of £40,000 (i.e. your personal income plus partner’s income)
• Have a permanent UK home address
• Have no County Court Judgements for non-payment of debt
• If self-employed, you have been trading for over one year
• Pay an Annual Fee of £300

dolally_2

Can't say for sure why you were turned down but here are some things that may have gone against you;

- recent house move
- not employed
- no real credit history (read somewhere that catalogues can be disregarded by credit companies)

Try for a more basic card, possibly from your own bank if you have been with them a while or capital one. Don't get angry though, they are not obliged to offer you a card.:D

emma396

agree with dollaly, try your bank first.

latecomer

One thing to check is that you are listed on the electoral register at the new address. Also the lack of previous credit may count against you. As others have said, approach your bank first and see if they will give you one. Failing that you can start with one of the basic cards to build a credit history.

Another thing that you could maybe do is apply in your husband names and get an additional card for yourself?

YorkshireBoy

JoCJo2 wrote: »

I am not currently working...

Always read the small (and not so small) print...

Eligibility

To apply for the Platinum MoneyBack Credit Card online you’ll need:

• To be earning at least £20,000 a year

https://www212.americanexpress.com/dsmlive/dsm/int/gb/en/personal/chooseacard/allcards/platinummoneyback/allthedetails_pr.do?vgnextoid=a9eb3e37ad444110VgnVCM100000cef4ad94RCRD&page=PR

JoCJo2

Thanks for the replies. I don't remember seeing any specific criteria you had to meet in order to get one - just went straight to the application via a link. Oh well, won't bother with getting one. Only wanted it for the cash back! Moving abroad in 6 months or so, so not really worth building up my rating by getting a different one.

Thanks xx

johnmoney05

Keep applying any credit card every 2 months, untill you get one, then carefully spending and repaying on that card to build up your credit. Don't over spend it or late payment.