M&S card application

Any

HI,
I've applied last night for M&S credit card (10 mths 0% interest on purchases) and instead of giving me instant decision it said "thank you for your application, we will let you know in the next 48 hours".
Is this normal with M&S? I've never applied with them before, but the 10 mths 0% and points collecting (I have to pay for £800 holiday soon - that is £4 to spend at M&S for example) sound really good.
If someone who also has M&S replies what happened to their application that would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you

nzseries1

I got the same response. They called me a few days later, and grilled me about my large number of previous addresses. Once I convinced them I was on the electoral roll at each address, they accepted me.

It was 25 days from the day I applied to the day I got my card.

Any

I am worried that they might be worried about the amount of cards I have. I gave myself enough time to apply fortunately - the holiday payment doesn't need to be done until 12th December. But if they will reject me I would like to apply for another 0% ASAP - before the searches will show on my credit report for other companies to view. Do you think I should apply for someone elses card now without waiting for decision? How soon will the searches show on the report?
As I said I have few cards already - Tesco credit card with limit £4.9k (only used for grocery shopping, paid in full every month)
Halifax used for stoozing with limit £3.1k with 2k outstanding as the 0% is until January 09
MBNA with £4.5k with 0% BT for 13 mths (that is my husbands debt, but unfortunately in my name)
Empty Nationwide used only for going abroad.
Not sure whether that isn't already too much debt (currently 6k) for someone earning £22k?

YorkshireBoy

Any wrote: »

How soon will the searches show on the report?

Almost instantaneously.

Not sure whether that isn't already too much debt (currently 6k) for someone earning £22k?

Debt is only one criterion. You have £12.5K of available credit + your Nationwide limit + any other cards you haven't mentioned + any overdraft facilities.

When you add in mortgage debt/repayments, it could have tipped the balance.

I'm assuming you don't spend nearly £2.5K per month on the Tesco card? Why not reduce the limit?

Any

YorkshireBoy wrote: »

When you add in mortgage debt/repayments, it could have tipped the balance.

I'm assuming you don't spend nearly £2.5K per month on the Tesco card? Why not reduce the limit?

Hmm, not sure about the mortgage, not even sure how that works as the mortgage was already in place before I married my husband - so not sure how that is viewed - however the joint household income is £73k.

Nationwide limit is £1700 and overdraft £500.

Never thought of reducing the Tesco balance, I just went along with what they gave me - I probably should do, shouldn't I? How do you do that? Do you have to call them or can you do it on-line? I will also have a look into reducing Nationwide as well then. Because I never spend more on holiday then I can afford to repay after getting paid next wages.

Any

Anyone got approved instantly for M&S?