Asked to reapply for existing Debenhams Storecard - have I been duped?

niftythrifty_2

In Debenhams this afternoon whilst using my storecard (in order to participate in the cardholder’s event – I clear the balance immediately) today I was invited by the assistant to “reapply” for the card if I hadn’t used it for a while or did not have an outstanding balance.

After my initial refusal, she added that I would receive a 10% discount for a hassle-free process (“we used to do it on the phones but now I can just do it here on the till”) and became quite pushy. Slightly bewildered, I agreed – reasoning that I had a bit of time on my hands and that it wouldn’t hurt.

She then said that she had been given a reference number by the system and that she would need to phone through about my application after all. We then discovered that my “reapplication” had been rejected – which seems to me to be absurd – how can I be rejected as a user of a card I already have?

I am now thinking that I have been duped by an assistant that simply wanted to boost her earnings (I know there is a small financial incentive for putting an application in) and could have damaged by credit rating by the refusal. Has anyone else had any experience of this? I will be speaking to the store about the matter, and complaining about the pressure that was put upon me by the assistant. Be warned!

ginchyqueendangle

Hi,

I used to work for Debenhams and i can assure you it doesnt boost your earnings at all. If you can open sooo many accounts within a month you get like £5 if that in capital bond vouchers. So unless she is sales woman of the year i doubt she gets much financial gain.

Most likely i think its down to the managers pushing the staff, i personally remember floor managers breathing down my neck telling me to reach a target, not nice considering the apr with the card.

However i have to say im a bit bamboozled as to why your card got rejected, i know if you havent used your card in a few years it can kinda expire and you either phone to reactivate it or apply again.

Have to say though that if she was being pushy and really pressuring you, then i would complain to her floor manager; because if shes getting you to do something that you dont require too and then its damaging your credit rating. Then the store should really know what a bad practise it is. (and at least give you an apology)

Ginch

Sooler

I think I was informed recently that the card expires after 3 months of non-use.