Credit card applications declined numerous times

makeem95

I've been having problems getting a new credit card recently and it's starting to annoy me a lot. I've been issued with credit cards without any problems for the past 10+ years, but I've been declined a credit card numerous times in the past few years.

Before I start, a few facts about me:
Living in rented flat for 2yr 5m (rent £975 pm). Previously was living at my parent's house for 13+ years.

Gross annual income if 60K+

I have 2 credit card:
Tesco Platinum £5000 limit, pay full balance every month
Nationwide Gold Credit card £5,500, usually zero balance as I only use it abroad.

I used to be a "credit tart", but I stopped switching cards about 3 years ago.

Apart from £2500 student loan, I currently have no debt.
I used to have 5yr loan which I settled early in the 3rd year.

Now to explain my story:
The first signs of trouble begain in Nov 2009 when I was declined for a Sainsbury's credit card. Since I've never been declined before, I was quite worried so using Equifax's free trial offer, I got my credit report. There were no black marks against my record and I was properly registered at the address on the electrol roll.

I didn't bother chasing it up after that, but recently (Jan 2011) I applied for a Post Office credit card and was also declined. I phoned up and the customer services couldn't give me a reason why I was declined, but said I could appeal. I was sent the appeals pack, but as it would've cost £15 just to get certified copies of all the documents made at the Post Office, I weighed up the pros & cons and decided to cancel the appeal.

Then just this week I applied for the Amazon Credit card from the Bank of America as I do quite a bit of shopping on Amazon and I also wanted a contactless credit card. Again I was declined with no specific reasons. FYI, these credit cards are the only applications for credit I have made since moving to my flat

I applied for my statutory credit report from Experian a few days ago and when it arrives, I'll post an update.

In the meantime, any suggestions why this is happening or advice on rectifying this situation will be greatly appreciated.

[Deleted User]

makeem95 wrote: »

I have 2 credit card:
Tesco Platinum £5000 limit, pay full balance every month
Nationwide Gold Credit card £5,500, usually zero balance as I only use it abroad.

I used to be a credit card, but I stopped switching cards about 3 years ago and have been paying off my debt since.

Apart from £2500 student loan, I have no debt.
I used to have 5yr loan which I settled early in the 3rd year.

Not clear on whether you're carrying any debt or not.

Are you now clear, apart from the student loan? And currently using and paying off in full on one card?

paulmcerlean

Student loan does not count as debt in terms of applying for credit.

With two credit cards with high limits, and zero balances, it could be they see no profit in you. This happens.

Also, why do you need another card, the two you have are nice prime cards.

Have you applied for much else recently? Too many searches can make credit hard to get.

Also, what do you mean you used to be a credit card?

KingElvis

makeem95 wrote: »

I used to be a credit card, but I'm ok now

Awesome, were you the result of an experment twixt woman and credit card?

What was your credit limit? :rotfl:

makeem95

paulmcerlean wrote: »

Also, what do you mean you used to be a credit card?

Oops, an embarrassing typo there.

I've updated my original post to make things clearer.

makeem95

Deleted_User wrote: »

Not clear on whether you're carrying any debt or not.

Are you now clear, apart from the student loan? And currently using and paying off in full on one card?

Student loan is the only debt I have left.

Tixy

Probably difficult to guess until your have your credit reports.

makeem95 wrote: »

FYI, these credit cards are the only applications for credit I have made since moving to my flat

Are you on the electoral roll at the new address? have you changed your existing account details to the new address - your bank account etc?

makeem95

paulmcerlean wrote: »

Also, why do you need another card, the two you have are nice prime cards.

Have you applied for much else recently? Too many searches can make credit hard to get.

Well the main reason I wanted the Amazon card was for the contactless payment and the Amazon loyalty rewards are nice as well.

The only credit I've applied for in the past 12 months are the Post Office credit card last month and the Amazon credit card this week.

makeem95

Tixy wrote: »

Are you on the electoral roll at the new address? have you changed your existing account details to the new address - your bank account etc?

Yes I am on the electrol roll, I mentioned that in my original post.

I have also switch all the home addresses with banks and other services I use (mobile phone etc.) to my current address.

Tixy

makeem95 wrote: »

Yes I am on the electrol roll, I mentioned that in my original post.

So you did -sorry I must have scan read. Occasionally people do find that the CRAs don't have their correct info so they don't show as being on the electoral roll when potential lenders do a search, so that could be something to look out for on the report when it comes.

You say you used to tart the cards - you haven't still got any old open accounts with nil balances have you that are increasing your amount of available credit or total number of credit cards?

makeem95

Tixy wrote: »

Occasionally people do find that the CRAs don't have their correct info so they don't show as being on the electoral roll when potential lenders do a search, so that could be something to look out for on the report when it comes.

You say you used to tart the cards - you haven't still got any old open accounts with nil balances have you that are increasing your amount of available credit or total number of credit cards?

I've been very good at keeping tack of my finances using MS Money for the past 10 years or so and I've always made sure to close down credit card accounts when no longer needed. I guess the credit report I'm waiting for should confirm that.

I've always wondered, but do you have to request a credit report from every CRA to be certain about your credit report? I've requested a report from Experian, but do I also need to request one from, say, Equifax to make sure my details are correct?

I hope CRAs synchronise the data they have on you so you only have to check with one agency....