Capital one - activate right away!

sharpy2010

Just received my Capital One card, and on the front it has a message saying "For security reasons, please activate the card right away". Why can't they be honest? Surely, for security reasons, it's better that the card ISN'T activated as it then can't be used (save for a few offline places)!!!!!!

Why can't they just put "Activate immediately to start using the card today!!!". This is what they are actually implying when they say to activate it straight away, not for any spurious security reason!

Dammit, these companies make me angry!

Actually whilst I'm at it, I've in the past received letters saying "We are unable to offer you a credit card at present". But they aren't unable to are they. They don't want to. I don't see why they can't be honest and write "Thank you for applying for a card with us, but at the moment we are not going to issue you with one", and leave it at that? Instead of skirting around some made up reason for not issuing a card!

Rant over.

The_Boss

Ha! I've had two cards (not Cap One though) recently that I've left unactivated but taken the sticker off for a similar reason - they're being used for balance transfers.

reclusive46

I don't know about Capital One, but I didn't activate a card from one company once and I actually got a call from them (I was on holiday so couldn't activate it), they were worried the card might have been stolen in the mail.

guesswho2000

The_Boss wrote: »

Ha! I've had two cards (not Cap One though) recently that I've left unactivated but taken the sticker off for a similar reason - they're being used for balance transfers.

Interesting - I've got a MBNA Platinum which has only ever been used for a BT, but I activated it anyway and stuck it in a drawer.

I assume they'd have just bombarded me with reminders if I hadn't activated it.

fozmcfc

I think it's perfectly acceptable, for companies to want cards activated, rather than think that they may be lost in the postal system. I see absolutely no problem in that.

The only issue I have, is when some companies, use the call, to pressure people into getting PPI with the card.

As for we cannot offer you a card at this time, I fail to also see what the problem with that is either. It normally tells people to check credit files as well, which is good advice.

Many people feel that they would have no problem with getting a card and check files and see issues. I'd rather that, then, sorry we don't want you as a customer, goodbye.

sharpy2010

fozmcfc wrote: »

As for we cannot offer you a card at this time, I fail to also see what the problem with that is either. It normally tells people to check credit files as well, which is good advice. .

Many people feel that they would have no problem with getting a card and check files and see issues. I'd rather that, then, sorry we don't want you as a customer, goodbye.

Personally I'd rather a company said to me "We don't want you as a customer, we don't trust you/think we'll get our money back/won't make any money from you.". I prefer clear and truthful English, rather than thinly veiled lies

At least its the truth. When they say they are "unable to offer a card", well thats a lie. They are ABLE to offer a card - its not like they ran out of money to lend, is it! They DON'T WANT to offer a card.

This has reminded me of a third thing that irritates me!!! When you use your card at an ATM and it says "This service is unavailable at the moment". It makes you think "Well, why is it unavailable". Then you start to wonder if it was your card at fault, or does the machine not have any money in it, or could it not connect to the bank for authorisation?! They should give a clear message saying why cash can't be dispensed. "Not enough funds in account", or "Couldn't connect to bank to authorise withdrawal" or "You have already withdrawn your daily limit from this account". At least you then know WHY you can't get money out!

bigadaj

sharpy2010 wrote: »

Personally I'd rather a company said to me "We don't want you as a customer, we don't trust you/think we'll get our money back/won't make any money from you.". I prefer clear and truthful English, rather than thinly veiled lies

At least its the truth. When they say they are "unable to offer a card", well thats a lie. They are ABLE to offer a card - its not like they ran out of money to lend, is it! They DON'T WANT to offer a card.

This has reminded me of a third thing that irritates me!!! When you use your card at an ATM and it says "This service is unavailable at the moment". It makes you think "Well, why is it unavailable". Then you start to wonder if it was your card at fault, or does the machine not have any money in it, or could it not connect to the bank for authorisation?! They should give a clear message saying why cash can't be dispensed. "Not enough funds in account", or "Couldn't connect to bank to authorise withdrawal" or "You have already withdrawn your daily limit from this account". At least you then know WHY you can't get money out!

Nah sharpy, the real reason is that they are all out to get you.

sharpy2010

bigadaj wrote: »

Nah sharpy, the real reason is that they are all out to get you.

I tell you sometimes it feels that way.

I'm sure life is far more complicated than it needs to be.

Macca83_2

sharpy2010 wrote: »

Personally I'd rather a company said to me "We don't want you as a customer, we don't trust you/think we'll get our money back/won't make any money from you.". I prefer clear and truthful English, rather than thinly veiled lies!

Not everyone can handle the truth. Can you imagine if the banks starting saying 'your application has been denied because from the looks of it you sound like a useless chancer that would spend frivolously on our money and then claim bankruptcy. Stick your application up your jacksay'

sharpy2010

Macca83 wrote: »

Not everyone can handle the truth. Can you imagine if the banks starting saying 'your application has been denied because from the looks of it you sound like a useless chancer that would spend frivolously on our money and then claim bankruptcy. Stick your application up your jacksay'

At least its honest.

Saying "We are unable to offer you a card..." is dishonest, its not the truth!

Macca83_2

It would be hilarious. But I can't see it happening.

'We are not approving your application today because I took a fill of drink last night and I really cannot be bothered with the effort involved in performing back ground checks.'