Got turned down for credit card

Murphybear

Hi

I dont have a credit card at the moment and applied for a Barclaycard which I got turned down for.

i have a Barclays Bank account which is in good order, I’ve not had any overdrafts, debts, CCJs, poorly managed loans or anything else I can think of that might consider me a bad risk.  I’ve had credit cards, loans and mortgages in the past but not for a few years.  

Can anyone think of a reason why I’ve been turned down?  Someone suggested my age might be something to do with it, I’m 72.  I was horrified at the thought they could refuse someone just because they are a pensioner 

elsien

Parent is 86 and got a Barclays credit card so obviously not just age. 

Voyager2002

By the sound of things you don't have any recent record of handling credit responsibly. Some credit cards are available for people in your position, but not Barclaycard, evidently.

Use the tool on this site to find a card that you could get; use it "responsibly" for six months and after that you are likely to qualify for cards that you would like.

TadleyBaggie

I'm 72 and have no problems getting credit cards, loans etc.

Refusal is usually down to affordability and lack of credit history.

DullGreyGuy

Murphybear said:

I dont have a credit card at the moment and applied for a Barclaycard which I got turned down for.

i have a Barclays Bank account which is in good order, I’ve not had any overdrafts, debts, CCJs, poorly managed loans or anything else I can think of that might consider me a bad risk.  I’ve had credit cards, loans and mortgages in the past but not for a few years.  

Can anyone think of a reason why I’ve been turned down?  Someone suggested my age might be something to do with it, I’m 72.  I was horrified at the thought they could refuse someone just because they are a pensioner 

How long is a "few years"? Lack of history is seen as almost as negatively as bad history as lenders are typically risk adverse

So you think it's the fact you are drawing your pension rather than your age? Certainly pensioners can still get cards but many pensioners arent on great incomes which will impact the considerations

lr1277

Given that you have a well run current account and no debts, what is listed on your credit file?
Perhaps you have a pay monthly mobile phone SIM? If not that would be helpful.
In terms of looking at my credit file, I use MSE credit club (msecc).
When msecc used Experian data my water bill at a previous address was shown. Now that msecc uses TransUnion data, my water bill is no longer shown.
Perhaps check out the contents of your credit file?

cantbelieveit23

I am older too and have a whole file of credit cards, most of which I no longer use, with a total of more than 60k available credit.  Obtained two additional cards in the last year with no problems.  They may not like the lack of recent credit card history in your case, but I think it's likely that something in your credit file has flagged in their system, so the advice to check your file via MSE is sound.  I assume your regular income is sufficient and visible?

Nasqueron

Murphybear said:

Hi

I dont have a credit card at the moment and applied for a Barclaycard which I got turned down for.

i have a Barclays Bank account which is in good order, I’ve not had any overdrafts, debts, CCJs, poorly managed loans or anything else I can think of that might consider me a bad risk.  I’ve had credit cards, loans and mortgages in the past but not for a few years.  

Can anyone think of a reason why I’ve been turned down?  Someone suggested my age might be something to do with it, I’m 72.  I was horrified at the thought they could refuse someone just because they are a pensioner 

Age isn't automatically a factor especially for a credit card - more of an issue with loans, especially mortgages - but a pensioner income could be limited and lack of credit history over the last few years counts against. Try a "lesser" card application if you need one and build up history that way, same with say a phone contract 

Murphybear

Thanks for the useful comments.  Looking through them I think it’s probably because I haven’t had any loans, mortgages or credit cards for 15-20 years.  That makes sense  

QrizB

For what it's worth, Barclaycard always turn me down.

No other credit card company has, so far at least.

Seems Barclaycard just don't like me!

martinbainbridge1975

might be worth looking at credit files and use eligibility checkers before applying elsewhere

gives an idea who may accept applications