So I got denied for my first credit card

[Rizon]

I figured that since I'd be flying a lot this year, I'd get a credit card so I could rack up miles. I have not had a credit card in my life (other than a Macys, JCPenny, etc, which I just used to get 10% off), don't believe in them or need them.

And I got rejected*. Like Corey Haim trying to pick up a chick at the mall.

WTF? My credit score is 795. I've never had a delinquent account in my life (and have access to my credit reports, which are clear). I'm 33. I've lived in and owned my home since 1997. Been at the same job for 6 years. I make a decent salary and have little debt (car loan, paid off this summer).

What does a motherfucker have to do to get a credit card these days? Be financially irresponsible? I know people that just keep getting cards and are in massive debt, but I can't?????

* "too few accounts with satisfactory performance"

[molson]

Very surprising - but this may be a part of the new credit card legislation. All of the credit card companies are trying to lower their membership numbers.

Maybe you just aimed too high for the first card. Some of the airline miles cards are a little more picky. Maybe apply for just a regular Citibank or Chase card.

Do you do business with any bank? Whoever does your checking account will probably hook you up.

[Rizon]

Very surprising - but this may be a part of the new credit card legislation. All of the credit card companies are trying to lower their membership numbers.

Maybe you just aimed too high for the first card. Some of the airline miles cards are a little more picky. Maybe apply for just a regular Citibank or Chase card.

Do you do business with any bank? Whoever does your checking account will probably hook you up.

I chose this one https://www.barclaycardus.com/apply/Landing.action?campaignId=1308&cellNumber=48&source=dmbug10. My girlfriend got approved for the Premier card (which I got rejected for). She has to fly US Airways for her job, and I'd be going with her a lot.

I bank with Bank of America, belong to a credit union, and have a home loan through Citibank.

[dawgfan]

If you've never had a regular credit card before (not counting your store cards), you probably aren't going to be able to jump right into a "Premier" card - you'll probably have to start off with a base-level card with your bank or credit union (I'm guessing you'll get better terms with your credit union) and use that card regularly for a period of time before "better" credit cards will accept your applicaiton. Basically, you have to prove yourself as a credit card user.

[Greyroofoo]

Who's Corey Haim?

[JediKooter]

Rizon, try this website: Credit Cards - Applications, Reviews, Offers | Card Ratings (http://www.cardratings.com/cardrepfr.html)

It's a database of credit cards basically. You can refine the search to match your credit criteria. I've used it in the past and it has worked most of the time. The website has changed since the last time I used it, so it took me a second to realize it was the correct site.

Even though you can apply via the website, once I found the card that I wanted to apply for, I went to that company's specific website and applied there.

With anything like this though, do your due diligence.

[Philliesfan980]

I figured that since I'd be flying a lot this year, I'd get a credit card so I could rack up miles. I have not had a credit card in my life (other than a Macys, JCPenny, etc, which I just used to get 10% off), don't believe in them or need them.

And I got rejected*. Like Corey Haim trying to pick up a chick at the mall.

WTF? My credit score is 795. I've never had a delinquent account in my life (and have access to my credit reports, which are clear). I'm 33. I've lived in and owned my home since 1997. Been at the same job for 6 years. I make a decent salary and have little debt (car loan, paid off this summer).

What does a motherfucker have to do to get a credit card these days? Be financially irresponsible? I know people that just keep getting cards and are in massive debt, but I can't?????

* "too few accounts with satisfactory performance"

I'm like you (I really don't have a need for credit cards), yet I maintain one and run a lot of my monthly discretionary expenses through it, and pay it off each month. My credit card pays points, so I end up getting a $100 GC every now and then for really doing nothing. Works for me.

Also, if you do a lot of online shopping, it's good to have a CC. I'd never use my debit card online.

[digamma]

Starwood Preferred Guest AmEx. Best points program out there, bar none.

[sterlingice]

I'm like you (I really don't have a need for credit cards), yet I maintain one and run a lot of my monthly discretionary expenses through it, and pay it off each month. My credit card pays points, so I end up getting a $100 GC every now and then for really doing nothing. Works for me.

Also, if you do a lot of online shopping, it's good to have a CC. I'd never use my debit card online.

Exactly what I do. Except I have a Chase card that racks up points I can trade for Continental miles :)

SI

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I use a Southwest Airlines card for my primary card. I put all expenses on it. I currently get 6-8 free flights a year. It's a heckuva deal.

[sterlingice]

One of the small, annoying things about living in Richmond is that Southwest doesn't even fly here. We do get Airtran, which I really like, tho.

SI

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

One of the small, annoying things about living in Richmond is that Southwest doesn't even fly here. We do get Airtran, which I really like, tho.

SI

Yeah, we used Airtran for some flights for places where Southwest doesn't go.

[hukarez]

I chose this one US Airways(SM) Dividend Miles World MasterCard(R) (https://www.barclaycardus.com/apply/Landing.action?campaignId=1308&cellNumber=48&source=dmbug10). My girlfriend got approved for the Premier card (which I got rejected for). She has to fly US Airways for her job, and I'd be going with her a lot.

I bank with Bank of America, belong to a credit union, and have a home loan through Citibank.

I know the Apple Store uses Barclay as their card of choice when applying for financing. I have a few friends with exceptional credit scores being rejected for that card - and when I tried applying for one this past year, I too was rejected. Most people I've spoken with haven't been successful in getting approved with Barclay..

[Karlifornia]

Welcome to my world. I have the dancing ability of a white man, and the credit report of a black man.

[hhiipp]

Welcome to my world. I have the dancing ability of a white man, and the credit report of a black man.


I won't lie, this cracked me up.

[miked]

Starwood Preferred Guest AmEx. Best points program out there, bar none.

This.

[sterlingice]

Starwood Preferred Guest AmEx. Best points program out there, bar none.

I kindof like the card I use for points (I can trade blocks of 6000 pts in for 5000 miles) but sell me on this one as I've heard before that it's one of the best. I've been over at FlyerTalk's threads about it, but it's about a mile long so picking out basic information is kindof needle in haystack time.

How many points per dollar spent? What kind of bonuses? What kind of redemption rates (how many points = airline ticket domestic/international)?

SI