topic Re: How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard? in Credit Card Approvals

How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard?

Christina_xyt — Mon, 19 May 2014 18:09:21 GMT

I am still kinda new to the credit.. I know cards like discover/chase freedom are the entry cards easy to get approved. I heard that Amex is generally difficult to get approved. So I never tried to get one.

Would it be even possible to try to apply for Sallie Mae with only a bit longer than a year credit history? What credit burea they pull when you app for the card?

Re: How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard?

mongstradamus — Mon, 19 May 2014 18:11:10 GMT

@Christina_xyt wrote:
I am still kinda new to the credit.. I know cards like discover/chase freedom are the entry cards easy to get approved. I heard that Amex is generally difficult to get approved. So I never tried to get one.

Would it be even possible to try to apply for Sallie Mae with only a bit longer than a year credit history? What credit burea they pull when you app for the card?

They are an TU puller like every barclaycard is. Remind me of your stats like AAoA, INQ etc. I remember you just got an fidelity amex what other cards did you get recently ?

Re: How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard?

wacdenney — Mon, 19 May 2014 18:59:19 GMT

Barclay refuses to give me a Sallie Mae OR UPromise card, but they instantly approved a Rewards MC with a 2500 CL. I have no idea what makes the difference in the underwriting there. I thought there were 2 versions of the Sallie Mae card just like the Rewards card, but maybe not.

Re: How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard?

Christina_xyt — Mon, 19 May 2014 19:03:02 GMT

@mongstradamus wrote:
@Christina_xyt wrote:
I am still kinda new to the credit.. I know cards like discover/chase freedom are the entry cards easy to get approved. I heard that Amex is generally difficult to get approved. So I never tried to get one.

Would it be even possible to try to apply for Sallie Mae with only a bit longer than a year credit history? What credit burea they pull when you app for the card?
They are an TU puller like every barclaycard is. Remind me of your stats like AAoA, INQ etc. I remember you just got an fidelity amex what other cards did you get recently ?

Yes! You are have good memory.

It doesn't seem like Fidelity pulled TU.. I dunno which one they pulled since I didn't pay for monitoring credit reports..

I am not sure how to count the AAoA? My oldest boa 1-2-3 card ($900 cl) was approved in early March 2013. In September 2013 I applied for Macy's (300 cl) card, and then Octorber Boa better balance reward card($2,000cl).. In late December Discover card. In between Octorber to December, I got denied for Discover and 50 days later reapplied (So it was approved with 4k credit line in Dec)..

I didn't know anything about the credit report before.. So I think I did something bad to hurt the score. In August 2013, requested online for boa's 1-2-3 card credit line increase.. but i was playing with it..>.< didn't know any better.. so i just asked for like $100 more.. which made it ($1,000) at that time.. and then a month later I asked for $200 more.. and then a month later $300 more.. (I know i know I messed up really hard >.< I really just didn't know anything, i thought it's fun..)

Frequently asking for CLI might be one of the reasons I got denied for the discover it card the first time I applied for it.

In 2014, I didn't really do much. In March asked for boa 1-2-3 CLI to $3000 (it was about doubled what I had). In April got the fidelity amex card ($2,500)

I am a non resident alien. So most of my income resources are from outside of the U.S. which I do not have to report to IRS or pay tax.. So if they asked my income I usually filled in 50K (include the foreign income)

what other information should I give out for everyone here to help me figure out if I can apply for it

Re: How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard?

lg8302ch — Mon, 19 May 2014 21:21:15 GMT

@Christina_xyt wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@Christina_xyt wrote:
I am still kinda new to the credit.. I know cards like discover/chase freedom are the entry cards easy to get approved. I heard that Amex is generally difficult to get approved. So I never tried to get one.

Would it be even possible to try to apply for Sallie Mae with only a bit longer than a year credit history? What credit burea they pull when you app for the card?
They are an TU puller like every barclaycard is. Remind me of your stats like AAoA, INQ etc. I remember you just got an fidelity amex what other cards did you get recently ?
Yes! You are have good memory.
It doesn't seem like Fidelity pulled TU.. I dunno which one they pulled since I didn't pay for monitoring credit reports..

I am not sure how to count the AAoA? My oldest boa 1-2-3 card ($900 cl) was approved in early March 2013. In September 2013 I applied for Macy's (300 cl) card, and then Octorber Boa better balance reward card($2,000cl).. In late December Discover card. In between Octorber to December, I got denied for Discover and 50 days later reapplied (So it was approved with 4k credit line in Dec)..

I didn't know anything about the credit report before.. So I think I did something bad to hurt the score. In August 2013, requested online for boa's 1-2-3 card credit line increase.. but i was playing with it..>.< didn't know any better.. so i just asked for like $100 more.. which made it ($1,000) at that time.. and then a month later I asked for $200 more.. and then a month later $300 more.. (I know i know I messed up really hard >.< I really just didn't know anything, i thought it's fun..)

Frequently asking for CLI might be one of the reasons I got denied for the discover it card the first time I applied for it.

In 2014, I didn't really do much. In March asked for boa 1-2-3 CLI to $3000 (it was about doubled what I had). In April got the fidelity amex card ($2,500)

I am a non resident alien. So most of my income resources are from outside of the U.S. which I do not have to report to IRS or pay tax.. So if they asked my income I usually filled in 50K (include the foreign income)

what other information should I give out for everyone here to help me figure out if I can apply for it

Did you ask Barclays if they grant you an exception as their cards are for US persons only - citizens or permanent residents but not for non resident aliens ?

Re: How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard?

Christina_xyt — Mon, 19 May 2014 21:31:05 GMT

@lg8302ch wrote:
@Christina_xyt wrote:
@mongstradamus wrote:
@Christina_xyt wrote:
I am still kinda new to the credit.. I know cards like discover/chase freedom are the entry cards easy to get approved. I heard that Amex is generally difficult to get approved. So I never tried to get one.

Would it be even possible to try to apply for Sallie Mae with only a bit longer than a year credit history? What credit burea they pull when you app for the card?
They are an TU puller like every barclaycard is. Remind me of your stats like AAoA, INQ etc. I remember you just got an fidelity amex what other cards did you get recently ?
Yes! You are have good memory.
It doesn't seem like Fidelity pulled TU.. I dunno which one they pulled since I didn't pay for monitoring credit reports..

I am not sure how to count the AAoA? My oldest boa 1-2-3 card ($900 cl) was approved in early March 2013. In September 2013 I applied for Macy's (300 cl) card, and then Octorber Boa better balance reward card($2,000cl).. In late December Discover card. In between Octorber to December, I got denied for Discover and 50 days later reapplied (So it was approved with 4k credit line in Dec)..

I didn't know anything about the credit report before.. So I think I did something bad to hurt the score. In August 2013, requested online for boa's 1-2-3 card credit line increase.. but i was playing with it..>.< didn't know any better.. so i just asked for like $100 more.. which made it ($1,000) at that time.. and then a month later I asked for $200 more.. and then a month later $300 more.. (I know i know I messed up really hard >.< I really just didn't know anything, i thought it's fun..)

Frequently asking for CLI might be one of the reasons I got denied for the discover it card the first time I applied for it.

In 2014, I didn't really do much. In March asked for boa 1-2-3 CLI to $3000 (it was about doubled what I had). In April got the fidelity amex card ($2,500)

I am a non resident alien. So most of my income resources are from outside of the U.S. which I do not have to report to IRS or pay tax.. So if they asked my income I usually filled in 50K (include the foreign income)

what other information should I give out for everyone here to help me figure out if I can apply for it
Did you ask Barclays if they grant you an exception as their cards are for US persons only - citizens or permanent residents but not for non resident aliens ?

Oh I didn't really know that.. Didn't think about it since I never came across a situation where they require the applicants to be a resident or citizen.. I guess then nvm.. I asked a silly question..

Re: How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard?

lg8302ch — Mon, 19 May 2014 21:38:09 GMT

You can call and ask. Some have been successful with SSN and non resident alien status. US Bank also requires permanent resident status to apply.

Good luck!

Re: How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard?

Anonymous — Mon, 19 May 2014 21:59:19 GMT

@lg8302ch wrote:
You can call and ask. Some have been successful with SSN and non resident alien status. US Bank also requires permanent resident status to apply.
Good luck!

It's actually a little ambiguous in my opinion, this has been argued about before! The T&Cs on say the US Air card state:

This offer is available only to applicants who are residents of the United States, with the exception of Iowa, Puerto Rico and the US territories,

So what does "resident" mean. I (and this was a minority opinion) read this as "have an address in" rather than "is citizen or perm res" as the concept of "perm res of Iowa" doesn't exist. The form asks if you are a US citizen and if you say "No" asks about country of citizenship. It DOESN'T ask confirmation that you are a permanent resident.

Re: How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard?

trumpet-205 — Mon, 19 May 2014 22:08:24 GMT

@wacdenney wrote:
Barclay refuses to give me a Sallie Mae OR UPromise card, but they instantly approved a Rewards MC with a 2500 CL. I have no idea what makes the difference in the underwriting there. I thought there were 2 versions of the Sallie Mae card just like the Rewards card, but maybe not.

Rewards MC are tuned for average credit. Out of all Barclay's offering, that is the only card with lowest approval standard.

Re: How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard?

TiggerDat — Mon, 19 May 2014 22:13:11 GMT

@wacdenney wrote:
Barclay refuses to give me a Sallie Mae OR UPromise card, but they instantly approved a Rewards MC with a 2500 CL. I have no idea what makes the difference in the underwriting there. I thought there were 2 versions of the Sallie Mae card just like the Rewards card, but maybe not.

I don't think there are two versions as they are World cards only I believe. I know there has been some aspect of people getting less than a $5000 limit for the cards, but I think they do have a bit higher qualifications than the rewards card. I also think it is easier if you get another card with them first. I had the rewards card for 1 and 2/3 years with them and when I app'd for the Sallie Mae it was an instant approval with a very nice limit. The rewards card had never been given a CLI and it was only at $1500 for the entire time. (I did use that pull to get the limit increased on the rewards card also.) Give it some time and do well with them and you should be able to get the Sallie Mae card later.

If this helps, this is how I used my rewards card. In the beginning I used the card a fair bit for a few months. Then I basically put it in the sock drawer, some months having a balance, some months not having a balance. Recently I put a recurring charge in the card and even paid that off before the balance balance ever posted to the credit bureau. Probably in a few months I will transfer that limit to the Sallie Mae card and simply close it out. (I know I shouldn't do such a thing, but with the cards I hnow have, there is no reason to even keep it or some others open.)

Re: How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard?

Christina_xyt — Mon, 19 May 2014 22:13:46 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@lg8302ch wrote:
You can call and ask. Some have been successful with SSN and non resident alien status. US Bank also requires permanent resident status to apply.
Good luck!
It's actually a little ambiguous in my opinion, this has been argued about before! The T&Cs on say the US Air card state:

This offer is available only to applicants who are residents of the United States, with the exception of Iowa, Puerto Rico and the US territories,

So what does "resident" mean. I (and this was a minority opinion) read this as "have an address in" rather than "is citizen or perm res" as the concept of "perm res of Iowa" doesn't exist. The form asks if you are a US citizen and if you say "No" asks about country of citizenship. It DOESN'T ask confirmation that you are a permanent resident.

So I can still try? I wonder if anyone on the forun actually got the card when they are not a citizen or a permant resident.

Re: How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard?

Anonymous — Mon, 19 May 2014 22:26:44 GMT

@Christina_xyt wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@lg8302ch wrote:
You can call and ask. Some have been successful with SSN and non resident alien status. US Bank also requires permanent resident status to apply.
Good luck!
It's actually a little ambiguous in my opinion, this has been argued about before! The T&Cs on say the US Air card state:

This offer is available only to applicants who are residents of the United States, with the exception of Iowa, Puerto Rico and the US territories,

So what does "resident" mean. I (and this was a minority opinion) read this as "have an address in" rather than "is citizen or perm res" as the concept of "perm res of Iowa" doesn't exist. The form asks if you are a US citizen and if you say "No" asks about country of citizenship. It DOESN'T ask confirmation that you are a permanent resident.
So I can still try? I wonder if anyone on the forun actually got the card when they are not a citizen or a permant resident.

To be safe, call and ask

Re: How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard?

Themanwhocan — Mon, 19 May 2014 22:26:54 GMT

@TiggerDat wrote:
@wacdenney wrote:
Barclay refuses to give me a Sallie Mae OR UPromise card, but they instantly approved a Rewards MC with a 2500 CL. I have no idea what makes the difference in the underwriting there. I thought there were 2 versions of the Sallie Mae card just like the Rewards card, but maybe not.
I don't think there are two versions as they are World cards only I believe. I know there has been some aspect of people getting less than a $5000 limit for the cards, but I think they do have a bit higher qualifications than the rewards card. I also think it is easier if you get another card with them first. I had the rewards card for 1 and 2/3 years with them and when I app'd for the Sallie Mae it was an instant approval with a very nice limit. The rewards card had never been given a CLI and it was only at $1500 for the entire time. (I did use that pull to get the limit increased on the rewards card also.) Give it some time and do well with them and you should be able to get the Sallie Mae card later.

If this helps, this is how I used my rewards card. In the beginning I used the card a fair bit for a few months. Then I basically put it in the sock drawer, some months having a balance, some months not having a balance. Recently I put a recurring charge in the card and even paid that off before the balance balance ever posted to the credit bureau. Probably in a few months I will transfer that limit to the Sallie Mae card and simply close it out. (I know I shouldn't do such a thing, but with the cards I hnow have, there is no reason to even keep it or some others open.)

Of course there are 2 versions of the Sallie Mae card. You can clearly see both versions in my Signature.

Re: How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard?

Christina_xyt — Mon, 19 May 2014 23:04:46 GMT

@Themanwhocan wrote:
@TiggerDat wrote:
@wacdenney wrote:
Barclay refuses to give me a Sallie Mae OR UPromise card, but they instantly approved a Rewards MC with a 2500 CL. I have no idea what makes the difference in the underwriting there. I thought there were 2 versions of the Sallie Mae card just like the Rewards card, but maybe not.
I don't think there are two versions as they are World cards only I believe. I know there has been some aspect of people getting less than a $5000 limit for the cards, but I think they do have a bit higher qualifications than the rewards card. I also think it is easier if you get another card with them first. I had the rewards card for 1 and 2/3 years with them and when I app'd for the Sallie Mae it was an instant approval with a very nice limit. The rewards card had never been given a CLI and it was only at $1500 for the entire time. (I did use that pull to get the limit increased on the rewards card also.) Give it some time and do well with them and you should be able to get the Sallie Mae card later.

If this helps, this is how I used my rewards card. In the beginning I used the card a fair bit for a few months. Then I basically put it in the sock drawer, some months having a balance, some months not having a balance. Recently I put a recurring charge in the card and even paid that off before the balance balance ever posted to the credit bureau. Probably in a few months I will transfer that limit to the Sallie Mae card and simply close it out. (I know I shouldn't do such a thing, but with the cards I hnow have, there is no reason to even keep it or some others open.)
Of course there are 2 versions of the Sallie Mae card. You can clearly see both versions in my Signature.

Yea, I did see it but I couldn't really tell the difference??

Re: How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard?

Kenny — Mon, 19 May 2014 23:06:17 GMT

@Christina_xyt wrote:
@Themanwhocan wrote:
@TiggerDat wrote:
@wacdenney wrote:
Barclay refuses to give me a Sallie Mae OR UPromise card, but they instantly approved a Rewards MC with a 2500 CL. I have no idea what makes the difference in the underwriting there. I thought there were 2 versions of the Sallie Mae card just like the Rewards card, but maybe not.
I don't think there are two versions as they are World cards only I believe. I know there has been some aspect of people getting less than a $5000 limit for the cards, but I think they do have a bit higher qualifications than the rewards card. I also think it is easier if you get another card with them first. I had the rewards card for 1 and 2/3 years with them and when I app'd for the Sallie Mae it was an instant approval with a very nice limit. The rewards card had never been given a CLI and it was only at $1500 for the entire time. (I did use that pull to get the limit increased on the rewards card also.) Give it some time and do well with them and you should be able to get the Sallie Mae card later.

If this helps, this is how I used my rewards card. In the beginning I used the card a fair bit for a few months. Then I basically put it in the sock drawer, some months having a balance, some months not having a balance. Recently I put a recurring charge in the card and even paid that off before the balance balance ever posted to the credit bureau. Probably in a few months I will transfer that limit to the Sallie Mae card and simply close it out. (I know I shouldn't do such a thing, but with the cards I hnow have, there is no reason to even keep it or some others open.)
Of course there are 2 versions of the Sallie Mae card. You can clearly see both versions in my Signature.
Yea, I did see it but I couldn't really tell the difference??

One's platinum and one's world -- but they both have exactly the same rewards so to me same card. lol

Re: How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard?

Christina_xyt — Mon, 19 May 2014 23:06:26 GMT

@Themanwhocan wrote:
@TiggerDat wrote:
@wacdenney wrote:
Barclay refuses to give me a Sallie Mae OR UPromise card, but they instantly approved a Rewards MC with a 2500 CL. I have no idea what makes the difference in the underwriting there. I thought there were 2 versions of the Sallie Mae card just like the Rewards card, but maybe not.
I don't think there are two versions as they are World cards only I believe. I know there has been some aspect of people getting less than a $5000 limit for the cards, but I think they do have a bit higher qualifications than the rewards card. I also think it is easier if you get another card with them first. I had the rewards card for 1 and 2/3 years with them and when I app'd for the Sallie Mae it was an instant approval with a very nice limit. The rewards card had never been given a CLI and it was only at $1500 for the entire time. (I did use that pull to get the limit increased on the rewards card also.) Give it some time and do well with them and you should be able to get the Sallie Mae card later.

If this helps, this is how I used my rewards card. In the beginning I used the card a fair bit for a few months. Then I basically put it in the sock drawer, some months having a balance, some months not having a balance. Recently I put a recurring charge in the card and even paid that off before the balance balance ever posted to the credit bureau. Probably in a few months I will transfer that limit to the Sallie Mae card and simply close it out. (I know I shouldn't do such a thing, but with the cards I hnow have, there is no reason to even keep it or some others open.)
Of course there are 2 versions of the Sallie Mae card. You can clearly see both versions in my Signature.

btw.. Priceline card has 2% on everything???? really? If I knew, i wouldnt have applied for the fidelity.. some places don't take amex...

Re: How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard?

Anonymous — Mon, 19 May 2014 23:07:11 GMT

That offer is no longer available to new applications

Re: How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard?

barthooper — Mon, 19 May 2014 23:34:22 GMT

While I am a U.S. citizen, part of my experience can be relevant here, since I got my first card this February (Barclay Rewards MC) and just last week applied and got accepted for the Sallie Mae. I wasn't expecting it to work, or at least I would have to try reconning, but I got instantly approved. Hopefully it works out for you.

Re: How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard?

wacdenney — Mon, 19 May 2014 23:46:49 GMT

@trumpet-205 wrote:
@wacdenney wrote:
Barclay refuses to give me a Sallie Mae OR UPromise card, but they instantly approved a Rewards MC with a 2500 CL. I have no idea what makes the difference in the underwriting there. I thought there were 2 versions of the Sallie Mae card just like the Rewards card, but maybe not.
Rewards MC are tuned for average credit. Out of all Barclay's offering, that is the only card with lowest approval standard.

Ah ok. I thought there was a World and Platinum version of the Rewards MC. So I guess I did ok then getting the lowest APR available at 14.99%.

Re: How difficult to get approved for Sallie Mae Barclaycard?

wacdenney — Mon, 19 May 2014 23:48:32 GMT

@TiggerDat wrote:
@wacdenney wrote:
Barclay refuses to give me a Sallie Mae OR UPromise card, but they instantly approved a Rewards MC with a 2500 CL. I have no idea what makes the difference in the underwriting there. I thought there were 2 versions of the Sallie Mae card just like the Rewards card, but maybe not.
I don't think there are two versions as they are World cards only I believe. I know there has been some aspect of people getting less than a $5000 limit for the cards, but I think they do have a bit higher qualifications than the rewards card. I also think it is easier if you get another card with them first. I had the rewards card for 1 and 2/3 years with them and when I app'd for the Sallie Mae it was an instant approval with a very nice limit. The rewards card had never been given a CLI and it was only at $1500 for the entire time. (I did use that pull to get the limit increased on the rewards card also.) Give it some time and do well with them and you should be able to get the Sallie Mae card later.

If this helps, this is how I used my rewards card. In the beginning I used the card a fair bit for a few months. Then I basically put it in the sock drawer, some months having a balance, some months not having a balance. Recently I put a recurring charge in the card and even paid that off before the balance balance ever posted to the credit bureau. Probably in a few months I will transfer that limit to the Sallie Mae card and simply close it out. (I know I shouldn't do such a thing, but with the cards I hnow have, there is no reason to even keep it or some others open.)

Well there ya go... I didn't realize the Sallie and Upromise cards were offered in World versions only either. No wonder they kept denying me! lol

Yes... I am hopeful the Rewards MC will be a stepping stone on my way to Sallie!