topic Re: Why is Barclays so pretentious in Credit Card Applications

Why is Barclays so pretentious

Anonymous — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 19:07:56 GMT

My Uber Visa card is my lowest limit card by far. I was approved for $1,000 when I applied even with a $24k limit with Amex. I requested higher and got a *magical* $2k. Beautiful, right? Today, I noticed for the first time that the "request credit line increase" button on the website wasn't greyed out like it had been since that *very* generous increase. I requested $5k (which is less than what I've started with on some other cards) and got the 7-10 day message. I called the recon number and was asked my permission to do a HP, since I was only denied based on account information (account information that reflects 13% uti and perfect payment history, mind you). Because I'm carrying a balance and *gasp* have other inquiries on my report, they believe that $2,000 is a sufficient credit line for me. I didn't even try to argue. Now I'm just bitter because Barclays is so backwards and they for some reason take pride in being stingy and putting wasted HPs on people's reports with no new credit to show for them. I wish I had never even gotten this card. For such a 2018, ahead-of-the-curve company like Uber, why in the world did they choose Barclays, a bank stuck in the 20th century, to cobrand their card with?

Re: Why is Barclays so pretentious

jl4 — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 20:37:45 GMT

I would imagine it had something to do with Uber's current public perception and other financial institutions not wanting to be associated with it... or Barclays was willing to give them the biggest cut of the pie... or both.

Re: Why is Barclays so pretentious

Anonymous — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:06:18 GMT

@Anonymouswrote:
My Uber Visa card is my lowest limit card by far. I was approved for $1,000 when I applied even with a $24k limit with Amex. I requested higher and got a *magical* $2k. Beautiful, right? Today, I noticed for the first time that the "request credit line increase" button on the website wasn't greyed out like it had been since that *very* generous increase. I requested $5k (which is less than what I've started with on some other cards) and got the 7-10 day message. I called the recon number and was asked my permission to do a HP, since I was only denied based on account information (account information that reflects 13% uti and perfect payment history, mind you). Because I'm carrying a balance and *gasp* have other inquiries on my report, they believe that $2,000 is a sufficient credit line for me. I didn't even try to argue. Now I'm just bitter because Barclays is so backwards and they for some reason take pride in being stingy and putting wasted HPs on people's reports with no new credit to show for them. I wish I had never even gotten this card. For such a 2018, ahead-of-the-curve company like Uber, why in the world did they choose Barclays, a bank stuck in the 20th century, to cobrand their card with?

Maybe put more spend on that card? Barclay has been wonderful to me no idea.

Re: Why is Barclays so pretentious

Anonymous — Fri, 23 Mar 2018 22:47:31 GMT

How long have you had the Uber card?

Re: Why is Barclays so pretentious

Anonymous — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 02:23:04 GMT

Barclay is pretentious because it can be. International CCC with a long history.

Re: Why is Barclays so pretentious

Anonymous — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 02:42:18 GMT

I've heard more bad than good about Barclays, thus I've never appd with them. Though I have considered their Wyndham Rewards card.

Once I get below teh 5/24 I'll likely opt for a Chase card, I've heard good things about them.

Re: Why is Barclays so pretentious

Anonymous — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 04:33:20 GMT

LOL. As you learn more you will understand. LOL.

Re: Why is Barclays so pretentious

Kevin5974 — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 06:12:14 GMT

I share your frustration. I got it once years ago when my scores were above 700 and util under 10%. They took me from 2k like you, to 5k However, after couple years of NOT requesting credit with them and having essentially the same stats, I gambled and got an additional 10k the other night for a CL of 15k. You have to be careful when submitting to them. They know the games we play with our CLs and dont want to be caught holding the bag when it all comes back down to Earth

Re: Why is Barclays so pretentious

Anonymous — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 13:19:19 GMT

I have 2 Barclay cards, Apple Rewards and Frontier Airlines, and have had no issue with them. My gut tells me that a predominantly-British bank just doesn't quite know how to deal with American-style CC usage and it spooks them.

The beauty is, there are plenty of other CC issuers if people don't care to deal with Barclay's.

Re: Why is Barclays so pretentious

Anonymous — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 14:55:08 GMT

And Barclay is very good at fraud alerts. Called me and texted me has it was happening.

Re: Why is Barclays so pretentious

Anonymous — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 23:39:08 GMT

I have 2 Barclaycards. My first in 2006. I do travel international at least once a year so the true chip and pin really work good in Europe along with no foreign fees. If you have a WEMC the trip protection, purchase protection, accepted anywhere make a great combine. I value this over my visa infinite card insurance. Although I love my Chase Sapphire Resever (30k) it has no prestige and my faithful and true Capital One quick silver (4k) very limit purchase power. Each serve a purpose. If only one card from one company could meet all my requirements. American Express has brand name thanks to their marketing department. But imo their cash back cards suck. Redeem every 25 dollars, statements credit only. Thank you for shopping at Amex. American financial reviews. Need I say more. I have good relationship with other lenders as well Citi, Bank Of America. I have 8 cards. Wish to get down to 5.

Re: Why is Barclays so pretentious

pipeguy — Sat, 24 Mar 2018 23:53:43 GMT

Not sure that I understand your post - seems you like your Barclay's card(s), nothing as to why you think "Barclays so pretentious" (denied a high CLI?).

As far as having only 1 card, that's not a good option IMO - lost/damaged/canceled by the lender or any number of other factors and you have NO credit card to use - I would have at least 3 and personally, AmEx would not be one of them (personal experience). In addition, CRA's prefer at least 2+ cards (common thought is at least 3).

Re: Why is Barclays so pretentious

Anonymous — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 00:26:19 GMT

Let me break it down for you. I'm not in love with any lenders. It's their money, their terms. Barclay is not my first cc lender or last. I know the terms and we have a good relationship. As far as limit. Many of their co-bands comes with decent limit. My sl 10k and it grew with me. My capital one quick silver never increase. But I'm a little different from most on this platform. I don't run for line increase, bonus points than drop the card. Amex build a business with people like me. Not that am a big fan of amex. I can't tell you why Barclay give some people decent line and others no so. Could it be uber told Barclay their intended market want have high monthly expenses compared to travel cards.

Re: Why is Barclays so pretentious

Anonymous — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 13:21:02 GMT

I have gotten much higher starting limits with Barclay than Amex. My wife also got a 24k starting limit with Barclay. Different banks different formulas on how they give out credit limits. I have had zero issues with Barclay.

Re: Why is Barclays so pretentious

Anonymous — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 17:08:44 GMT

@Anonymouswrote:
I've heard more bad than good about Barclays, thus I've never appd with them. Though I have considered their Wyndham Rewards card.
Once I get below teh 5/24 I'll likely opt for a Chase card, I've heard good things about them.

I would highly recommend Barclays over Chase. Chase seems to be on a bit of an AA spree lately with nearly no rhyme nor reason. Barclays is extremely conservative, but throughout my time holding their Uber Visa card, I've found their csr's and upper management to be extremely reasonable and polite. They approved my application despite my young portfolio, and matched my highest existing credit limit. When comparing Chase and Barclays keep in mind that a lot of the AA from Chase lately has no real justification and thus cannot be prevented, whereas Barclays seems to have a valid explanation for their actions.

Re: Why is Barclays so pretentious

Anonymous — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 17:43:05 GMT

@Anonymouswrote:
I have 2 Barclay cards, Apple Rewards and Frontier Airlines, and have had no issue with them. My gut tells me that a predominantly-British bank just doesn't quite know how to deal with American-style CC usage and it spooks them.

The beauty is, there are plenty of other CC issuers if people don't care to deal with Barclay's.

I'm curious as to what the main differences are between British and American credit card usage is. Can you elaborate? Maybe I can tailor my habits to their "British preference".

Re: Why is Barclays so pretentious

kdm31091 — Sun, 25 Mar 2018 19:15:26 GMT

@Anonymouswrote:
@Anonymouswrote:
I've heard more bad than good about Barclays, thus I've never appd with them. Though I have considered their Wyndham Rewards card.
Once I get below teh 5/24 I'll likely opt for a Chase card, I've heard good things about them.
I would highly recommend Barclays over Chase. Chase seems to be on a bit of an AA spree lately with nearly no rhyme nor reason. Barclays is extremely conservative, but throughout my time holding their Uber Visa card, I've found their csr's and upper management to be extremely reasonable and polite. They approved my application despite my young portfolio, and matched my highest existing credit limit. When comparing Chase and Barclays keep in mind that a lot of the AA from Chase lately has no real justification and thus cannot be prevented, whereas Barclays seems to have a valid explanation for their actions.

Banks (including Chase or Barclay) don't just pull names out of thin air for AA. It may seem unjustified but there is always a reason. Whether one agrees with the reason or not is another matter, but it's not random.

Re: Why is Barclays so pretentious

Anonymous — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 12:14:37 GMT

My understanding was that Britons are much less prone to use credit, and less driven by incentives like sign-up bonuses. Although I found an article that suggests the behaviors between the two groups are converging.

http://www.acg.net/us-and-uk-payment-behaviors-more-similar-than-different-says-auriemma-consulting-group/

Re: Why is Barclays so pretentious

Anonymous — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 19:49:52 GMT

@kdm31091wrote:
@Anonymouswrote:
@Anonymouswrote:
I've heard more bad than good about Barclays, thus I've never appd with them. Though I have considered their Wyndham Rewards card.
Once I get below teh 5/24 I'll likely opt for a Chase card, I've heard good things about them.
I would highly recommend Barclays over Chase. Chase seems to be on a bit of an AA spree lately with nearly no rhyme nor reason. Barclays is extremely conservative, but throughout my time holding their Uber Visa card, I've found their csr's and upper management to be extremely reasonable and polite. They approved my application despite my young portfolio, and matched my highest existing credit limit. When comparing Chase and Barclays keep in mind that a lot of the AA from Chase lately has no real justification and thus cannot be prevented, whereas Barclays seems to have a valid explanation for their actions.
Banks (including Chase or Barclay) don't just pull names out of thin air for AA. It may seem unjustified but there is always a reason. Whether one agrees with the reason or not is another matter, but it's not random.

While technically the reasons are not pulled out of a hat, they essentially are for all intensive purposes in unfortunate circumstances.