topic Re: Lending Tree claims to BOOST Approval at Citi??? By taking a test? in Credit Card Applications

Lending Tree claims to BOOST Approval at Citi??? By taking a test?

Anonymous — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 21:24:31 GMT

So I got this message from Lending Tree today...

*Note* I don't intend to apply because I don't want a hard inquiry and we are in the middle of buying/selling a home but has anyone received this type of email before? What were your results?
Thank you!

"At LendingTree, we want to give you the tools you need to make smart decisions. For a limited time, we are offering you a special opportunity to significantly boost your chances of getting approved for one of Citi’s BEST cash back cards, the Citi® Double Cash Card, by taking a quick online money management program.

Complete and pass any two courses before 11:59PM PDT on June 17, 2018 and you will get exclusive access to apply for the Citi® Double Cash Card, raising your chances of being approved for one of Citi’s best cash back credit cards. (Note: You can always apply for the Citi® Double Cash card on Citicards.com directly, this special offer is designed to significantly boost your chance of being approved for the card)."

Re: Lending Tree claims to BOOST Approval at Citi??? By taking a test?

SomewhereIn505 — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 21:31:48 GMT

I view Lending Tree like CK - marketing with old score models that no one uses anymore.

I'm not applying for anything now, either.

Re: Lending Tree claims to BOOST Approval at Citi??? By taking a test?

Anonymous — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 21:49:16 GMT

I got the same email and am scared to apply.

Re: Lending Tree claims to BOOST Approval at Citi??? By taking a test?

Anonymous — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 21:50:53 GMT

I honestly wouldn't. Sounds like they were given some funds from Citi to push credit card applications but if you aren't prequalified online on their site I wouldn't risk it.

@Anonymous wrote:
I got the same email and am scared to apply.

Re: Lending Tree claims to BOOST Approval at Citi??? By taking a test?

Brian_Earl_Spilner — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 23:36:40 GMT

I've read about banks that offer courses for their customers to take to improve their standings with the bank. But, ive never heard of Citi doing that, and I've never heard of it being offered through a 3rd party.

Re: Lending Tree claims to BOOST Approval at Citi??? By taking a test?

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 04:05:35 GMT

Did the course. Applied and denied!

Re: Lending Tree claims to BOOST Approval at Citi??? By taking a test?

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 05:23:16 GMT

Dang, but thanks for testing this out for the rest of us : (

I will not be waisting an inquiry on this

Re: Lending Tree claims to BOOST Approval at Citi??? By taking a test?

egghead88 — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 11:11:30 GMT

I took the test and was still on the fence about applying. Thank you for taking one for the myfico team LOL!! I hope you have better luck in the future!!

Re: Lending Tree claims to BOOST Approval at Citi??? By taking a test?

Anonymous — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 13:48:37 GMT

Ouch. That stinks. Thank you for letting everyone know.

Re: Lending Tree claims to BOOST Approval at Citi??? By taking a test?

AverageJoesCredit — Tue, 12 Jun 2018 15:01:49 GMT

That's the problem with things like this. People will believe it's a short cut to getting an approval. In my opinion, the best way to get your approval odds enhanced is to work on your profile and have your credit report at it's best . Marketing works for their bottom line not necessarily ours

Re: Lending Tree claims to BOOST Approval at Citi??? By taking a test?

Anonymous — Sun, 17 Jun 2018 21:15:30 GMT

I had turn to a Email that I received from lendingtree looking to consolidate or maybe even look in to getting a 36 month lone to pay off 4 CC I had got into trouble with. Now mind you I was not behind in any of them I was paying over the amount due but the APR between the 4 cards were killing me. So I was looking to lendingtree for about $7000 in help. Well after going to there website and seeing that filling out there form would have no ill affect on my credit till I except a offer I decided to bite the bullet and fill out there form and see what happens. Well 2 day later I got offers that I never accepted but I also got the biggest surprise of my life. My credit score went from EX 650 - TU 635 down to 582 - 594. And when I call lendingtree and ask why that would happen if there website states it will not affect my credit. And I have not applied for any new cards or have not been using the cards I have. The only thing I have done is with lendingtree why they would affect my credit like that. The person I was on the phone with actually got upset with me and hung up. So my point is be weary on what you do with lendingtree they might help some but for me they might have made matter's worse if I wanted to get a loan my score is now really in the trash.

Re: Lending Tree claims to BOOST Approval at Citi??? By taking a test?

Anonymous — Sun, 17 Jun 2018 23:28:16 GMT

For the person who applied and was denied mind sharing your experian/equifax fico score? Thanks!

Re: Lending Tree claims to BOOST Approval at Citi??? By taking a test?

Anonymous — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 02:36:13 GMT

The last time I checked which was about 3 weeks ago; my Transunion fico score was 656, my Experian fico score was 660, and my Equifax fico score was 662. I have no lates, no collections, no bankruptcy, no negatives on my credit report at all. My utilization was and should still be at 32%. I don’t know if my students loans factored into their decision because that’s about $50,000 and I make less than that per year. Also, I do have a lot of inquires on each report. I just started gardening until 2020 so I thought I would give it a try and report to you guys how it came out. I honestly didn’t expect they would approve me because my scores are low. They haven’t told me the reason for the denial yet. If I had to guest I would say the 5/24 rule. That was the only reason Chase had given me when I applied for one of their cards recently. I would say that if someone has a better credit profile they can give it a try. But honestly, I dont think it matters. I feel like it was just a way to get people to apply for a card with them.