topic Store Card Applications in Credit Cards

Store Card Applications

Anonymous — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 05:29:07 GMT

Could anyone please explain to me why it is preferable to apply at the store rather than online when seeking a good store card? Why would I have a better chance at approval, or higher limit than I could get myself online? I'm not sure I can handle a denial in person at the store.

I am looking for some good store cards and I am considering Kohls, JC Penney, and perhaps a home improvement card such as Menards or Lowes.

Re: Store Card Applications

Anonymous — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:01:39 GMT

It is so much easier to identify you in PERSON. At least that way, if you have proper ID they will know it is you and not someone stealing your identity.

I think this is a trend we all need to look for, as the days of "instant credit decisions" are rapidly drawing to a close because of the mess it has gotten us into.

As time passes, you will see more and more credit grantors asking for VERIFICATION of employment, income , etc before just tossing credit at people, which is a good thing.

I have no doubt you will do fine in a store dealing with people.

Good Luck

Re: Store Card Applications

Imhotrodcrazy — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:08:08 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Could anyone please explain to me why it is preferable to apply at the store rather than online when seeking a good store card? Why would I have a better chance at approval, or higher limit than I could get myself online? I'm not sure I can handle a denial in person at the store.

I am looking for some good store cards and I am considering Kohls, JC Penney, and perhaps a home improvement card such as Menards or Lowes.

I got a chuckle out of your remark, ( "I'm not sure I can handle a denial in person" ). I am not laughing at you, I just thought it was cute. Im sorry, but I can not answer your question. I have tried to figure that one out myself. Good luck to you.

Re: Store Card Applications

Anonymous — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 22:36:25 GMT

One reason to do it in person is that some dept stores (like Macy's) give you discounts all that day (and sometimes the next day) on all your purchases if you are approved. Not sure if JC Penney's has the same policy.

Re: Store Card Applications

happy0510 — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:02:59 GMT

I totally know what you mean with the embarrassment.....I thought technology was supposed to help us?? haha..If I wasn't embarrassed in person I would have like 50 IQs right now

Re: Store Card Applications

haulingthescoreup — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:44:09 GMT

I have read that the advantage of applying in the store rather than online is that they can verify your identity better (how? maybe driver's license/ photo ID), and that they will therefore give you a higher CL right off the bat.

And as someone mentioned, the threat of walking out of the store, leaving a shopping cart full of unbought merchandise, might help the approval process and/or CL calculation a bit as well.

Re: Store Card Applications

Anonymous — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 23:48:40 GMT

It also gives the impression that if you are actually in the store, you shop there.

Re: Store Card Applications

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 04:04:31 GMT

Smrtshppr43:

Thank you!!!! I'm glad someone understands how potentially humiliating it would be to be turned down at a store - especially if you shop there regularly. This is why I am a girl - I could NEVER ask someone out on a date (I'm an old girl - I guess things may have changed).

SO - with that in mind, you'll be happy to know that I finally gave in and applied for Macy's in store. I was pretty much geared up for handling a rejection. I actually went to a department I don't usually shop in (just in case - I didn't want to risk repeated humiliation next time I shop), brought my purchase to the counter and when they asked if I wanted to apply, I said (truthfully) that I wasn't sure. They said it's a great card (which is what I hear from SO many people), and I said I guess I could try and see what happens. So they were as happy as I was when it was accepted. I guess it's good to remember that sales clerks are people, too, and they have the same financial concerns as we do (They're not mortgage bankers, after all!).

And Macy's does have great card shoppers deals!

Re: Store Card Applications

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:39:24 GMT

See,that was not as bad as you thought was it ? Congrats!

Re: Store Card Applications

Anonymous — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:36:46 GMT

And I NEVER would have thought of Macy's or known to apply in-store without this lovely forum. You guys are truly helpful and make a difference in our lives. Can't thank you enough!

And, as I noted on another thread, my starting CL is $1,000. Much higher than I hoped for or expected.

Thanks again.

Message Edited by utah2009 on 07-09-2009 11:36 AM

Re: Store Card Applications

Anonymous — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 04:57:53 GMT

Hey good for you! Maybe I'll muster up the balls of steel I will need to apply in person at Kohls or Penney's one of these days. We have no store cards and we do need a couple for a good mix.

Re: Store Card Applications

aquatic1 — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:14:27 GMT

I would suggest when you go in you apply at one of the back registers where there isn't many people around all of the time. That is where I will be hearding when I apply to Macy's after these two last medical bills delete.

good luck

Re: Store Card Applications

marty56 — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:48:59 GMT

@aquatic1 wrote:
I would suggest when you go in you apply at one of the back registers where there isn't many people around all of the time.

Kinda like the scene in the Woody Allen movie where he quitely tries to buy adult magazines and the cashier announces the name of each magazine over the load speaker to find out what the price is. If there are muliple Macys in your area, I would go to one on the other side of town.

Seriously I would just go for it and dont worry about what other people think. The casiher doesn't care and might be be pulling for you if they get a bonus for signing you up.

Re: Store Card Applications

aquatic1 — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 16:56:56 GMT

@marty56 wrote:
@aquatic1 wrote:
I would suggest when you go in you apply at one of the back registers where there isn't many people around all of the time.
Kinda like the scene in the Woody Allen movie where he quitely tries to buy adult magazines and the cashier announces the name of each magazine over the load speaker to find out what the price is. If there are muliple Macys in your area, I would go to one on the other side of town.

Seriously I would just go for it and dont worry about what other people think. The casiher doesn't care and might be be pulling for you if they get a bonus for signing you up.

Very true, I used to work at Macy's in HR for the holiday season and I beleive that the employees in the floors did get credit for the number of apps. Not to mention I was in no position to apply for a credit card. I used the pre-paid one that we were offered.

If (no when!) I am accepted for the card I already know what I want to buy (I have the money but would love to be able to charge it and then pay it off).

Its not the cashier I am worrying about but the people waiting in line behind you....

Re: Store Card Applications

Anonymous — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 20:20:02 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Hey good for you! Maybe I'll muster up the balls of steel I will need to apply in person at Kohls or Penney's one of these days. We have no store cards and we do need a couple for a good mix.

I would suggest doing some research before you apply to better your chances. Find out who handles (issues/services) the CC, and what report they pull, etc. For instance, GEMB handles WalMart, Lowe's, and Old Navy/Gap that I'm aware of, among others, and they pull TU. I've applied for several accounts in the past few months and have only been denied by one (Online - I too don't have the stomach to be rejected in person ) - Kohl's. Kohl's is issued/serviced by chase, and they pulled EX. Anyway, you get the idea - do a little research and know what your report/score is that they will be pulling - it will decrease your anxiety somewhat when you are facing the potential for the public embarassment, shame, misery, rejection, and total humiliation in front of the entire store.... Good luck!

Re: Store Card Applications

Anonymous — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:17:11 GMT

I'm totally with you Bigtim! There's no way I would ever apply in store or online without doing my homework first. And watching my credit reports and waiting until there's a good fit. That's why I love these forums. I would never have thought of applying for any store card - let alone Macy's without the info on these forums. But even after I do my homework, I still get weak knees. BTW, DH & I have several cards simply because of the info from these forums. Without that info, we would have made SO many mistakes and they would have hurt. Sometimes, even after homework, we miss. But our percentages are very very high! Thanks to y'all over and over again!

Re: Store Card Applications

haulingthescoreup — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:40:07 GMT

Back in my dumb days, I applied in person...

Macy's can say no in person

Re: Store Card Applications

score_building — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 22:41:58 GMT

Smrtshppr43 wrote:
Hey good for you! Maybe I'll muster up the balls of steel I will need to apply in person at Kohls or Penney's one of these days. We have no store cards and we do need a couple for a good mix.

only ONE store OR gas card is required to get acct. mix points, more than one doesn't help 'mix'.

Re: Store Card Applications

Anonymous — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 23:28:23 GMT

RE: ONE store or ONE gas card is required to get max. acct. pts.

I actually asked this question today, and Hauling gave a great answer:

http://ficoforums.myfico.com/fico/board/message?board.id=creditcard&thread.id=169179

I obviously don't know how to cut and paste appropriately. The short name for the thread is "How important is it to have a mix of cc?

Guess watching Ghostbusters with the boys has got my brain a little fried.......

Re: Store Card Applications

Anonymous — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 01:31:29 GMT

@haulingthescoreup wrote:
Back in my dumb days, I applied in person...

Macy's can say no in person

I read that thread - that's GREAT stuff... With my overactive, dark, or rather sick sense of humor, I was (and still am) laughing my a*s off!

I was at Old Navy a couple of weeks ago, and the clerk was a hottie! While I was waiting for the person ahead to cash out, I picked up the pamphlet with the credit app and was looking it over. The clerk was prodding me to apply, several ppl behind me, etc. I almost went for it, but didn't have the guts - my GF was also with me, and I would've probably had to go to the bar after a rejection... LOL. Anyway, I applied online a few days later and approved, so next time I go there and if she's working again, I think I'll use the card... Cheers!