topic Re: Apprehensive to apply for Barclays in Credit Cards

Apprehensive to apply for Barclays

frogfan12 — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 12:51:30 GMT

I really really REALLY want a Macbook Pro. After much consideration and viewing several videos online, I want to make the switch to Mac. With the 0% financing offer available from Barclays, it looks like I'd be able to purchase the laptop now and have it PIF within the next 12 months interest free. I've read really positive things about Barclays via different threads but I'm still kind of apprehensive about applying. I have really good credit scores and excellent credit history. My only concern now is one of my card's util is nearing 50% but all of my other cards are pretty near zero. My overall util is probably near 13ish%. What do you guys think my odds are of being approved? All of my other CLs hover around $3K-$5K. I would just like some advice before I go ahead and apply, which I want to do within the next week because of the financing deal possibly coming to an end in the near future.

Re: Apprehensive to apply for Barclays

patternofstars7 — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:40:50 GMT

With your scores I'd say you'd have no problem getting a card. Don't have the card personally, but I read here a few times if they start you with a low CL that you can recon for a higher one so you can score a MacBook. BTW you'll love the MacBook. Best decision I made buying one.

Re: Apprehensive to apply for Barclays

Anonymous — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:49:55 GMT

patternofstars, I'd say in general you are right, HOWEVER please be aware that score is NOT everything. They just declined me, and sent me my score (750) in the letter explaining why. Basically it was that I had no revolving accounts.

So I would agree generally you are 100% correct, with the caveat that score is not everything. In this person's case they do have revolving history so I doubt they would honestly have any problem, but I did want to throw that out there just so others are aware that Barclay's requires that you have some current revolving history.

Re: Apprehensive to apply for Barclays

LS2982 — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:52:43 GMT

@frogfan12 wrote:
I really really REALLY want a Macbook Pro. After much consideration and viewing several videos online, I want to make the switch to Mac. With the 0% financing offer available from Barclays, it looks like I'd be able to purchase the laptop now and have it PIF within the next 12 months interest free. I've read really positive things about Barclays via different threads but I'm still kind of apprehensive about applying. I have really good credit scores and excellent credit history. My only concern now is one of my card's util is nearing 50% but all of my other cards are pretty near zero. My overall util is probably near 13ish%. What do you guys think my odds are of being approved? All of my other CLs hover around $3K-$5K. I would just like some advice before I go ahead and apply, which I want to do within the next week because of the financing deal possibly coming to an end in the near future.

You have nothing to worry about. I think you would get 2K or more from Barclays.

Re: Apprehensive to apply for Barclays

patternofstars7 — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:53:55 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
patternofstars, I'd say in general you are right, HOWEVER please be aware that score is NOT everything. They just declined me, and sent me my score (750) in the letter explaining why. Basically it was that I had no revolving accounts.

So I would agree generally you are 100% correct, with the caveat that score is not everything. In this person's case they do have revolving history so I doubt they would honestly have any problem, but I did want to throw that out there just so others are aware that Barclay's requires that you have some current revolving history.

Did you recon your denial? I agree score is not everything but several memebers have posted that they have had success with a recon. If the denial is still recent I would absolutely recon and try since it already resulted in a HP

Re: Apprehensive to apply for Barclays

LS2982 — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:57:46 GMT

@patternofstars7 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
patternofstars, I'd say in general you are right, HOWEVER please be aware that score is NOT everything. They just declined me, and sent me my score (750) in the letter explaining why. Basically it was that I had no revolving accounts.

So I would agree generally you are 100% correct, with the caveat that score is not everything. In this person's case they do have revolving history so I doubt they would honestly have any problem, but I did want to throw that out there just so others are aware that Barclay's requires that you have some current revolving history.
Did you recon your denial? I agree score is not everything but several memebers have posted that they have had success with a recon. If the denial is still recent I would absolutely recon and try since it already resulted in a HP

Re: Apprehensive to apply for Barclays

frogfan12 — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:02:19 GMT

@LS2982 wrote:
@frogfan12 wrote:
I really really REALLY want a Macbook Pro. After much consideration and viewing several videos online, I want to make the switch to Mac. With the 0% financing offer available from Barclays, it looks like I'd be able to purchase the laptop now and have it PIF within the next 12 months interest free. I've read really positive things about Barclays via different threads but I'm still kind of apprehensive about applying. I have really good credit scores and excellent credit history. My only concern now is one of my card's util is nearing 50% but all of my other cards are pretty near zero. My overall util is probably near 13ish%. What do you guys think my odds are of being approved? All of my other CLs hover around $3K-$5K. I would just like some advice before I go ahead and apply, which I want to do within the next week because of the financing deal possibly coming to an end in the near future.
You have nothing to worry about. I think you would get 2K or more from Barclays.

We shall see...

Re: Apprehensive to apply for Barclays

LS2982 — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:03:41 GMT

@frogfan12 wrote:
@LS2982 wrote:
@frogfan12 wrote:
I really really REALLY want a Macbook Pro. After much consideration and viewing several videos online, I want to make the switch to Mac. With the 0% financing offer available from Barclays, it looks like I'd be able to purchase the laptop now and have it PIF within the next 12 months interest free. I've read really positive things about Barclays via different threads but I'm still kind of apprehensive about applying. I have really good credit scores and excellent credit history. My only concern now is one of my card's util is nearing 50% but all of my other cards are pretty near zero. My overall util is probably near 13ish%. What do you guys think my odds are of being approved? All of my other CLs hover around $3K-$5K. I would just like some advice before I go ahead and apply, which I want to do within the next week because of the financing deal possibly coming to an end in the near future.
You have nothing to worry about. I think you would get 2K or more from Barclays.
We shall see...

Post your results!!!

Re: Apprehensive to apply for Barclays

pizzadude — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 14:45:34 GMT

Good luck with your application !! Barclays will instantly approve you, based on your credit history as described. And if you don't get at least 2.5K CL just call them for recon ~ they are great. And enjoy your new MacBook !

Re: Apprehensive to apply for Barclays

Anonymous — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:11:35 GMT

@patternofstars7 wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
patternofstars, I'd say in general you are right, HOWEVER please be aware that score is NOT everything. They just declined me, and sent me my score (750) in the letter explaining why. Basically it was that I had no revolving accounts.

So I would agree generally you are 100% correct, with the caveat that score is not everything. In this person's case they do have revolving history so I doubt they would honestly have any problem, but I did want to throw that out there just so others are aware that Barclay's requires that you have some current revolving history.
Did you recon your denial? I agree score is not everything but several memebers have posted that they have had success with a recon. If the denial is still recent I would absolutely recon and try since it already resulted in a HP

I don't know if I really care enough to beg them for the card. I don't really have any use for it in mind, other than to get in with them and boost my score, so if they aren't interested, I don't know that I'm a lot more interested right now, so no I haven't done a recon. I doubt I'd use it to be honest I am just looking to boost my score and not actually buy anything with it. Probably not worth the effort. Truth is, that's really all I applied for it for which in hindsight was probably a mistake anyway. I'm thinking of just letting it go.

Re: Apprehensive to apply for Barclays

pizzadude — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:23:53 GMT

LilloEsquilo ~ if you don't have any revolving accounts open it would be a good idea to open a few. Whether you recon with Barclay is your choice but they seem to be one of the easiest recons out there based on many many posted success stories. They may give you a small CL but they are also very good about CLIs.

Re: Apprehensive to apply for Barclays

DonDraper — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 15:25:15 GMT

You can try applying for the MacMall line of credit instead... it's a hidden tradeline, meaning it doesn't report to any of the bureaus, and thus doesn't affect your utilization. Same goes for Newegg. Obviously you can only spend it at those two places, but at least it doesn't mess with your reports!! Well, except for the HP.

Re: Apprehensive to apply for Barclays

LS2982 — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 16:16:04 GMT

@pizzadude wrote:

LilloEsquilo ~ if you don't have any revolving accounts open it would be a good idea to open a few. Whether you recon with Barclay is your choice but they seem to be one of the easiest recons out there based on many many posted success stories. They may give you a small CL but they are also very good about CLIs.

Definetely recon!!

Re: Apprehensive to apply for Barclays

improvingmycredit — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:38:33 GMT

@frogfan12 wrote:
I really really REALLY want a Macbook Pro. After much consideration and viewing several videos online, I want to make the switch to Mac. With the 0% financing offer available from Barclays, it looks like I'd be able to purchase the laptop now and have it PIF within the next 12 months interest free. I've read really positive things about Barclays via different threads but I'm still kind of apprehensive about applying. I have really good credit scores and excellent credit history. My only concern now is one of my card's util is nearing 50% but all of my other cards are pretty near zero. My overall util is probably near 13ish%. What do you guys think my odds are of being approved? All of my other CLs hover around $3K-$5K. I would just like some advice before I go ahead and apply, which I want to do within the next week because of the financing deal possibly coming to an end in the near future.

Hello! Based on the info you have provided, I think you are a shoe in for the card if you decide to app for it. Really, contrary to popular belief, Barclays isn't an easy card to get. Almost all the threads involve having to recon to get it or recon to get a higher limit. Most on here are denied when initially applying on line. I was in a similar situation with my utility when I applied for the Barclays and I had to recon to get it but I was approved upon recon. I however do not believe this will be the case for you if you apply. I do think however you will have to probably recon to get the limit you want so as not to max the card out when you buy your Mac. Good luck and I hope this helps.

Re: Apprehensive to apply for Barclays

Anonymous — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:06:48 GMT

@pizzadude wrote:

LilloEsquilo ~ if you don't have any revolving accounts open it would be a good idea to open a few. Whether you recon with Barclay is your choice but they seem to be one of the easiest recons out there based on many many posted success stories. They may give you a small CL but they are also very good about CLIs.

Hi Pizza,

Appreciate all your good posts here (LS too).

I do have a few new accounts I just opened so I do have revolving accounts already that are new. Thus I'm not sure Barclays is a "need". I thought it might be a good bank to get in with, but I really have no "need" for the card right now. To be honest the reasons I app'd were first I read on here how easy they are to get (apparently not true) and al lthe CLIs people were getting by way of recons (which as you know Cap 1 you won't see a CLI in your lifetime) so I thought it might be a good bank to get into and a good card to grow with that way and it would boost my score. Those are the reasons why I app'd, probably idiotic really (though not more idiotic than applying with Cap 1).

I don't know, maybe I'll recon it, I'm not going to beg them though, no card is worth begging for. If they'd rather not get my business, ok, there are others who would and I'll just do business with them. That's how I'm looking at it.

Re: Apprehensive to apply for Barclays

Creditaddict — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:21:25 GMT

I recently got the Apple Card but the other Option is Best Buy Store Card, they are offering 18 months 0% for Mac Purchases.

Re: Apprehensive to apply for Barclays

Anonymous — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:24:39 GMT

@Creditaddict wrote:
I recently got the Apple Card but the other Option is Best Buy Store Card, they are offering 18 months 0% for Mac Purchases.

Hi Creditaddict,

I'm just DYING to know.....how many recent inquiries? I know it's at LEAST double digits right? I just am curious please forgive me if I'm being nosy!

Re: Apprehensive to apply for Barclays

Anonymous — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:29:52 GMT

I got approved by Barclay's the other day. My utilization reporting at the time was about 23% overall and about5 inquiries on Experian. I went to the application through the apple website. Got approved for $1290 originally and called and asked for $2k. Answered a couple of questions and got approved. My scores are around 690.

You should not have any problems.

Re: Apprehensive to apply for Barclays

bichonmom — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:50:20 GMT

Barclays is great! They approved me with a score around 670+. I called for a recon on the CL, and after a few questions, they increased me from $1200 to $2200. Their CS has also been great and very nice (unlike another CCC we all know!). My only complaint is that they did a second HP on the recon and shouldn't have. They said it would be removed, but 6 weeks later, it's still on my CR. They do like to see other CC history of 1-2 yrs. before they will approve you, though.

Re: Apprehensive to apply for Barclays

CS800 — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 23:56:13 GMT

My util was 36% at the time of my approval. They did ask me about that when I call to recon.