topic Re: Backdoor for USAA? in Credit Cards

Backdoor for USAA?

Anonymous — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 22:58:46 GMT

Switched our auto & rental insurance today to USAA. Long convo w/ CSR, told her our scores & she said we should have no problem getting approved for either the MC or AE. I asked if we needed to wait til we had the checking acc't opened to apply, she said no, urged me to apply.

We app'd online, instant DECLINE. Any # where I can talk to a human (a different human, that won't mislead me...) and either ask for a reconsideration or recoded to soft pull?

Re: Backdoor for USAA?

Anonymous — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:23:33 GMT

No backdoor that I know of, and not really needed. I would call CC Dept directly. I don't think all the CSRs form the other Depts (e.g. auto insurance) have been keeping up on their internal CC news, because a memo was sent two weeks ago stating the removal of the USAA website luv button and the changing (harder) credit standards for the Amex and MC (esp the Amex).

Last week, when my GF called to do some changes to her car insurance she also asked about a CLI for her MC. They guy told her to go online and do it. When we told him it is not possible, he said wait a minute...he went and spoke with his manager...he then came back, apologized and referenced the memos I discussed earlier. I doubt it was intentional and I think these changes are more recent. Just call CC Dept directly and see what they can do. Good luck!

Re: Backdoor for USAA?

Anonymous — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:40:23 GMT

Have a # for the cc dept? When I call, asked to talk about our recent online app, I was told it's all auto online & there's noone to talk to??

Re: Backdoor for USAA?

Anonymous — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 23:56:34 GMT

ivy if you call the regular number you should be able to get the credit card department if you ask for them

THe phone number on the back of my USAA card is 1-800-922-9092 maybe that will make a difference but I'm not sure. I have spoken to someone in the CC department by calling the main number before b/c if you get deployed or move they lower your interest rate to 4% for the duration of the deployment or for a year when you move! (at least for AD)

As an aside; I've actually found them to be kind of a stickler, we applied for an auto loan with them about 3.5 years ago and they said no, Marine Fed we walked in and they told us an amount with their best interest rate. Now that I've seen when my lates were they were probably only a year prior to asking for that loan though so that could have been the issue with USAA>

Re: Backdoor for USAA?

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:03:06 GMT

You can also dial #USAA from your cell, say or wait for the operator, then asked to be transferred to the CC Dept. Good luck!

Re: Backdoor for USAA?

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:36:49 GMT

Call the cc number, and ask to speak to the underwriters for a recon, they'll transfer you. I tried a few months back, but my utilization was too high and my score too low.

BTW, what was your score? The underwriter I spoke with said they like to see at least a 650. My measly 633 wasn't cutting it.

Message Edited by Lyyssa on 04-09-2008 07:36 PM

Re: Backdoor for USAA?

haulingthescoreup — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 00:47:38 GMT

I always call 800-531-2265 and go through the menu. Hit whatever the number is for CC's.

If nothing else, maybe you can get them to re-code it to a soft inq, since you were given incorrect info by another USAA employee.

Re: Backdoor for USAA?

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:32:18 GMT

Lyysa,

I told her before we app'd, mine are low 600's one is still in 580's and DH is low 600's highest 634. She said those scores would be fine... that she couldn't guarantee it of course, but she was sure we'd be fine. BS. Grrr. Blew an inq. And I asked her too, told her I didn't want to get pulled unless we knew we could get approval and she still said we should really apply.

I'll call tomorrow & see if we can get reconsidered. Is it better to call right after, or does it matter if I wait til tomorrow?

Re: Backdoor for USAA?

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:40:14 GMT

Lyssa - I think you can call tomorrow, beside CS closes at 9 pm CST...good luck and let us know if you are successful!

Re: Backdoor for USAA?

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:47:48 GMT

Ivy, I opened an account with them this past January. The representative told me not to even try to apply for a credit card or mortgage unless my scores were atleast a 720.

So, I am waiting patiently.

Re: Backdoor for USAA?

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:48:48 GMT

grrr. what a b***. It's not like she makes a commission if my scores are pulled. What a waste. I'm calling tomorrow to see if I can get it recoded to soft.

Re: Backdoor for USAA?

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 02:52:19 GMT

DH called to pay our car insurance and the CSR talked him into applying for a card. His scores are way too low and I told him no, but did not listen. He got the decline letter listing about 10 things for the reason. I guess some will let you know upfront while other's may be misinformed.

Re: Backdoor for USAA?

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:09:36 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
DH called to pay our car insurance and the CSR talked him into applying for a card. His scores are way too low and I told him no, but did not listen. He got the decline letter listing about 10 things for the reason. I guess some will let you know upfront while other's may be misinformed.

"misinformed" is right...I don't think it is intentional, just a mistake...but a very negative, impactful one at that. Good luck Ivy-

Re: Backdoor for USAA?

Anonymous — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:22:34 GMT

Either email them through the website or call an underwriter. When I applied for their MC, my score was low and I was declined. I e-mailed them through the website as a response to the decline letter and a day later I was approved with an 8k limit at 10.99% APR. Two months from now I'm going to ask for a CLI.

Re: Backdoor for USAA?

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 00:48:07 GMT

my cousin works for usaa heres a complaint ext for you guys to call and complain what happened to you guys 18005318722 ext 86071 be sure to enter the ext and it will take you to the Generals Office ...

Re: Backdoor for USAA?

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:17:34 GMT

Thanks armywifey.

I did call back today & ask for a recon, said I had "a friend" (Tj, you're a friend now, wink) that called/emailed for a recon & got it. CSR said it has never been their policy to do that so he doesn't think I understood my "friend" correctly.

I then asked if my inq could be recoded to "soft" because it took 7 pts off my scores & he proceeded to tell me that USAA's don't last a year like everyone elses, they are "different" and only last a few months. Riiighht.... like they have a "secret" code they use that no one else knows about..

This is BS and I'm pretty dissatisfied w/ my initial impression of USAA. Everyone has raved about them but I"ve gotten BS and more BS in my two conversations w/ their CSRs. I'm thinking about just canceling the auto & renter's ins I just started w/ them & switching back to Geico.

Oh, well. We were going to do our VA loan through them, too. What a crappy way to start a business relationship!

Re: Backdoor for USAA?

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 01:52:22 GMT

Ivy, I'm sorry. It sounds like you've had the misfortune of getting stuck talking with not one, but two fools who work for USAA. I know they do recons, because I was inspired to try one by posts that I've read of successful recons. When I did mine the underwriter was very friendly, and willing to look over the initial credit report. But then he had to go over blow by blow why he had to agree with the decline. If you're not sick of dealing with them already I would call the underwriters back, retell your story from the beginning (when the woman talked you into applying) and throw in the fact that you're very discouraged with USAA right now. I would also ask for another recon and if they decline, inquire about the soft pull again.

But I would probably be as frustrated as you are.

Re: Backdoor for USAA?

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 22:39:24 GMT

hes lying lol send it in an email . I just got my account done today like that ...

Re: Backdoor for USAA?

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 22:40:33 GMT

I called that number and they told me to put it in writing so I logged onto my account and sent it in today I checked my account page and my new mastercard was showing so thats how its done ..

Re: Backdoor for USAA?

Anonymous — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 22:42:04 GMT

Ivy tell them that in an email and how the reps told you one thing and it turned out to be the wrong info I did that and it works.