Barclay Apple Card declined (plus a backstory)

Anonymous · ‎11-07-2015

I guess I have some questions because I don't know anything about anything, really. The giant paragraph is backstory and might be entirely irrelevant, so skip it if time is a concern.

Backstory: I'm 25, divorced, and a statistic. My ex husband left me, and I could no longer afford to live in my house. I moved in with my grandma. I was unable to pay for my Lowe's credit card and Kohl's credit card (both had been used for purchases for our home--Lowe's had about $3000 on it and Kohls only about $1000). I also was unable to pay my mortgage for several months. Eventually, I was able to pay off the cards thanks to my grandma. I went through loss mitigation on my house twice to get the mortgage lowered; it got lowered by about $150. I missed a payment, but I got promoted at my then-job (to assistant store manager at a retail store). I called the mortgage company and asked if I could pay the previous month. They said NO--and that I had to pay the current and previous month together. I couldn't, because I still didn't make enough money. Months passed, and I could not pay the mortgage. I sent in my tax return as soon as I was able, and in February, I paid the mortgage entirely off (spit on the mortgage company). Since then, I have not missed a mortgage payment. I stepped down as assistant manager, because I was still making next to nothing, and took a job elsewhere. I remain with the retail company for insurance purposes. I was able to move back into my house. I have not been late on a single payment of anything since February. In February, my credit score was 513, and I debated suicide. As of right now, it is 650.

Bringing it to what is relevant: I applied for the Barclay card and got declined. Not because of credit, or because of being late in the past.. according to them, I was declined because I do not have any current credit cards open. I did apply for Lowe's again several months after paying it off (I had thought I should have an open credit card), and I was declined. I did some research, and it sounded like you shouldn't apply for any credit cards after something very negative had happened.

Do you have any suggestions for me--as far as what I could apply for, or what I should do?

I thought paying my bills on time would improve my credit, but I'm not convinced it has even mattered. Sorry if this post is in the wrong place; I am new here and I don't really know what to ask, or how to ask it, I guess.

Anonymous · ‎11-07-2015

@Anonymous wrote:
I guess I have some questions because I don't know anything about anything, really. The giant paragraph is backstory and might be entirely irrelevant, so skip it if time is a concern.

Backstory: I'm 25, divorced, and a statistic. My ex husband left me, and I could no longer afford to live in my house. I moved in with my grandma. I was unable to pay for my Lowe's credit card and Kohl's credit card (both had been used for purchases for our home--Lowe's had about $3000 on it and Kohls only about $1000). I also was unable to pay my mortgage for several months. Eventually, I was able to pay off the cards thanks to my grandma. I went through loss mitigation on my house twice to get the mortgage lowered; it got lowered by about $150. I missed a payment, but I got promoted at my then-job (to assistant store manager at a retail store). I called the mortgage company and asked if I could pay the previous month. They said NO--and that I had to pay the current and previous month together. I couldn't, because I still didn't make enough money. Months passed, and I could not pay the mortgage. I sent in my tax return as soon as I was able, and in February, I paid the mortgage entirely off (spit on the mortgage company). Since then, I have not missed a mortgage payment. I stepped down as assistant manager, because I was still making next to nothing, and took a job elsewhere. I remain with the retail company for insurance purposes. I was able to move back into my house. I have not been late on a single payment of anything since February. In February, my credit score was 513, and I debated suicide. As of right now, it is 650.

Bringing it to what is relevant: I applied for the Barclay card and got declined. Not because of credit, or because of being late in the past.. according to them, I was declined because I do not have any current credit cards open. I did apply for Lowe's again several months after paying it off (I had thought I should have an open credit card), and I was declined. I did some research, and it sounded like you shouldn't apply for any credit cards after something very negative had happened.

Do you have any suggestions for me--as far as what I could apply for, or what I should do?

I thought paying my bills on time would improve my credit, but I'm not convinced it has even mattered. Sorry if this post is in the wrong place; I am new here and I don't really know what to ask, or how to ask it, I guess.

Welcome to MyFico

Im very sorry about the difficulties you experienced in your life and want you to know that many of us have been thru times in our lives when credit scores were horrible and new credit next to impossible to get. There is light at the end of the tunnel though as credit issues eventually can be overcome thru time and taking advantage of what is available out there. Congrats on your score improvement and on time payments in the recent past. Without having access to your credit report and what 'baddies' show up, I would for one suggest that you review your credit reports and then visit the Rebuilding Credit forum and ask for help there. For now, your only option probably to obtain a credit card is to get a secured card or two. By doing this you will help immensely to build your credit back up. Get some of those and in 6 months it may be possible to get some unsecured cards in your name. I wish you the best of luck and I'm sure in time you'll be able to recover and not have to worry about brain denied on credit applications.

Anonymous · ‎11-07-2015

Come to the rebuilding forum, and I pm'd you

elim · ‎11-07-2015

with a 650 score i would try cap1 prequal

https://findmycard.capitalone.com/en/PageVersions/LandingPages/LP_ONE_V18.aspx

it won't be a hard inquiry

JamP · ‎11-08-2015

Welcome to the Myfico Family

I commend you for getting everything straightened out, with the hand that you have been dealt.

We have amazing members here and will help as much as we can. Still with everything you read, please use your best judgement, consult your persons of influence.

I have a history similar to yours, child support, repo of vehicles, default on school loans, almost lost my house, wife and such.

With that said, take it slow, check the prequal sites. Also look into secured cards. You will have to come up with some or all of the initial investment but they help alot to prove you can manage your credit.

I started with a Capital one secured card. My DW started with a Capital one secured card and a Discover secured card after Discover denied her for everything else.

Do not fall for credit cards with high Annual fee, monthly fee, and if you can always pay in full.

Also don't feel bad about denials, we all have gotten them and continue to get them.

Again Welcome and you have found a great forum.

250k+ CL and climbing.

taxi818 · ‎11-08-2015

Keep in mind the decline reasons they give you means nothing. never take that for face value. Accept the decline and move on is the best you can do. never personal. This is a tragic story. 25 years old and thinking suicide because of bills? life is so much more than this. im glad you have rebounded.

Anonymous · ‎11-08-2015

@taxi818 wrote:
Keep in mind the decline reasons they give you means nothing. never take that for face value. Accept the decline and move on is the best you can do. never personal. This is a tragic story. 25 years old and thinking suicide because of bills? life is so much more than this. im glad you have rebounded.

Agreed, taxi. Hang in there, OP. You are doing very well and working hard to improve the situation. I know it is not easy. Nothing is worth contemplating suicide.

Secured cards seem to be the correct route to take given the information provided.

Anonymous · ‎11-08-2015

@Anonymous wrote:
@taxi818 wrote:
Keep in mind the decline reasons they give you means nothing. never take that for face value. Accept the decline and move on is the best you can do. never personal. This is a tragic story. 25 years old and thinking suicide because of bills? life is so much more than this. im glad you have rebounded.
Agreed, taxi. Hang in there, OP. You are doing very well and working hard to improve the situation. I know it is not easy. Nothing is worth contemplating suicide.

Secured cards seem to be the correct route to take given the information provided.

+1

Anonymous · ‎11-09-2015

with the recent delq. I would check with your local credit union (if you are a member of one). Go in and fill out your application and speak with a relationship banker in regards to your situation. They may be able to push through a low limit card...$500 or so. If you are not a member of a CU I would suggest a secured CC, and make on time payments for 6 months or so with out applying for anything else.

joedtx · ‎11-10-2015

Hang in there OP we've all been there in one shape or another. Just remember time will help and it does with time your scores will go up. Please consider looking into the rebuilding forums there are people here to help.

alll the best

joe