Chase Freedom Denied Due To No Credit History

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

I've been lurking on this forum for a while, and have been trying to apply for the Chase Freedom as my first credit card. I just want a $500 limit, and I'd keep low utilization and pay off my purchases every cycle, just to build my credit. Chase denied me due to lack of credit history, so I called the recon line, as it has helped others in the same situation. They told me that they take my deposit history with them into consideration (I've been banking with them for four years), but they told me my banking history wasn't strong enough to extend a line of credit to me. They told me I've been banking with them long enough, but that over the last year (I was unemployed and at school last year, so no income), my average balance was too low. I took my old job back, and am saving the majority of my money from it, so I'm wondering how long I should wait before trying again, but also, was wondering if anyone here who was approved for the Freedom card with no history (I know there are many of you), what kind of banking history with Chase got you approved. I don't want to apply again too early and waste another HP on my report, so I don't want to do it until I have enough money in my account for a long enough time, if that's even good enough to get them to approve me. Or, should I try a credit card marketed toward college students? I don't want to get a secured card.

Thanks!

[CreditCuriosity]

Chase likes to see a year of history typically..

My Advise would be a Discover IT for college students.  Best of luck and others will reply I am sure as well

[Anonymous]

Chase denied me as well when I had no history. Build with some other card. Discover student is a good choice. If you want higher limits then open a secured card.

[Callandra]

I think some have had more success by going to a Chase branch and talking with a banker when applying with no credit history. 

I also recommend going for a student card (Discover IT, Cap 1 Journey). 

[Anonymous]

Make sure to pay everything on time my friend!

[Skye12329]

My sister was able to get a Chase Freedom with a 2.5k limit and only 4 mos. Of history. She is an AU on one of my cards so that might be another reason.

[Anonymous]

I did go to the branch and spoke with my banker to apply for the card but she said she has no part in that decision. I'll look into the Discover it card or Journey. Should I try and go for the Citi TY Student card?

[newhis]

My DW got her Discover IT Student a year ago $500 limit, still at $500 (didn't want to use HP). I got regular Discover IT starting at $1,000 now at $2,500 with SP. Same reported income/assets. Both without credit history.

Now she has 2 Chase cards, Freedom and CSP.

[mikelo22]

As suggested, Discover It Student is a good pick.

But Citi is also pretty good about accepting thin credit profiles. They were my first CC personally. The Citi TYP Student would seem like a very good deal for you. Since it's geared for students, they won't expect you to have credit history.

So I'd be looking at those two lenders specifically. Each will give you a Free FICO score as well (Citi= EQ04; Discover= TU08).  

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone,

I tried applying for the Discover it for students, and it turns out I was denied for that one as well due to lack of credit history. They want me to create a joint account, which I am unable to do. I don't want a secured credit card and I don't want to mess around with too many hard pulls. Should I go for the Citi TY?