Falling through the rabbit hole that is HSBC

[Anonymous]

I applied for a HSBC Gold Mastercard, then I received an email for more info. Specifically, after I provided them a five-digit code, they wanted a copy of my drivers' license or state-issued ID card. I tried a jpg file, but they said it had too much glare. So I circumvented the problem by emailing them a PDF file of my picture ID in color. That satisifed the security people.

The question is, what would happen next?

[Anonymous]

Expect a DNA swab kit in mail.

[DaveInAZ]

I app's last week, apparently passing the ID test, questions based on my CR. Got an email that under review, nothing since.

[Anonymous]

Here in glorious Wisconsin we dont have to worry about HSBC credit cards, since apparently we are the only state in the country that HSBC does not issue cards to.

======

Notice for California Residents: California law requires that we inform customers that should they fail to fulfill the terms of their credit obligation, a negative report reflecting on their credit record may be submitted to a credit reporting agency. If you are married, you may apply for credit in your own name.

Notice for Florida Residents: You (borrower) agree that, should we obtain a judgment against you, a portion of your disposable earnings may be attached or garnished (paid to us by your employer), as provided by Florida and Federal law.

Notice for New York and Vermont Residents: A consumer credit report may be requested in connection with this application or in connection with updates, renewals or extensions of any credit granted as a result of this application. Upon your request, you will be informed whether or not such a report was requested and, if so, the name and address of the agency that furnished the report. New York residents may contact the New York State Department of Financial Services by telephone or visit its website for free information on comparative credit card rates, fees and grace periods. NY State Dept of Financial Services: 1-800-342-3736 http://www.dfs.ny.gov/consumer/creditdebt.htm

Notice for Ohio Residents: The Ohio Laws against discrimination require that all creditors make credit equally available to all creditworthy customers and that credit reporting agencies maintain separate credit histories on each individual upon request. The Ohio Civil Rights Commission administers compliance with this law.

Notice to Wisconsin Residents: This offer is void in Wisconsin.

=========

lol

[patoot10]

Hello

I think you should have applied for Cash Rewards (its their best card if you are not banking with them)

Anyway let me tell you whats gonna happen next .. I applied on Sep 4th but there was no HP and received an email saying we will review your application .. next day I called to check the status and they transfered me to security department which put me on hold and then said they unflagged my application and its ready for underwriting team. On that day I received a HP on my EQ report. I kept calling the underwriting team but they said still under review fast forward Sep 24th I received an email that my application was approved. A week later I got my card in the mail from a PO box in Omaha, NE

P.S HSBC doesn't report to TU due to a business problem between the two of them

[DaveInAZ]

---

@patoot10 wrote:

Hello

I think you should have applied for Cash Rewards (its their best card if you are not banking with them)

Anyway let me tell you whats gonna happen next .. I applied on Sep 4th but there was no HP and received an email saying we will review your application .. next day I called to check the status and they transfered me to security department which put me on hold and then said they unflagged my application and its ready for underwriting team. On that day I received a HP on my EQ report. I kept calling the underwriting team but they said still under review fast forward Sep 24th I received an email that my application was approved. A week later I got my card in the mail from a PO box in Omaha, NE

P.S HSBC doesn't report to TU due to a business problem between the two of them

---

Interesting, thanks for that info. I app'd for the Cash Rewards - $150 spend bonus for $500 spend, 2% rewards first 6 months, 15 month 0% BTs, nice stuff - and a hidden TL on TU a nice plus. I app'd last Wednesday, all my reports are locked and I checked credit pulls database and they usually pull EX so I unlocked that before app'ing. They definitely pulled my CR, the security challenge questions included asking which bank had my mortgage & how much my car payment was (multiple choice), but no HP in EX showing yet. I got an email in a few minutes saying my app was under review, but nothing since. I see a couple phone numbers for them in the Backdoor #s thread, I'll give them a call Monday and see if security needs to release my app. I'm hnoping they keep long records, I had huge Home Equity LOCs with them in the early 2000s in the housing boom in Vegas, perfect payment records & all PIF, I got out in time.

[patoot10]

Why is having the TL hidden from TU a good thing ? .. I actually want all my reports to be the same but the fact that HSBC is not my oldest or highest credit limit doesn't make much difference

Also when they ask the questions at the end of the application its a soft pull on your experian report .. it has nothing to do with underwriting its just a verification process .. but underwriting will hard pull EQ most probably if its frozen call them to see whats happening.

[Anonymous]

Apped on 9 November, got e-mail to talk to CSR, told to CSR, asked to talk to Security, told to Security, just sent asked my ID's PDF, so I'm curious either what's next and how long does it take.

ps. still no HP.

[DaveInAZ]

---

@Anonymous wrote:

Apped on 9 November, got e-mail to talk to CSR, told to CSR, asked to talk to Security, told to Security, just sent asked my ID's PDF, so I'm curious either what's next and how long does it take.

ps. still no HP.

---

I app'd on 8 November, my email just said "under review" with no phone # to call. I called in this morning, App Status # from the Backdoor # sticky - that's for banking but she transferred me. CC CSR told me Security had my app & transferred me. Security asked a few security questions and then told me he saw my EQ was frozen. I told it's actually locked through my EQ service and logged in & unlocked it while talking to him. Then he said he also needed EX unlocked, so I did. No need to provide IDs, Security rep agreed that my being able to unlock both EQ & EX while on the phone was very good ID verification. He released my app to Underwriting and told me I should get an email from Underwirting today with approval or decline. Fingers crossed.

FYI Doctor of Credit has a promo for HSBC, $200 bonus for depositing at least $1500 into a new checking account and maintain that minimum balance for 90 days to get the bonus. But $1500 is the minimum balance to avoid a $15/mo. fee and I'm not willing to park that much money with them with no interest just to avoid a fee for keeping my money.

[Anonymous]

Told again to CSR, he asked name, full ssn, address, application # - and didn't find the application in their system even by app #. Asked e-mail - "Oh! I got it!" Promised to route it to further review and asked to wait result 5-7 business days.

Well... will see, i'm just thinking is it still worth it.