Here is what I experienced thus far using the trick for < 1 week.
My process: I used Google Chrome Incognito mode for every instance and these were all snagged within 1 evening. I typically added around <$250 for each successful approval and never signed up for any of their email subscriptions.
Victoria's Secret: I already had an open and active account with them. I logged in, added about $250 worth of merchandise which is certainly more than I normally spend in one purchase with them. I didn't remove my payment method, I just went to the checkout screen and nearly instantly got the popup - which did specify that it was a $500 CL and asked for the last 4 of my SS# to process. Instant Approval and a 2 week window for the card. No email confirmation ever came through.
Pottery Barn: I created a new account and put my items in my cart. Once I clicked to the Payment page there was a small, embedded message - not a pop-up- that told me I was pre-approved for a store card. It did not tell me the limit on the offer, only APR/Fees, agreement info, etc. It asked for my full SS#. I did not give them my full number, but opted to format it as: 000-00-#### instead. It worked like a charm and was offered a $1500 CL. I received an email confirmation immediately and was given a 2 week window for the card.
Williams & Sonoma: Virtually identical situation to Pottery Barn, no pop-up but an embedded message. No marketed CL on the offer and also asked for my full SS#. I did exactly the same thing for this and was approved for $1000 CL. Email and 2 week window came immediately.
Loft: I created a new account, added items to cart. Once I got to the payments page I received an actual pop-up with the offer but no dollar amount for the CL. It asked for the last 4 of my SS#. I was instantly approved for $250 CL. Email came and was told 2 weeks as well.
HSN: I received a pop-up once I got to the payments page and was asked for my full SS#. I formatted just like above and did not get an instant approval for it or a dollar amount for the CL on the offer. I was told I would receive a letter in 7-10 days once they review my application.
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The next day I tried Boscov's just to see if it would work and it did. However* I had to start typing in a CC# before the pop-up came up. I also was asked for the last 4 of my SS# and was not instantly approved. I will receive an answer once they review in 8-10 days.
I would almost bet there is a limit of 4 actively submitted Store Card Applications for this bank and the others have to be reviewed for authenticity or will be denied based on too many open accounts at once. I am not anticipating those 2 going through and will not mind either way. I am really just interested in experimenting with this.
Sites I tried - and was unsuccessful on before & after getting the ones above: Wayfair (I tried this most as it's the most desirable to me), Dillard’s, Total Rewards, Sportsman Guide, Big Lots (had heard they were a part of the trick, not sure), Crate and Barrel, Express, GameStop and Ann Taylor.
Once the cards actually arrive for the ones I was told I was approved for - Wayfair and/or Crate and Barrel and Abercrombie are honestly the only other ones I actually want and will try for. I got an Overstock card, before having knowledge of this trick, back in May. I actively applied for that, and it was a SP as it never showed on my credit report (Vantage). I actually learned about the trick, because i wanted to know why the bank only did a SP to my suprise which led me down this rabbit hole.
I hope this information helps someone on here. There were a lot of great posts that helped me along so I wanted to share the love for getting credit!
*If anyone has any suggestions on helping me increase my chances on getting a Wayfair, Abercrombie or Crate and Barrel store card, please leave a note.*
