CNB Visa Signature Approval

[Anonymous]

They definitely pulled Experian. I didn't see anything on my TransUnion report and didn't get an alert for Equifax.

I haven't been given any of the terms of my new card yet. Last I heard about it was from the banker I'd been dealing with when she told me that I was denied for the Crystal card but they counter-offered their Visa Signature card. I asked if this was the cash back one (1.5% cb on all purchases) or the one with City National Rewards (fairly middling rewards). She wasn't sure so I requested the one with CN Rewards if there was an option (in order to avoid any potential hangups in upgrading to the Crystal in the future, since this card seems to be more in line with the Crystal, as a Visa Signature product).

I did not open a checking account or anything else first. I called a few random bank reps at branches until I found someone who would work with me. She emailed me the application and said to come in branch with it in Vegas (where she worked). They won't take apps over the phone or online if you're out of state, but if you catch the right rep they'll affirm that you can walk in.

At first I didn't know if this trip would be worth paying for, but my PenFed Pathfinder almost covered the flight (I was out of pocket $12 round trip) and I used my $250 resort credit on my Hilton Aspire to stay a night at the Waldorf Astoria. I also made a mini vacation out of it, saw Ka by Cirque du Soleil on Sunday night then after the bank on Monday I got a massage at the hotel's spa and spent the rest of the day in their spa's sauna/steam rooms/lounge areas until my flight, so even if I was denied the card it was an enjoyable trip.

[macinjosh]

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@Anonymous wrote:
They definitely pulled Experian. I didn't see anything on my TransUnion report and didn't get an alert for Equifax.

I haven't been given any of the terms of my new card yet. Last I heard about it was from the banker I'd been dealing with when she told me that I was denied for the Crystal card but they counter-offered their Visa Signature card. I asked if this was the cash back one (1.5% cb on all purchases) or the one with City National Rewards (fairly middling rewards). She wasn't sure so I requested the one with CN Rewards if there was an option (in order to avoid any potential hangups in upgrading to the Crystal in the future, since this card seems to be more in line with the Crystal, as a Visa Signature product).

I did not open a checking account or anything else first. I called a few random bank reps at branches until I found someone who would work with me. She emailed me the application and said to come in branch with it in Vegas (where she worked). They won't take apps over the phone or online if you're out of state, but if you catch the right rep they'll affirm that you can walk in.

At first I didn't know if this trip would be worth paying for, but my PenFed Pathfinder almost covered the flight (I was out of pocket $12 round trip) and I used my $250 resort credit on my Hilton Aspire to stay a night at the Waldorf Astoria. I also made a mini vacation out of it, saw Ka by Cirque du Soleil on Sunday night then after the bank on Monday I got a massage at the hotel's spa and spent the rest of the day in their spa's sauna/steam rooms/lounge areas until my flight, so even if I was denied the card it was an enjoyable trip.

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I didn’t know that Vegas has a Waldorf Astoria hotel, and I live an hour away! Weird. I read enough Vegas news. At least you had a nice mini vacation with your trip!

[Anonymous]

It was the Mandarin Oriental until late 2018. I was told they haven't remodeled yet, but it was still very nice, I have no complaints.

[macinjosh]

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@Anonymous wrote:
It was the Mandarin Oriental until late 2018. I was told they haven't remodeled yet, but it was still very nice, I have no complaints.

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Originally part of the CityCenter project. The most expensive, almost failed project in the western US.

[Namaste7]

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@Anonymous wrote:
[...]
At first I didn't know if this trip would be worth paying for, but my PenFed Pathfinder almost covered the flight (I was out of pocket $12 round trip) and I used my $250 resort credit on my Hilton Aspire to stay a night at the Waldorf Astoria. I also made a mini vacation out of it, saw Ka by Cirque du Soleil on Sunday night then after the bank on Monday I got a massage at the hotel's spa and spent the rest of the day in their spa's sauna/steam rooms/lounge areas until my flight, so even if I was denied the card it was an enjoyable trip.

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You are taking CC app'ing to new levels!

[coldfusion]

 Was there anything else besides ID that they wanted to see when you applied? I'm debating taking a run at the Crystal later this year which would at a mininum mean a day trip to Manhattan, and had heard they want to physically see documentation including POI and evidence of liquid assets.  I wouldn't want to waste a trip but also wouldn't want to bring anything I wouldn't need.

[Anonymous]

Aside from the application itself of course, I provided my last pay stub for calendar year 2018 which showed my total pay for the entire year (they did ask for one or two pay stubs, I think two, but I told them I could download it right then and there and that I could get the last one of the year to show my total earnings - they were satisfied and in fact seemed pretty happy to get that single pay stub. I think they want to see two so you don't just show them your highest overtime check or something, but since it shows my total yearly earnings then I think that more than painted the picture they were looking for). They did not ask to see statements or anything from my mutual funds or savings accounts or even checking accounts. I suppose they pretty much took my word on my liquid assets.

[Aspireto850]

Awesome pickup. I’ll be in Vegas in March so will do the same. Thanks for the tip—would not have thought of this otherwise. Let us known your SL when you get it! 👏🏼👏🏼

[coldfusion]

Thanks for the followup.  Saves me from obsessing about what I would need to bring with me. 

[Anonymous]

Keep in mind that the first few bankers I called straight up said I couldn't apply as an out of state resident even if I walked in branch, so I'm not sure how much of the process just depends on who you get. So it's probably a good idea to get a solid contact before going anywhere. That said, it's probably also a good idea to do what I did and have other stuff going on so that even if you apply but get denied then it's not a wasted trip.

But good luck with your app!