Applying at stores vs. online

[valley_man0505]

I see a lot of posts saying that people feel they are more likely to get approved or get higher CL's if they apply in stores for CC's rather than online.  Is this really true?  It doesn't seem like whoever is actually backing the card is going to care if you are at the store.  For instance, I will use Best Buy as an example.  The theory is that if you want to purchase something at the store and need to apply for credit, they will be more likely to approve you and give you a good limit because they want to be sure you buy whatever it is you are trying to buy.  However, Best Buy is not making the decision--HSBC is.  Does HSBC really care if a purchase is imminent when the underwriter (or underwriting software) is looking at the app?  Is there anything in it for them?  Does HSBC make more money if the card is used to purchase something from Best Buy vs. purchases from other stores?

For me, I have always felt that the only odds that get better when applying in the store are the odds of being embarrassed when you are denied.

[MsKiwi]

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@valley_man0505 wrote:

I see a lot of posts saying that people feel they are more likely to get approved or get higher CL's if they apply in stores for CC's rather than online.  Is this really true?  It doesn't seem like whoever is actually backing the card is going to care if you are at the store.  For instance, I will use Best Buy as an example.  The theory is that if you want to purchase something at the store and need to apply for credit, they will be more likely to approve you and give you a good limit because they want to be sure you buy whatever it is you are trying to buy.  However, Best Buy is not making the decision--HSBC is.  Does HSBC really care if a purchase is imminent when the underwriter (or underwriting software) is looking at the app?  Is there anything in it for them?  Does HSBC make more money if the card is used to purchase something from Best Buy vs. purchases from other stores?

For me, I have always felt that the only odds that get better when applying in the store are the odds of being embarrassed when you are denied.

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I can only speak for the Home Depot card. When apping at the store it asks the sales person if your purchase is based on getting the CC so I guess while it may or may not make a difference in whether you're approved or not, it does make a difference in the cl they initially offer you.

[REgnlor]

I believe there are a couple of lines of thought to lean towards in the store apps.  First, as a deterrant to identity theft and fraud, some stores like Macy's would approve you online for smaller amounts and others here have reported much higher initial credit limits when app was done in store.  Second, some believe that if you app in the store while looking at a particular purchase you are more inclined to get approved for enough to cover the item(s). In  my experience, this has held true.

[valley_man0505]

I wonder if requesting CLI's would work better in the store, then too.  My GF has a hefty tax refund coming, so we may purchase a new TV or something from BB.  My card only has a $500 CL, so maybe if we decide to purchase something over $500, I could act like I need a higher CL in order to make the purchase happen and not let them know we actually have the cash.  Then if I get the necessary CLI, I could PIF right away after making the purchase.

[MsKiwi]

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@valley_man0505 wrote:

I wonder if requesting CLI's would work better in the store, then too.  My GF has a hefty tax refund coming, so we may purchase a new TV or something from BB.  My card only has a $500 CL, so maybe if we decide to purchase something over $500, I could act like I need a higher CL in order to make the purchase happen and not let them know we actually have the cash.  Then if I get the necessary CLI, I could PIF right away after making the purchase.

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Couldn't hurt to try. I know this strategy worked for my dd when she was buying appliances (not at bb) she told the store that she would love to get all new appliances but not with the small cl she had, they cli'd her $1000 on the spot.

[Anonymous]

What a great question!

My only experience with in-store vs. online apps has been for business credit.  I've found that in-store (and in advance of need, if possible) is the best route to take.

In-store credit managers seem to have access to certain input fields on the application that the regular on-line apps don't contain, although I cannot really prove that.  I just noticed a difference in the scope of the questions when I had seen the on-line app before actually applying in-store.

I also have found that if certain questions don't really allow an answer reflecting a more accurate picture of your good credit standing, having an in-store credit manager input his interpretation of my "none-of-the-above" application information is in my best interests.   I make sure to bring my documentation (tax numbers, etc.)  with me when I visit the store to apply for credit, and if there is any question that needs answering, that in-store credit manager is in the best position to help answer that question in the best possible light.

I don't know if it works that way for personal accounts, though.  Anyone, anyone??

[REgnlor]

Good luck with that valley_man, I've got the same crappy $1500 CL we started out with 2 yrs ago. Just got shot down again Saturday when asking for cli. Some people here have no trouble getting them, others forgettaboutit!  They have Plan A cards and Plan B cards (which don't get cli's). I'm thinking I may have a Plan B. Wish ya luck!!

[oracles]

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@valley_man0505 wrote:

I wonder if requesting CLI's would work better in the store, then too.  My GF has a hefty tax refund coming, so we may purchase a new TV or something from BB.  My card only has a $500 CL, so maybe if we decide to purchase something over $500, I could act like I need a higher CL in order to make the purchase happen and not let them know we actually have the cash.  Then if I get the necessary CLI, I could PIF right away after making the purchase.

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I definitely would try this valley.

I have read many posts that states they have had a cli due to purchasing something higher than their credit limit.

Lets us know how it turns out.

[lizabeth]

i applied for 2 store cards in the store, and one online.
here is my experience.

1. banana republic (in store) - automatic $1,000CL. got it 5 years ago and the limit hasn't budged. hate that card.

2. macys (in store) - automatic $100CL.  called and got an increase to $200 in 90 days. LA DEE DA.
meanwhile, i ended up WORKING for macy's. still no love. but i used it a TON and paid everytime i worked. i quit and 3 months later it jumped to $1,000 limit, without my asking.

one thing i DID do while working there, was went to housewares because i wanted to purchase a kitchenaid mixer and my measly pathetic limit wouldnt allow it.  so they open up a separate 'big purchase' account (no hard pull) ... the associate calls the credit people while you stand there. and they will then talk to you.  'so you want a mixer huh?... well.. here's $500'....thats exactly how it happened.

3. nordstrom. (online) - store card automatic approval for $2000. this was just last week!


but i have heard that you DO get more 'love' when applying in store. if i would've applied at nordstrom and had a $500 bag and $200 shoes in hand ready to buy, i feel like i would've gotten more than 2,000 as a credit limit.

[Anonymous]

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@REgnlor wrote:
I believe there are a couple of lines of thought to lean towards in the store apps.  First, as a deterrant to identity theft and fraud, some stores like Macy's would approve you online for smaller amounts and others here have reported much higher initial credit limits when app was done in store.

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I agree with REgn on his. Less chance of identity fraud when you apply in person versus online...Maybe not a better chance of approval, just a better credit limit.

I applied in store for my Target card...immediate approval for 5K Visa red card.  Applied online for Vctorias Secret and was denied because they were "unable to verify address or phone number". My credit report at time of denial was MUCH better than when I applied for the Target card btw. They checked EX which was 771, no bads.  Thinking I may apply in store for this one some day.