Calling recon BEFORE applying?

[valley_man0505]

Don't know if anyone has ever tried this, but what would happen if you called a recon line before actually applying to see what the person who answers feels your odds of being approved are?  Would they even give you the time of day (I have never called a recon line before)?  I'd like to apply for a CC in the near future, but I don't know if I'd get approved and don't want to waste an inquiry if I am not going to get approved.  I have a VERY good explanation for why my credit is low and I have been on time with everything now for 2+ years.

[Anonymous]

I don't see what the harm could be in trying. Of course, as it typical with customer contact centers, your mileage may vary in terms of how helpful the rep is.

Consult my latest blog entry for tactics in getting the most from customer contact centers.

[Anonymous]

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@valley_man0505 wrote:

Don't know if anyone has ever tried this, but what would happen if you called a recon line before actually applying to see what the person who answers feels your odds of being approved are? Would they even give you the time of day (I have never called a recon line before)? I'd like to apply for a CC in the near future, but I don't know if I'd get approved and don't want to waste an inquiry if I am not going to get approved. I have a VERY good explanation for why my credit is low and I have been on time with everything now for 2+ years.

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I've tried tactics like this before. FWIW, most CSRs just offered to take my application instead of being helpful.

[Anonymous]

Maybe if you are calling a company that caters to credit rebuilders or are applying for a product marketed to those new to credit or rebuilders. Usually the response would likely be to go ahead and apply.