Card hasn't arrived, but balance already reporting

[sengpatt]

The other day I app'ed in-store for a Gap CC and was approved. I was told the actual card would arrive in 7-10 business days and was issued a "temporary shopping pass" with an account number for purchases in the meantime. I have bought a few things since then, but was surprised that CK was already showing a balance on the card as of today.

I'm not so concerned about the balance per se, as it's fairly small. I am concerned about the fact that it's reporting while I haven't received the card or info about paying the bill. I'm worried that because of the lag between approval and getting the card/setup info, I could be charged interest (which is high!) and possibly even a late fee without the ability to do anything about it.

Has this happened to anyone else before? Are these legitimate concerns? Thanks in advance!

[visorboy1974]

Sounds like that's one short statement cycle!  How long has it been since your approval?

[sengpatt]

It really does. I was approved this past Sunday, 12/23.

[visorboy1974]

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@sengpatt wrote:

It really does. I was approved this past Sunday, 12/23.

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I'd say you're probably the victom of the creditor trying to do a nice thing and report your tradeline ASAP, but it had the charge on it already.  I wouldn't worry about non-receipt of the card until after 1/1.    

[bichonmom]

Same thing happened when I got Old Navy and Walmart. It's common for GEMB to do that. They report the new cc within a couple of days, and if there's any balance, that's reported as well. They also reported my balance mid-cycle in the 2nd month with the card, but haven't don't that again since.

[kevinjjc]

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@bichonmom wrote:

Same thing happened when I got Old Navy and Walmart. It's common for GEMB to do that. They report the new cc within a couple of days, and if there's any balance, that's reported as well. They also reported my balance mid-cycle in the 2nd month with the card, but haven't don't that again since.

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+1  GECRB, formerly known as GEMB, is known to report quickly... at least for Walmart and the Gap/Old Navy/Banana Republic cards.

[jsucool76]

GE reports very quickly like others have said, and i had the same experience as bichonmom with the mid cycle update, but it only happened once.

[john398]

Had the same experience with CareCredit, I got my bill before getting the card, LOL

[Sha80]

the same happened with me at Old Navy on Black Friday. I applied in store to get the discount on my purchases. My total was $213 and my limit was only $300. I was told I had to use the shoppers pass to receive the additional 10% off and payments could not be done in store. You had to pay online once your card is received. long story story short. I applied November 22 and the balance reported November 26. My card came the first week in December.

[pdog661]

My macy's card reported the inq same day, and the balance of the first purchase 2 days latter.

Discover took 3 months to report haha.