Macys - what's the deal?

[Gotagoal]

I have a few Amex cards with nice limits, BofA card, a nice mix of retail too. Good length of credit (19 years).

Today I went into Macys to get a card (lots of additional discounts if I use their card) - and it wasn't approved.

I've read on this forum that it's an easy card to get although their limits are ridiculously low. 

Scores are in the mid to upper 6's.

My util overall is high (I'm working on it) -

Does anyone know if the high util is why I got denied?

No baddies on my report either. 

[Anonymous]

Did you ever default on them in the past, or on one of the cards/companies they've consumed over the years?

They could be tightening along with everyone else, tho I've read a few stories lately where people are still getting approvals.

They have pretty good customer support.  When you get your denial in the mail, give them a call and ask.

[Gotagoal]

Nope. Never have had an account with Macys or any of their other companies.

That's OK. I shouldn't have applied with my util being so high.  My goal is to pay down my debt, not add to it!

This site always says to not apply for credit unless you need it.  

I can live without a Macys card.  Maybe it's a blessing in disquise

Happy Thanksgiving !! 

[Anonymous]

Yep, that should be it. When you get a letter from them, it will probably say that you have made heavy use of your revolving credit or such. But yes, happy thxs giving and cheers!

[Gotagoal]

You were right!  I received the declined letter today and it said that the only reason was a previous delinq with their company (or one of them). 

So I don't recall what it could be, but like many on this site, I've rebuilt my credit from poor to good, one step at a time.  I hope I don't still owe them money as I've made sure that I have paid everybody.  If I do, then I hope they'll contact me, but I'm sure it was at least 15 - 20 years ago. 

Thanks for your help. I'll still work on getting my util down!

[Anonymous]

Sorry to hear about the denial

But if your interested in Jc Pennys or Sams Club I was just approved on the spot with both of them with very HIGH util of 58%..

[Anonymous]

I was denied by Macy's back when I had first arrived in the states due to "short credit history." I will never apply again... I can hold a grudge --- I know financial decisions are not meant to be emotional...but DENIED... I mean COME ON.

[Anonymous]

I was denied online two days ago with no priors with them. Still waiting on the letter. I initially received the 7-10 day message and decided to call in, only to be told a big fat NO!

[GST2008]

Bloomingdale's, I believe is back by Citi.  Since Macy's uses the same credit services, they are probably Citi as well.  There are a couple of other department/retail stores that fall under the Macy's Inc. umbrella (formerly Federated).  If you had a problem with any of them in the past, they can track you.  They also keep information regarding excessive returns or exchanges on file as well.  I used to work for Bloomingdale's and we had a couple of customer's who actually lost their store card with us and Macy's due to this and were automatically declined when applying regardless of score and financial situation.  I only have a Bloomingdale's card, but Macy's as well as Bloomingdale's pulls softs on my CR and I have never shopped in Macy's in my life.  One other thing that they will not approve you for is if any of your CRs are locked.  If you have one of them blocked out, they will just not approve the account and you would have to unlock it and re-apply.  Hope one of these may answer your question.

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:
I was denied by Macy's back when I had first arrived in the states due to "short credit history." I will never apply again... I can hold a grudge --- I know financial decisions are not meant to be emotional...but DENIED... I mean COME ON.

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That is odd. I've told this tale so often that the regulars on here must be sick of hearing it, but I applied instore two days after moving to the US, when I had no SSN, no credit history for them to check (what with having only moved here on Saturday, and this being Monday and all), nothing. I bought a colander and some random kitchen stuff and the lady behind the counter convinced me I should apply for a card, and wouldn't listen to my protestations that there was no way in the world I'd be approved. I WAS approved - granted, it was just for $100, but a year and a half later, that $100 is now $2100 (and next week it will be CLI-requesting time again) - I'm very glad I relented and let her put the application through for me, as that one card made things much easier when it came to getting credit later on, and started me building my credit here sooner than I would have thought possible.

 

I'd assumed that that was just the way they worked, and have been advising this to anyone new to the country/with zero credit - I'll be more careful from now on, after hearing your story. I'm sorry they declined your application!