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I am usually the type of person that would go to the website of the bank offering a credit card and apply online. I will rarely end up calling to apply. This made me think, how many people actually prefer calling to apply for a credit card and what are the reasons for going the phone route? is it because you can ask them a question while applying? or looking for recommendations? what questions do you ask?
Also, have you ever called in for something else and ended up applying? How did that conversation go?
I actually have had the the same question for awhile now but never asked. I would think applying over the phone would avoid some of the more lengthy verification we sometimes see but maybe applying over the phone would just increase the likelihood that a mistake gets made in the process?
There are some cases where a phone call (or in-person application) would be required, such as having an ITIN instead of a SSN for some lenders. Some people are also uncomfortable submitting information electronically (even though the information given over the phone will still be submitted electronically), and many people still don't use online card management and pay paper bills by check.
As for the calling in for something and applying, yes. I called Bank of America about 3 years ago to lower the APR on my Travel Rewards card (which had been an MBNA card originally and got rate jacked during the financial crisis like so many other cards), and was transferred to a senior analyst. The analyst talked me into applying for the BankAmericard for a balance transfer while they were looking over my credit report, and I was instantly approved over the phone. I've also had them try to talk me into student loan refinances, mortgage refinances, other credit cards, and wealth management while calling to close credit cards and/or reallocate credit lines.
I definitely prefer applying online. However, I will call in if I have to. And in one case I’m really glad I did. I was going to ask for a CLI on my CLOC on my primary checking acct but I also wanted the APR reduced. It couldn’t be done so I had to open a second CLOC on my secondary ckg acct. I got the 2nd CLOC at 13.24% and the existing one is 16.9%. You can guess which one I’ll use when/if I need it.
I definitely go the online route. The CSRs usually can’t do anything the computer can’t. Plus, it would be more awkward if you were denied lol
Generally online, but I've called Amex twice about applying.
1. I had some big bills to pay while mid-travel and saw a nice offer for the SPG card. I called Amex and they instructed me on how to apply and receive the card mid-travel. I applied online then called their security team about the unusual address. It all went smoothly, but only because I was an existing customer with my security info in order.
2. I called with some questions about their business cards and got a BBP over the phone (which I'd been considering).
@Anonymous wrote:
One definite reason to call in instead of doing it online is if you have a cat or a dog.
Use a hands-free Bluetooth headset. Now you're able to give your pet their much deserved belly rubs while doing the application.
I'm talking from experience here--I'm typing this all while my dog is laying on my legs and the cat on my chest demanding pets. I'm trapped!
@Rebuilt Unless your dog's a barker. I've been around dogs that bark when they hear that tiny little voice on the other end of the line.
@sainraja I've never applied over the phone. I tend to avoid the phone if possible. The other day I had to call USBank to verify that I wanted to add a new card to Samsung Pay. This was new to me as all my other cards verfied my identity via text message. I felt like I had time warped to 2009.
Interesting. How were they able to get you your card mid-travel? What was the process like? Never heard of something like that happening.
@wasCB14 wrote:Generally online, but I've called Amex twice about applying.
1. I had some big bills to pay while mid-travel and saw a nice offer for the SPG card. I called Amex and they instructed me on how to apply and receive the card mid-travel. I applied online then called their security team about the unusual address. It all went smoothly, but only because I was an existing customer with my security info in order.
2. I called with some questions about their business cards and got a BBP over the phone (which I'd been considering).
@Anonymous wrote:Interesting. How were they able to get you your card mid-travel? What was the process like? Never heard of something like that happening.
@wasCB14 wrote:Generally online, but I've called Amex twice about applying.
1. I had some big bills to pay while mid-travel and saw a nice offer for the SPG card. I called Amex and they instructed me on how to apply and receive the card mid-travel. I applied online then called their security team about the unusual address. It all went smoothly, but only because I was an existing customer with my security info in order.
2. I called with some questions about their business cards and got a BBP over the phone (which I'd been considering).
First I called to ask if it was possible and what the process was. I then applied online using my temporary address. The application went pending for security reasons, as the address I had just provided did not match the home address I had used for my other Amex cards. I called and explained the situation and provided my DOB, Amex Security Key, and answered other security questions. They approved the application and expedited the card to my temporary address. I later changed the address on the account to my permanent address.