I applied for a couple of Citi cards last week. Hilton HHonors (to add to my Hilton points) and The CIti Platinum Select AAdvantage Visa (might fly some American later this year). I don't really need the credit, I'm just collecting points for vacation. HHonors card approved instantly at $8,500 (my first Citi card). The AAdvantage got the 7-10 day screen. I tried calling for Citi recon (what a joke) so I fired off a letter to EO. No idea why declined and the CSR could not tell me either. Really? The letter covers all bases and explains all of my pulls on EX including what it was for, why I applied and what I am using the product for now. I included no lates, 3% UTL and rough amounts charged on cards with PIF. I am always upfront in a letter and tell them I want the AA card so I can earn the extra points for flying AA and using the card - otherwise I will take my business elsewhere. Who knows if it will work, I am 1 for 1 with recon letters at this point with a win on AMEX for Delta Reserve business.
On Friday I got a wild hair to collect some attitudinal Hilton points in a unorthodox method. Bank of America was offering a good point haul for the Virgin Atlantic card. 20,000 miles on first purchase, then 25,000 more for $2,500 spend in 3 months and 5,000 points for adding an AU. Sure, why not. I have collected 17 HP on EX, why not make it another one for 50,000 miles that will transfer to Hilton at 1:2 for 100,000 points. Sure enough the 7-10 day message. I called application status number found in sticky thread and found out declined. Argghhhhhh I hate B of A. Tried calling in over weekend to credit analyst line - closed.
Just called them a few minutes ago, they answer the line "credit analyst", cool! The person I spoke with told me the decline was based on too many inquiries (now 18 HP on EX). I asked if I could get the application reviewed or manually scored. No problem, sent me to senior analyst. Super helpful, asked me about my auto loan, my first credit card and why I have so much credit now vs. 10 years ago. DIscussed my self employment situation a bit but never spoke income or sales at all. I still have B of A account (although nearly empty now) and she asked why I moved so much money in last 8 months. I told them Chase stole me and to "step up with cards both business and personal - and stop declining me for auto loan that Chase approved instantly". Duly noted she said.
I was ready to discuss all 18 HP and she said don't bother, you are approved with $10,000 limit. Well worth the call. I guess I can keep the account open to do online payments or should I send from my Chase account?
So always recon and be prepared to explain everything in detail. When a call or two does not work write a letter. You spent the HP so you should get something for it even if it is just the experience in calling to find out why declined and discuss how to get it in the future.
