Store Card Applications

[Anonymous]

Could anyone please explain to me why it is preferable to apply at the store rather than online when seeking a good store card? Why would I have a better chance at approval, or higher limit than I could get myself online? I'm not sure I can handle a denial in person at the store. 

I am looking for some good store cards and I am considering Kohls, JC Penney, and perhaps a home improvement card such as Menards or Lowes. 

[Anonymous]

It is so much easier to identify you in PERSON. At least that way, if you have proper ID they will know it is you and not someone stealing your identity.

I think this is a trend we all need to look for, as the days of "instant credit decisions" are rapidly drawing to a close because of the mess it has gotten us into.

As time passes, you will see more and more credit grantors asking for VERIFICATION of employment, income , etc before just tossing credit at people, which is a good thing.

I have no doubt you will do fine in a store dealing with people.

Good Luck

[Imhotrodcrazy]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Could anyone please explain to me why it is preferable to apply at the store rather than online when seeking a good store card? Why would I have a better chance at approval, or higher limit than I could get myself online? I'm not sure I can handle a denial in person at the store. 

I am looking for some good store cards and I am considering Kohls, JC Penney, and perhaps a home improvement card such as Menards or Lowes. 

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I got a chuckle out of your remark, ( "I'm not sure I can handle a denial in person" ).  I am not laughing at you, I just thought it was cute.   Im sorry, but I can not answer your question.  I have tried to figure that one out myself. Good luck to you. 

[Anonymous]

One reason to do it in person is that some dept stores (like Macy's) give you discounts all that day (and sometimes the next day) on all your purchases if you are approved.  Not sure if JC Penney's has the same policy.

[happy0510]

I totally know what you mean with the embarrassment.....I thought technology was supposed to help us?? haha..If I wasn't embarrassed in person I would have like 50 IQs right now

[haulingthescoreup]

I have read that the advantage of applying in the store rather than online is that they can verify your identity better (how? maybe driver's license/ photo ID), and that they will therefore give you a higher CL right off the bat.

And as someone mentioned, the threat of walking out of the store, leaving a shopping cart full of unbought merchandise, might help the approval process and/or CL calculation a bit as well.

[Anonymous]

It also gives the impression that if you are actually in the store, you shop there.

[Anonymous]

Smrtshppr43:

Thank you!!!!  I'm glad someone understands how potentially humiliating it would be to be turned down at a store - especially if you shop there regularly.  This is why I am a girl - I could NEVER ask someone out on a date   (I'm an old girl - I guess things may have changed).

SO - with that in mind, you'll be happy to know that I finally gave in and applied for Macy's in store.  I was pretty much geared up for handling a rejection.  I actually went to a department I don't usually shop in (just in case - I didn't want to risk repeated humiliation next time I shop), brought my purchase to the counter and when they asked if I wanted to apply, I said (truthfully) that I wasn't sure.  They said it's a great card (which is what I hear from SO many people), and I said I guess I could try and see what happens.  So they were as happy as I was when it was accepted.  I guess it's good to remember that sales clerks are people, too, and they have the same financial concerns as we do (They're not mortgage bankers, after all!). 

And Macy's does have great card shoppers deals!

[Anonymous]

See,that was not as bad as you thought was it ?  Congrats!

[Anonymous]

And I NEVER would have thought of Macy's or known to apply in-store without this lovely forum.  You guys are truly helpful and make a difference in our lives.  Can't thank you enough!

And, as I noted on another thread, my starting CL is $1,000.  Much higher than I hoped for or expected.

Thanks again.

Message Edited by utah2009 on 07-09-2009 11:36 AM