When to call about status of aps?

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone, 

I've been lurking here for awhile but have a question that I can't find anywhere.

I'm in the process of rebuilding my credit that I more or less destroyed 5 years ago. I opened CapOne and Orchard Bank cards 2 years ago and my score has been slowly going up as I keep those in good shape. I've been frustrated with the lack of CLI and I just got several baddies off my CR so I thought now would be a good time to try to diversify and move a step up. 

I just applied for a Nordstrom store card and a Travelocity Mastercard online.  I got the canned "you'll get a response in the mail in 7-10 days." 

When is a good time to call to check on these aps? Should I do it now, wait a few days, or wait until I have gotten the letters (which I'm fearing will be big 'NO!')? 

Also if I'm denied for the Nordstrom one, should I try for a Macys?

Thanks!

Kristen 

[Red1Blue]

What is you scores on EQ and how many inq's on EQ? Nordie primarily looks for EQ and Inq's. Call them tomorrow and find out the status of the application. I am not sure about Travelocity. What is your scores and baddies? Once we know that info then we can give better advice.

[Anonymous]

My EQ FICO is 634 with no Inqs. 

I have 5 CO from 2003, no collections showing on EQ (though several showing on TU and EX).

My other reports aren't so pretty so I'm hoping that travelocity pulls EQ as well.

My FAKO for TU is 594 and EX is 570 with several collections on each and 5 COs from 2003. 1 Inq on TU from 11 months ago.  

[Red1Blue]

I think you have very good chance of getting Nordie. Call them tomorrow and talk to them. Even if they give you a store card to start with in 6 months they would convert it to Visa. You could also try heavy TU pullers like National City / Chase / Hooters. Best bet call Nordie first thing tomorrow and talk to them.

[Anonymous]

You can check the status of the Travelocity app online so I figured I'd see if there was any info yet.

Unfortunately they pulled TU and I was already denied based on high utilization and COs.

Crossing my fingers that this wasn't a major mistake, I'll call Nordstroms tomorrow. I'm sad about the Travelocity one because I spend a lot of money on their site traveling for work and the rewards would have been wonderful. 

I'm not sure where else to turn for major CCs now. It seems everything is owned by Chase and they were my largest CO which is still on my report.  

[Anonymous]

Kristen, you may want to try a credit union.  They may be able to help you. If you are already a member of one great, if not become a member and apply for a Visa/MC you will be thankful you did and also give your CR an added mix.

[Zar]

Hello Kristen,

When I applied online for Nordstrom (retail card) I also got the 7-10 day message... I had heard that is normal to get that response when applying online so I called right after I got it to the number provided with it and after a few minutes the very nice CSR told me I was approved... I wouldn't wait until the next day.

MyFico EQ was 724 right after applying so probably a few more points higher during the application time. I didn't have any baddies nor inquiries.

Good luck!

Zar

Message Edited by Zar on 02-03-2009 07:51 PM

[Anonymous]

Whoohoo!! I just got a chance to call and after confirming every detail of my life with them, she told me I was approved for a $2K store card!!
I am beyond thrilled right now, this is the kind of limit I needed to really make my credit improve in the long run. I'm hoping after a year or so (maybe less?) I can possibly have it converted to a Visa.
I'm still debating about whether to try for another major card...maybe the Hooters one since I'm not a member of a CU or if I should just wait a bit longer.

-Kristen

[haulingthescoreup]

Congrats, that's a very nice CL!

Go join a CU. It costs $5 for a share account (CU-ese for a savings account.)

Hooters was generous when they first started up, but they aren't much now --low CL's and high fees, and they show little sign of being willing to grow with you. Stick with a card from a local CU, a local bank, or something like BofA's secured card, something that won't annoy the fire out of you when you look at it six month's later.

[Red1Blue]

Congrats on your Nordie card. Call them after 6 months and they will convert it to Visa. They are one of the best companies to have the card with. Very low interest rates and good, generous CLI's. You are in good hands with Nordie. I am not sure if Hooters is a good card. If your EQ is good then you could try for Walmart or Sams Club Discover. If your scores are good with TU then try for National City. Or as others suggested try with a local credit union.