How long of a credit history should I have until I apply for discover?

[Anonymous]

I currently have 4 cards. I want the discover cashback bonus really badly and then I should be good on number of CCs for a while. A got a preapproved letter a few months ago and was excited. Applied and declined for not enough credit history. Wasn't really sure how hard it was to get that card. My longest account is only around 10 months old. Yes I am new at this game, but off to a great start. 712 EQ.

I'm keeping balances low, not cancelling any accounts, always on time, and am requesting credit line increases every 6 months. The real question is, what is the general rule of thumb for history when applying for discover? I am 21 and plan to buy a house within the next 2-3 years and want to be in top tier credit by then, so the sooner I get the card the better.

[Tuscani]

Not really.. You should have no issues getting the card since you are 700+

[fused]

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Jack_Sparrow wrote:

I currently have 4 cards. I want the discover cashback bonus really badly and then I should be good on number of CCs for a while. A got a preapproved letter a few months ago and was excited. Applied and declined for not enough credit history. Wasn't really sure how hard it was to get that card. My longest account is only around 10 months old. Yes I am new at this game, but off to a great start. 712 EQ.

I'm keeping balances low, not cancelling any accounts, always on time, and am requesting credit line increases every 6 months. The real question is, what is the general rule of thumb for history when applying for discover? I am 21 and plan to buy a house within the next 2-3 years and want to be in top tier credit by then, so the sooner I get the card the better.

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When I applied for a Discover Plat my EX cr was pulled and I was denied with a FICO score of 721 back in 12/05.  They said I lacked revolving card experience.  My file was very thin as well at that time.  Not sure how many months of good payment history on cc's you will need to be approved.  I do know from other forums that their underwriting is a bit more stringent compared to some of the other prime ccc's.

[Anonymous]

Jack_Sparrow,

I am beginning to think that it depends on what mood the CR or computer is in the day you apply for a Discover Card!!   I tried when I had less cards than I do now and my credit scores were all in the 700's.  I received a letter from Discover stating the number of cards I had were too many.  I agreed.    My husband applied and he had only 2 cards and their response was he needed more credit history.  His history dates back to 1982!! 

Many people have applied and have been turned down for petty reasons.

Good luck!

SandyK

[fused]

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sankofa wrote:

Jack_Sparrow,

I am beginning to think that it depends on what mood the CR or computer is in the day you apply for a Discover Card!!   I tried when I had less cards than I do now and my credit scores were all in the 700's.  I received a letter from Discover stating the number of cards I had were too many.  I agreed.    My husband applied and he had only 2 cards and their response was he needed more credit history.  His history dates back to 1982!! 

Many people have applied and have been turned down for petty reasons.

Good luck!

SandyK

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Thank you for being honest and saying it like it is!  I was tempted to say the same thing but did not.  On another website they were voted the 1# ccc stickler for new applicants.

[Anonymous]

My favorite part is I can't even get the student card. What kind of credit are they looking for in students? I'll probably give it another years wait. Although I really want it now.

[Anonymous]

I would call Discover, explain that you were declined and want to discuss it. Then simply ask them to look at your application and tell you how much more history they will need for A)their minimum limit card and B) a card with the limit you want. There is no reason for them to keep it a secret from you. It's not like trying to get a copy of the complete scoring algorithm from Fair Isaacs.

[Anonymous]

I called and was told they don't reconsider applications. However, they keep the application on file for a while for some reason. Maybe to monitor your history and then reconsider, who knows. Anyways they told me I should have 8 to 12 to 16 months of credit history, which I do.

[Anonymous]

I would suggest staying polite but being more assertive. When they say you need 8 to 12 months' history tell them you have that, and your credit score, and ask why they turned you down.If you get the run around ask to speak to a supervisor. When they turned you down they were supposed to give you a written letter for the refusal. I would also write them reffering to their letter (include a copy of it) and request further explanation. They legally are supposed to tell you the real reason they turned you down. It's common for turn downs to list BS reasons but that doesn't comply with the law. I'm guessing it's like overcoming objections when selling. You may have to ask three times (during the same call) before you get the real answer. You are entitled to it. Do not accept anything less.If you were borderline and impress them with your persistence maybe they'll even change their mind. I find an answer of "We never reconsider." to be less than creditable.

[Anonymous]

I applied for Discover Cashback but they refused me also

EX- 735; TU- 749

I came as Permanent resident 1.5 years from Europe

I applied for my wife also. They refused again but they offered another card from Discover not type that we applied 

I was dissapointed and I dont know after how long history to apply again. Noe I like Miles by Discover