Originally Posted by
LoungeLizardHugo
Ok, a follow-up post, now weeks later. Called in for a 3rd reconsideration of the personal app, rep pulled my credit AGAIN, said it was auto-denied but she thought I should be approved based on my strong credit profile (other than the pulls this year) and would resubmit. That submission sat with no action for nearly 2 weeks and today I received a follow-up call to deny again. Reason, too many credit pulls in past 24 months. To be clear- my only other BoA issued card is the Alaska business card issued two months ago. Utterly ....ing ridiculous. High income documented on tax returns, no debt other than home mortgage, payoff cards monthly, 780'ish FICO.
Listen Alaska Airlines, if you read the forum, why do you turn over your affinity program to people like BoA? My wife and I are exactly who you want as your prospective customers- want to upgrade from Southwest, travel frequently. Yet BoA antagonizes and insults me for trying to obtain your branded credit card. It is a direct reflection on Alaska Airlines to have this kind of insulting experience.
Had a good conversation with an Alaska phone rep who told me after some minutes of discussion and friendly chat that they have had complaints from customers for years about BoA declining Alaska CC apps. She sounded extremely sympathetic and frustrated to hear yet another complaint. How freaking crazy is that??? What the hell is wrong with you Alaska, break the contract with BoA for gross incompetence!
My take-away for readers is, if you have more than a few hard-pulls on your credit report over the past 24 months, then BoA thinks you are a POS and will not issue you a Alaska Airline credit card.
I spend my money with those that offer good credit card-tied affinity programs- SPG, Hyatt, IHG, MGM, Southwest. If you (BoA/Alaska Airlines) want to deny me an Alaska Airline card because I applied for and was issued the cards of other programs, that is a colossally idiotic decision. I have an Alaska flight already booked 2 weeks from now and after that, it'll be the last one I ever take unless I absolutely have no other choice.
I understand your frustration to a point. I too was denied incredibly quickly by BoA for the AS Personal card, and got the Business one after jumping through hoops. BoA isn't what it used to be. They USED to issue AS cards like they were going out of style. Also, lots of other banks are already occupied with airlines so it makes sense that AS would use BoA. And in just looking at trends, look at the industry now:
BoA - no joke
Barclays - no joke
Chase - nice cards but 5/24 and may shut you down if you press your luck with too many cards in general and greater chance if you press your luck AND MS
Citi - can churn the AA cards
AMEX - can get a good few cards if you play it right, but they can cut you off in a heartbeat (see their new bonus denial tool upon applying)
CapOne - I have no idea, but never found them too lucrative
US Bank - difficult to deal with/no joke
Wells Fargo - what, JUST released a decent card? but certainly not a game changer
Make hay, while you can, on churning ladies and gentleman. And maximize existing good cards that you have like the Chase Sapphire Reserve, etc.