Jan 19, 2017, 8:44 pm
Last edit by: StartinSanDiego
Please read this Wiki before posting questions in the thread.
Do not post offers or requests for referral links in this thread! The proper thread for referral offers is here.
All Chase issued cards are here: https://creditcards.chase.com/sitemap
This thread--a continuation of previous discussions through May 2015 and December 2016--focuses on general Chase policies & practices for new applications. For information on specific Chase cards and their bonuses/terms/benefits, see the following threads and their associated wikis: Table of Contents
Does Chase have a limit on the number or frequency of applications like Citi's 8/65 rule?
What's this I hear about Chase denying applications to people who have recently opened a lot of credit cards?
Does the 5/24 rule apply to applications for all Chase cards?
How does Chase calculate the number of an applicant's new cards for purposes of the 5/24 rule?
How does Chase calculate the relevant 24-month period? By calendar months? By exact days?
Can I get around the 5/24 policy by closing cards I've opened in the past 24 months?
Is there any way around the 5/24 policy (targeted mailers, pre-approvals, Chase Private Client status)?
Can I apply for a specific Chase card and earn the bonus again after doing so previously?
I'm an authorized user for a card issued to my spouse/parent. Does that prevent me from signing up for the same card and earning a bonus?
I already have several Chase cards with a substantial aggregate line of credit. Will it improve my odds if I close an existing account (or lower its credit line) before applying for another?
I wasn't auto-approved. Should I call in?
How can I determine the deadline for meeting the spend requirement to earn the signup bonus?
Once I meet the card's spend requirement, how soon will I receive my signup bonus points?
Should I downgrade or cancel my existing cards before applying?
Useful Chase telephone numbers
This thread--a continuation of previous discussions through May 2015 and December 2016--focuses on general Chase policies & practices for new applications. For information on specific Chase cards and their bonuses/terms/benefits, see the following threads and their associated wikis:
- Chase Freedom
- Chase Freedom Unlimited
- Chase Sapphire Preferred
- Chase Sapphire Reserve
- Chase Ink Plus
- Chase Ink Business Preferred
- Marriott Premier Visa
- IHG Rewards Visa/MC
- Hyatt Rewards Card from Chase
- Chase BA Visa
- United MileagePlus Explorer Card; business card
- United MileagePlus Club Card (and business card)
- Southwest Airlines, 4 cards currently available
- Chase Amazon Visa
- Does Chase have a limit on the number or frequency of applications like Citi's 8/65 rule?
- What's this I hear about Chase denying applications to people who have recently opened a lot of credit cards?
- Does the 5/24 rule apply to applications for all Chase cards?
- How does Chase calculate the number of an applicant's new cards for purposes of the 5/24 rule?
- How does Chase calculate the relevant 24-month period? By calendar months? By exact days?
- Can I get around the 5/24 policy by closing cards I've opened in the past 24 months?
- Is there any way around the 5/24 policy (targeted mailers, pre-approvals, Chase Private Client status)?
- Can I apply for a specific Chase card and earn the bonus again after doing so previously?
- I'm an authorized user for a card issued to my spouse/parent. Does that prevent me from signing up for the same card and earning a bonus?
- I already have several Chase cards with a substantial aggregate line of credit. Will it improve my odds if I close an existing account (or lower its credit line) before applying for another?
- I wasn't auto-approved. Should I call in?
- How can I determine the deadline for meeting the spend requirement to earn the signup bonus?
- Once I meet the card's spend requirement, how soon will I receive my signup bonus points?
- Should I downgrade or cancel my existing cards before applying?
- Useful Chase telephone numbers
Does Chase have a limit on the number or frequency of applications like Citi's 8/65 rule?
Chase does not have a known limit. However, several reports (for example) indicate that Chase is highly sensitive to multiple applications within a short time period, and that the second (or subsequent) applications run a substantial risk of being denied. In many cases, this is likely related to Chase's practice of allocating a large credit line (up to an applicant's personal maximum) when approving a new card such as the first application in a series. (See also the discussion below concerning aggregate Chase credit lines.)
What's this I hear about Chase denying applications to people who have recently opened a lot of credit cards?
Starting in May 2015, Chase began denying applications for its own personal cards (e.g., Sapphire Preferred, Freedom, Slate & Freedom Unlimited) if the applicant's credit report shows that she or he opened 5 or more credit cards with any card issuer in the prior 24 months ("the 5/24 rule").
For a few days in early September 2016, Chase included explicit language ("You will not be approved for this card if you have opened 5 or more bank cards in the past 24 months") on the application page for the Sapphire Reserve card--and then promptly removed it. The absence of this language on landing/application pages for the CSR or any other Chase card is not a reliable indicator of whether the 5/24 policy applies.
See the next section for co-branded cards exempt from the 5/24 policy, and the later section discussing potential ways around 5/24.
For a few days in early September 2016, Chase included explicit language ("You will not be approved for this card if you have opened 5 or more bank cards in the past 24 months") on the application page for the Sapphire Reserve card--and then promptly removed it. The absence of this language on landing/application pages for the CSR or any other Chase card is not a reliable indicator of whether the 5/24 policy applies.
See the next section for co-branded cards exempt from the 5/24 policy, and the later section discussing potential ways around 5/24.
Does the 5/24 rule apply to applications for all Chase cards?
Previously the rule did not apply to applications for the Ink Plus business card or to co-branded cards such as United, Hyatt, IHG, etc. However, on May 22, 2016 Chase extended its 5/24 rule to cover Ink business cards and some co-branded cards. (Note that there were premature reports that Chase Ink Plus would be made subject to the rule in March 2016 (which did not happen), and that all co-branded cards would follow in April 2016 (also did not happen).)
Although we had numerous reports of applications prior to May 22 being denied for a United/Hyatt/IHG/WN card by a CSR citing the 5/24 rule, the available evidence strongly suggested that those applicants had other serious issues--multiple Chase applications in a short period; large existing Chase credit line--and that overzealous CSRs gratuitously (and erroneously) invoked the 5/24 rule in the past as an additional supposed justification for the denial. Thus, it is difficult to separate such false positives from any change in Chase policy.
Instead, the most useful data points are those where an applicant is approved for a Chase card despite being over 5/24. Since May 22, 2016, we have such reports for these co-branded cards (in order from oldest to newest for each card):
For a longer list of cards apparently not subject to 5/24, check this link:
In November 2018, Chase seems to have possibly expanded 5/24 to more cards, possibly including some mentioned above. See this link:
Please follow discussion in the thread for current updates.
Although we had numerous reports of applications prior to May 22 being denied for a United/Hyatt/IHG/WN card by a CSR citing the 5/24 rule, the available evidence strongly suggested that those applicants had other serious issues--multiple Chase applications in a short period; large existing Chase credit line--and that overzealous CSRs gratuitously (and erroneously) invoked the 5/24 rule in the past as an additional supposed justification for the denial. Thus, it is difficult to separate such false positives from any change in Chase policy.
Instead, the most useful data points are those where an applicant is approved for a Chase card despite being over 5/24. Since May 22, 2016, we have such reports for these co-branded cards (in order from oldest to newest for each card):
- Hyatt (link; link; link; link; link; link; link; link; link; link)
- Marriott business card (link; link; link; link; link; link; link; link; link; link)
- IHG (link; link; link; link; link; link)
- BA (link; link)
For a longer list of cards apparently not subject to 5/24, check this link:
In November 2018, Chase seems to have possibly expanded 5/24 to more cards, possibly including some mentioned above. See this link:
Please follow discussion in the thread for current updates.
How does Chase calculate the number of an applicant's new cards for purposes of the 5/24 rule?
The 24-month count includes personal cards opened at other banks, and even cards on which the applicant is only an authorized user and not the primary cardholder. Chase has been extremely inflexible with this policy, with agents stating that there is nothing they can do to circumvent this restriction. However, in some cases Chase may reconsider a denial if the applicant has <5 new cards excluding cards on which s/he is an authorized user. You may need to escalate to the next level of customer service agent, as many front-line agents seem to be unable or unwilling to remove the authorized user accounts from the count.
Note:
Note:
- The actual cut-off number of recently opened cards may not be 5; it may be lower or perhaps higher, and it may differ for different applicants. Note also that the number of inquiries on a given credit reporting agency (or the total across all CRAs) is irrelevant.
- Cards not reported to EQ/TU/EX, such as most business cards and store charge cards, don't count towards this 5-card limit (for the simple reason that Chase cannot see them). Two FTers had previously reported that even Chase business cards are NOT included in the 5/24 tally, and more recently a third FTer has documented a case where they would have been 6/24 if a Chase business card had been counted. Similar conclusions have also been made by some travel bloggers.
How does Chase calculate the relevant 24-month period? By calendar months? By exact days?
In February 2017, a FTer reported a successful application a day or two after dropping from 5/24 to 4/24. However, because Chase sometimes approves applicants who are at 5/24 exactly (see above), this data point does not conclusively prove that Chase drops cards from its calculation on the exact 24-month anniversary of the previous bonus.
Can I get around the 5/24 policy by closing cards I've opened in the past 24 months?
No. Chase uses the information from your credit report, and closing an account doesn't make it disappear.
Is there any way around the 5/24 policy (targeted mailers, pre-approvals, Chase Private Client status)?
As to targeted mailers, we have insufficient anecdotal evidence to reach any reliable conclusions. (Reports suggesting no exemption from 5/24 here and here.)
There have been reports of people with more than 5 cards opened in the last 24 months being successful if they are already pre-approved for the card in question. To find out if you are pre-approved, you can call or go into a branch to ask. Success stories appear to be connected to Chase Private Client (CPC) status and the rollout of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. In-branch pre-approvals (showing a green screen on the banker's computer) result in automatic approvals. Some (but not all) CPC clients had success in recon calls[[I]citation needed].
There have been reports of people with more than 5 cards opened in the last 24 months being successful if they are already pre-approved for the card in question. To find out if you are pre-approved, you can call or go into a branch to ask. Success stories appear to be connected to Chase Private Client (CPC) status and the rollout of the Chase Sapphire Reserve card. In-branch pre-approvals (showing a green screen on the banker's computer) result in automatic approvals. Some (but not all) CPC clients had success in recon calls[[I]citation needed].
Can I apply for a specific Chase card and earn the bonus again after doing so previously?
It depends. A Chase card may be "churned" when an entirely new version becomes available. For example, business cards are distinct from personal/consumer cards. Note that simple variations among bonus offers do not amount to new versions/products for purposes of this rule.
Beginning in 2014, Chase began including explicit language in most of its offers, such as the following:
Effective August 2018, Chase imposed stringent additional restrictions on receiving the signup bonus for any version of the Sapphire card. See Sapphire (CSR & CSP) 48 months between bonuses, August 2018 and the master threads for each card (listed above) for details and discussion.
There are four key considerations in determining whether you can churn a given card:
Beginning in 2014, Chase began including explicit language in most of its offers, such as the following:
This new cardmember bonus offer is not available to either (i) current cardmembers of this consumer credit card, or (ii) previous cardmembers of this consumer credit card who received a new cardmember bonus for this consumer credit card within the last 24 months.
There are four key considerations in determining whether you can churn a given card:
- The 5/24 policy discussed in detail above.
- The 24-month bonus waiting period--in the case of Sapphire cards, the collective 48-month period--is measured not from the date of your previous application (or approval date, if different), but instead from the date you received the signup-related bonus on the previous card, which may be 3-4 months later than the approval date. The same rule applies regardless of the type of signup bonus received (points, miles, or free-night certs); anniversary benefits unrelated to spending requirements, such as annual IHG & Marriott certs, do not count as signup bonuses.
- For cards such as BA Visa where the signup bonus is earned in multiple stages, the most recent reports are that the 24-month clock starts running only on receipt of the last bonus installment. In an older report, one FTer found that the 24 months appear to run from the initial bonus; after some difficulty, another FTer was told the same thing.
- If you still have your old card of the same type, you're ineligible.
- Chase's policy does not indicate whether there is also a minimum waiting period between cancellation and reapplication, and there is not yet sufficient anecdotal evidence from FTers to draw firm conclusions. At a minimum, a prudent churner will wait at least a week or two after cancellation before reapplying so that all of Chase's systems fully reflect that closure. (See first bullet point above.) At least one FTer has reported re-applying successfully 14 days after canceling the previous card.
I'm an authorized user for a card issued to my spouse/parent. Does that prevent me from signing up for the same card and earning a bonus?
No. Being an additional user on someone else's account poses no bar to applying for that same card & bonus, except insofar as such cards may count toward the 5/24 rule (as discussed above).
I already have several Chase cards with a substantial aggregate line of credit. Will it improve my odds if I close an existing account (or lower its credit line) before applying for another?
Yes.
In the past, the conventional wisdom among FTers was that you were more likely to hurt your chances by closing an account or reducing CL unilaterally. However, substantial evidence from 2014 onward strongly indicates that Chase is increasingly likely to reject applications (or at least not auto-approve them) where an applicant has an existing total credit line that is high compared to his/her income & spending patterns. (For many members, the threshold appears to be in the $45K-60K range, but that is highly speculative.)
Recent reports suggest that closing accounts and/or voluntarily reducing credit lines increases the odds of auto-approval or in-branch pre-approval. (You can do either by calling or simply sending a secure message through your Chase online account. You do not need to provide a reason for the request.) For best results, keep at least $5K-10K in excess credit; if your application is not approved, you can always contact the reconsideration department and offer to reallocate that portion of your existing credit line. Note: despite allowing credit line to be moved between personal and business accounts in the past, Chase is no longer permitting such reallocation in either direction.
With respect to timing, it is better to reduce any CL as soon as you can conveniently do so, e.g., after meeting the bonus spend on a card you do not plan to use regularly thereafter. (Do not reduce CL on a given card if it would increase your "credit utiilization"--that is, the ratio of outstanding balance to CL--above ~30%. A high credit utilization number is a red flag for banks and can adversely affect your credit score.) Waiting until one's next application to lower a CL is less than optimal, as the reduced CL is not immediately recognized by all of Chase's systems.
There is no known minimum wait between lowering a CL and having the freed-up amount become available for purposes of a new application. A prudent applicant will, as recommended above, plan well in advance; failing that, an applicant would be wise to wait at least 24 hours between lowering a CL and applying for a new card.
In the past, the conventional wisdom among FTers was that you were more likely to hurt your chances by closing an account or reducing CL unilaterally. However, substantial evidence from 2014 onward strongly indicates that Chase is increasingly likely to reject applications (or at least not auto-approve them) where an applicant has an existing total credit line that is high compared to his/her income & spending patterns. (For many members, the threshold appears to be in the $45K-60K range, but that is highly speculative.)
Recent reports suggest that closing accounts and/or voluntarily reducing credit lines increases the odds of auto-approval or in-branch pre-approval. (You can do either by calling or simply sending a secure message through your Chase online account. You do not need to provide a reason for the request.) For best results, keep at least $5K-10K in excess credit; if your application is not approved, you can always contact the reconsideration department and offer to reallocate that portion of your existing credit line. Note: despite allowing credit line to be moved between personal and business accounts in the past, Chase is no longer permitting such reallocation in either direction.
With respect to timing, it is better to reduce any CL as soon as you can conveniently do so, e.g., after meeting the bonus spend on a card you do not plan to use regularly thereafter. (Do not reduce CL on a given card if it would increase your "credit utiilization"--that is, the ratio of outstanding balance to CL--above ~30%. A high credit utilization number is a red flag for banks and can adversely affect your credit score.) Waiting until one's next application to lower a CL is less than optimal, as the reduced CL is not immediately recognized by all of Chase's systems.
There is no known minimum wait between lowering a CL and having the freed-up amount become available for purposes of a new application. A prudent applicant will, as recommended above, plan well in advance; failing that, an applicant would be wise to wait at least 24 hours between lowering a CL and applying for a new card.
I wasn't auto-approved. Should I call in?
It may be better to avoid calling Chase unless your application is denied. Many recent calls on pending applications led to denials, and many people report having success letting applications work their way through the system. Be patient. Time is on your side; increasingly, Chase CSRs are not.
If you do call, expect extensive and possibly hostile questioning. Be prepared to answer questions regarding the need for more credit, past credit apps for both Chase and other banks, income, business finances, etc. Know your CLs with Chase before you call so you know which card/s you are willing to decrease the CLs on. If the app is for a significant other who dislikes such calls, they can authorize you to speak on their behalf and hand the phone over to you.
If you do call, expect extensive and possibly hostile questioning. Be prepared to answer questions regarding the need for more credit, past credit apps for both Chase and other banks, income, business finances, etc. Know your CLs with Chase before you call so you know which card/s you are willing to decrease the CLs on. If the app is for a significant other who dislikes such calls, they can authorize you to speak on their behalf and hand the phone over to you.
How can I determine the deadline for meeting the spend requirement to earn the signup bonus?
Just send Chase a secure message (SM) through your online account. Although the deadline should in theory be N months from the date of approval (not the date of application or card activation)--where N is the number of months specified in the offer--Chase typically pads this period to account for the time required to fabricate and deliver physical cards. For example, a recent "3-month" deadline was in fact 114 days, as confirmed by Chase's SM confirmation.
Once I meet the card's spend requirement, how soon will I receive my signup bonus points?
Bonus points typically accrue at the close of the billing period in which you incur the corresponding charges. Points should appear in your hotel/airline account within a few days thereafter.
NOTE: If you complete your required spending in the last 7-10 days of the statement period, the bonus may not post until the following month's statement, even if the regular per-dollar points post on the first statement. This is normal behavior for Chase and is not worth a phone call.
NOTE: If you complete your required spending in the last 7-10 days of the statement period, the bonus may not post until the following month's statement, even if the regular per-dollar points post on the first statement. This is normal behavior for Chase and is not worth a phone call.
Should I downgrade or cancel my existing cards before applying?
See the discussion at
Useful Chase telephone numbers
(800) 432-3117 – General Application Status Line, automated
(800) 436-7927 – Alternative General Application Status Line, automated
(888) 609-7805 – Alternative Personal Reconsideration line with live rep
(888) 269-8690 - Business Credit Card Application Status Line, automated
(800) 453-9719 – Business Credit Card Reconsideration Line with live rep
(800) 955-9900 – General Card Services and Application status, automated
(888) 298-5623 – Credit Reallocation Office (Personal cards)
(800) 453-9719 – Credit Reallocation Office (Business cards)
(888) 622-7547 – Executive Offices
(877) 470-9042 – Personal Application Verification line with live rep
Twitter: @ChaseSupport
Note: In the past, automated telephone status reports stating that Chase would notify you in 2 weeks often resulted in an approval, whereas the "7-10 days" telephone recording often indicated imminent denial. In 2016, this pattern became increasingly unpredictable, with many applicants receiving approval despite an earlier "7-10 days" automated telephone message. As a result, automated telephone responses should not be regarded as reliable indicators of an application's likely outcome.
(800) 436-7927 – Alternative General Application Status Line, automated
(888) 609-7805 – Alternative Personal Reconsideration line with live rep
(888) 269-8690 - Business Credit Card Application Status Line, automated
(800) 453-9719 – Business Credit Card Reconsideration Line with live rep
(800) 955-9900 – General Card Services and Application status, automated
(888) 298-5623 – Credit Reallocation Office (Personal cards)
(800) 453-9719 – Credit Reallocation Office (Business cards)
(888) 622-7547 – Executive Offices
(877) 470-9042 – Personal Application Verification line with live rep
Twitter: @ChaseSupport
Note: In the past, automated telephone status reports stating that Chase would notify you in 2 weeks often resulted in an approval, whereas the "7-10 days" telephone recording often indicated imminent denial. In 2016, this pattern became increasingly unpredictable, with many applicants receiving approval despite an earlier "7-10 days" automated telephone message. As a result, automated telephone responses should not be regarded as reliable indicators of an application's likely outcome.
Applying for Chase Credit Cards, 2017-2019
Feb 7, 2017, 11:55 am
#226
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: DEN
Programs: Hilton Diamond Hyatt Globalist Marriott Gold AA EXP
Posts: 1,018
Any suggestions which credit card to apply for?
I am well over 5/24 and recently closed my SW cards and downgraded CSP to Freedom.
I have a major purchase coming up in next 2 weeks for about $1500 and was thinking to apply for CC to use this purchase towards spending requirements.
Appreciate your suggestions
I am well over 5/24 and recently closed my SW cards and downgraded CSP to Freedom.
I have a major purchase coming up in next 2 weeks for about $1500 and was thinking to apply for CC to use this purchase towards spending requirements.
Appreciate your suggestions
Then probably something like Cap One Spark Cash Business: $500 back on $4,500 spend, plus 2%, AF waived.
Feb 7, 2017, 3:11 pm
#227
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 19
Just went into a branch and found out I was pre-approved for the CSP. Applied and approved instantly. I'm about 15/24. Nothing ever showed up on the online check pre-qual thingy.
There were several others I could've applied for (FU, United Club and something else) but the CSP was obviously the best. Makes me regret that I didn't check before they removed the CSR from in-branch pre-approvals but oh well. Happy to have the CSP now.
Don't give up hope even if you're over 5/24. I highly recommend checking in branch for pre-approvals.
There were several others I could've applied for (FU, United Club and something else) but the CSP was obviously the best. Makes me regret that I didn't check before they removed the CSR from in-branch pre-approvals but oh well. Happy to have the CSP now.
Don't give up hope even if you're over 5/24. I highly recommend checking in branch for pre-approvals.
Feb 7, 2017, 4:56 pm
#228
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: BDL, JFK
Posts: 658
I probably missed this somewhere in the wiki. I only have 2/24 but a lot of closed cards over that time. I was rejected for CSP for too many cards in last 2 years. Anyone else have a problem with too many cards closed?
Feb 7, 2017, 5:47 pm
#229
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 19
Very clear in the wiki, point #5.
Feb 7, 2017, 6:15 pm
#230
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: BDL, JFK
Posts: 658
No you misunderstand. I only opened 2 cards. The closed cards were opened more than 3 years ago.
Feb 8, 2017, 10:33 am
#233
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Olde Dominion
Programs: DL Silver - uh huh!
Posts: 948
Before the holidays I applied for an MPE card, but to be honest I forgot about it until recently. I never received either a card or a denial letter, so I called Chase to ask about it. (There is a hard pull from Chase on my credit report, so I assume that means I was denied.)
The automated status line said there was no record of my application. When I talked to a CSR, she said the same thing – since it has been more than 30 days, there is nothing in their system.
To be honest, I really don't care that much about the MPE card at this point. In several ways I wish I had not applied for it at all, to be honest (I don't fly UA much, but I already have DL and AA cards). HOWEVER - the SW RR+ card has some attractive features to me, so I would like to be able to apply for it. I don't have status on any airline – my travel patterns are such that I flew around 52,000 miles in 2016, but on 13 different airlines (5 US and 8 non-US, and I could get FF miles from only 4 of the non-US carriers, in 2 different programs) - and I'm not likely to, as price overrules loyalty for my work travel (which much of this was).
So here are my questions:
1. Is there a number at Chase I can call to get info on why I was denied? Or is there someone I can write? I'd like to know the reason(s).
My FICO score is 800–810. I have only applied for one card in the last 24 months (from Citi, which I received). But I think my combined credit limit is close to my annual income (which is not that high), which might have done it for them. I pay my bills in full each month, and my credit usage is well below 30% of my combined limit (which they also might not have liked). Is this a case of "You don't need any more credit"?
2. Given that I never received a denial letter, is there a state or federal agency with which I should file a complaint? I thought banks were supposed to issue denial letters.I'm not out to get Chase. I just think they should have sent a letter.
3. Given that I never received a denial letter, should I try to get the hard pull removed from my credit report? I don't have any documentation of denial, so I don't know if that renders it a no-go. But that would be part of my appeal.
4. Could anyone at a Chase branch tell me anything? Could they take an application for the SW card?
Given the unknowns here, and that there is at least one other Chase product that interests me, I would like to get some more information/resolution from them. I'm just not sure how to go about it.
Thanks for any help you can provide!
The automated status line said there was no record of my application. When I talked to a CSR, she said the same thing – since it has been more than 30 days, there is nothing in their system.
To be honest, I really don't care that much about the MPE card at this point. In several ways I wish I had not applied for it at all, to be honest (I don't fly UA much, but I already have DL and AA cards). HOWEVER - the SW RR+ card has some attractive features to me, so I would like to be able to apply for it. I don't have status on any airline – my travel patterns are such that I flew around 52,000 miles in 2016, but on 13 different airlines (5 US and 8 non-US, and I could get FF miles from only 4 of the non-US carriers, in 2 different programs) - and I'm not likely to, as price overrules loyalty for my work travel (which much of this was).
So here are my questions:
1. Is there a number at Chase I can call to get info on why I was denied? Or is there someone I can write? I'd like to know the reason(s).
My FICO score is 800–810. I have only applied for one card in the last 24 months (from Citi, which I received). But I think my combined credit limit is close to my annual income (which is not that high), which might have done it for them. I pay my bills in full each month, and my credit usage is well below 30% of my combined limit (which they also might not have liked). Is this a case of "You don't need any more credit"?
2. Given that I never received a denial letter, is there a state or federal agency with which I should file a complaint? I thought banks were supposed to issue denial letters.I'm not out to get Chase. I just think they should have sent a letter.
3. Given that I never received a denial letter, should I try to get the hard pull removed from my credit report? I don't have any documentation of denial, so I don't know if that renders it a no-go. But that would be part of my appeal.
4. Could anyone at a Chase branch tell me anything? Could they take an application for the SW card?
Given the unknowns here, and that there is at least one other Chase product that interests me, I would like to get some more information/resolution from them. I'm just not sure how to go about it.
Thanks for any help you can provide!
Anyone have advice on any of these questions?
Feb 8, 2017, 11:25 am
#234
Join Date: May 2009
Location: South Park, CO
Programs: Tegridy Elite
Posts: 5,678
Before the holidays I applied for an MPE card, but to be honest I forgot about it until recently. I never received either a card or a denial letter, so I called Chase to ask about it. (There is a hard pull from Chase on my credit report, so I assume that means I was denied.)
The automated status line said there was no record of my application. When I talked to a CSR, she said the same thing – since it has been more than 30 days, there is nothing in their system.
To be honest, I really don't care that much about the MPE card at this point. In several ways I wish I had not applied for it at all, to be honest (I don't fly UA much, but I already have DL and AA cards). HOWEVER - the SW RR+ card has some attractive features to me, so I would like to be able to apply for it. I don't have status on any airline – my travel patterns are such that I flew around 52,000 miles in 2016, but on 13 different airlines (5 US and 8 non-US, and I could get FF miles from only 4 of the non-US carriers, in 2 different programs) - and I'm not likely to, as price overrules loyalty for my work travel (which much of this was).
So here are my questions:
1. Is there a number at Chase I can call to get info on why I was denied? Or is there someone I can write? I'd like to know the reason(s).
My FICO score is 800–810. I have only applied for one card in the last 24 months (from Citi, which I received). But I think my combined credit limit is close to my annual income (which is not that high), which might have done it for them. I pay my bills in full each month, and my credit usage is well below 30% of my combined limit (which they also might not have liked). Is this a case of "You don't need any more credit"?
2. Given that I never received a denial letter, is there a state or federal agency with which I should file a complaint? I thought banks were supposed to issue denial letters.I'm not out to get Chase. I just think they should have sent a letter.
3. Given that I never received a denial letter, should I try to get the hard pull removed from my credit report? I don't have any documentation of denial, so I don't know if that renders it a no-go. But that would be part of my appeal.
4. Could anyone at a Chase branch tell me anything? Could they take an application for the SW card?
Given the unknowns here, and that there is at least one other Chase product that interests me, I would like to get some more information/resolution from them. I'm just not sure how to go about it.
Thanks for any help you can provide!
The automated status line said there was no record of my application. When I talked to a CSR, she said the same thing – since it has been more than 30 days, there is nothing in their system.
To be honest, I really don't care that much about the MPE card at this point. In several ways I wish I had not applied for it at all, to be honest (I don't fly UA much, but I already have DL and AA cards). HOWEVER - the SW RR+ card has some attractive features to me, so I would like to be able to apply for it. I don't have status on any airline – my travel patterns are such that I flew around 52,000 miles in 2016, but on 13 different airlines (5 US and 8 non-US, and I could get FF miles from only 4 of the non-US carriers, in 2 different programs) - and I'm not likely to, as price overrules loyalty for my work travel (which much of this was).
So here are my questions:
1. Is there a number at Chase I can call to get info on why I was denied? Or is there someone I can write? I'd like to know the reason(s).
My FICO score is 800–810. I have only applied for one card in the last 24 months (from Citi, which I received). But I think my combined credit limit is close to my annual income (which is not that high), which might have done it for them. I pay my bills in full each month, and my credit usage is well below 30% of my combined limit (which they also might not have liked). Is this a case of "You don't need any more credit"?
2. Given that I never received a denial letter, is there a state or federal agency with which I should file a complaint? I thought banks were supposed to issue denial letters.I'm not out to get Chase. I just think they should have sent a letter.
3. Given that I never received a denial letter, should I try to get the hard pull removed from my credit report? I don't have any documentation of denial, so I don't know if that renders it a no-go. But that would be part of my appeal.
4. Could anyone at a Chase branch tell me anything? Could they take an application for the SW card?
Given the unknowns here, and that there is at least one other Chase product that interests me, I would like to get some more information/resolution from them. I'm just not sure how to go about it.
Thanks for any help you can provide!
It doesn't hurt to call again - I'd recommend at least doing that. Another rep might be more helpful or at least confirm that what you were originally told was correct, FWIW. You could also try to escalate your inquiry to a supervisor if the rep you get seems clueless or unhelpful.
They are required to inform you of their decision and the reasons why if you're denied. The FTC is the relevant regulatory entity. IME there is never an issue with receiving the letter from Chase (I always get denied and have to call to re-allocate credit lines in order to get approval). Of course if the bank's system somehow lost the application then there isn't any decision to convey to you.
If Chase isn't ever able to locate your application info and you can't ever get to the bottom of it I wouldn't necessarily let it stop you from applying for another card with Chase when the time comes. Next time, though, bird dog it from the beginning (assuming no instant approval) by calling the automated status line and following the other tips in this thread.
As for the hard pull dispute - I don't know about disputing an inquiry on the basis that the potential creditor lost your application after you applied. But with your credit score a hard pull doesn't really have a meaningful impact so I wouldn't sweat it, even if it is frustrating.
Feb 8, 2017, 5:19 pm
#235
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 50
I have found that each bank seems to have a maximum amount of credit that they will extend to you. If you have a high CL with Chase, you could try to reduce that amount. If you don't have any credit with Chase, look at your other cards and see if there isn't some fat you could trim. Then wait a month or so to make sure it is reported to the credit agencies. In my experience, Chase has a minimum CL of $5,000. If you have too much credit with other credit card companies, Chase won't give you credit.
Feb 8, 2017, 5:56 pm
#236
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Olde Dominion
Programs: DL Silver - uh huh!
Posts: 948
Thank you 84fiero and flyin2.
I have no cards or other accounts with Chase.
Probably need to call back and see if I can find out more.
I have no cards or other accounts with Chase.
Probably need to call back and see if I can find out more.
Feb 9, 2017, 3:41 pm
#237
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: EWR Ionosphere Club, LAX Clipper Club, Still Traveling Global, yearly BIS miles
Programs: EAL Silver Wings, I-Club, Flying Colonels DL, WorldPass PLat from the olde Meatball and PE SMARTbank
Posts: 1,988
OK, so I applied for Fairmont card, tried to move CL from Freedom and UA but they were not eligible to move CL even though over 20K plus each.
Should I reduct CL on my own and then apply for more non 5/24 cc
Why are some CC not able to move CL?
thanks!
Should I reduct CL on my own and then apply for more non 5/24 cc
Why are some CC not able to move CL?
thanks!
I have found that each bank seems to have a maximum amount of credit that they will extend to you. If you have a high CL with Chase, you could try to reduce that amount. If you don't have any credit with Chase, look at your other cards and see if there isn't some fat you could trim. Then wait a month or so to make sure it is reported to the credit agencies. In my experience, Chase has a minimum CL of $5,000. If you have too much credit with other credit card companies, Chase won't give you credit.
Feb 10, 2017, 9:05 am
#238
Moderator: Chase Ultimate Rewards
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 2P, MR LT Plat, IHG Plat, BW Dia, HH Au, Avis PC
Posts: 5,456
What is the actual experience when doing an in-branch application?
Do you tell the associate the answers to all of the application questions? Or do they hand over the keyboard to you and you fill it out?
Do you tell the associate the answers to all of the application questions? Or do they hand over the keyboard to you and you fill it out?
Feb 10, 2017, 9:32 am
#239
Join Date: Jun 2014
Programs: 747 Upper Deck QF J LAX-BNE; A380 SQ SuiteC+D SYD-SIN & SIN-HKG; 777 CX F HKG-JFK; Park Hyatt Sydney
Posts: 513
I already had Chase accounts so there weren't a lot of questions because my info was already in their system. But the banker definitely did all the typing and screen viewing.
Feb 10, 2017, 1:54 pm
#240
Join Date: Oct 2016
Posts: 346
Banker does everything but 100x slower than what you could have done yourself. It once took TWO hours for the banker to open a new business checking account and Ink+ for me.