Submit driver's license & social security card? Why?
 

So during my recent credit card applications (thanks to this forum!), I applied for a US Airways credit card. No instant approval. I called in and answered a few questions. Then they said I needed to send in a copy of my driver's license, social security card, and a utility bill. Apparently, they didn't believe it was me. LOL. I have never heard of a credit card company asking for that kind of documentation. What do you think? I'm on the fence about this. I don't feel good about sending those things in to one place. Experts: What should I do?

Previous discussion (different circumstances) of Barclays documentation requests:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/credi...residency.html

I'm no expert, but first of all try calling back and speaking with a different person. Sometimes you'll get a different answer. Have you looked at your credit report lately to make sure that everythings okay? Getting a new credit card isn't worth dealing with major identity issues.

As a data point/side note, I had a problem with my last set of apps as well. Turns out the system flagged me because my address is in the credit report as "Third St" while I entered "3rd St". So...it can be something stupid sometimes.

I had some cc company ask for this once, not sure which one.

I ignored the request and moved on.
But that was in the days before I worried about credit pulls much.

Thank you. I saw that thread but figured to start a new one since this is somewhat a different animal.

My credit report is fine. For whatever reason, I always have to call in for my other credit card applications. I'm never approved instantly.

So, if I decline to submit the documents, can I ask them to withdraw my request and reverse the hard credit pull?

You can try but my guess is they won't reverse the pull. Give it a shot though.

Interesting...have you ever asked why?

I have but never received a good enough explanation.

Well, it doesn't matter anymore because they finally approved it over the phone...after calling in about three separate times over two days. They were adament about receiving those documents. I finally spoke to someone who used some common sense. She did ask a few more questions, and I was stumped on one of them - she asked when I opened a particular credit card, and I told her that I didn't remember ever having such a card. I guess it was a trick question.

I just hope that the card actually does arrive. Thank you everyone. This forum is awesome!

Same happened with me. Applied for a card from Barclays, they needed me to fax them copy of my driver's license, social security card, and bill. After 3rd time calling, representative verified my phone number (by calling to it) and then approved the application. YMMV obviously, but worth a short calling a couple of times

Seems excessive, would not proceed

Synchrony just did the same with my mother for a TJX card. Her credit isn't frozen (I've advised her she should...) and she's outraged.

Normally I'd say submit the documentation and get the card, but she doesn't even want the card now that it doesn't come with the upfront discount on a large purchase, so she's just letting the request go stale and tolerating the hard pull.