Computer says no - turned down by the credit card company?
Everyone feels slighted if their application for a credit card is denied, especially as so many cards seem to offer almost guaranteed approval. There are a plethora of possible reasons for rejection, so the first thing to do is not to panic. A credit card rejection does not necessarily mean that you have a poor credit rating. It could be just a simple mistake, a problem with your address or a clerical error. Even the slightest thing can tarnish an otherwise impeccable record. But there are things you can do to polish up your credit rating and get your finances moving again.
Lenders are legally required to send rejected applicants a letter explaining the reasons for turning down a credit card application. Sometimes these letters can be vague, only covering the bare minimum requirements. So the first thing to do is follow it up and make sure that the company has denied your request for legitimate reasons. Although rare, mistakes can and do happen. The lender is also legally required to send you documentation stating which credit agency they used to obtain your credit history (although some lenders now use all three of the primary agencies). If your cross-referencing throws up obvious mistakes, you can contact the agency involved and have the mistake corrected. That simple error could be affecting your finances far more than you think.
A credit report can be requested and (for a small fee) the credit agency will supply you with full details of your credit history. Any mistakes can be corrected and the credit agency will amend its own records accordingly. You could then go back to the original credit card company and appeal the decision to reject your initial application; however, this process has a relatively low success rate. The best course of action may be to wait a short while and then submit a fresh application.
Your credit 'score' is a mysterious enigma, usually the preserve of the banks and credit card companies. Accessing this report is a consumer's right and is a vital part of your financial management. There are three main credit agencies in the UK, all covered by full disclosure law and required to supply you with your record on demand. Your credit rating is affected by your past financial history including loans, repayments and details of how you run your finances. 'Black data' (information on late payments, defaults, CCJs and other negative aspects of credit management) is shared between financial lenders, but increasingly 'white data' is being shared too. White data tells the lenders about your financial management skills and can determine how attractive a customer you are to them. A customer who pays each monthly balance in full, takes advantage of 0% offers and appears to be the perfect credit client is, in fact, not an ideal credit card customer. Card companies like customer loyalty, and if you card jump too often, your credit rating can suffer as a result.
Something as simple as forgetting to register on the Electoral Role can damage your credit rating. The Electoral Role is the primary source for lenders to confirm your address so if you're missing, the lenders have to assume that your address is unconfirmed. Bang goes any chance of getting a credit card or other loan, just through a simple mistake on your part. If you are registered then you can amend this information with the credit agencies and you're back in business. If you are turned down by several companies there may be a deeper problem, and one that requires more attention and effort on your part to rectify. Don't just hope the problem will sort itself out - you need to be proactive when it comes to managing your finances. Pay your bills on time, meet your repayments on outstanding debts and build your credit rating back up to more attractive levels.
If you have been rejected for a credit card application, it is wise to wait a little while before reapplying. Giving yourself a waiting period of 90 days will also provide you with the opportunity to rectify any problems that may have led to the rejection in the first place. A scattergun approach to applications (applying to multiple credit card companies in the hope that one says yes) is a pointless exercise. All this will do is decrease your chances of being accepted by any of the companies and do more damage to your credit rating. A systematic approach and a positive attitude to financial management are the best ways to ensure that your next application is accepted.
Lenders are legally required to send rejected applicants a letter explaining the reasons for turning down a credit card application. Sometimes these letters can be vague, only covering the bare minimum requirements. So the first thing to do is follow it up and make sure that the company has denied your request for legitimate reasons. Although rare, mistakes can and do happen. The lender is also legally required to send you documentation stating which credit agency they used to obtain your credit history (although some lenders now use all three of the primary agencies). If your cross-referencing throws up obvious mistakes, you can contact the agency involved and have the mistake corrected. That simple error could be affecting your finances far more than you think.
A credit report can be requested and (for a small fee) the credit agency will supply you with full details of your credit history. Any mistakes can be corrected and the credit agency will amend its own records accordingly. You could then go back to the original credit card company and appeal the decision to reject your initial application; however, this process has a relatively low success rate. The best course of action may be to wait a short while and then submit a fresh application.
Your credit 'score' is a mysterious enigma, usually the preserve of the banks and credit card companies. Accessing this report is a consumer's right and is a vital part of your financial management. There are three main credit agencies in the UK, all covered by full disclosure law and required to supply you with your record on demand. Your credit rating is affected by your past financial history including loans, repayments and details of how you run your finances. 'Black data' (information on late payments, defaults, CCJs and other negative aspects of credit management) is shared between financial lenders, but increasingly 'white data' is being shared too. White data tells the lenders about your financial management skills and can determine how attractive a customer you are to them. A customer who pays each monthly balance in full, takes advantage of 0% offers and appears to be the perfect credit client is, in fact, not an ideal credit card customer. Card companies like customer loyalty, and if you card jump too often, your credit rating can suffer as a result.
Something as simple as forgetting to register on the Electoral Role can damage your credit rating. The Electoral Role is the primary source for lenders to confirm your address so if you're missing, the lenders have to assume that your address is unconfirmed. Bang goes any chance of getting a credit card or other loan, just through a simple mistake on your part. If you are registered then you can amend this information with the credit agencies and you're back in business. If you are turned down by several companies there may be a deeper problem, and one that requires more attention and effort on your part to rectify. Don't just hope the problem will sort itself out - you need to be proactive when it comes to managing your finances. Pay your bills on time, meet your repayments on outstanding debts and build your credit rating back up to more attractive levels.
If you have been rejected for a credit card application, it is wise to wait a little while before reapplying. Giving yourself a waiting period of 90 days will also provide you with the opportunity to rectify any problems that may have led to the rejection in the first place. A scattergun approach to applications (applying to multiple credit card companies in the hope that one says yes) is a pointless exercise. All this will do is decrease your chances of being accepted by any of the companies and do more damage to your credit rating. A systematic approach and a positive attitude to financial management are the best ways to ensure that your next application is accepted.
About the Author:
James Baker is an experienced financial writer that likes to simplify the financial jargon for the public. Find out more information on the credit card application here.
posted by Credit Counseling at
7:01 AM
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