Looking for answers to customer support questions? Click Here
Wedding Forums > Brides Helping Brides ™ > Credit card application question
Credit card application question
Hallowedding
Posted: Jun 10, 2005 12:58 PM+

Posted: Jun 10, 2005 12:58 PM
Credit card application question
So my fiance is one of those people who pays cash for everything (well, he uses his debit card for everything) so I have been bugging him to apply for a credit card so he can establish greater credit in his name.So he applies for a Chase card that he got a pre-approved (you know the gimmick) thing for in the mail. We use our P.O. Box for all of our mail, and this is where the pre-approved application came. He calls them and they tell him that an approval would take 30 days (all of mine have been instant) and that he couldn't use a P.O. box as an address, that they would only process it after they mailed a confirmation of address to our actual street address.
So he gives them our address and they mail this letter from him that says in order to process his application, they need to see a utility bill in his name with our street address listed on it and they want a copy of his social security card! It said if he didn't respond in 30 days, then they would consider the application terminated.
We decided not to do it, it sounds shady, but it was a Chase card!
I'm curious if anyone has ever heard of such requests before?
mrsmeri1104
Posted: Jun 10, 2005 01:21 PM+

Posted: Jun 10, 2005 01:21 PM
Re: Credit card application question
There is no way I would do it!!!!!
heidla
Posted: Jun 10, 2005 01:24 PM+

Posted: Jun 10, 2005 01:24 PM
Re: Credit card application question
I would call Chase and see if that is their normal process. I have had a few experiences that I thought were odd, but it turned out to be legit. Sadly though, you can never be too careful!!
groom
Posted: Jun 10, 2005 01:31 PM+
Re: Credit card application question
The reason they're doing that is because he has no prior credit history. They want to confirm that he is in fact a real person with a real identity and address.If you want the credit card, I would recommend contacting Chase and following their instructions. Not having any credit history is something that can seriously and adversely affect your credit score.
Hope this information helps.
Hallowedding
Posted: Jun 10, 2005 02:08 PM+

Posted: Jun 10, 2005 02:08 PM
Re: Credit card application question
Thanks for the responses so far.He actually has had credit cards in the past, and still has an active one that he's had forever but still has only a $500 limit. I had him keep that one because the longer you have a credit card the better your credit score can be. I just want him to have more credit.
Another question:
Does anyone know that website where it lists all the different credit card offers out there and compares the rates and terms?
groom
Posted: Jun 10, 2005 02:13 PM+
Re: Credit card application question
FYI, it's not the amount of time you have a particular credit card that's important, it's the length of time that you have had an established credit history. He can cancel that card if he does not use it or does not want it.
LoriH
Posted: Jun 10, 2005 02:14 PM+

Posted: Jun 10, 2005 02:14 PM
Re: Credit card application question
Posted by groom
FYI, it's not the amount of time you have a particular credit card that's important, it's the length of time that you have had an established credit history. He can cancel that card if he does not use it or does not want it.
Not entirely true. It looks better if you have had the same revolving account open for many years.
shamrock12472
Posted: Jun 10, 2005 02:20 PM+

Posted: Jun 10, 2005 02:20 PM
Re: Credit card application question
The reason that they are asking for the utility bill and a copy of the SS card is due the the increased 'Know Your Customer' requirements from the US Patriot Act. Banks can't establish new customers unless they have an actual street address - that is why they wouldn't use the PO Box. In addition, they have to confirm that the street address actually exists by having something mailed there - such as a utility bill or you could use a lease or a mortgage of some sort.Since he has a debit card if it has a Mastercard or Visa logo, that is helping to establish his credit.
You can always go to the bank, Chase or Citibank, and apply for the credit card there if it makes you more comfortable.
Hallowedding
Posted: Jun 10, 2005 02:25 PM+

Posted: Jun 10, 2005 02:25 PM
Re: Credit card application question
Posted by shamrock12472
The reason that they are asking for the utility bill and a copy of the SS card is due the the increased 'Know Your Customer' requirements from the US Patriot Act. Banks can't establish new customers unless they have an actual street address - that is why they wouldn't use the PO Box. In addition, they have to confirm that the street address actually exists by having something mailed there - such as a utility bill or you could use a lease or a mortgage of some sort.
Since he has a debit card if it has a Mastercard or Visa logo, that is helping to establish his credit.
You can always go to the bank, Chase or Citibank, and apply for the credit card there if it makes you more comfortable.
Thank you! I feel better. Maybe it's a good thing that they asked for the info... We'll do more investigating. Good idea about applying at the bank itself.
PrincessRose
Posted: Jun 10, 2005 02:32 PM+

Posted: Jun 10, 2005 02:32 PM
Re: Credit card application question
Also, add him to your credit cards as an authorized user. That will add to his credit report. I did this on one card and it was on DH's credit report before we were married!
FTRBRIDE
Posted: Jun 10, 2005 03:51 PM+

Posted: Jun 10, 2005 03:51 PM
Re: Credit card application question
Posted by PrincessRose
Also, add him to your credit cards as an authorized user. That will add to his credit report. I did this on one card and it was on DH's credit report before we were married!
Not necessarily true. I have been an authorized user on one of FH's accounts for over a year and it doesn't show up on my credit report.
Welcome New Vendors
- The Barn At Old Bethpage Discover the charm a...
- Tellers: An American Chophouse Celebrate Your Love ...
- Cup Of Tea Creative Unique Wedding Gifts...
- Speeches for Milestones The Big Day Has Arri...
- Long Island Bridal Expo Connecting Brides & ...
- 1 More Rep 1 More Rep: Elite Fi...
- Bellport Inn The Bellport Inn –...
- Fiddlers Dream Music Experience the Music...
- Havana Central Celebrate Your Weddi...
- Primerica Nelida Flynn Primerica Nelida Fly...
- Acetra Affairs Here at Acetra Affai...
- The Crushed Olive Discover Culinary Ex...


















