15 replies to this topic

[Orlando-917]

I learned that persistence is key - and having facts laid out in front of you is even more key.

I applied for the Chase Freedom card and expected a denial online - I got the "pending review" message. I called the recon line (and I will spell it out because I hate it when people don't: 1-888-245-0625) and got a serious, stern rep on the line within 5 seconds.

She got my SSN and told me it's denied - the letter will explain. I beat her to the reasons and said I understand it looks like I have a lower-than-average account age of 7 years, 2 delinquencies related to revolving credit, and exactly 65.8% utilization. She was impressed with how well I know my report, and asked me why it shows these things since I am obviously "savvy with this stuff".

I explained my 2 delinquecies - she appreciated it when I said "I'm going to be direct, brief, and honest". I said my first delinquency was irresponsible college behavior. I took the card to town and spent spent spent. When I graudated, "as you can see I grew up, got a career, paid it full, and moved on to a much better card with the same creditor, who approved me just fine (Capital One)".

The other delinquency I have is from an old Regions Visa that failed to send me statements. The card was acquired by Bank of America and they failed to transfer my paperless setting over, so I literally had no way to log into my account and maintain it until a collections vulture got a hold of ME to tell me how to pay it!

Anyway - she asked why i want a card, and why Chase. I said i want "prime credit" and that i am consolidationg - spring cleaning - by bringing my auto loan, checking, savings, and credit over. I stressed that I am not looking for a big credit line (using $8,000 as an example because I really just want $1k or so to start off with them). She put me on hold.

She came back saying that, because I am well informed about the reasons why I LOOK bad, and have a clear plan to credit management and cleanup, she went ahead and approved me for $1,500 to get me started with their Freedom program. She said it's a great card with rewards and balance transfers, and APR as well as CLIs are considered constantly. She wished me luck and said "Welcome to Chase".

I feel great - this is probably my first real card. I don't consider my $3k Cap One as real card honestly, not at 23 APR!!!!!!!!!!!!

[cashnocredit]

Good job and excellent approach!

[kayvebear]

Good work. The power of the phone is imperative. One time I did 5 separate recons on a single hard inquiry for a BOFA CLI. Got approved on rep 5. Never give up. Never surrender.

[Orlando-917]

Thanks. Absolutely agree. You can't count on some machine gauging a flat number. The fact is that any decision can be improved by a conversation to prove worthiness or increased worthiness.

I plan on asking for a CLI at activation, since I heard that Chase is famous for pleasing you when you hold them by the b@lls : )

[msuh]

Thanks. Absolutely agree. You can't count on some machine gauging a flat number. The fact is that any decision can be improved by a conversation to prove worthiness or increased worthiness.

I plan on asking for a CLI at activation, since I heard that Chase is famous for pleasing you when you hold them by the b@lls : )

Hi Orlando,

Congrats! What do you mean Chase is famous for raising CL when activating? How do you ask? What do you say?

Thanks

[mike82fl]

wife was denied online, denied on recon1, approved on recon2.

low 600 fico (with a collection and student loan lates) and she ended up with a 1k limit.

she had to explain every negative thing on her report but i briefed her beforehand on what to expect and how best to answer.

[rohan]

i had a very similar recent recon approval as well with 1co, 2pr and lates. not easy but they listen to you.

congrats op!

[cj123]

im inspired im gonna call for another reconsideration with chase even tho i have a judgement showing

[gto]

congrats

I got denied chase slate due to high balances. denied twice on recon calls. since the app, i've brought down a lot of the balances. hopefully it's enough and i'll call/fax for another recon

[bama]

Which report does Chase pull? I'm wondering if I should try this yet.. We have 2 perfect auto loans with them.

[TauntingBull]

Congrats!

[Orlando-917]

They pulled Equifax for me, both initially and at recon.

[Orlando-917]

UPDATE: As planned, I called the activation line when i received the card and asked to be transferred to a credit officer. Before being transferred, they tried to activate "then talk about it" but I refused, and insisted that i talk to the officer before activation.

The officer asked what's wrong with my approval terms, I complained that I want to transfer balances to Chase Freedom and make it my exclusive card for all purchases as well as balances, but the initial $1500 limit is not enough to do that. She thanked me for considering them my primary card, put me hold, came back, and informed me that she increased my approval to $3,000 after reviewing my credit report and seeing my revolving balances that would be transferred. She then transferred me back to the activation line and I was in!!

[Meltz]

Wow congrats on successful recon!

[StephenCovar]

This is awesome. I just applied for the Chase Freedom card and called the recon number. I got declined right away then I explained why I have some negative on my account and still got declined. When should I call back for a second recon? I do have some rather high utilization right now though…

[Iwantbumpage!]

Does anybody here have Chase recon fax #? Just called recon they said I as denied for 4 recent bads... I said no they are rom 2006 & 2007 and regardless I could show proof 3 were being removed and I was in process of suing 4th as its fraudulent account that JDB refuses to delete. He said no he see's all of the accounts are still in collections and say 2012 (this is NOT true I have the report in front of me PLUS, I have the original copies of the med bills dated 2006 that were supposedly paid by insurance). I said I had proof of everything and would happily fax it over, he said no that they can only go off of what the CR says and mine says they are recent. I explained this was really hard to hear because this was completely not accurate.... I then asked if it was just policy to not approve anyone with a single bad even if old and he said no we approve people with collections as long as they are older..

 

This is EXTREMELY hard to hear as mine are all 2006-2008 with the exception of the fraudulent midland account that says it was charged off in 2008 yet is being reported as open and 2012 date.

 

Is there any hope for me?

 

I'd like t at least fax proof of these things being 6 years older than the rep is claiming they show.... even if it gets ignored.

 

Also, I just got approved for an Amex last weekend...so it seems crazy if Amex saw these were all old debts Chase can't...

 

Recon Fax # greatly appreciated as I'd like to fax this asap.

 

BTW it was the Southwest Visa I applied for...