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.
Credit companies are required by law to tell applicants exactly why they have been rejected for a credit card application, although these letters are often standard templates and can be lacking in real detail. The first course of action is to determine the exact reason why the company has turned your application down. Although mistakes are rare, they do happen - the system is not infallible. The lender is also compelled to send you a document providing details of the credit agency they used to obtain your credit history - although bear in mind that currently lenders are using two or even all three of the UK agencies to obtain information. If checking the details supplied by the agencies throws up any mistakes then you have the right as a consumer to contact the agency and rectify the error. A simple clerical mistake could seriously affect your financial health.
For a small fee, all UK credit agencies will send you a complete report of your credit history. This includes details on your address, occupation and income as well as financial history and credit background. The agencies are required by law to correct any mistakes highlighted by consumers, making sure that details are accurate and up to date. Once you have rectified any errors you can reapply to the original credit card lender or even appeal against the initial rejection, although these cases rarely succeed. It may be wiser to wait a little while and then resubmit an application.
Credit histories are believed to be the preserve of the banks and agencies, with many people unaware that they have every right to access the information held on them. Your credit 'score' is calculated by your past financial history, detailing loans, repayments, bank history and how you have run your financial affairs. So-called 'Black data' (including details on late payments, defaults or other problems you may have had over the past six years) is included on these records, but 'White data' is also shared between financial organisations and credit lenders. White data tells lenders about the less troublesome aspects of your financial management, such as customers who invariably pay their credit card repayments in full every month and are adept at taking advantage of 'card jumping' to benefit from 0% interest offers. Surprisingly, white data such as this can actually count against you. Lenders make their money in interest charges, so a customer who is astute enough to avoid these charges is not a profitable option. However, the other white data can count in your favour, and it's this that you need to focus on.
Credit card application denial can be the result of a range of issues, from the simple to the complex. Something as basic as forgetting to send off your electoral registration can mean that your credit rating drops - the credit card company simply doesn't have any proof of your address. Mistakes like this can be rectified easily, improving your chances of being accepted next time you apply for a credit card. If you are turned down repeatedly by several companies it may indicate a bigger problem with your credit history. This isn't the time to bury your head in the sand and hope it'll get better on its own. You can take positive steps to rectify the situation. By making sure you pay your bills on time, pay off debt rather than shifting it around and managing your score, you can stay in charge of your credit rating.
If you have been rejected for a credit card, don't reapply straight away. Give yourself a cooling-off period of about 90 days to get your financial house back in order. Check your credit history for any errors and prove to the lenders that you aren't a credit risk by rectifying any problems that led to the initial rejection. Avoid multiple applications in the hope that one of the companies will let you slip through the net. A plethora of rejections on your credit history will do more damage, meaning you have to wait even longer to get back into the lender's good books. The only ways to improve your chances are through good financial management, an eye for detail and a willingness to take back control of your financial affairs.
Credit companies are required by law to tell applicants exactly why they have been rejected for a credit card application, although these letters are often standard templates and can be lacking in real detail. The first course of action is to determine the exact reason why the company has turned your application down. Although mistakes are rare, they do happen - the system is not infallible. The lender is also compelled to send you a document providing details of the credit agency they used to obtain your credit history - although bear in mind that currently lenders are using two or even all three of the UK agencies to obtain information. If checking the details supplied by the agencies throws up any mistakes then you have the right as a consumer to contact the agency and rectify the error. A simple clerical mistake could seriously affect your financial health.
For a small fee, all UK credit agencies will send you a complete report of your credit history. This includes details on your address, occupation and income as well as financial history and credit background. The agencies are required by law to correct any mistakes highlighted by consumers, making sure that details are accurate and up to date. Once you have rectified any errors you can reapply to the original credit card lender or even appeal against the initial rejection, although these cases rarely succeed. It may be wiser to wait a little while and then resubmit an application.
Credit histories are believed to be the preserve of the banks and agencies, with many people unaware that they have every right to access the information held on them. Your credit 'score' is calculated by your past financial history, detailing loans, repayments, bank history and how you have run your financial affairs. So-called 'Black data' (including details on late payments, defaults or other problems you may have had over the past six years) is included on these records, but 'White data' is also shared between financial organisations and credit lenders. White data tells lenders about the less troublesome aspects of your financial management, such as customers who invariably pay their credit card repayments in full every month and are adept at taking advantage of 'card jumping' to benefit from 0% interest offers. Surprisingly, white data such as this can actually count against you. Lenders make their money in interest charges, so a customer who is astute enough to avoid these charges is not a profitable option. However, the other white data can count in your favour, and it's this that you need to focus on.
Credit card application denial can be the result of a range of issues, from the simple to the complex. Something as basic as forgetting to send off your electoral registration can mean that your credit rating drops - the credit card company simply doesn't have any proof of your address. Mistakes like this can be rectified easily, improving your chances of being accepted next time you apply for a credit card. If you are turned down repeatedly by several companies it may indicate a bigger problem with your credit history. This isn't the time to bury your head in the sand and hope it'll get better on its own. You can take positive steps to rectify the situation. By making sure you pay your bills on time, pay off debt rather than shifting it around and managing your score, you can stay in charge of your credit rating.
If you have been rejected for a credit card, don't reapply straight away. Give yourself a cooling-off period of about 90 days to get your financial house back in order. Check your credit history for any errors and prove to the lenders that you aren't a credit risk by rectifying any problems that led to the initial rejection. Avoid multiple applications in the hope that one of the companies will let you slip through the net. A plethora of rejections on your credit history will do more damage, meaning you have to wait even longer to get back into the lender's good books. The only ways to improve your chances are through good financial management, an eye for detail and a willingness to take back control of your financial affairs.
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.
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