Getting approved for Sears / how to

Discussion in 'Credit Talk' started by mindcrime2, Jun 26, 2002.

  1. mindcrime2

    mindcrime2 Well-Known Member

    Been thinking about getting or at least trying for a Sears card. I've already checked with millcbs, and from the information on it, where I live, they pull either EX or TU.

    Anyway, I've heard that you have a better chance of getting approved if you apply in-store, and you apply on the premise of making a major purchase, like a refrigerator or washer and dryer.

    Is this true? And if so, anyone know their requirments for approval?
     
  2. soup

    soup Well-Known Member

    I applied on line a couple of weeks ago they pulled EQ, score 700...got $450...I think you're right about getting bigger limit in store, I've heard people on the board do that...wish I could be more help...
     
  3. Kinetix

    Kinetix Well-Known Member

    Can anyone confirm this? I'm curious to know if you do get bigger limits applying in store. I applied online with 745 score and only got a puny $400 dollar credit line.
     
  4. ORiOnKileR

    ORiOnKileR Active Member

    I use to be a sales manager for Sears. What I have seen during my 5 yrs there is that 85% of the applications for a large purchase would go through. I think it would be best to apply for a card in-store while making a purchase. If you're buying a large item which offers what Sears calls a "Maintenance Agreement", that also helps with being approved. It's a known fact that if the cost for the "Maintenance Agreement" will put you over your credit limit... they'll up your credit line to fit it in.

    Now there's two different kinds of credit cards that Sears offers. Sears Card and the Sears Plus Card. The Sears card is for regular purchases (usually in smaller dollar amounts. The Sears Plus is for major purchases) Major purchases normally being appliances or electronics purchases over $100. Unless things have changed over the past couple of years since I've left the company, that's the just of it. Hope it gives you some insight...

    - ORiOnKiLeR
     
  5. Kinetix

    Kinetix Well-Known Member

    Makes sense, guess I'll go in-store to get that fridge and see if they would raise my limit, but I gotta say it would be embarrassing to get denied in sears heh.
     
  6. soup

    soup Well-Known Member

    That's why I do everything (app) on-line...I even get embarresed w/ over the phone denials...aww the shame....
     
  7. Kinetix

    Kinetix Well-Known Member

    Heh, I'd rather get denied in the privacy of my own home than in-line in front of the register with all those people waiting behind me :) That's about as bad as getting denied on using your CC at target or something just for purchasing some candy.
     
  8. donna8284

    donna8284 Well-Known Member

    My friend just got approved online for a regular sears card. They pulled TU and his score was around 660 (one collection from 5-6 years ago) he got $500.
     
  9. ORiOnKileR

    ORiOnKileR Active Member

    ahh... come on. No need to be ashamed of being denied! Be like me and be proud of your bad credit!!! (Not really, just trying to lighten things up a bit.)

    Honestly though, not a big deal. I'll tell you that the person selling you the fridge wants that app to go through as much as you do because they want their commission for selling it. Appliances and Electronics departments in Sears are straight commission jobs...

    Try for the Sears Plus card if you're buying a fridge. They're usually better on interest and you get a higher credit limit because it's intended for larger purchases. Hell, I was 18 with a $2800 limit on a Sears plus card. There is no telling what you'll get without trying! Being persistent pays off...

    - ORiOnKiLeR
     
  10. Kinetix

    Kinetix Well-Known Member

    Thnx for the tip, I was just being abit sarcastic, just curious as to why they are so stingy with there credit lines. But I'll try for that plus card, do you know if you have to reapply for plus card or can they upgrade you on the spot, don't won't another inquiry from them if all possible, just curious.
     
  11. ORiOnKileR

    ORiOnKileR Active Member

    Two different cards. Not a thing that you can do an 'upgrade' with. You'll probably have to have another inquiry... You can have both cards, just the purchase stipulations come with the Plus card because of the minimum dollar amount...

    - ORiOnKiLeR
     
  12. mindcrime2

    mindcrime2 Well-Known Member


    Orionkiler,

    Using the method of applying for credit to make a rather large purchase: Once the application is approved, could I then decide against the purchase, and still have the card with the same credit line issued (but now with a zero bal. since I've "changed my mind)?
     
  13. SweetnSas

    SweetnSas Well-Known Member

    I don't know what my score was at the time but in 2000 (one year post foreclosure) I was approved online for $2200 CL. I did not make a major purchase until late 2000.
     
  14. ORiOnKileR

    ORiOnKileR Active Member

    It's a retail store... If you don't want the item, you don't have to buy it. I don't think the sales person would give you that hard of a time with it. Approach them from the beginning with a story of you want to apply for credit as if you're purchasing a large ticket item... but you don't need it right away because your house isn't finished being built.. (Or something of that nature) Just play the system a bit with a story and you don't have to go through it with them believing you're making a purchase and then pull the rug out from under them when they go to ring it up. Just a thought...

    - ORiOnKiLeR
     
  15. Maggie75

    Maggie75 Well-Known Member

    I, too, would like to have a new refrigerator, though it is not a necessity at this time.

    The side by side I have is so old that it belonged to my ex when he was married to his first wife. They bought it and had it for 12years, then he got it in the divorce. Then we met and married, and I got it in our divorce. And we have been divorced for 12 years, so that makes the 'frig how old?

    Darn thing just keeps on ticking, it's a Westinghouse.


    Can you please post your scores if you decide to apply in store. Also, will Sears approve with a discharged BK? who do they pull? I am in Texas/
     

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