How hard is it to get these cards? What scores, length of credit history, derogs, inquiries? I tried four months ago for Express, and three months ago for Lane Bryant, and three months ago for Macy's. All denied me for insufficient history and derogs. But now I have 3 left on EQ, and they're 2-5 1/2 years old. EX has 1 derog, from 1999. TU has 3 derogs, from 1998-1999.
Hey.. I can't offer much but this: Macy's was one of my first credit cards. I got it at the end of 1992 by mail in application (they were at my college signing people up). I got Bloomingdales in 1996 (while I was working at Macy's I might add). I did the instant credit thing and spoke with a credit analyst on the phone. He asked me why I was applying for Bloomie's when I worked at Macy's (I got a 20% discount at Macy's and they both carried the same stuff). I think I told him that I was quitting Macy's soon for a higher paying job and that Bloomie's was much nicer to shop at than Macy's. He approved my application. At the time I had 1 major credit card, 3 department store cards, and 2 or 3 b.s. jewelry store cards (no derogs). I'm surprised that Macy's turned you down. They offer just about ANYONE credit (so I thought). Normally they'll set you up with a $100 limit until you make some payments. The lowest limit I've seen issued for a Macy's card was $50! Yes I am not kidding........$50! I opened up an account for a customer and when I went to ring the sale using her new Macy's account number (for like $65) the transaction was suspended. I called CS and they said that she was over her limit. I asked how much that was and they said $50! They would NOT raise it either until she established herself. I was like, how is she going to do that with a $50 limit? Crazy... I'm not sure how you applied for these accounts (Macy's and Bloomie's mainly) but next time be sure to do instant credit. That way, it gives you an opportunity to speak w/ the person that is actually going to approve your account.
Yes, Macy's is usually pretty easy. My wife got hers (with a $100 limit) by using a Visa check card as a credit reference. Macy's was her first credit card. Since then, her limit has been raised a number of times. I'm not even sure what it is now, but I think it's around $1,200. And Macy's just sent her preapproval for a Macy's Visa.
