I'd like to declare today Bank BS Awareness Day!

**bumplett** · 07-07-2007, 12:33 AM

this is so weird -

I only have one credit card in my name - hubby has zero credit cards but wonderful credit -

I was going to get a Washington Mutual credit card and cancel my BOA card - I don't have a balance, but I simply wanted the 'bells & whistles' that the WaMu card could give me -

I was approved for a credit card with an obnoxious limit - really, it was vulgar - and I'm UNEMPLOYED, used my hubby's income, blaa, blaa, blaa -

I was also going to get a card in hubby's name, just for the credit boost and so he could have the WaMu bells & whistles also

My hubby has EXCELLENT credit - not one little negative - my hubby was DECLINED, when I poked & proded - the REASON was because he has NO DEBT

go figure??

oh - but the best part - WaMu would be happy to issue hubby a "secure" card - HAHAHAHA - you gotta be freakin' kidding me - right?!!? what an insult!

no, I'm not going to do business with this bank anymore - they lost themselves two fine customers

**pqb57** · 07-07-2007, 07:47 AM

My wife and I went through something like that when we applied for a mortgage. We never used credit cards and always paid cash for furniture, appliances and cars. When the man tried to get our credit score from the computer, he looked up and said "You don't exist".

**emily_hope** · 07-07-2007, 11:09 AM

Isn't it strange that you have to have debt or have had debt in order to possibly get into deeper debt? LOL! They don't want folks who pay their bills, it seems. They don't make any money off of people who are timely and have no debt.

**halloweenfreak** · 07-07-2007, 01:28 PM

we went thru that too. i had excellent credit and no cards. couldn't get approved for anything. now we're at the opposite end... still have decent credit but now i have humpteen cards and offers coming out the wazoo. i think i liked it better the other way.

**claimsgirl66** · 07-07-2007, 07:50 PM

Isn't that the dumbest thing. But in honor of Bank BS Awareness Day (funny Bumplett, made my laugh!) I am now going to shred a bunch of those stupid offers that come in the mail from the CC companies.

PS. I was going to do it anyway, just will seem more fun now!

**Luv2BeFrugal** · 07-07-2007, 09:32 PM

That is CRAZY!!!!! My Dh and I are reading the book "Maxed Out" and it's not just happenin' to you guys. Wow, that book is making us almost freaked out about CC's, debt, etc. REEEEEALLY interesting read, though...I recommend it. We checked it out from the library...

They

wouldn't consider you or anyone like you as a "good customer" (no offense, that's just what the Maxed Out book says)...and we're right there with you. Because if you're someone who pays their bills on time (regardless of debt or no debt) you aren't one of their "picks" for a customer...cause they make the big bucks with late fees, overlimit charges, etc.

Guess we're not good enough for them!! Who wants them!!!

Ok, I'm gonna go read some Tightwad Gazette...the whole credit thing is scaring me.

It's all totally lame isn't it?

**bumplett** · 07-07-2007, 10:18 PM

I think it's pathetic - the only reason I wanted the stupid card in the first place was because WaMu cards allow you constant access to your credit report & score - year round

we only have one credit card - that's for "emergency" use only, or to purchase airline tickets online when hubby's stationed elsewhere - otherwise, the thing NEVER gets used -

hubby doesn't know yet - since he's deployed, I have to wait til he can call me - he's going to FREAK - ((espically over the "secured" card idea!))

I should specify that we aren't totally 'debt free' because we still have a mortgage - I just can't believe that a bank would give ME (UNEMPLOYED LIL' OL' ME) a credit card with an unfreakinbelieveable credit limit - and DENY the breadwinning, employed, primary husband!

**bumplett** · 07-07-2007, 10:21 PM

so, I've come to the realization that corporate America WANTS us all to be in debt up to our eyeballs ~ otherwise, we're all worthless to them :angry glare:

**annymoll** · 07-07-2007, 10:45 PM

I'm sure these companies want to make money, and may offer and want people to use credit. But the bottom line is that no one can MAKE you obtain a credit card, use a card, or be late on a card. It is a matter of personal responsibility and accountability.

**bumplett** · 07-07-2007, 11:21 PM

Originally Posted by annymoll

I'm sure these companies want to make money, and may offer and want people to use credit. But the bottom line is that no one can MAKE you obtain a credit card, use a card, or be late on a card. It is a matter of personal responsibility and accountability.

I agree 100%

My irritation comes from the 'banking industry' that would gladly hand over a credit card to an unemployed person ONLY because she already has a card - yet deny an employed person a card ONLY because he has no consumer debt??

Seems rather twisted to me

**annymoll** · 07-08-2007, 12:00 AM

Originally Posted by bumplett

I agree 100%

My irritation comes from the 'banking industry' that would gladly hand over a credit card to an unemployed person ONLY because she already has a card - yet deny an employed person a card ONLY because he has no consumer debt??

Seems rather twisted to me

Did they know you were unemployed? Did you put that on the application? If you used your DH's income, I assume he signed as co-signer on the card and approved the use of his income and credit. If approved, wouldn't that give HIM the potential for all that possible unsecured debt? Maybe that is at the bottom of why an additional card was not issued. They felt he already had one?

**zakity** · 07-08-2007, 01:36 AM

If they are married, wouldn't that be her income too? They don't ask for your income, they ask for the household's income. If I am a SAHM and DH works, then his income is my income.

**Momma Crystal** · 07-08-2007, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by annymoll

I'm sure these companies want to make money, and may offer and want people to use credit. But the bottom line is that no one can MAKE you obtain a credit card, use a card, or be late on a card. It is a matter of personal responsibility and accountability.

I agree with all but the being late on a card. CC companies have changed payment due dates or refused to be flexible when mail and computers come to a stand still due to weather. I was diligent about paying in full on time when I had a card, but THEIR computer screwed up and no amount of ranting and raving and calling at least 20 times got them to change it! I gave up!

**Momma Crystal** · 07-08-2007, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by annymoll

Did they know you were unemployed? Did you put that on the application? If you used your DH's income, I assume he signed as co-signer on the card and approved the use of his income and credit. If approved, wouldn't that give HIM the potential for all that possible unsecured debt? Maybe that is at the bottom of why an additional card was not issued. They felt he already had one?

I don't make an income. I got a card a while back (don't have it any more) for a popular department store without having to indicate ANY income, and he did not have to co-sign on the card. I did the whole thing on the debit machine at the checkout. I was approved in milliseconds! My DH's name was NO WHERE to be found!

**annymoll** · 07-08-2007, 11:10 AM

Credit apps ask for the sources of the household income. If you bring in no income, they look at who does bring it in, regardless of how it is used once in the household.