Are approval qualifications less stringent for non rewards cards?

**safari** · 11-01-2007, 10:58 PM

I heard that Orchard bank issues credit cards to people with bad credit history. Those cards have annual fees, but it's better than a secured credit card, and helps you build good credit.

**buzz** · 11-02-2007, 04:12 AM

Yes, many non-rewards cards do have less stringent requirements. However, if you apply for a rewards card you don't quite qualify for, the credit card company will frequently offer a more plain jane card. A simple rejection is not a good omen.

Try adding her as an authorized user on one of your cards to boost her credit score, but hurry, that trick is coming to an end soon.

Even with the AU, she will probably only qualify for cards with high rates and fees, low limit, and unattractive terms. She will be watched like a hawk by the credit issuer. I would recommend just getting a secured card. Use it as a gas card for a year, and better offers should start rolling in.

Just be patient. Her credit will be fine in a few years.

**simpleyme** · 11-02-2007, 07:23 AM

I wonder about that orchard card,it is a card for people with bad credit ,if someone wanted credit from me and i saw that card listed on their credit report i would run screaming

I would do the authorised user things pay all bills on time and just wait it out
i would also check with the bank that holds my accounts about their cc

**buzz** · 11-02-2007, 07:27 AM

Orchard reports to the credit bureaus as a normal HSBC card.

**shizane101** · 11-02-2007, 07:30 AM

Originally posted by buzz View Post

Try adding her as an authorized user on one of your cards to boost her credit score, but hurry, that trick is coming to an end soon.

She's been an AU on my rewards card now for a little over a year now and it's being reported per her credit report. I'd be okay with waiting for her old bills to drop off, but we'll probably buy a house in a couple years. Depending on the size of home we buy, her income may be a factor. If we do buy a home that will need her to qualify on, I'll need to get her credit up in the next year or two.

I really hate the idea of paying an annual fee, but maybe it's better than a secured card like the poster safari said???

**buzz** · 11-02-2007, 07:38 AM

Have you checked her credit scores?

**Hypersion** · 11-02-2007, 05:59 PM

Have your tried a student credit card?

You can than try and convert the card into a normal rewards card.

**shizane101** · 11-03-2007, 08:37 AM

I believe her score was in the 600's when I checked a few months back. That doesn't sound too bad, but I think I checked it with TransUnion. And if I recall, their scoring system goes into the 900's.

Yep, the last credit card she applied for was a student card with cash back. No luck.

Are approval qualifications less stringent for non rewards cards?