I was denied for a credit card based on past delinquint cards, but I've never had a credit card before! help?

Question

My father and I have the same first, middle and last name, the only difference is the suffix, I am a junior. I fear that his bad credit is affecting my non existant credit. I can't even look at my credit report because it thinks I am him! Any suggestions on what I should do?

Answer 1

What you are going through happens to "many" other people.
Some go through it by having the same name as a parent, some by having a similar name but no relation or they have a SSN that is "somewhat" similar to someone else's, etc., etc.

Order your paid reports from each CRA by mail and include a copy of your drivers license and a utility bill that is in your name. They don't need to know the actual drivers license number unless it is your SSN, or the account number on your utility bill - so I would suggest marking those out with a marker before sending them.

If they still refuse to send you copies of your reports, call them and discuss it with them. If you have problems with the service rep, demand to be transferred to special handling.
If you are turned over to special handling, they will probably give you a phone number and/or address that the general public does not have. Use it when you dispute.

If you still have problems receiving your reports, file complaints with the FTC.

If you do receive your reports, look over them for any information that is not yours or that is inaccurate, including the personal information such as addresses, phone #'s etc.

You should start out by disputing the personal information that is not yours, that is inaccurate or that is outdated. I'm sure your fathers address is listed on the report and if you no longer live at the address, dispute it. If you mail your disputes, send copies of your drivers license and utility bill - again.

If you have the special handling phone number, instead of mailing your disputes, call them and discuss the inaccuracies/old info. Have a list prepared of all the wrong information on your reports, personal info, tradelines and hard inquiries. Before you list the hard inquiries, be sure the ones you list were not from when "you" applied for credit.

If you mail your personal information disputes, you may find that once you clean up your personal information, many of the inaccurate items will probably fall off also.
If you still have inaccurate items listed, dispute them.

Be sure to make them aware of the fact that you have the same name as someone else, but different suffix. And that you live at the same address or had lived at the same address in the past.

edit++
Studly gave a great answer, he slipped his in while I was typing mine

Answer 2

You should get a copy of your credit score. You can get one for free from this website: annualcreditreport.com, or by calling 1-877-322-8228.

Read the information about you carefully. My boyfriend had the same problem. He was denied for credit several times although he had never had a credit card and had paid off his car loan. It turned out that they had his birth year as 27 instead of 72 so they thought he was too old to extend credit to! If you see any wrong information you can write and have it corrected.

Good luck!

Answer 3

Hi, Yes, I would go to my regular bank and get a check card.
If you have an established checking account there then you can apply right there for it to be a visa or a master card. The money will be taken out of your checking account, of course, but that is the best way to establish credit. Then also you can apply for a regular credit card at the same bank. They might even help you fill out the form. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

This is a common problem. It's easy to fix but sometimes will take a little time and lots of letter writing.

The procedure is no different then fighting identity theft, but without the police reports and other legal nonsense.

1) Get your credit report from www.annualcreditreport.com (it's free to get)

2) Send a dispute letter the credit bureau and dispute every item that is not yours.

3) Send a letter to each creditor demanding that they validate the debt, and prove it is yours.

4) Once you have followed these steps, and they still have not removed the items, you can sue them in small claims court for $1000, plus the cost of any damages these reports have caused you (loss of credit, higher interest rates).

Answer 5

You WILL have different social security numbers so there should be no problems.(unless from a country other than the U.S.)

Now head to "US BANK" with some money and fill out papers to open a "secured credit card".

Say you have $500.oo, you will get a credit card with $500.oo limit. Each month your will get your bill and each month YOU MUST pay it off in full. Your $500 sits in the bank like an insurance policy to the bank. You don't pay your bills, they get to keep it. SO SIMPLE.

Pay off your credit card each month for one year then you get to up your limit and get your $500.oo back. Thus the credit cycle has begun!

Pay off the card IN FULL each month and life will be good !! DO NOT do business with any company claiming you are who you say you after you present your s.s# and Id.

: )

Answer 6

If you have bad or no credit, you may have to start off with a secured credit card. This will help you get a credit score and/or increase the one you have with on-time monthly payments.

Answer 7

Contact the credit bureau that the card company used and request a copy of your report. If you think it is identity theft or mistaken id you should be able to get one for free. Have your father look it over and if his stuff is on yours contact the company and report it.

Answer 8

I think it was a fault and you don"t have to worry . With your name it is not a problem. Now a days many credit card companies give cards to those who have bad debts also.
So don't worry apply again.
To know more visit
http://onlinepaymentoption.blogspot.com
and
http://creditcardbiz.blogspot.com

Answer 9

911 or credit beaureau can help