Here is an interesting email from "Scott" who was denied a credit card from Capital One, on the basis of "worsening economic conditions" in his area. "Scott" says he has a FICO score of 800. From Scott .....

Hey Mike,

I attempted to sign up for a new rewards style card from Capitol One. A few days prior I got my FICO score which is 800, with no balances. Capitol One denied me online, and said they'd send a mail as to why.

A few days back I got their response:

"Based on the application information for Scott E*******, there are worsening economic conditions in your area."

They also state that, "We did not request a copy of your credit file and therefore no inquiry will be placed on your credit report."

There you have it, a credit worthy borrower denied credit just because I live in Tampa.

Scott

Scan of Letter

One case does not a trend make, but redlining appears to be back in vogue. We have gone from redlining to reverse redlining (seeking out the worst possible credit risks after the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 2005), back to redlining in front of new card rule changes from Congress.

By Mike "Mish" Shedlock
http://globaleconomicanalysis.blogspot.com

Click Here To Scroll Thru My Recent Post List

Mike Shedlock / Mish is a registered investment advisor representative for SitkaPacific Capital Management . Sitka Pacific is an asset management firm whose goal is strong performance and low volatility, regardless of market direction.

Visit Sitka Pacific's Account Management Page to learn more about wealth management and capital preservation strategies of Sitka Pacific.

I do weekly podcasts every Thursday on HoweStreet and a brief 7 minute segment on Saturday on CKNW AM 980 in Vancouver.

When not writing about stocks or the economy I spends a great deal of time on photography and in the garden. I have over 80 magazine and book cover credits. Some of my Wisconsin and gardening images can be seen at MichaelShedlock.com .

Mike Shedlock Archive

Comments

Mark G
19 May 09, 15:41

Capital One sites Worsening Economic Conditions for Refusing Credit Cards

Mike,

I got the same exact letter from Capital One dated 4-18-09. My FICO is 790 and even have an existing credit card with them! Can a good lawyer sue them for discriminating against a person just because of where one lives? I live in Miami, FL. As a tax payer in the 35% bracket, my taxes are supporting a bailout for these folks while they are dening a card to the people who feed them?? This is BS!

Only logged in users are allowed to post comments. Register/ Log in

The Market Oracle is a FREE Financial Markets Forecasting & Analysis web-site.
(c) 2005-2024 MarketOracle.co.uk (Market Oracle Ltd) - Market Oracle Ltd asserts copyright on all articles authored by our editorial team and all comments posted. Any and all information provided within the web-site, is for general information purposes only and Market Oracle Ltd do not warrant the accuracy, timeliness or suitability of any information provided on this site. nor is or shall be deemed to constitute, financial or any other advice or recommendation by us. and are also not meant to be investment advice or solicitation or recommendation to establish market positions. We do not give investment advice and our comments are an expression of opinion only and should not be construed in any manner whatsoever as recommendations to enter into a market position either stock, option, futures contract, bonds, commodity or any other financial instrument at any time. We recommend that independent professional advice is obtained before you make any investment or trading decisions. By using this site you agree to this sites Terms of Use. From time to time we promote or endorse certain products / services that we believe are worthy of your time and attention. In return for that endorsement and only in the cases where you purchase directly though us may we be compensated by the producers of those products.