@catlady - We can tell you are a bit thrown off by this experience but you can relax - it happens every day to all sorts of people for all sorts of different reasons.
If I were you the first thing I would do is:
1. Get a full credit report so you know exactly what information they have on you that is used by the bank to determine whether you are credit worthy - sometimes information is missing or inaccurate.
I don't know about Canada, but the US for instance has three credit bureaus that all banks use but they will generally only use one out of those three credit bureaus for information.
The important thing to know is that each bank and each credit bureau has different criteria - so one might approve/decline based on the same information.
2. Yes, your credit score is good - but they may well want five years with the same employer or you might be two points away from meeting some other criteria.
The important thing is that you always pay attention to the information in your file, update your information and make sure it is always correct. You can do that by sending them a certified letter with your updated information and documents if necessary - maybe even a chat and upload.
3. Banks are a business - it is nothing personal. They are choosing the people who will be a good credit risk for them based on their formulas.
Every credit card issuer has a "recon line" a phone number you can call and ask them to "reconsider" their decision based on new-better information.
Use it!
Be polite - ask your questions, ask to speak to a supervisor and if you feel it is still getting you nowhere - call again and speak to a different representative.
In my experience the standard letters they mail out are worthless. It is always worth a follow-up phone call to their recon line - the number will probably be in your letter.
4. In my opinion every grown woman needs a credit history of her own, it takes time to build up the limits on your card unless you have a very well paying job.
If you became a widow tomorrow (god forbid) this could potentially become a big problem because your husbands cards do not count as your own credit history. It happens all the time; even to 'old' people because "he" handled the money - not a road you want to take.
5. Yes on becoming an add-on user on all your husbands cards - this will boost your credit score in three to six months time.
It is a helpful credit building tactic, but bottomline is that you need credit cards in your own name.
In general:
Having at least two different credit cards is important and can be a lifesaver.
Imagine you are overseas and there is an issue/fraud with your card just when you need it the most.
It is important to understand that if you have two cards you have an alternative.
Also, if you have two cards you automatically have a higher spending limit in an emergency - it is called being prepared, just in case:).
Always remember,
just because you have a card doesn't mean that the card issuer can't suddenly close your card or drastically reduce your credit card limit just when you need it the most.
Never close your card - if you don't use it for a long time they will close it without dinging your credit. If it was a high limit your credit might drop a few points but will bounce right back up shortly.
Forget about being pi$$ed off - this is business, you select a bank(s) and two credit cards that provide you with the benefits that are worthwhile to you.
First order of business is to sort out why you were declined and stay calm while you evaluate your current bank.
