[HKNewBi]

I have tried to get an HSBC credit card but have been declined without reason.

I have recently started working for one of the big US banks here at a fairly senior level and was asked to fax through my contract, which I did.

I own a house here which is unmortgaged - thus making it a pretty safe bet they would get their cash back if I decided not to pay my credit card bills.

I have been a powervantage HSBC customer for over a year.

Anyone able to shed any light on why I might be rejected? Is there a credit rating agency I can find out from? Other than simply apply again, any advice on how I can sort this out?

Thanks

[KnowItAll]

HKNewbi : they should offer you a reason if you ask them. I think they use D&B or some other credit rating agency.

Often the problem is procedural .. when we were shopping for some competitive rates the guys at HSBC seemed to hint that a permanent ID card is a part of their scoring system.

Which reminds me.... 14 years in HK, better apply for one.

[HKNewBi]

Thanks KIA, I will contact HSBC. I am still using UK credit cards and with the exchange rate heading the way it is it is not a clever idea.

First arrived in HK in 1977 and STILL haven't sorted out my perm ID card so don't feel too bad. I am going to put it on my 2007 to do list.

[discobay]

SO you have a temporary id card with a chip inside?

[HKNewBi]

I have an ID card with a chip inside. Don't know about temporary.

I think I am one of a dying breed. Prior to the handover very few brits had permanent ID as brits didn't need a visa or permit to live and work in HK.

Post handover us pre handover right to land guys were supposed to reapply and get our permanent ID cards.

I was living in the UK at the time. I came back to HK to do this and the rules changed 2 weeks before I got here (1st Jan 1999, i arrived on the 14th of Jan).

The change of rule was that from the 1st Jan 1999 you had to be resident at the time of application. Prior to that you did not have to, and I was not resident at that time, so I did not submit my application.

Therefore I still have the right to land (as I have never been out of HK for a more than a year in one go since 1977) but not permanent ID. Now I am permanently resident again I guess I need to go apply to have the status changed. Doesn't really affect too much though. Gives me the right to vote and means I can't get deported if I become a naughty mister. Hence it keeps going onto next month's todo list.

[big 5]

I got turned down last week, by HSBC, after 2 appeals..

I got the 'exact' reason why by getting slightly cross over the phone with credit card services, they wouldn't give me the reason directly, I had to gain this via the branch the same day.

My reason was 'wording and length of contract.' Given that I'm earning enough in addition to working, surely, for long enough I was generously offered the following 'compromise'

Place 50k in the bank in a time delay savers account and then gain a 40k credit card. Genius!!!!

I remain embarresingly unable to conduct myself in the adult world as a result. Alas.


Thought that might cheer you up???

[farang]

I too was rejected by HSBC because of the 'length of contract'.

I pointed out to them that my contract is in fact not for any fixed period of time so that's why it doesn't say anything regarding a time period.

No dice- they told me I'd need a letter of clarification from my HR department. While the HR department was churning out the letter my card arrived at the local branch.

[panda05]

I am an foreigner. I got one while I still was a student, what I had to do is to place HKD 50,000 in a time deposit as a collateral. If you deal with HSBC you should try to get a relationship manager, who you can contact if things don't work out.

Now that I am working all the banks are throwing credit cards at me. Bank of China didn't even need a salary proof or proof of assets.

[Monde]

I am having the same issues as Big5 although I never got angry with them on the phone. My Bank manager who I know quite well now (getting money from South Africa here was a nightmare) has offered to help.

But I have resubmitted with the Credit Card people and if they decline then my bank manager will see what they can do or i need the 50k.

[big 5]

In all fairness to my local HSBC they used to let me wire money to S.A. long before I had an account there, or in fact a valid reason to be here!

I only got annoyed with them as 14days past my assured day of notification I uncovered the following joke: services called branch re: lack of info and branch did jack-all about it (for 2 weeks, after two such calls) despite having my mobile, address and salary deposit. I also got annoyed at the service situation not necessarily shouting (Feel it's important to clear that up). :-)

I also might add that during the branch visit I was met with a slightly unprofessional declaration, on their part, as to my partner’s magnificent banking deposit and relationship with them. They in fact wanted me to, without any prompt or link on my part, take loads of leaflets & 'kisses' back from them in relation to upgrading. Which, I might add, wasn't remotely needed.

Anyway I'm off to the Bank of China....... Don't see why HSBC should sit on the interest I would give them through a time delay savers scenario!

HSBC in the UK is a mere romantic memory these days, alas!