Barclays AAdvantage Aviator Business Mastercard Denial
Barclays is probably the toughest nut for me to crack these days. I have tried to apply for their cards numerous times for myself, and my wife, without much luck. I was able to get a Choice card from them a few years back, I applied mainly out of boredom and expecting a denial. Of course I get approved for the least exciting partner they have, just my luck. Even with all of these denials piling up I still line up like a pig at the trough every time they offer a new juicy business card. Fun fact, I have never been approved for a business card for them but I still go after it full speed ahead. What is that definition for insanity again? This latest run with the AAdvantage Aviator Business card and the increased 80,000 mile offer was no different. I bankrupted my American AAdvantage account snagging lie flat to Hawaii (on the cheap) and could use the bump so I figured why not.
Instant Denial & The Reasons Why
I filled out the application on launch day and submitted it, knowing my chances were slim. Of course, the dreaded pending message popped up after a few seconds. I checked the application results a few hours later and a big fat denial slapped me in the face. The letter offering the reasoning came a week or two later. Here is what was listed as the reasons for my denial:
- Too many new accounts opened
- Too many recent applications
- The number of bankcards opened within the last 24 months
If you have been following along with my quest to earn $25,000 this year via miles and points then you know these things are accurate. Here are my numbers over the last 12 and 24 months.
- Last 12 Months: 3 Amex business cards (no hard pulls), 7 other issuers
- Last 24 Months: 6 Amex business cards (no hard pull), 2 personal Amex (no HP), 9 other issuers
My credit score was in the 720-730 range too, a bit lower than normal because of some personal cards having the statement cut with higher balances.
Barclays Is Now My Biggest Hurdle
The sad thing is I find this card’s offer really compelling. I also think the Wyndham Earner Business card is a long term super hero but am 0 for 2 going for that as well. It is official, Barclays is the only hurdle I can’t get over. Capital One was in the same boat but I was able to finally slay that dragon.
Barclays Denial: Final Thoughts
I did try the reconsideration department for the card but they wouldn’t budge. I may try one for the wife, although she suffers the same fate every time too. My plan was to pair one of these offers up with the Citi AAdvantage Executive card’s 80K – 85K offer to be sitting pretty with my American Airlines miles once again.
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Per your colleague bloggers, Barclays is well known to have a 6/24 rule based on the number of new accounts. Many also recommend waiting 6 months from your last app. You were not in compliance with either recommendation.
Not entirely true there. The 6/24 rule was for the Arrival Plus. Plenty of people above that number have been able to get business cards etc.
Happened to me a couple months ago for the increased Wyndham biz card. Denied for the same reasons. Last week I froze TU & Exp, then applied for AA Biz. Pending, then denial after both HP attempts were blocked. I called & they got my permission to pull EQ. Approved. EQ had way less hp’s but still though they would see all the recent cards & deny. Love it when a plan works.
Awesome – glad it worked out
I learned with Barclay’s that the balances/overall credit limits (all cards), along with credit score play a role too. It’s a tough one to get from what I have read anecdotally online.
My credit score has always been in the 790-820 range, but got denied the first time I applied for the Wyndham Business Earner’s card. Then we did some work on the house and I utilized several credit cards to pick up easy points and spending offers/promotions. That said, it was a sizeable amount, in the $30k range with all the balances (always paid in full).
After reading stories online, I thought after the heavy spending that I would try it again (this was about 8 months after the first denial) and I was accepted.
When I got the call, my hard credit score inquiry was 820 due to the fully balance payments and the agent asked me only one question — what happened to the balances in the previous month? I explained I paid them in full. He said, great, you will get your card in 7-10 business days. It had nothing to do with annual income either (mine is low by nearly all standards).
I understand. Mark, that your denial had to do with too many newly opened accounts, but for me it had more to do with the credit score based on spending patterns within the use of all the credit cards in my name (primary and authorized user).
Tough nut to crack for sure!
Congrats on the approval and thanks for sharing your experience.
Thanks for the real world post! Understand your frustration, but I guess we can’t win them all, unless we limit our attempts. Looks like you had a very good 24 months!
Can’t complain at all 🙂
As with Chase’s 5/24 and the rules of other card issuers, one must prioritize, pick, and choose. If you want A and B, it will be at the exclusion of C and D. If this Barclays card is important enough, you will do those things necessary for eligibility. If it’s not, you won’t.
Sorry for your hurdle but it does make me feel special! Maybe I’m recalling something else but weren’t you going for the 80k JetBlue offer?
Nope – I don’t have a use for Jetblue really
Got it; someone else. I did a speculative pre-emptive stack anticipating Spirt merger; I am in a good location and they easily serve as staging flights for me.
Question why Barclays bank did not budge with your request re consideration ?
Same as the letter, too many recent accounts.