"Not A Fan Anymore"
JCPenney Credit Card® Review
Written by: kellbell on 2008-08-11
Overall Satisfaction
Customer Service
Rewards
Account Management
Delivery Time
kellbell's review: 
I was greatful for them to approve me for this card back in March, but my limit is still at $200.00. I have called and asked for a CLI and I have repeatedly hit the "love button" to no avail. Their reasons are "high utilization percentage".
I have utilized this card very much and have always paid on time, in full, everytime. When GEMB reports to the CB's, it is always before I pay the bill off, so it looks like I am maxing out the credit line.
ANYWAY, this low credit limit is not helping my FICO out, so I am afraid I'm going to have to cancel the card.
I guarantee I will still get the coupons because my husband doesn't have this charge card, but he has spent a lot of money at JCP on our debit card. The recognize his patronage and send him the same coupons as I get with the JCP charge card.
Anyway, as much as I appreciate their trust in me, my goal is to raise my FICO score while doing what I love most... SHOPPING.
I was greatful for them to approve me for this card back in March, but my limit is still at $200.00. I have called and asked for a CLI and I have repeatedly hit the "love button" to no avail. Their reasons are "high utilization percentage".I have utilized this card very much and have always paid on time, in full, everytime. When GEMB reports to the CB's, it is always before I pay the bill off, so it looks like I am maxing out the credit line.
ANYWAY, this low credit limit is not helping my FICO out, so I am afraid I'm going to have to cancel the card.
I guarantee I will still get the coupons because my husband doesn't have this charge card, but he has spent a lot of money at JCP on our debit card. The recognize his patronage and send him the same coupons as I get with the JCP charge card.
Anyway, as much as I appreciate their trust in me, my goal is to raise my FICO score while doing what I love most... SHOPPING.
12 Comments
Comment 1 by arod
JC Penny 
on 2008-08-11
On this card I applied a year and a half ago and they said the same thing " High Utilization Percentage"
And Even Since I decided not to apply my wife said don't bother so I took her advise.
And I really don't need them. So don't worry they are doing this alot.
With the cards out there don't bother.
Take care,
Alex
on 2008-08-11 On this card I applied a year and a half ago and they said the same thing " High Utilization Percentage" And Even Since I decided not to apply my wife said don't bother so I took her advise.
And I really don't need them. So don't worry they are doing this alot.
With the cards out there don't bother.
Take care,
Alex
Comment 2 by arod
Also on 2008-08-11
They Denied me I forgot to say but I have great cards I really don't need them.
take care,
Alex
on 2008-08-11 They Denied me I forgot to say but I have great cards I really don't need them.take care,
Alex
Comment 3 by hjm331
RE: Kellbell on 2008-08-11
Don't close the card for the history. Most of the time, lenders count account history more important than the limit. It wouldn't hurt keeping the card because if you don't use the card, you can also receive a CLI. Since this is a store card, that could happen because it encourages cardholders to go out and shop.
on 2008-08-11 Don't close the card for the history. Most of the time, lenders count account history more important than the limit. It wouldn't hurt keeping the card because if you don't use the card, you can also receive a CLI. Since this is a store card, that could happen because it encourages cardholders to go out and shop.
Comment 4 by meya
Oh My on 2008-08-11
Was they high utilization based on your other credit cards? If so, then you will get this same message from everyone unless they automatically gave you an increase. I don't think I would close this card right about now because they do give nice cli's. I clearly understand what you are talking about when you know darn well that you have been faithfully to them. I am getting the same results from nearly all of my GEMB cards. See what will happen when you lower your utilization before you cancel. Try and ask for a cli when you are at least 35% in all cards that are being used.
You are correct about the limit, see, those low limit cards will have you at a high utilization if you purchase cleaning items from stores, that is why I canceled Target, Dillard's, and Lane Bryant. One purchase put me over the 35% mark. Just hold on for a minute Buddie, I believe you are going to get some love from JcP pretty soon.
on 2008-08-11 Was they high utilization based on your other credit cards? If so, then you will get this same message from everyone unless they automatically gave you an increase. I don't think I would close this card right about now because they do give nice cli's. I clearly understand what you are talking about when you know darn well that you have been faithfully to them. I am getting the same results from nearly all of my GEMB cards. See what will happen when you lower your utilization before you cancel. Try and ask for a cli when you are at least 35% in all cards that are being used. You are correct about the limit, see, those low limit cards will have you at a high utilization if you purchase cleaning items from stores, that is why I canceled Target, Dillard's, and Lane Bryant. One purchase put me over the 35% mark. Just hold on for a minute Buddie, I believe you are going to get some love from JcP pretty soon.
Comment 5 by kellbell
28% on 2008-08-11
My credit card utilization overall is 28%, so I have no idea what they are talking about when they tell me "high utilization". I think I'll wait until the 6 month mark and if they don't give me any love, I will say buh bye.
Thanks everyone.
on 2008-08-11 My credit card utilization overall is 28%, so I have no idea what they are talking about when they tell me "high utilization". I think I'll wait until the 6 month mark and if they don't give me any love, I will say buh bye.Thanks everyone.
Comment 6 by amyb98
Try This Number Kellbell on 2008-08-11
I had the same problem with JCP until I called a number that a women at the Service desk at JCP gave me. The # is 1-800-527-3316. I opened my account in March also and could not receive a CLI until the 4th time I called this number. I told the woman that I had opened the account on-line and I figured the low CL of $200 was due to security purposes. I also told her I had been in the store numerous times and I always showed my ID to verify it was me, but my limit had not been increased. I asked her if I could get an increase by going back into the store and showing my ID again. She told me to hold on, came back, approved me for an $800 CLI, but I had to go back to the store to the service desk and show them my ID. The sales clerk called and verified it was me and voila immediate $1000 Cl. This worked great! I got my kids their school clothes and didn't come anywhere near my new credit line. I hope this works for you! Good Luck!
on 2008-08-11 I had the same problem with JCP until I called a number that a women at the Service desk at JCP gave me. The # is 1-800-527-3316. I opened my account in March also and could not receive a CLI until the 4th time I called this number. I told the woman that I had opened the account on-line and I figured the low CL of $200 was due to security purposes. I also told her I had been in the store numerous times and I always showed my ID to verify it was me, but my limit had not been increased. I asked her if I could get an increase by going back into the store and showing my ID again. She told me to hold on, came back, approved me for an $800 CLI, but I had to go back to the store to the service desk and show them my ID. The sales clerk called and verified it was me and voila immediate $1000 Cl. This worked great! I got my kids their school clothes and didn't come anywhere near my new credit line. I hope this works for you! Good Luck!
Comment 7 by shark6
PIF Before Your Statement Cuts on 2008-08-11
KellBell, JCP is known to give regular good increases. In your case since you stated that your overall usage with your other cards is around 28% AND you stated that you PIF but it ususally happens AFTER the balance is reported to the credit bureaus, I would say do one of the following: 1. Find out when your statement cuts and when your balance is reported to the CBs AND PIF about 2wks before those dates or would I would do:
2. PIF now, charge but under 35% but PIF the next week so you have 3 wks of 0 balance which should fall in your cycle that is reporting or only charg $under $40 and pay $10 a month for 4 mths and then press the luv button.
However, like Meya and HJM331 advised, I wouldn't close the card just yet.
on 2008-08-11 KellBell, JCP is known to give regular good increases. In your case since you stated that your overall usage with your other cards is around 28% AND you stated that you PIF but it ususally happens AFTER the balance is reported to the credit bureaus, I would say do one of the following: 1. Find out when your statement cuts and when your balance is reported to the CBs AND PIF about 2wks before those dates or would I would do:2. PIF now, charge but under 35% but PIF the next week so you have 3 wks of 0 balance which should fall in your cycle that is reporting or only charg $under $40 and pay $10 a month for 4 mths and then press the luv button.
However, like Meya and HJM331 advised, I wouldn't close the card just yet.
Comment 8 by colonative
It's Only Been 5 Months on 2008-08-11
It takes a while to build credit, and if you opened this in March, that is only 5 months. Give it at least a year before you close out any accounts.
And if you hold onto it long enough they may even upgrade you to the JC Penney Discover Card.
Take a breath and let it happen.
on 2008-08-11 It takes a while to build credit, and if you opened this in March, that is only 5 months. Give it at least a year before you close out any accounts.And if you hold onto it long enough they may even upgrade you to the JC Penney Discover Card.
Take a breath and let it happen.
Comment 9 by hjm331
Identity on 2008-08-11
Verifying your identity in the store makes all the difference in the world.
on 2008-08-11 Verifying your identity in the store makes all the difference in the world.
Comment 10 by kellbell
WOW on 2008-08-11
Thank you everyone.
I guess I will keep the card open, pay off the balance next week, and not use it for a few months.
I'll keep you all posted.
on 2008-08-11 Thank you everyone.I guess I will keep the card open, pay off the balance next week, and not use it for a few months.
I'll keep you all posted.
Comment 11 by ding
Report Dates And Credit Scores on 2008-08-13
I agree with Shark6, make sure you check when they report and then put a reminder on your phone or something to make sure that you have this one at a low utilization before they report... I do this and it works great... I was doing what you are doing and my scores were horrible and not going anywhere but down. Anyhow, try the new technique (on all your cards... If you have true credit -it it easy to get the dates... Check the report date for all of the cards) and then pay right before they report... Like a few days or weeks and then let us know the details.
on 2008-08-13 I agree with Shark6, make sure you check when they report and then put a reminder on your phone or something to make sure that you have this one at a low utilization before they report... I do this and it works great... I was doing what you are doing and my scores were horrible and not going anywhere but down. Anyhow, try the new technique (on all your cards... If you have true credit -it it easy to get the dates... Check the report date for all of the cards) and then pay right before they report... Like a few days or weeks and then let us know the details.
Comment 12 by gkcust
I Pray For A 20.00dollar Limit on 2008-10-05
I wish they give me $20.00
just to get my hand on this card
i need to use it to help buy my
grand kids some gifts
some people are so blessed to get
any cards
so not fixten about it
and enjoy it
every body want the big bucks on there card true that
but like the members said
just try to be patient
on 2008-10-05 I wish they give me $20.00 just to get my hand on this card
i need to use it to help buy my
grand kids some gifts
some people are so blessed to get
any cards
so not fixten about it
and enjoy it
every body want the big bucks on there card true that
but like the members said
just try to be patient
Please login or register for free to view your stats, add reviews and card application results, or post comments.
Credit card reviews and comments are posted by user submission and do not warrant the opinions of Finance Globe.
Disclaimer: This content is not provided by Synchrony Bank. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Synchrony Bank. Review content is powered by Finance Globe.
Disclaimer: This content is not provided by Synchrony Bank. Any opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by Synchrony Bank. Review content is powered by Finance Globe.
