trying to get a Sears credit card

So, my husband applied for a Sears credit card through KMart. He got a letter in the mail a few days later saying the application could not be approved, and the reason given didn’t make any sense to us. It stated “unable to comply with consumer statement”.

I know he has excellent credit, and there was no reason he shouldn't have been approved. I didn't want to give up so easily.

I called the number on the letter, but could only get a computer voice - no actual person. I even went back to the store to ask about it, but got no help, other than a phone number. I called the number, got transferred, etc. I finally found out what I wanted to know after calling 1-800-663-4850. For some weird reason, Equifax told the credit card company that there was a statement on his credit report that someone would have to contact him for verification before any credit could be issued. I’m quite sure there is no statement on his account - we even got the free report we’re allowed for the ‘denial’ of credit - no consumer statement on there. Well, anyway, once he talked to the lady on the phone, the card was approved, and should be here within 10 days.

I thought this information could be very helpful to some people. When he got the letter, I googled “unable to comply with consumer statement” - even added the quotes, and it came up with just one site - someone posted the question on a forum several years ago, and there was no real answer given - just some speculation. So, if anyone else out there (according to the website I did find, and things I heard when asking around, apparently it’s rather common with this company), maybe I can spare them the run around. I already did it - why should anyone else have to? So, the end result is, if you get a letter like that, call 1-800-663-4850, and answer some questions. There’s at least some chance that you will then be approved.

Good luck!