Increase Your Chance of US Bank Card Approval by Freezing IDA/ARS Bureaus

May 12, 2015 By Million Mile Secrets

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For some folks, it’s difficult to get approved for miles and points earning credit cards issued by US Bank. They’re known for denying applications from folks who have a lot of recent inquiries on their credit report.

Part of the reason US Bank is so picky is because they may pull your credit report from 2 lesser-known credit bureaus, IDA (SageStream) and ARS.

And these agencies often include additional information on your report that other credit bureaus don’t share.

Increase Your Chance Of US Bank Card Approval By Freezing IDA/ARS Bureaus — US Bank Pulls Your Credit Report From 2 Secondary Credit Bureaus, and That Can Hurt Your Chances of Being Approved

But you can freeze your IDA and ARS credit reports so that US Bank can’t access them. And that could improve your chances of getting approved for a card like the US Bank Club Carlson Premier!

I’ll explain how to do it!

How Does This Work?

Most banks pull your credit report from 1 of the 3 main credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion).

But US Bank also looks at reports from IDA (SageStream) and ARS (Account Resolution Services). These reports often include more information about your credit history, including your recent credit applications.

By putting a security freeze on your IDA and ARS credit reports, banks and other lenders will NOT be able to access them. Which means US Bank will have to pull your report from 1 of the 3 major credit bureaus instead.

Note: Other banks don’t use these bureaus, so freezing your reports should NOT impact your other card applications.

Here’s how to freeze your IDA and ARS reports.

1. Freezing Your IDA (SageStream) Report

Link: IDA (SageStream) Security Freeze

To freeze your IDA (SageStream) report, you’ll have to send a written request via postal mail or fax.

Your letter must include your signature and:

First name, middle name, last name, suffix (if applicable)
Current address including ZIP code
Current phone number with area code
Social Security number
Date of birth (month, date, and year)

You’ll also have to provide copies of 2 forms of identification:

Current state-issued driver’s license or other current government identification (such as a passport)
Recent cable, utility, or phone statement (less than 60 days old)
Social Security card
Birth certificate
US passport picture page
Alien registration card
Voided personal check with your pre-printed address

Mail your letter (regular mail is fine) to:

SageStream, LLC Consumer Office

PO Box 503793

San Diego, California 92150

Or you can fax it to 858-312-6275.

TravelCodex and Doctor of Credit have good sample letters you can use as a template. You’ll usually get a confirmation that your report has been frozen within ~1 week.

2. Freezing Your ARS Report

ARS also requires a written request. If you choose to mail your letter, you must send it by certified mail. You can also fax it.

Be sure to sign your letter and include:

Full name
Current address including ZIP code
Current phone number with area code
Social Security number
Date of birth (month, date, and year)

And send copies of 2 of the following:

Drivers License
Passport
Social Security card
Birth certificate
Alien registration card

Send your letter via certified mail to:

Advanced Resolution Services, Inc.

5005 Rockside Road, Suite 600

Independence, Ohio 44131

Or fax it to 216-615-7642.

Bottom Line

You can improve your chances of being approved for US Bank credit cards by freezing your IDA (SageStream) and ARS credit reports.

These reports often contain more information about your recent credit applications, and US Bank can be very picky!

To freeze your reports, mail or fax a letter to each bureau which includes your full name, address, phone number, Social Security number, and signature. You’ll also have to provide copies of 2 forms of identification.

By freezing these reports, US Bank will instead pull your credit report from 1 of the main credit reporting agencies. And, depending on your credit history, US Bank might be more likely to approve your application.

Have you had better luck with US Bank after freezing your ARS and IDA reports?