I would like to report unfair and deceptive treatment by Macys when I applied for a Macy 's American Express Card on XXXX/XXXX/XXXX. I specifically applied for the card to receive a 20 % discount. The discount was eligible for use along with the 25 % off promotion in effect on XXXX/XXXX/XXXX. The application was denied at the point of sale. I was surprised because I already have an XXXX XXXX card in good standing and my current credit score is above XXXX. I called Macy's/DSNB while at the store and after more than XXXX XXXX hours on the phone, I learned that they denied the application due to a delinquent debt from XXXX XXXX, nearly 8 years ago. The debt became delinquent, and subsequently charged off while I was in the process of divorcing. I became a single mother of XXXX boys, pregnant with my XXXX child and unable to get a job due to the economy ; thus unable to pay any bills. However, once I was employed I paid and/or settled all of my outstanding debts ( more than {$70000.00} ), including the Macy 's card. I paid the Macy 's debt on XXXX/XXXX/XXXX to the collection agency as a settlement. During my XXXX XXXX hour long call with Macy 's on XXXX/XXXX/XXXX, I was told that if I paid the 'balance due ', they would approve the credit. I was not aware of a balance due because they agreed to a settlement and provided me with a settlement letter. In addition, the credit bureau showed the debt paid in full with a {$0.00} balance after the debt was settled. I have abided by a very stick budget since my divorce and I saw the discount as an opportunity to minimize spending. I am very aware of the implications of a credit inquiry on my credit score, so I carefully read through the terms and conditions that was at the checkout register. It did not indicate anywhere that a delinquency from XXXX would be used against me ; otherwise I would not have applied. The XXXX paid delinquency remained on my credit report until XXXX ; which, although it was settled, affected by ability to obtain credit. Now, I will have a Macy 's credit inquiry that will undoubtedly affect my credit score which I worked so hard to rebuild. I feel that Macy 's should have disclosed their policy on prior delinquencies, in a clear and noticeable location before the application was submitted. Also, I do n't understand how Macy 's was able to decline a card co-branded by XXXX XXXX. At this time, I am concerned that XXXX XXXX will close my existing card and this may affect any other credit that I have. I am also concerned that the lack of disclosure will affect my ability to obtain a new mortgage this fall. 
I would like to request that your agency investigate this matter and kindly remove the inquiry from all credit reporting agencies. 
