Wow! Just got approved for the card! Didn't think that would work out.
I'd applied for the card first last March, but wanted to try and get the bonus before it went away. I cancelled the card and reapplied, but the recon rep offered to reopen the card for me, and I was caught off guard and that's what happened.
Based off of what others reported, last week I downgraded to the no-fee Arrival, as well as lowered my CL on my other Barclays cards. I applied a second time, but I was denied: after calling in I was told it was because the computer had identified me as a current cardholder (I wasn't patient enough to wait a few days: probably should have done that). They told me there was no pull
I tried applying again (3rd time!) on Sunday, but the system denied me (no pull) because I'd applied for the card within 30 days.
I just called recon, and hoped that I could wing it. He told me I'd been declined because I had the card, and I said I didn't have it now but may have had it in the past. He put me on hold and after a few minutes said:
Rep: "Let me just check a few things, because I'm a little confused...you downgraded the card last week and then reapplied again?"
Me: "Uh..yeah?"
Rep: "And why would you do that?"
(Me (to self): don't mention the bonus, don't mention the bonus!)
Me: Well, I didn't want to have to pay the AF, so I thought I would downgrade it, but then reapplied because I heard the card was going away and knew it would be my last chance to apply.
Rep: Okay great. But you do know there IS an AF when you reapply?
Me: Oh, whoops, guess I messed that one up.
Rep: Well, is there anything else I can help you with?
Me (do I dare?): Um...could I maybe reapply anyways?
He put the app in again (4th time, but only 2nd pull), and after answering a few uncomfortable questions I was approved!