Sjt, not to my knowledge, as I never had access to a/the card or the account prior to paying the bill, but now that you mention it I'm going to again contact Chase and request a copy of the  application that goes back 6-8 years, if they'll give it to me.  Because it's his account they don't tell me much, and haven't allowed me access to the account online.  I have to rely upon paper statements that arrive in his name.    It could be that upon applying for the card DH made me an authorized user and never made me aware of this, and Chase has never so much as suggested that I was, simply stating that I assumed responsibility for the account when I took over the payments.  When I took it over he owed close to $4000 which I've paid down to just over $600.   It's been a long and slow process as the interest rate is so terribly high.   Should you be wondering why I don't just ask DH whether he made me an authorized user or not, I have, and he tells me that he doesn't even remember applying for the card, which was shut down near as fast as he received it.  Within 6 months; but that's been his way for many long years now.  He applies for everything he can, purchases everything he can, and then walks away, without having made, at times, a single payment.  There's a long, long, list of creditors he's walked away from and but for the fact that I took over, he would probably have been sued at least a dozen times!  He's just no good at managing  credit and I've had to bail him out more than a few times, and us, when he's wrecked both of our credit, at least twice, which is how we ended up nearly losing the house, and how it was that I landed here.  For the past several years now, I have kept my accounts separate and apart from his to include the mortgate which is solely in my name and always gets paid.  It makes me none to happy to know that he recently received a Capital One card that started out with a $500 credit limit but has since been bumped up to $2500, and within a relatively short period of time.  That scares me.    Other than being so rather financially irresponsible, he's a fairly great guy.      ... View more

What to do about Chase!   I have never had a Chase CC.  DH did, however, and after running it up to above the limit, several years ago now, he stopped paying.  In an attempt to rescue HIS credit rating I begain making payments from my own bank account, that were automatically withdrawn to be sure they were never late.  Chase then, and unbenounced to me, made ME the primary account holder, since I was making the payments, and will not remove the account or all of the lates from all three credit reporting agencies, so stating that the late payments occurred so long ago (3+years ago) that they hardly matter anymore AND since the account is and has been current since I began paying, it shows as a positive more than a negative account on my reports, regardless of the fact that the lates and over the limit notation will continue to be reported against ME for the next 3+ years!  All efforts to try to dispute this have failed, since Chase placed the account in my name, again since I was the one paying, causing it to appear as though I was solely responsible for the account.    So many times I would have loved to apply for the Chase Saphire, in order to take advantage of such things as no fee balance transfers and such, but am unable to because, according to Chase, "I" am still paying off an account that has numerous 60 days lates prior to the time that I began making on time payments.   There are three negative accounts that appear on my credit reports.  The major one being the near home repo of near 4 years ago now, ONE late car payment  of the six year long auto loan, and Chase!    So now; what to do about Chase?  Does it matter?  Should I just let it go and keep paying? ... View more

Nitrov!  What a nightmare you've been through!   ... View more

No.  I'm in Florida, but the app was routed through Texas.  I asked the representative where she was, and she said North Texas.  ... View more

Good job!   I am so utterly happy for you!  ... View more

You're right.  I just received an alert from Experian, adding a new account.  Synchrony/Lowe's.  No point drop as yet for the hard pull, though because this is the 3rd hard pull since December I'm sure went from fair to poor, in seeking new credit.  Two of the five drop off soon. ... View more

I'm wondering the same thing.  How's it going?  Anything new? ... View more

Archangel, you're another brave soul!  ... View more

I will say this for Synchrony:  They are quite generous with their credit limits, and seem to be more forgiving of credit dings than most others.    As many have said, and I now well agree, it's always best to call and speak to someone in person.  I could hardly believe my ears when they gave me ten grand in Care Credit!  It's yet my highest credit limit.  The only  5 figures I have and in spite of the lates on the mortgate and a missed car payment.   I encourage your hubby to give it a shot!  Perhaps if you remind him that what increase he's given he doesn't have to use; it would just be nice to have it in case of emergencies like unexpected kitchen fires,  lol.    Go for it, and good luck! ... View more

Nitrov, I'm no huge fan of Synchrony, due to the interest rates they've charged me across the board, even after many years of always paying on time and far more than the minimun on all accounts:  JC Penny, Brandmart, and Care Credit that I have 6 more months to pay off before all of that accrued interest, again 29.9, hits.    I'll either pay it off or transfer it.    Until the near repo/modification comes off of my credit, which won't be for another 3 years, I'm doomed to paying higher interest on what credit I acquire, i know, but Synchrony was ridiculous!  But for Lowe's special financing on larger purchases, I wouldn't have done it.  Everything Synchrony was either paid off (Victoria Secret that I used only once for a purchase under $50) or balance transfered to 0% cards (JC Penny and Brandsmart).  I'm learning, slowly but surely; and again thanks to all of you guys!         ... View more

TU was 754.  Should they have pulled Experian, it was 745.  ... View more

NITROV!!!!  Update to the update!  I called Lowe's/Synchrony back, got past the automated system to a real live person, and upped the limit from 3000 to 9000, which was all I asked for, having chickened out on any more than that.  YAY!!!!  Hello new garage door!  Goodbye being stressed about the city citing me for  the one I've got!  I'll bake you cookies and eat every one of them in remembrance of all of your encouragement and help.   Thank you so much!  ... View more

Good morning, Nitrov!  All!  This is an update on the Lowe's app.  I was approved for $3000, and immediately requested an increase to $10000 through the automated system, but was denied.  A ten day letter is to follow explaining the reason.  I really thought I'd get it as Care Credit has given me 10,000 and Brandsmart 9,800.  I owe 2,000 of the 10,000 with Care Credit and 0 of the 9800 with Brandsmart.  But it is what it is and it's better than nothing, though it won't buy a garage door, it still may come in handy during hurricanes.  Hated to take the hard hit, but what's a few points?  ;-) ... View more

I'm crossing my fingers you get to 800 by the end of the year - if not sooner!  ... View more

Nitrov, P.S.::  Many congratulations on your credit scores!!!  It's taken me the better part of 4 years to get past the 600's.  Starting score 2012 - 525, or some such thing.   I was turned down for Target store card, twice. ... View more

You're so kind!  Thank you!!!  This is why I come here, for such sound, excellent, advice, from such nice, knowledgable people.    Due to the near home repo, from a few years back, that stays on my credit, my scores won't be anywhere near 800 until it drops off and so far I haven't a card that's 5 figures, yet!  Close, but not quite; so I don't see being approved for $35,000.  :)  Though that would be nice.  But yeah, I'm rather leaning toward using an available card(s).  I could put one door on one, and a door on another.  That would work for me.  As for the impact protection, we could sure use that; which is why my plan for a garage door so much money!!  I see all of these $1500 jobs get all dinged up all over the place and can't imagine what will happen during a hurricane!  Steel reinforced, insulated and double/triple layered.  That's what I want, along with an impact resistent French set of doors to replace the slider.  Maybe I should ask for $45,000!!!     I will keep you posted; and again, thank you, Nitrov! ... View more

Lowe's, Lowe's, Lowe's.   First order of business, I want to most sinserely thank, and from the bottom of my heart thank, everyone who has helped me sort through my credit adventures, from near home repo to recovery!  I couldn't have done it without you!    Of especially good advice, most recently, was all of the information provided on these boards regarding balance transfers!  Already I have saved close to $2000 in interest, and I'm just getting started!  In the very near future I fully expect not to be paying interest at all, if I can at all help it!  Wtih your help I'm sure to succeed!   Of the more than 25 accounts I had/have, all but 13 are paid off or transferred, and several are well on their way to being paid off.  My credit reports have never looked so good, nor have my scores.  EQ: as of today: 731.  Transunion: 754.  Experian:  745.  All Fico 08's.  Thanks to all of you, my utilization is down to around 22%, and falling.  There aren't but 4 inquiries on my reports, two from late 2015, apps for balance transfer/credit limit increase, and two that will fall off within the next 6 months.  Around $50,000 is available to me in the way of Bank Card credit, and another 10,000 or so available store credit.  .  A small amount compared to many, I know..   Synchrony was the biggest pain in the backside, after the kitchen fire.  New appliances cost around 4,000, deferred interest for 6 months, 29.9 after that.  Synchrony did up my limit to $9000 at the time, and I didn't utilize half of that, but in order to avoid that 29.9, it was transfered to BOA 0% for 18 months.  It was a smart move that I, on my own, was somewhat afraid to do, but did, and am grateful, again, to all of you.  So, now on to Lowe's that is Synchrony, too.  I near dread the thought, and so again turn to you.   It's near hurricane season and I am in desperate need of a front door that doesn't leak, as well as a garage door that's about to fall down, and a slider that needs replacing, so am considering a Lowe's card to cover all of that, but don't want to apply if the amount I'll receive will be something like $500 or some such thing.  The last inquiry cost me 4 points on EQ, and I don't want to go there.  The way I see it, I need close to $8000 but how do I go about getting that, and what are my chances?  Accprding to recent reports my risk rate is between 2-5 percent, and the amount of debt I carry, compared to income, is good.   So what do you think, my most well beloved Fico experts?  Should I go for it?  Or not.  There are other options that I am considering, that in the past have been suggested, such as paying off one of the 0% interest cards, with a year left on the offer, asking for a credit limit increase and using that; but for the fact it would take too long I would.  I'm surprised the city hasn't cited me yet for the garage door that's so obviously just propped up there. It is a wee bit crooked. lol  I'd wait for a hurricane to come blow it down so that insurance would pay, but after Andrew, and Katrina, and Wilma, and Charlie, and Ivan, I don't wish a hurricane on anyone, let alone myself.   Thanks, guys and gals, and have a great day! ... View more

People are living their lives here playing reindeer games to eek out 6 points in a credit score, just so they'll have something "in emergencies" or tougher times.   Indeed.    Thanks Gen, for your updates.  They are greatly appreciated and eagerly awaited!    Just a heads up, should you be considering a mortgage with a score of around 633 - from experience, that's doable; however, the bank frowned on the number of credit accounts I had open with balances and suggested I close some of them out.  Doing so lowered my score and put me in a higher interest rate bracket - minus the "b" would spell racket!   Speaking of rackets, after the kitchen fire, when the stove shorted out,  and the neccessity of all new appliances, I was expecting my credit score to dive bomb, and though it went down by 12-15 across the board, Experian raised me a few points due to a charge, under $200, on the AmEx Blue.    I swear AmEx and Experian have some sort of "thing" going.  I just can't figure out what it is. ... View more

Thanks, Relevate!  I'm going to check it out! ... View more

:-)  Light bulbs can run into some serious money, now, you know?  The last one I purchased at the great HD cost me $14.00!  Thank goodness I didn't need 6!  $25,000?  I'm seriously jealous!  That would so well pay for the garage door and front door this house needs desperately!  $3000 just doesn't cut it but for one or the other.  Decisions, decisions.  I'm so tempted to apply for a Project Loan but would rather the garage door fall down than to add to the debt.  The way I see it, should a hurricane come along, I'll get a new door.  Home owner's insurance will see to that.  But of course this isn't to say that I'm hoping for a hurricane!      ... View more

Thank you, LearningFast14.  You're so very kind.    Yes, the debt is going down as medical expenses  decline.   It's been near a year since my 24 year old was involved in an automobile accident (not his fault) that, among other things, near took off his right foot.  He was insurgery for 7 hours, in the hospital for 9 days, and in a wheel chair, thereafter, for over 8  months.  He's been walking, with some difficulty, for a little more than a month now, and was able to go back to work a couple of weeks ago, but for now, his activities are limited and arthritis is setting into the foot due to the damages done, so he won't make a full recovery, and might well suffer further damage.  There's no chance of suing.   Neither he nor the driver at fault, who sustained minor injuries in the crash,  had adequate insurances so the medical expenses have been astronomical!  The hospital bill alone exceeds $140,000!  Physical therapy, after 6 sessions, is billed at the reduced rate of  $75 an hour, twice a week; but thank God the orthopedic surgeon who performed no less than a miracle isn't charging for follow up visits.    It's been a lesson well learned;  that being,  it isn't enough to carry uninsured motorist.  One must, must, must carry, at least, $100,000 in underinsured motorist protection. My son did not.   Needless to say, he does now.    As for my Autistic child?  It is what it is.  His expenses pretty much stay the same, but for such things as  the $1800 psychological that's coming up in October that will be paid out of pocket.   I'm putting cash aside for that.    Things are looking better, at least for now, with the exception of my father who yet refuses to pack it in and come live with me, which would be a whole lot cheeper. Not only wouldn't I have the constant worry,  I wouldn't have to travel the 800 miles, round trip, to see to his needs, at least twice a month.  He becomes highly agitated when I send people in to check on him, in between visits, which is mandatory because he insists upon living  like a recluse in a very rural part of the state and won't give up his Harley, and he has no use for the cell phone I've provided him.  When he doesn't answer the phone I panic.  He's pushing 80 years of age.   What lessons I've learned through so many here, at MyFico, are invaluable!   Good advice, such as your own, has saved me countless times, and I thank you. ... View more

Thanks.  I've carried this over to the credit card forum and responded to your questions with the exception of how long have I had the cards I carry.  With the exception of Simplicity, Outdoor and Discover, since 2006/2007.  Simplicity, Outdoor and Discover are coming up on a year old.  These were the 0% interest cards I transferred high balances to, as well as they explain the 3 inquiries on my credit reports. ... View more

Thank you for your response!  You give good advise.  I've been working hard at paying everything down and have transfered some high interest balances to 0% cards.  Doing so, with a few, has helped reduce the debt, substantially, over a relatively short period of time, and that has been most encouraging.   My goal is to have all of the debt paid off within a year, though budgeting is difficult, at best, for all who depend upon my income and credit, like an aging parent who insists upon living on his own, no matter that he can't afford to, and two disabled children who seem to always need something that insurance doesn't provide.  So much of my debt is related to medical expenses, and I see no end to that.  Not for a very long time.     ... View more

One credit card and my  bank debit card.  That's enough for me.  Carrying few lessens the odds of having to call multiple creditors should my purse/wallet get lost or stolen.  It's happened.  ... View more

Please accept my apologies for "hijacking" the thread.  It wasn't my intention to do so.  I will start a new thread when I have a minute.   Again, I'm sorry for the interruption. ... View more

Thanks, Musiclover.  It does help.  Utilization (26% now, down from 60% 6 months ago) is key, especially with my credit history.  Though I haven't had any lates for 1 year 10 months, there are two late car payments, over the course of 7 years on a paid off auto loan, one late Sears payment that's three years old and horror of horrors a near home repo/modification that will stick with me for another 4 years, in my history, that ranges from 10 years/EQ, to 14 years with TU.    I'm grateful all three bureaus report my payment history as good/very good, now, and that my scores have finally reached the low to mid 700s from the 500s of 4 years ago, but it's been slow and sometimes confusing.  I'm finally getting the hang of this balance transfer thing that's saving me a lot in interest.  I'm seeing my balances decrease faster and my credit scores climb, though I know with the near home repo I'll not see anywhere near 800 credit scores, and no matter what I do, for a very long time.    Your screen name brings a smile to my face, as I've been tempted to add around $1500 to my debt, which would add considerably to utilization via a Bose soundwave radio and headphones, which would make my Autistic child very, very, happy - and me too, for that matter.  Talk me out of it, will ya?   MyFico8:  EQ: 724, but hasn't updated in a month.  Citibank's EQ (bankcard score) just updated me to 740.  So which is it?  724 or 740?  TU Fico: Just updated to 748.   EX Fico: 724 Utilizing 26% of $62,000 and suppose it would be in my best interest to start gardening?       ... View more

How in the world do you guys get your credit limits so high?  Mine seem measely in comparison!  The highest being Citi at $7500, with the exception of Care Credit that's right at $10,000 that I don't count due to the nature of the card.    I can't imagine a line with a 5 figure number, but know it would help as TU tells me my credit limits are too low.  After being denied a CLI from Amex Blue, I'm hesitant to hit anyone's LUV button.     ... View more

Congrats on the raise!    I can't wait to see how all of this concludes, which is to say what creditors remain faithful to you.  It will be a good lesson learned for all of us who utilize credit and wonder which are the best cards to carry.  I've long since decided that AmEx isn't one of them, no matter the form it comes in. ... View more

I'm going to give it a shot, after a dispute clears the credit bureaus.   Thank God there are no hurricanes in sight! ... View more