Got the itch last weekend and applied for the Choice Priviliges card. I probably should have waited, as my util was still over 30%, with a couple of cards at about 60%.
Apped on the website, and first I got some version 'can't extend you credit at this time. letter in mail'. Letter came telling me what my score was and listed the negatives on my CR. I was a little disappointed, threw letter away, and had planned to app again in 6 months.
Was talking to coworker about CC's today, so I decided to go for a recon with Barclays. Called recon number and someone answered phone right away. He asked for a reference number from the letter. Told him I threw letter away, and he found app by SSN. He informed me the letter I received was not denial letter, but a letter they are required to send anyone who doesnt have an 850 (perfect) score. He asked me a few questions about income and time in my career field. He also asked about some lates in 2009, and asked about why I had a $3900/5700 balance on one of my store cards. I explained the lates, and informed him that the balance was on a 4 year, 0% APR, furniture purchase. They didnt even mention an open collection I have from 2009.
He was then able to approve me with a $2.5k limit!! Said I should get card in about 7 days. This is my highest limit on a non AU, or store card.
I use Choice Hotels VEERY much. Im a big fan of Comfort Suites. Im already a gold member, and was a diamond member up until 12/31/2012. So this is a card I REAAALLLY wanted. ... As Im typing this, I just realized I forgot to ask if I still get the promo points. Guess Ill find out soon enough.
Fico Score was 684 TU, which is the same as TU98 here on this site
I used household annual income of $110K (Me & DW)
18yrs in same career field
UTIL is 34%
Nice way to start a Monday. This was my first App, after being in the garden since December of 2011.
5/2009 EQ-504(FICO), TU98-567(FICO), EX- 503 (FAKO)
10/17/11 EQ-633, TU04-652, EX-681 All lender Pulls
10/17/11 TU98-678
12/21/2012 TU98-677 (39% Util)
01/21/2012 EQ - 661 (37% Util) SW Alert
---- 4/3/13 ****TIME FOR THE GARDEN****
Starting Score: 585
