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After reading the Lunch with a Banker thread, I am concerned I might get a CLD from US Bank shortly. I have had a credit card from USB since 1989; currently it is at 65% UTIL (balance 13K; credit limit 20K). My FICO scores for all 3 bureaus are in the 700-730 range (EQ was the lowest and TU the highest).
I was going to check into some CU cards around December 1st; I had some inquiries for a personal loan in 12/2008 I was waiting to age for 1 year before applying for any new cards. Now, with the possibility of AA from USB, I might need to accelerate my plans to diversify my card portfolio a little bit. I only need a $1K - $2K credit limit for travel or small emergencies.
I see the following options - what do you think would be best for me?
My current CU (Boulder Valley Credit Union) - I currently have my checking/savings accounts there. I spoke with a loan officer and he indicated for the Gold card (5K CL) I would need a 680+ and no derogs on my report. The "standard" Visa (<5K) did not have a minimum score but would be considered on an individual basis. I asked about UTIL but the LO said it was not a show-stopper. I do not have any baddies on my CR - should I go ahead and apply for this one?
Alliant - What scores do I need? Anyone know how sensitive they are to UTIL?
Addison Avenue - What scores do I need? Anyone know how sensitive they are to UTIL?
Secured Card - I could spare $1K - $2K to open a secured card if none of the CUs pan out. What bank/CU would be my best bet for a secured card?
Thanks,
JD
sounds like you have 3 v. good options, ideally you could take the local (if it is a good one, i am not familiar with it) and later on a major cu... both Addison and Alliant are great places to be imo. Addison has a low rate platinum and Alliant typically has better than avg deposit rates.
Addison is sensitive to util ime, looks at income, etc. but sounds like you have other strengths, so may well be worth a shot.
Alliant evaluates primarily on eq fico. AFAIK and offers a quarterly credit score with their platinum cc (unfortunately, it's not the FICO used by most lenders.)
you can compare features, rates, etc. on the cc you are most interested from the 3 as you develop an app strategy. here are some ratings searches for an overview of the cu:
http://www.bauerfinancial.com/btc_ratings.asp?q=cu
http://www.bankrate.com/rates/safe-sound/bank-ratings-search.aspx
@score_building wrote:sounds like you have 3 v. good options, ideally you could take the local (if it is a good one, i am not familiar with it) and later on a major cu... both Addison and Alliant are great places to be imo. Addison has a low rate platinum and Alliant typically has better than avg deposit rates.
Addison is sensitive to util ime, looks at income, etc. but sounds like you have other strengths, so may well be worth a shot.
Alliant evaluates primarily on eq fico. AFAIK and offers a quarterly credit score with their platinum cc (unfortunately, it's not the FICO used by most lenders.) Alliant does not use classic FICO.
you can compare features, rates, etc. on the cc you are most interested from the 3 as you develop an app strategy. here are some ratings searches for an overview of the cu:
http://www.bauerfinancial.com/btc_ratings.asp?q=cu
http://www.bankrate.com/rates/safe-sound/bank-ratings-search.aspx
Message Edited by score_building on 10-20-2009 05:04 PM