@silverzgirl wrote:On my myFICO report, Citi is not really showing as a flagged negative. I don't think that is affecting me as much at this point. I do know that they have the mind of an elephant.
No, going to the EVP is not an option. I may give it a shot at this point.
The others are past GW. They sued but I countered with arbitration which they defied the court order by not initiating--arb no longer a sure thing for the creditors. SOL ran out, and they sent 1099Cs. They keep verifying balances though. These are what is hurting me the most.
In the meantime working to pay down balances, and I may not even need more once that is done. Of course that is when people get offers lol.
What's primarily holding you back is your very high utilization and the remaining bad remarks on your CR. I would suggest you concentrate on those two items first to get your house in order, so to speak, then consider getting cards for travel benefits, rewards, etc. Honestly, applying for any new credit with over 25% utilization is asking to less than you want.
I agree, like you said, you only get offers when your not utilizing most of your credit lines. honestly, thats the best situation, thats when you can really take advantage of sign up bonuses, point churning, etc.
When we're young, we (most of us) always use credit like its an extension of our bank accounts, and really its a tool to be more flexible financially, but WITHIN your means. On the rare "life events" (engagement, wedding, new baby, moving, new job) times when you need to hold a balance, your first concern should be paying down that balance to nothing before you get back into the credit "game".
Just my two abraham lincolns on your currrent situation.
The only reason I suggested GW Citi is to get it off your report to increase your chances with obtaining new credit with them. And I only suggested that in case your job pushes for you to get and use your corporate card for your travel expenses. I know my old company had everyone running their expenses through AMEX, no exceptions. Easier to track everyone's spending that way 
Even if that's not going to be an issue for you it doesn't hurt to try and have that old Citi account removed off your reports. Especially since it sounds like you'll have some time on your hands while "gardening" 
PS-Just suggestions, definitely not trying to step on any toes.
No worries, I did not take it as toe steppage.
I got hit on ScoreWatch...NFCU did a second HP, I am guessing for the CLI. My CL remains the same.
They hate me...why couldn't they have used the HP from three days ago....
I think it's a bit premature to conclude that you have been declined. A 3-5 day message doesn't mean that they rejected you. So far I've gotten two different 3-5 day messages and I was approved both times.
When you check the status does it still say "Pending Review", because if it does it means its still pending....LOL!!!
I know how hard it is to be waiting for that final decision because I remember being on pins and needles too. So hang in there and think positive!
