Prime card with active collection?

[gheedorah]

While I'm sitting here browsing threads- I've been wondering for a while, do any prime creditors (eye towards Discover IT) issue cards to a person with an active collection? I have one CO from 2008 (don't remember the date, CO was towards the end of 2008, or in the first or second month of 2009 at the latest). I want to pay it, but have no incentive to until/unless collection agency will agree to a PFD.

I have always lived frugally, and with a new position I took in February, am making way more money now than I ever have, so I don't need the credit so badly, but I'd like to have one decent card so I can sock-drawer the rest (besides a store card that I use intermittently).

I'm going to be contacting Cap One EO to see if they'll roll up my now 3 Cap One cards into one, and give me a little CLI, and even if they don't, its fine, but- just wondering- anyone have experience/knowledge regarding whether a decent FICO would suffice even with an active baddie, or if it is automatic no, regardless of FICO score, if there's an active collection present?

[boomhower]

I was approved for both Discover and Amex BCP last year with two six year old unpaid collections.  One is for over $2k.  If they are older and your report is otherwise strong it can be done, especially with Discover.  They are far more forgiving than other prime cards.

[gheedorah]

You're much easier to understand in writing than you are on TV, Boomhower.

Thanks for the response!

I know Discover used to be very tough to get, but I've seen on some other unmentionable sites, that they may be easing up a bit.

Good to know there's at least a chance. I'll wait and see the outcome of my email to Cap One EO, but if its no go or not enough love, I might try Discover IT.

[counterglow]

I was actually just approved for Discover It with active collections showing on my credit report.  (Either 3 or 4 were on the report when I was approved - all small, 3 medical, one a utility, all from about 2 years ago) So, I would say it's possible!

[dodgerslv]

I have 2 paid collections on EX and one of them reporting on TU one around 2 years old the other 1.5 (non-credit card collections). Also have 2 charge offs from 2007 (one paid, the other unpaid) and got approved with BofA, AMEX, and Citi. so it is possible. I guess my good recent credit (thanks to this forum) outweighed the baddies.

[gheedorah]

Dodgers - I am amazed re: AMEX. (Grats!)

I have an INQ falling off May 1 or May 2...maybe I'll try Discover at that point, even if Cap One EO does take care of me before then.

[GaTech]

If you want an AMEX, maybe you could AP for the delta gold or one of their charge cards...

[youngandcreditwrthy]

Bet you could do it...
I got approved for a $5k Freedom with a CO from the same time, as well as Amex and Discover, $3500 & $4000 limits.

Had to recon the Chase card

[gheedorah]

No interest in AMEX, actually. The lady has a corporate AMEX from her law firm and has her own AMEX as well, and I don't understand the appeal of the card (besides status) - she seems indifferent to the cards, though as I see so often on here, "YMMV" (in this case, "HMMV"), as I know a lot of people here swear by it. Anyway, I'm quite certain I'd not qualify even if I tried. Income in low 50s and an active baddie and low CLs on existing cards = not worth bothering. Hoping that Discover IT is a little more accessible- sounds from these responses that this may be the case.

[youngandcreditwrthy]

Of course it's status baby!!! :-P

App for IT! It's a great card!