topic Re: United MileagePlus - Advice on applying in Credit Card Applications

United MileagePlus - Advice on applying

Sema-J — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 01:35:05 GMT

Hi folks,

First timer here looking for some advice on what my score and util should be before I apply for the MP Explorer Card -

Recently was targeted with the 70k miles offer - so I have been working on my score.

I have seen steady improvement in my FICO (all three) in the last couple of months by reducing my util (started at 94%; down to 83%; now down to 65%). This month's round of payments hasn't hit, but it should boot my score to right around 660 (here's hoping) based on past performance. I know that many people have success with Chase in that range, but I do have 1 late (student loan from Sept. of 2015) and a CO not paid for $892 from Chase (actually was a WaMu MC) from October of 2013. I have a long history (AAoC 10 years 1 mo), and a wallet with Discover (CL $6,700; Bal $4,300), a Capital One (CL $1,750; Bal $1,250), Merrick Bank (CL $1,500; Bal $949), CreditOne (CL $700; Bal 0); and a Macy's Card (CL $400; Bal $87). I have no lates on anything other than the Student Loan from Sept. of 2015 over the past 2 years.

Question is this:

Should I wait til my util drops below 30% or should I wait til September until the student loan late falls off?

Also, thoughts on the Chase baddie from 2013 - I know Chase has a LOOOOONG memory.

I bank with a Credit Union - used to have Chase, but dropped them in 2013. That probably doesn't help my case either - LOL

Thanks for any advice!

Re: United MileagePlus - Advice on applying

Anonymous — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 07:30:09 GMT

Id wait until your score was closer to 700 and your utilization was under 10% especially with that late payment.

Re: United MileagePlus - Advice on applying

AverageJoesCredit — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 12:00:49 GMT

If you can wait, you might get better results

Re: United MileagePlus - Advice on applying

Anonymous — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 12:32:20 GMT

Realistically yor chances right now for an approval are slim. You need to get your utilization below 10% and wait for the student loan late payment to drop off. If you are able to accomplish both then your scores will go significantly higher. Even then when you apply you will most likely be denied because of the issue with WAMU/Chase. I was denied on my first applications with them back in 2014 for an account with WAMU opened by my ex wife without my knowledge and defaulted on in 1992 so yes Chase has a very long memory. Your only hope is to get them to overturn the denial on recon but you should pay off that CO before even trying.

Re: United MileagePlus - Advice on applying

Sema-J — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 13:37:48 GMT

Thanks for the advice - agreed I need to get my util down. I've only been paying attention to carry a balance since last month - not good. :-( But I'm on it now!

Was hoping to cash in on the 70k offer since I fly United regularly, but that promo ends on April 30th for me. Looks like I just wait 'til next year.

As for the CO from WaMu, the account was closed in June of 2010 for being late. Is that the DOFD? I paid small amounts on and off up until October 2013 (not sure if that re-sets the clock). I guess, now I'm not sure if I should wait until June to see if it fall off, or just pay the $892.

Re: United MileagePlus - Advice on applying

Anonymous — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 13:54:41 GMT

@Sema-J wrote:
Thanks for the advice - agreed I need to get my util down. I've only been paying attention to carry a balance since last month - not good. :-( But I'm on it now!

Was hoping to cash in on the 70k offer since I fly United regularly, but that promo ends on April 30th for me. Looks like I just wait 'til next year.

As for the CO from WaMu, the account was closed in June of 2010 for being late. Is that the DOFD? I paid small amounts on and off up until October 2013 (not sure if that re-sets the clock). I guess, now I'm not sure if I should wait until June to see if it fall off, or just pay the $892.

While not all the time those 70K offers come about several times a year so when your credit is in order just wait for another one.

Im not an expert in DOFD timing and when accounts fall off but it also varies by state because some of them have earlier time periods. However even if the WAMU account drops off your credit reports, it doesn't drop off of Chase's records. They have their own internal scoring system known as CARS (Credit Acquisition Score System) that they use in conjunction with FICO scores so you can be assured that that scoring system is affected by the CO long after it drops off your credit reports. So, I'd definitely pay off the $892 if you ever want to get back with them.

Re: United MileagePlus - Advice on applying

Sema-J — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 14:13:14 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Sema-J wrote:
Thanks for the advice - agreed I need to get my util down. I've only been paying attention to carry a balance since last month - not good. :-( But I'm on it now!

Was hoping to cash in on the 70k offer since I fly United regularly, but that promo ends on April 30th for me. Looks like I just wait 'til next year.

As for the CO from WaMu, the account was closed in June of 2010 for being late. Is that the DOFD? I paid small amounts on and off up until October 2013 (not sure if that re-sets the clock). I guess, now I'm not sure if I should wait until June to see if it fall off, or just pay the $892.
While not all the time those 70K offers come about several times a year so when your credit is in order just wait for another one.

Im not an expert in DOFD timing and when accounts fall off but it also varies by state because some of them have earlier time periods. However even if the WAMU account drops off your credit reports, it doesn't drop off of Chase's records. They have their own internal scoring system known as CARS (Credit Acquisition Score System) that they use in conjunction with FICO scores so you can be assured that that scoring system is affected by the CO long after it drops off your credit reports. So, I'd definitely pay off the $892 if you ever want to get back with them.

Excellent point re: Chase's CARS. Now - 1 last question: When I pay the $892, do I ask them to "pay for delete" or if I can't get that status "CO Paid"? Not sure what the best route is here to at least ensure that payment of the CO has the best impact on both my CR and CARS. I've never negotiated a debt before.

Thanks again for the great advice - this forum is awesome!

Re: United MileagePlus - Advice on applying

Anonymous — Sun, 09 Apr 2017 14:32:06 GMT

@Sema-J wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
@Sema-J wrote:
Thanks for the advice - agreed I need to get my util down. I've only been paying attention to carry a balance since last month - not good. :-( But I'm on it now!

Was hoping to cash in on the 70k offer since I fly United regularly, but that promo ends on April 30th for me. Looks like I just wait 'til next year.

As for the CO from WaMu, the account was closed in June of 2010 for being late. Is that the DOFD? I paid small amounts on and off up until October 2013 (not sure if that re-sets the clock). I guess, now I'm not sure if I should wait until June to see if it fall off, or just pay the $892.
While not all the time those 70K offers come about several times a year so when your credit is in order just wait for another one.

Im not an expert in DOFD timing and when accounts fall off but it also varies by state because some of them have earlier time periods. However even if the WAMU account drops off your credit reports, it doesn't drop off of Chase's records. They have their own internal scoring system known as CARS (Credit Acquisition Score System) that they use in conjunction with FICO scores so you can be assured that that scoring system is affected by the CO long after it drops off your credit reports. So, I'd definitely pay off the $892 if you ever want to get back with them.
Excellent point re: Chase's CARS. Now - 1 last question: When I pay the $892, do I ask them to "pay for delete" or if I can't get that status "CO Paid"? Not sure what the best route is here to at least ensure that payment of the CO has the best impact on both my CR and CARS. I've never negotiated a debt before.

Thanks again for the great advice - this forum is awesome!

Well you can ask Chase to do a PFD but they won't do it. You certainly should ask them to report it as paid. That won't affect your FICO scores because there is no difference between paid or not paid collections in FICO scoring. However, it certainly will help your CARS and your overall credit reports if someone manually looks at them. Good luck.

Re: United MileagePlus - Advice on applying

Sema-J — Thu, 13 Apr 2017 20:31:56 GMT

UPDATE 4/13/17

Signifcantly paid down the UTIL and watched scores go up. Thought I'd pull the trigger on a cash-back card and apply for the Chase United card, too.

Amex BCE was instant approval w/ a small SL $1,000.

Chase was the 30 day message, so we'll see.

At time of application I had 71% Util over 8 cards, FICO scores of TU 647 EX 649 & EQ 623. AAoA 10 yrs 1 mo. Annual income $105,000. I had an Amex Patinum from 1999 to 2009 when I burned them - thought I'd get a refusal, but lo and behold! I'm out of the Amex doghouse!

I'll update when I hear back from Chase.

Re: United MileagePlus - Advice on applying

Sema-J — Sat, 22 Apr 2017 21:36:32 GMT

Update 4/22/17

Heard back from Chase: Denied due to "a previous delinquency or derogatory relationship with this bank."

I called recon and explained my situation to the very nice CSR. She listened, and said hold on. Twelve (12) minutes later - I'm not exaggerating, she came back on and told me that she had notated my account, and that she'd like me to send a letter explaining what I had just told her. She said I stood a good chance of approval if I explained my circumstances (stupid college kid/over extension) and to highlight that since that time (about 7 years ago) I am now settled, have not missed any CC payments in 5 years, etc... She said she was going to send me a letter explaining what they like to see in terms of contrition, and that given my income and current circumstances I shouldn't have a problem.

Soooo....I'll wait 'til I get the letter from her, and then send in the information and story as requested. I'll update when I know more!

Fingers crossed!

On another note, as I've paid down my UTIL my score has risen rapidly. Next round should have me above 675 hopefully.

Re: United MileagePlus - Advice on applying

TiggerDat — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 04:52:52 GMT

Did United target you for the offer or did Chase? I think the answer to that is important for knowing your chances. At 70K bonus miles you can't beat it.... Wonder why all of a sudden they are beating their old deal? What else can they beat? Will they beat you if you don't apply?

I might just try at that rewards level.

Re: United MileagePlus - Advice on applying

Sema-J — Mon, 24 Apr 2017 14:08:50 GMT

@TiggerDat wrote:
Did United target you for the offer or did Chase? I think the answer to that is important for knowing your chances. At 70K bonus miles you can't beat it.... Wonder why all of a sudden they are beating their old deal? What else can they beat? Will they beat you if you don't apply?

I might just try at that rewards level.

Yes, I was targeted - by United. They sent me snail mail, and an offer every time I logged in to my MileagePlus account. That being said, I still burned Chase in 2010, and Chase has a long memory. So, although I was told my chances were good after I show some contrition and apologize for my past behavior, I'm not going to hold my breath.

70k miles is a great offer. The other perk that interests me is the priority boarding. Last couple of years I have been just shy of holding Status with United (although this year I will get it because of more travel) and because I like an aisle seat, I am stuck in boarding group 5. The card lets you board with group 2. Plus there's no foreign transaction fee which is nice since I am in Europe frequently. Let's hope I get approved!

Re: United MileagePlus - Advice on applying

Anonymous — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 02:46:34 GMT

The 70K miles is pretty much a standing thing for all United with Elite status, it has been on my screen for about 10 months now ever since I got my elite status. Same thing happened with my friend the day after he got elite, the offer is just always there.

Good luck OP I hope you are approved.

Re: United MileagePlus - Advice on applying

Sema-J — Tue, 25 Apr 2017 21:52:37 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
The 70K miles is pretty much a standing thing for all United with Elite status, it has been on my screen for about 10 months now ever since I got my elite status. Same thing happened with my friend the day after he got elite, the offer is just always there.

Good luck OP I hope you are approved.

Thanks, MC. I'll be sure to update this post as I get new Data Points.

Re: United MileagePlus - Advice on applying

Anonymous — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 02:04:16 GMT

fingers crossed, I look forward to hearing how your recon goes

Re: United MileagePlus - Advice on applying

bettercreditguy1 — Wed, 26 Apr 2017 02:50:29 GMT

I received the same promo, it expires at the same time. Be patient, I have received several nice offers for that card. There will be more offers coming soon.!

Re: United MileagePlus - Advice on applying

Anonymous — Mon, 22 May 2017 14:03:20 GMT

Sema, did you ever receive an outcome on your recon? Thanks.

Re: United MileagePlus - Advice on applying

JoeLuvsHisCredit — Tue, 23 May 2017 18:50:22 GMT

@AverageJoesCredit wrote:
If you can wait, you might get better results

Id wait until your utilization was under 20% especially with a late payment on your file. If you do get your utilization down that will really HELP your scores