topic Re: Garden Club Meeting for May 2011 in Credit Cards

Garden Club Meeting for May 2011

Anonymous — Sun, 01 May 2011 19:46:08 GMT

A new month, a new thread! Have you recently finished an app spree and need to sit back and let your accounts age? Or, have you reached the stage where you are content with your CC profile? Well then, collect your complientary garden gloves and watering can, pull up a chair and come in to join the Garden Club meeting!

As I mentioned last month, I went ahead and apped and was approved for the JCP store card and the Dillard's Amex. I thought long and hard about it, but in the end I'm very happy with my decision. I've already enjoyed an impressive amount of savings from the JCP card, as I went on a planned mini-shopping spree for updating DH's wardrobe. Since I plan on having this card for many years, it was well worth the new credit ding. The same holds true for the Dillard's, and getting the Amex version was an unexpected, but very happy, bonus. As a result of getting the Amex version of the card, I chose to cancel a First Premier card. It felt great to be able to "prune" that card from my wallet and move foward with something better in my garden!

This made me think about the idea of a planned, purposeful cc portfolio. Ideally, every card should serve a purpose. And so, I thought that it might make for a good garden club topic for the month. What does your portfolio look like? Are you building, or maintaining? What role do your cards play in your garden? Which ones are weeds that need to be pulled?

As for myself, I'm in rebuilding mode. My cards each play the following roles:

Capital One Visa, 1400 CL - This is my oldest open card. It anchors my AAoA. It also has a higher limit than my rebuilder cards, so I like knowing that it's available for emergencies if I need to make a larger charge. I put a small charge on it once a month to keep it reporting.

Capital One No Hassle Cash Rewards MC, 750 CL - This is my "work horse" card. I run almost everything that I can through it and pay it off several times a month. I've had it since last October, and last month I received my second $50 cash back check! The cash back has more than paid for the AF, and I've never accrued a penny's worth of interest on it. As far as rebulder cards go, I really love this one!

Orchard Bank MC, 300 CL - This card started my rebuild last August. It got the ball rolling for me. It will need to go eventually, but for now it has a spotless payment history so it's helping to build positive reporting. It never sees the light of day, however. I keep it in my sock drawer, but I do place my recurring CRA monitoring fees on it so that it has an official job to do.

First Premier MC, 600 CL - This card is a "weed" that will be pulled out in September. I got it right after the OB card mentioned above. This was before I started reading these forums, when I was feeling pretty depressed about the sad state of my credit. If I could go back, I would have passed on getting this -- a second! -- FP card. Live and learn. But, since I paid the (hefty) AF up front, I'll let it report for the full year before canceling it. It's busy sniffing socks.

Kay Jeweler's, 5100 CL - This is my util "padding" card. I got it because I read that they give easy approvals and large CLs for people with fair credit. I was hoping to get maybe a 2000 CL; my jaw dropped when I saw what I had been approved for! I used it to buy a present for DD, and then 2 months later for a watch battery. I have some repairs that need to be done and will use it for that purpose this month. Other than that, it's happily sniffing socks.

JC Penny, 200 CL - I shop their mostly for DH's clothes and other assorted items. I like the discounts this card offers. Also, I understand that they give nice CLIs on a regular basis, so if I handle it well I should expect it to grow with me. It resides in my wallet.

Dillard's Amex, 700 CL - I make skin care and cosmetic purchases from Dillard's, as well as some of my own wardrobe. Since I get store rewards with this card, it will get used as a major credit card for general purchases during the few days before my Cap1 MC statement; this is the time that I wish to add no further charges to the Cap1 so that it reports a 0 balance. Until I got this card, I had been putting those few days worth of charges on one of my other cards which offered no rewards of any kind.

And so, every card that I have right now is doing something that helps me -- even if it's just util padding or positive reporting. I need to let the JCP and Amex age and hope that their CLs grow. If I stay on course, the new credit ding will fade in a few months. Right now, at this stage of my rebuild, I'm very happy with my latest little seedlings.

So... what is the make up and purpose of cards in other folks' credit gardens? Please share!

Re: Garden Club Meeting for May 2011

tntexans72 — Sun, 01 May 2011 20:20:37 GMT

Congrats !! That's a solid foundation to garden......

Re: Garden Club Meeting for May 2011

LS2982 — Sun, 01 May 2011 21:00:05 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
A new month, a new thread! Have you recently finished an app spree and need to sit back and let your accounts age? Or, have you reached the stage where you are content with your CC profile? Well then, collect your complientary garden gloves and watering can, pull up a chair and come in to join the Garden Club meeting!

As I mentioned last month, I went ahead and apped and was approved for the JCP store card and the Dillard's Amex. I thought long and hard about it, but in the end I'm very happy with my decision. I've already enjoyed an impressive amount of savings from the JCP card, as I went on a planned mini-shopping spree for updating DH's wardrobe. Since I plan on having this card for many years, it was well worth the new credit ding. The same holds true for the Dillard's, and getting the Amex version was an unexpected, but very happy, bonus. As a result of getting the Amex version of the card, I chose to cancel a First Premier card. It felt great to be able to "prune" that card from my wallet and move foward with something better in my garden!

This made me think about the idea of a planned, purposeful cc portfolio. Ideally, every card should serve a purpose. And so, I thought that it might make for a good garden club topic for the month. What does your portfolio look like? Are you building, or maintaining? What role do your cards play in your garden? Which ones are weeds that need to be pulled?

As for myself, I'm in rebuilding mode. My cards each play the following roles:

Capital One Visa, 1400 CL - This is my oldest open card. It anchors my AAoA. It also has a higher limit than my rebuilder cards, so I like knowing that it's available for emergencies if I need to make a larger charge. I put a small charge on it once a month to keep it reporting.

Capital One No Hassle Cash Rewards MC, 750 CL - This is my "work horse" card. I run almost everything that I can through it and pay it off several times a month. I've had it since last October, and last month I received my second $50 cash back check! The cash back has more than paid for the AF, and I've never accrued a penny's worth of interest on it. As far as rebulder cards go, I really love this one!

Orchard Bank MC, 300 CL - This card started my rebuild last August. It got the ball rolling for me. It will need to go eventually, but for now it has a spotless payment history so it's helping to build positive reporting. It never sees the light of day, however. I keep it in my sock drawer, but I do place my recurring CRA monitoring fees on it so that it has an official job to do.

First Premier MC, 600 CL - This card is a "weed" that will be pulled out in September. I got it right after the OB card mentioned above. This was before I started reading these forums, when I was feeling pretty depressed about the sad state of my credit. If I could go back, I would have passed on getting this -- a second! -- FP card. Live and learn. But, since I paid the (hefty) AF up front, I'll let it report for the full year before canceling it. It's busy sniffing socks.

Kay Jeweler's, 5100 CL - This is my util "padding" card. I got it because I read that they give easy approvals and large CLs for people with fair credit. I was hoping to get maybe a 2000 CL; my jaw dropped when I saw what I had been approved for! I used it to buy a present for DD, and then 2 months later for a watch battery. I have some repairs that need to be done and will use it for that purpose this month. Other than that, it's happily sniffing socks.

JC Penny, 200 CL - I shop their mostly for DH's clothes and other assorted items. I like the discounts this card offers. Also, I understand that they give nice CLIs on a regular basis, so if I handle it well I should expect it to grow with me. It resides in my wallet.

Dillard's Amex, 700 CL - I make skin care and cosmetic purchases from Dillard's, as well as some of my own wardrobe. Since I get store rewards with this card, it will get used as a major credit card for general purchases during the few days before my Cap1 MC statement; this is the time that I wish to add no further charges to the Cap1 so that it reports a 0 balance. Until I got this card, I had been putting those few days worth of charges on one of my other cards which offered no rewards of any kind.

And so, every card that I have right now is doing something that helps me -- even if it's just util padding or positive reporting. I need to let the JCP and Amex age and hope that their CLs grow. If I stay on course, the new credit ding will fade in a few months. Right now, at this stage of my rebuild, I'm very happy with my latest little seedlings.

So... what is the make up and purpose of cards in other folks' credit gardens? Please share!

My garden is small......But the scores dicate the CC's

Capital One secured MC $700 CL - Had since 3/15/11.

First Premier secured MC $300 CL - Had since 4/4/11.

Fingerhut Retail Credit Account - Recently Opened.

and Time and water will make new flowers!!!

Re: Garden Club Meeting for May 2011

visorboy1974 — Sun, 01 May 2011 21:04:04 GMT

I'm still doing apps, but they're just for CLIs. Does that still count as gardening?

Re: Garden Club Meeting for May 2011

Anonymous — Sun, 01 May 2011 21:09:59 GMT

@visorboy1974 wrote:
I'm still doing apps, but they're just for CLIs. Does that still count as gardening?

I would think so, as you're tending to what you have. Hopefully, you can get a response with a soft pull. Even if you wind up with a hard pull, a request for a CLI won't muck up your AAoA. Good luck!

Re: Garden Club Meeting for May 2011

Anonymous — Sun, 01 May 2011 21:12:25 GMT

My garden is small......But the scores dicate the CC's

Capital One secured MC $700 CL - Had since 3/15/11.

First Premier secured MC $300 CL - Had since 4/4/11.

Fingerhut Retail Credit Account - Recently Opened.

and Time and water will make new flowers!!!

That's a good start! Keep your reported balances low, stay well under your CLs, and never, EVER pay late. Over the coming months, you should see your scores start to grow. Good luck!

Re: Garden Club Meeting for May 2011

trumpet-205 — Sun, 01 May 2011 21:47:00 GMT

Very Nice! Congrats!

For me,

Capital One Student Visa (10/2010 - CL $750) ---> My first credit card and my everyday card. Very glad that Capital One took me when no one else did due to lack of credit history. Originally started as $500 of CL. It had since then increased to $750 after credit step program. Especially use it for my phone/internet bill as it offers 2% cashback on them.

Citi Forward (12/2010 - CL$1000) ---> My second credit card. Opened shortly after my first credit card. Primarily for books, restaurant, and water bill payment.

GEMB/JCPenney (04/2011 - CL$200) ---> My third credit account. Will use it every now and then for small purchases (clearance clothes) on JCPenney. Hope that one day it can have a CL of $1500.

AMEX Zync (04/2011 - No Pre-Set Limit) ---> My fourth credit account. Will use it for monthly gas spending. Only apped it because I want an AMEX credit card (Blue Cash or Blue Sky) later on.

I will now be in gardening mode until next calendar year (2012). By then I expect to app the following cards,

* AMEX credit card.

* Target CC

* Kohl's CC

* Barnes and Noble MC

Re: Garden Club Meeting for May 2011

Walt_K — Sun, 01 May 2011 21:34:02 GMT

Here's my garden.

Amex Starwood Preferred Guest $19,600 CL. This is my newest card. I applied April 12, but it is backdated to 1998. I got it for two reasons. One, I wanted to push my AAoA over the 9 year mark to see if I could gain a few more points. I'm still waiting on it to hit my reports to see the effect. Two, I plan to use it for hotel redemptions and to top off mileage accounts for programs that I don't fly too often. Right now, I run everything through it until I clear the bonus spend requirement.

Amex PR Gold NPSL. I apped for this in October 2010. It is also backdated to 1998. This is my main everyday card. For now, until I earn the bonus on the SPG card, I am only using it for airfare and gas/groceries because of the 3x, 2x points structure.

Once I earn the bonus on the SPG card, most of my spend will go back on the PR Gold. Of course, I'll always put my SPG hotel stays on the SPG card and I'll use the SPG card enough to earn at least a couple cash and points nights a year.

Capital One Classic Platinum $2500 CL. This was my first card when I started rebuilding. It has a $39 AF. Right now, it's main purpose is that it is a Mastercard so I have an option where Amex isn't accepted.

The Cap One card is a bit of a weed for me. I no longer need an AF card that has no rewards. I would dump it right now and apply for a different Visa or MC except that I am hoping to move into a larger house at the first of the year. I don't need any more inquiries until my mortgage app. Once the mortgage is squared away, I'm dumping this Cap One card. I'll replace it with a no fee Visa/MC just so I have an option where Amex isn't accepted. The only other thing I am interested in adding to my CC portfolio is a card that has no foreign transaction fees. For that reason, I may consider another Cap One card, although I am aware of the other options.

Re: Garden Club Meeting for May 2011

Anonymous — Sun, 01 May 2011 22:32:11 GMT

Well I applied for a mortgage last month, am in the process of that (sign a P&S tomorrow) so I left the Garden to add credit but I will have a Town House to show for it. I am continuing to garden and build relationships with

American Express PR Gold - Opened 10/10 (Just booked my second free flight since I've had it - Love rewards points)

American Express Costco TE - Opened 03/11 - Backdated to 03/10 - Figured I'd have it to go with my Costco membership.

Citi Platinum Select MC - Opened 03/11 - Barely used, wanted to start a relationship with Citi

BoA Visa - Opened 10/10

Discover More - Opened 05/08 - Never use

Plus my Car Loan which I continue to pay off and my student loans on deferrment.

Added two inquires in April to EX and TU (EQ is still untouched) for the two mortgage pulls. Can't wait to get my mortgage and continue to garden my accounts (either that or apply for a Chase BA Card and get 100k miles )

Re: Garden Club Meeting for May 2011

Walt_K — Sun, 01 May 2011 22:38:06 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
Well I applied for a mortgage last month, am in the process of that (sign a P&S tomorrow) so I left the Garden to add credit but I will have a Town House to show for it. I am continuing to garden and build relationships with

American Express PR Gold - Opened 10/10 (Just booked my second free flight since I've had it - Love rewards points)
American Express Costco TE - Opened 03/11 - Backdated to 03/10 - Figured I'd have it to go with my Costco membership.
Citi Platinum Select MC - Opened 03/11 - Barely used, wanted to start a relationship with Citi
BoA Visa - Opened 10/10
Discover More - Opened 05/08 - Never use

Plus my Car Loan which I continue to pay off and my student loans on deferrment.

Added two inquires in April to EX and TU (EQ is still untouched) for the two mortgage pulls. Can't wait to get my mortgage and continue to garden my accounts (either that or apply for a Chase BA Card and get 100k miles )

Need to act fast on that. I think this offer expires this week.

Re: Garden Club Meeting for May 2011

Anonymous — Sun, 01 May 2011 22:58:09 GMT

@Walt_K wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:
Well I applied for a mortgage last month, am in the process of that (sign a P&S tomorrow) so I left the Garden to add credit but I will have a Town House to show for it. I am continuing to garden and build relationships with

American Express PR Gold - Opened 10/10 (Just booked my second free flight since I've had it - Love rewards points)
American Express Costco TE - Opened 03/11 - Backdated to 03/10 - Figured I'd have it to go with my Costco membership.
Citi Platinum Select MC - Opened 03/11 - Barely used, wanted to start a relationship with Citi
BoA Visa - Opened 10/10
Discover More - Opened 05/08 - Never use

Plus my Car Loan which I continue to pay off and my student loans on deferrment.

Added two inquires in April to EX and TU (EQ is still untouched) for the two mortgage pulls. Can't wait to get my mortgage and continue to garden my accounts (either that or apply for a Chase BA Card and get 100k miles )
Need to act fast on that. I think this offer expires this week.

Well I will miss it then. Definitely not applying for any new credit with the mortgage stuff happening. Having that go smoothly is much more important to me.

Thanks for the heads up though, I brought it up to my father tonight at dinner, maybe it's something he could use.

Re: Garden Club Meeting for May 2011

visorboy1974 — Sun, 01 May 2011 23:02:55 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:

@visorboy1974 wrote:
I'm still doing apps, but they're just for CLIs. Does that still count as gardening?
I would think so, as you're tending to what you have. Hopefully, you can get a response with a soft pull. Even if you wind up with a hard pull, a request for a CLI won't muck up your AAoA. Good luck!

Thanks! My latest account is a Nordie's Store Card in March, but nothing but CLI requests since. I'll update if I decide to go for CLIs.

Re: Garden Club Meeting for May 2011

28217 — Sun, 01 May 2011 23:04:34 GMT

Here is my garden:

1.) Capital One - Platinum Mastercard - $500 CL. Opened in May of 2010, was first rebuilder card. I have actually been very pleased with Capital One's service and started with a $300 limit that was raised to $500 on the credit steps program after 6 months. I always pay in full and have enjoyed the cash back rewards.

2.) Capital One - No Hassle Rewards Mastercard - $500 CL. Opened in March 2011. Capital One sent me a preapproval so I decided to give it a shot. The 2% on gas and groceries is nice so this card is limited to that and also always paid in full.

3.) Orchard Bank - Platinum Mastercard - $300 CL. Opened in December 2010. Use it once a month and pay in full. This card is useless and will be closed next year.

4.) Credit One - Platinum Visa - $400 CL. Opened in December 2010. Similar to Orchard, once a month then pay in full. Will close next year.

5.) Barclays - USAirways Platinum Mastercard - $3,000 CL!!!!! - Opened in March 2011. Took a chance and applied for it after reading here that they pulled TU only and that was my best score. I was declined initially but used the myfico backdoor number for recon and was approved for $1,500. A few weeks later, I called in to say I wanted a balance transfer but needed more available credit, they boosted my CL to $3,000 and I got rid of an old $1,200 balance on a B of A card that they closed on me 4 years ago that I had been making payments on. I have paid the balance down to $0 and use for business travel expenses paying in full when I am reimbursed.

6.) Chase Auto Finance - I bought a 2008 Mercedes E Class ($27,000) in April with a rate of 12.99% (will refinance next year, just opened a PSECU account and will go through them). My lease was up on my Grand Cherokee and it felt great to buy my first car with no co-signer.

7.) Wells Fargo Mortgage - Just got preapproved for a mortgage and making an offer tomorrow on a townhouse for $90,000. I am a first time homebuyer and the FHA rate is 4.75%.

That's it for now. No inquiries until next year when I hope to add an Amex Gold card and B of A University of Michigan Rewards Amex. Thanks myfico community!!

Re: Garden Club Meeting for May 2011

Anonymous — Mon, 02 May 2011 00:27:47 GMT

I love these threads - so helpful in keeping me on the straight and narrow!

My goal for 2011 is no apps at all. I don't need additional credit, so I'm not going to chase it and will keep my fingers crossed that my current cards grow without my asking for CLIs. My most recent card (and app) is 6 months old this week, so I feel like I'm doing pretty good - BUT I did get a hard pull on Exp this month due to my upcoming move. Annoying, but my new apartment is awesome so I'll suck it up and quit complaining.

My current garden is:

1. First Premier Mastercard (9/09) - 600CL. $0 balance. I think I need to whip this card out to buy lunch one day this month - it's been about 6 mos. They just gave me a $200 CLI this month, but that won't stop me from closing it before the annual fee hits in September. I've had no problem with them, and my interest rate is actually pretty low (9.9%, I think?), but I've outgrown them and will weed them out soon. Hoping to replace them with something better in 2012.

2. Orchard Bank Platinum Visa (2/10) - $500CL. $0 balance. I wouldn't be opposed to keeping this card if CLIs weren't so hard to come by. We'll see.

3. Macy's (2/10) - ??CL. $175 balance, will be paid off this month. Not liking this new system of theirs, but I do shop there a lot so not taking any action currently.

4. Banana Republic (2/10) - $1000CL. $0 balance. Don't use it much, but it's one of the better store rewards cards out there, IMO. I've gotten at least $150 in coupons since I got the card.

5. Lord & Taylor (2/10) - $2300CL. $150 balance, will be paid off this month. This card has shot up from an initial $600CL and I really appreciate that. Love the coupons, too.

6. Ann Taylor (8/10) - $600CL. $0 balance. I rarely use this card, but am looking for a new suit, so it might get used this month.

7. Discover More (10/10) - $4000CL. $1900 balance. This is my main card, and the rewards have been great for me. I travel a lot and racked up almost $50 in rewards in February alone due to work travel. I was hoping for a CLI on my 6 month anniversary in April, but no dice. Oh, well. I'm going to start putting monthly expenses on it (cable, cell phone, etc.) to maximize rewards and show them I'd use a bigger limit if they'll give it to me. Not sure if my movers will take Discover when I use them June 1, but that would be a nice expense to get some cash back on. This will be my only card with a balance after this month, taking advantage of the 18 mos no interest sign-up offer.

8. Barclays Apple Financing Visa (11/10) - $1700CL. $400 balance, will be paid off this month. Got this in November when I purchased my MacBook Air (which I LOVELOVELOVE) and paid it off in February. I pretty much just use this card at the few places that won't take Discover. Most of the charges come from my hair salon, which means I'm running a few hundred dollars through there every six weeks, so not too bad. Hoping this one will grow, too, and on the anniversary I'm planning to try and PC to the iTunes Rewards Visa.

Re: Garden Club Meeting for May 2011

Anonymous — Mon, 02 May 2011 04:30:50 GMT

Well. Guess I should join in too..even though I'm a NOOBIE! Lol

My garden is not big at all but it is my paradise!

Cap 1 secured card $600 Got this one last days of march

Fingerhut store card $125 Got this one mid April...but after six months they increase the credit.

And that's it ..nothing but letting grow in the beautiful summers of Chicago! Woot woot! Go bulls!

Re: Garden Club Meeting for May 2011

Anonymous — Mon, 02 May 2011 13:56:49 GMT

I've decided that I need to sit back and see what happens in my garden before I do too much more. I'd still love to get a visa card with a good CL to replace my orchard but here is what I have for now:

Wells Fargo Mortgage - 5.625% interest. (2010) I'm paying extra on it every mont, even if it is only $20.

Chase Auto Loan - 7.5% interest. (2009) I am halfway through this loan. I have thought about refinancing it through a credit union and joined one this weekend so I could build a relationship with them and possibly refi the car. They are offering 4% right now.

Orchard - ($300) (2010) I opened this card right after I got my mortgage so I could replace First Premier.

Capital One - ($2250) (2010) I opened this about a month after my Orchard. It was a credit steps starting at $500 in May 2010

Home Depot - ($4000) (opened 4/30/11) I opened the account at the store. The lady that opened it said "don't worry. It's just a starting amount. It will grow quickly." She didn't know it was my biggest account and probably the only account that I have that will grow.

Kohls - ($400) - 2010

My oldest account is 14 years old and closed and thankfully still reporting positively. I'll wait a while to let some inquiries fall off and accounts age. Then I'll apply for a cc through the credit union.

Re: Garden Club Meeting for May 2011

Anonymous — Mon, 02 May 2011 14:03:35 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
I've decided that I need to sit back and see what happens in my garden before I do too much more.   I'd still love to get a visa card with a good CL to replace my orchard but here is what I have for now:

Wells Fargo Mortgage - 5.625% interest. (2010) I'm paying extra on it every mont, even if it is only $20.
Chase Auto Loan - 7.5% interest. (2009) I am halfway through this loan.   I have thought about refinancing it through a credit union and joined one this weekend so I could build a relationship with them and possibly refi the car. They are offering 4% right now.
Orchard - ($300) (2010) I opened this card right after I got my mortgage so I could replace First Premier.
Capital One - ($2250)  (2010) I opened this about a month after my Orchard. It was a credit steps starting at $500 in May 2010
Home Depot - ($4000) (opened 4/30/11)   I opened the account at the store. The lady that opened it said "don't worry. It's just a starting amount. It will grow quickly."   She didn't know it was my biggest account and probably the only account that I have that will grow.
Kohls - ($400) - 2010

My oldest account is 14 years old and closed and thankfully still reporting positively. I'll wait a while to let some inquiries fall off and accounts age. Then I'll apply for a cc through the credit union.

That's really nice growth for a Cap1 CS card! Do you have any idea why they did such a good increase for you?

Re: Garden Club Meeting for May 2011

Anonymous — Mon, 02 May 2011 14:57:08 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:

@Anonymous wrote:
I've decided that I need to sit back and see what happens in my garden before I do too much more.   I'd still love to get a visa card with a good CL to replace my orchard but here is what I have for now:

Wells Fargo Mortgage - 5.625% interest. (2010) I'm paying extra on it every mont, even if it is only $20.
Chase Auto Loan - 7.5% interest. (2009) I am halfway through this loan.   I have thought about refinancing it through a credit union and joined one this weekend so I could build a relationship with them and possibly refi the car. They are offering 4% right now.
Orchard - ($300) (2010) I opened this card right after I got my mortgage so I could replace First Premier.
Capital One - ($2250)  (2010) I opened this about a month after my Orchard. It was a credit steps starting at $500 in May 2010
Home Depot - ($4000) (opened 4/30/11)   I opened the account at the store. The lady that opened it said "don't worry. It's just a starting amount. It will grow quickly."   She didn't know it was my biggest account and probably the only account that I have that will grow.
Kohls - ($400) - 2010

My oldest account is 14 years old and closed and thankfully still reporting positively. I'll wait a while to let some inquiries fall off and accounts age. Then I'll apply for a cc through the credit union.
That's really nice growth for a Cap1 CS card! Do you have any idea why they did such a good increase for you?

I have NO idea but I'll take it, especially since it is a cash rewards card. It's worth the $39 AF.

It was $500 and credit stepped to $750 in September (I think). In December when everyone was posting about Cap 1 CLI, I got one also. It went from $750 to $2250. No soft or hard pull. No request.

I do the same thing most other people seem to do. Use it and PIF. I try to PIF before the statement cuts but it doesn't always work out. Regardless, it is always PIF before the due date so I don't pay interest.

Re: Garden Club Meeting for May 2011

Walt_K — Mon, 02 May 2011 17:43:25 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:

@Anonymous wrote:
I've decided that I need to sit back and see what happens in my garden before I do too much more.   I'd still love to get a visa card with a good CL to replace my orchard but here is what I have for now:

Wells Fargo Mortgage - 5.625% interest. (2010) I'm paying extra on it every mont, even if it is only $20.
Chase Auto Loan - 7.5% interest. (2009) I am halfway through this loan.   I have thought about refinancing it through a credit union and joined one this weekend so I could build a relationship with them and possibly refi the car. They are offering 4% right now.
Orchard - ($300) (2010) I opened this card right after I got my mortgage so I could replace First Premier.
Capital One - ($2250)  (2010) I opened this about a month after my Orchard. It was a credit steps starting at $500 in May 2010
Home Depot - ($4000) (opened 4/30/11)   I opened the account at the store. The lady that opened it said "don't worry. It's just a starting amount. It will grow quickly."   She didn't know it was my biggest account and probably the only account that I have that will grow.
Kohls - ($400) - 2010

My oldest account is 14 years old and closed and thankfully still reporting positively. I'll wait a while to let some inquiries fall off and accounts age. Then I'll apply for a cc through the credit union.
That's really nice growth for a Cap1 CS card! Do you have any idea why they did such a good increase for you?

I have NO idea but I'll take it, especially since it is a cash rewards card. It's worth the $39 AF.

It was $500 and credit stepped to $750 in September (I think). In December when everyone was posting about Cap 1 CLI, I got one also.   It went from $750 to $2250.   No soft or hard pull. No request.

I do the same thing most other people seem to do.   Use it and PIF.   I try to PIF before the statement cuts but it doesn't always work out.   Regardless, it is always PIF before the due date so I don't pay interest.

My Cap One was very similar. $39 AF Classic Platinum (no rewards). Opened it in June 2009 for $500 CL and in credit steps. It also went to $750 on the first increase. It then went up to $1000 or $1500 sometime around the 1 year anniversary if I remember correctly (a little fuzzy). And late last year it bumped to $2500.

I put fairly heavy usage through it but didn't always PIF. I would carry a balance for a month every once in a while. The funny thing with them is they denied me for a CLI at my request about a month before they gave me the last CLI.

Re: Garden Club Meeting for May 2011

Anonymous — Tue, 03 May 2011 00:45:27 GMT

I'm going to start gardening, finally. My credit cards are as follows:

1. BankAmericard Cash Rewards MC - $2,500 CL - $0 balance - open for 3 years, 1 month.

2. Discover More - $2,500 CL - $100 balance - approved 4/21/2011

I have numerous other inquiries for other cards I had been approved for and closed or just plan denied. I'm satisfied with my current cards though, and am going to stop applying.