topic Re: Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits in Credit Cards

Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits

new_earth — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 20:07:19 GMT

So last weekend I got approved for Macy's at $300, waiting for the card in the mail. Last night I called the credit department to see if they would give me a higher starting limit. The guy said no, that I need to wait 6 months and show good payments and they will give me a CLI.

Today, even though I was supposed to be in the garden (for the 3rd time now), I got approved for Bloomingdale's. Originally $300 limit. Then I received an email saying I need to call to verify some information. I just called and answered some security questions and then the guy said WELL NOW THAT YOU ANSWERED THOSE, YOU ACTUALLY GET A $800 CL!!!!! I was so excited, it's the highest one I have yet and helps GREAT with utilization down the road.

So darnit, if they will do it why won't Macy's? Aren't they the same bank? Should I try calling Macy's again? Is there a better number I can call? I believe I called 800-933-6229and was transferred to the credit department. Anyone have another number that has worked for them? Or maybe just for some reason Bloomingdale's is more generous?

Re: Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits

LS2982 — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 20:11:07 GMT

@new_earth wrote:
So last weekend I got approved for Macy's at $300, waiting for the card in the mail. Last night I called the credit department to see if they would give me a higher starting limit. The guy said no, that I need to wait 6 months and show good payments and they will give me a CLI.

Today, even though I was supposed to be in the garden (for the 3rd time now), I got approved for Bloomingdale's. Originally $300 limit. Then I received an email saying I need to call to verify some information. I just called and answered some security questions and then the guy said WELL NOW THAT YOU ANSWERED THOSE, YOU ACTUALLY GET A $800 CL!!!!! I was so excited, it's the highest one I have yet and helps GREAT with utilization down the road.

So darnit, if they will do it why won't Macy's? Aren't they the same bank? Should I try calling Macy's again? Is there a better number I can call? I believe I called 800-933-6229and was transferred to the credit department. Anyone have another number that has worked for them? Or maybe just for some reason Bloomingdale's is more generous?

I'd get in the garden for 6 months and then try it. Don't take unnecessary HP's.

Re: Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits

Rhaeny — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 20:11:51 GMT

Well I found that if one rep says no I just call back and try to talk with someone else...LOL!

I opened Macy's in October with $300 limit and I called and asked for an increase and they said no. I was thinking for goodness sakes what in the hell can I do with $300 at Macy's that wouldn't use up every bit of that limit. So I called back a little later and requested an increase again. This time I got a rep that knew what they were talking about and got it increased to $1500. So yea its doable....just gotta be a little persistent.

Re: Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits

new_earth — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 20:12:27 GMT

@LS2982 wrote:
@new_earth wrote:
So last weekend I got approved for Macy's at $300, waiting for the card in the mail. Last night I called the credit department to see if they would give me a higher starting limit. The guy said no, that I need to wait 6 months and show good payments and they will give me a CLI.

Today, even though I was supposed to be in the garden (for the 3rd time now), I got approved for Bloomingdale's. Originally $300 limit. Then I received an email saying I need to call to verify some information. I just called and answered some security questions and then the guy said WELL NOW THAT YOU ANSWERED THOSE, YOU ACTUALLY GET A $800 CL!!!!! I was so excited, it's the highest one I have yet and helps GREAT with utilization down the road.

So darnit, if they will do it why won't Macy's? Aren't they the same bank? Should I try calling Macy's again? Is there a better number I can call? I believe I called 800-933-6229and was transferred to the credit department. Anyone have another number that has worked for them? Or maybe just for some reason Bloomingdale's is more generous?
I'd get in the garden for 6 months and then try it. Don't take unnecessary HP's.

It didn't seem like the Bloomingdale's guy did another pull, but knew my limit would $800 if I answered the questions correctly. But then I am not exactly sure how it works. It just seemed like he already knew.

Re: Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits

new_earth — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 21:08:56 GMT

I tried a different number and still 'no'. Very strange that they gave me such a high one for Bloomingdale's without even asking but no no no for regular Macy's. Hmm

Re: Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits

sybo40 — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 23:33:22 GMT

Seems typical of them both. Macy's gave me a $300 limit in January. I bought up to $264 and then paid it off after letting $88 report. After paying it off in March, I called last week for increase. They gave me $1,000 (should have asked for more, but didn't want to shoot myself in the foot). Apped for Bloomingdale's on Friday and was instantly approved for $1K (I assume that DSNB was matching whatever they had given me at Macy's). Since I'd taken the two hits, I decided to stop while I was ahead, so I didn't ask for an increase. I'll just let them grow and leave 'em be...THAT IS A BLATANT LIE AND I NEED TO STOP THAT! LOL Besides, Ted Baker was whispering to me while I was there and I had to take one of his shirts home with me. LOL Just give it a couple months. Use the card, then call 'em up and ask for the increases. You should be fine. GOOD LUCK and congrats on the approvals!!

Re: Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits

randeman — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 23:47:50 GMT

@Rhaeny wrote:
Well I found that if one rep says no I just call back and try to talk with someone else...LOL!

I opened Macy's in October with $300 limit and I called and asked for an increase and they said no. I was thinking for goodness sakes what in the hell can I do with $300 at Macy's that wouldn't use up every bit of that limit. So I called back a little later and requested an increase again. This time I got a rep that knew what they were talking about and got it increased to $1500. So yea its doable....just gotta be a little persistent.

I think I would have an easier time with $300 at Macy's than I would with Bloomingdale's!

My experience was with Macy's first, they started me with a $300 limit that went to $2000 in less than six months without my asking. I opened Bloomingdale's in January, and it's still at $300. I am hoping Bloomie's goes up on its own by six months.

Re: Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits

new_earth — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 00:14:02 GMT

@randeman wrote:
@Rhaeny wrote:
Well I found that if one rep says no I just call back and try to talk with someone else...LOL!

I opened Macy's in October with $300 limit and I called and asked for an increase and they said no. I was thinking for goodness sakes what in the hell can I do with $300 at Macy's that wouldn't use up every bit of that limit. So I called back a little later and requested an increase again. This time I got a rep that knew what they were talking about and got it increased to $1500. So yea its doable....just gotta be a little persistent.
I think I would have an easier time with $300 at Macy's than I would with Bloomingdale's!

My experience was with Macy's first, they started me with a $300 limit that went to $2000 in less than six months without my asking. I opened Bloomingdale's in January, and it's still at $300. I am hoping Bloomie's goes up on its own by six months.

Well, there is an actual Macy's location close by, a few of them actually. I prefer to shop in person and they are cheaper than Bloomingdale's. Bloomingdale's I'd have to order online and pay for shipping, and honestly most of the stuff I could never afford unless I buy one item at a time and pay it off over a few months. I will most likely at least for now only buy a small nice piece of jewelry from them to utilize the account.

Ooh, a huge Macy's increase like that in less than six months, I am excited!

Re: Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits

austinguy907 — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 02:57:05 GMT

http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/Macy-s-AMEX-Approval/m-p/2050487#M569191

I applied in store and they gave me $1200.... see thread for more info.

Re: Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits

new_earth — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 03:10:54 GMT

@austinguy907 wrote:
http://ficoforums.myfico.com/t5/Credit-Cards/Macy-s-AMEX-Approval/m-p/2050487#M569191

I applied in store and they gave me $1200.... see thread for more info.

that is awesome I am excited that one day down the line they will offer me the Amex version. Or at least I will have a good chance of getting it. I believe Bloomingdale's has an Amex version too, which is another opportunity for me in the future. In addition to those, I have a new Loft/Ann Taylor card which after establishing a good history with, people seem to get offered the Mastercard version. I am so excited for these opportunities. Gotta garden all these first though, currently I do not get approved for any prime cards.

Re: Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits

09Lexie — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 01:19:40 GMT

I app'd last month and they gave me $900. I bought something $11 and now it's in my SD. We'll see if they give me a CLI

Re: Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits

randeman — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 12:40:06 GMT

@new_earth wrote:
@randeman wrote:
@Rhaeny wrote:
Well I found that if one rep says no I just call back and try to talk with someone else...LOL!

I opened Macy's in October with $300 limit and I called and asked for an increase and they said no. I was thinking for goodness sakes what in the hell can I do with $300 at Macy's that wouldn't use up every bit of that limit. So I called back a little later and requested an increase again. This time I got a rep that knew what they were talking about and got it increased to $1500. So yea its doable....just gotta be a little persistent.
I think I would have an easier time with $300 at Macy's than I would with Bloomingdale's!

My experience was with Macy's first, they started me with a $300 limit that went to $2000 in less than six months without my asking. I opened Bloomingdale's in January, and it's still at $300. I am hoping Bloomie's goes up on its own by six months.
Well, there is an actual Macy's location close by, a few of them actually. I prefer to shop in person and they are cheaper than Bloomingdale's. Bloomingdale's I'd have to order online and pay for shipping, and honestly most of the stuff I could never afford unless I buy one item at a time and pay it off over a few months. I will most likely at least for now only buy a small nice piece of jewelry from them to utilize the account.

Ooh, a huge Macy's increase like that in less than six months, I am excited!

Yeah, Bloomingdale's are few and far between compared to Macy's. Of course, I live in New York so I really don't have an issue here, but I can understand your reluctance to shop online with them. Just about everything I buy comes from Macy's, and I use Bloomingdale's for the occasional extravagance or for something not available at Macy's. Although Bloomingdale's does or may offer free shipping depending on your purchase balance, You'd have to check the website to determine what if anything they offer in that respect.

I hope you get what you want in the way of a CLI, One thing I have learned on these boards is credit is YMMV. There is no rhyme or reason regarding approvals, denials, and CLIs. You just have to go with the flow. Good luck to ya!

Re: Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits

new_earth — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:53:09 GMT

these two cards finally just started reporting for me but only on EX. Are the other two a little slower? They've been on EX for a few days now but nothing on the others :/

Re: Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits

austinguy907 — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:57:20 GMT

I opened mine with a purchase and it reported almost immediately. The store limit reported to EX which was the primary pull 8 days after opening and TU/EQ reported 4 days later. I still haven't seen an alert on the AMEX line being reported as of today. Statement hasn't closed on the AMEX portion yet even with active usage.

Re: Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits

new_earth — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 01:11:58 GMT

@austinguy907 wrote:
I opened mine with a purchase and it reported almost immediately. The store limit reported to EX which was the primary pull 8 days after opening and TU/EQ reported 4 days later. I still haven't seen an alert on the AMEX line being reported as of today. Statement hasn't closed on the AMEX portion yet even with active usage.

oh ok, i guess it should be on my EQ and TU in another day or two then, thanks.

Re: Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits

indiolatino61 — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 01:16:43 GMT

You would think that Macy's would give you a CL that you could actually use there...lol! I know lots of people who's CL was shot down to $100! Seriously, what can anyone possibly do with $100 CL at Macy's...?

Re: Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits

new_earth — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 01:24:43 GMT

@indiolatino61 wrote:
You would think that Macy's would give you a CL that you could actually use there...lol! I know lots of people who's CL was shot down to $100! Seriously, what can anyone possibly do with $100 CL at Macy's...?

lol yeah I remember reading that before I applied and was afraid that's what I'd get. Fortunately I at least got $300. I still don't get why Bloomingdale's emailed me to call them and surprised me with a higher limit without even asking, but Macy's wouldn't budge at all. I just wonder what made the difference, very strange.

Re: Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits

new_earth — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 03:19:09 GMT

I have another question about these cards, I have never had any store cards before this. Do they report every month whether you use the card or not? I used both of them and paid in full but was not able to do it before the statement cut, it was a few days after. So they are both at zero now way before the due date, but reported with the balances I had. But I am wondering, does that mean the balance I have from those first statements will remain that way on my reports until I use them again and show a lower balance? If so that stinks but oh well...

Re: Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits

FinStar — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 03:58:38 GMT

@indiolatino61 wrote:
You would think that Macy's would give you a CL that you could actually use there...lol! I know lots of people who's CL was shot down to $100! Seriously, what can anyone possibly do with $100 CL at Macy's...?

I guess I've never encountered the experience with a DCL or being approved for a low limit but I can certainly understand sometimes these things do happen. I've had my Macy's AmEx when it was originally issued as a Visa. Same thing with my Bloomingdales AmEx. I originally got the Macy's Visa approved for $2K back in 2008 and the Bloomingdale's Visa when I went to NY during Xmas the following year for an initial CL of $3.5K.

I use them both fairly regulary (never carry a balance-PIF) and over time the Macy's Preferred AmEx CL has grown to $12K and the store account at $8K. Bloomingdale's Reserve AmEx is now at $14K, and the store account at $9.5K.

Re: Bloomingdales & Macy's starting limits

GST2008 — Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:34:37 GMT

If you want to upgrade to the Macy's or Bloomingdale's AMEX, it will be a new application. They view them as separate products with separate guidelines for approval. If approved, it will be a new tradeline. Unfortunately, they don't just upgrade you to those cards. If I remember correctly, you also have to apply in the store or over the phone for those and the online application is just for the regular store card (I may be mistaken on this, it's been a while).