Does Navy Federal care about high balance?

[Anonymous]

I have a Navy Federal card with a $2000 limit. I started with a secured card and it graduated about 9 months ago. I'd like to request a CLI soon as my last collection is being removed from my report. This is my primary card and due to the low limit, I max it out regularly. I always pay it down but will max it out again pretty quickly. So it never reports with a balance below $1600. Will this hinder my chances of getting a CLI? Would it be better to pay it off and request a CLI while it's at a zero balance or does it matter?

ETA: would I be better off applying for a second card with them?

[Scupra]

The way you explain usage is exactly what NFCU wants to see. I would do both honestly, apply for a new card and a CLI at the same time. Good luck with what you choose

[thornback]

Data points suggest Navy doesn't mind high balances at all and will grant a CLI even when the card has high util so long as your profile/income supports it. 

As for a second card --  they usually yield high starting limits.    If you want a second card, many would suggest apping for that first, then requesting a CLI on your existing card.   Keep in mind that if you are approved for a second card with a high limit, your CLI may be denied or limited due to reaching your max internal limit  (this is temporary and internal limits increase with time).   

[Anonymous]

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@Scupra wrote:
... I would do both honestly, apply for a new card and a CLI at the same time ... 

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Agreed.

[addicted_to_credit]

I have to agree with others, I'd hit them up for a cli especially since recent DP's suggest the very high possibility of that being a SP then turn right around and pick a card, any card -- whatever suits your lifestyle that is! Not too long ago I did just that except maybe in reverse order. It wouldn't hurt to call and see if you have any pre approvals either and even if they say no on pre approvals doesn't mean you won't get approved. Let us know what shakes out for you..

[Anonymous]

I would apply for a 2nd card if I was you.......I did when my first card was about 40%utl and got approved for $25k AMEX

[M_Smart007]

As long as your debt to income is in check, you are good.

[AllZero]

Good luck on your application! Hope to read of your approvals soon.

[blindambition]

Certainly the DTI matters! The algorithms also anticipate on your patterns. If you show consistency, no issues with growth. Usage is GOOD!! 👍🏻 

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone! This collection should be gone in a couple weeks and I'll update as soon as I have results!