So I thought I would share a funny little story from today, how all of us aren't all that much different from one another, no matter where you sit credit wise. For those that want to build up credit, want to accumulate nice large CL's, welcome offer opportunities, etc, face the same potential rejections that established individuals may face for having too much. Different reasons, but still similar outcome at times. You aren't alone, they slap us in the face all the same.
As everyone probably knows, each individual experiences a new chapter in their life about every ten years or so. The stuff I do today, the benefits I experience today, I couldn't do or participate in ten years ago, and certainly couldn't do this twenty years ago. Twenty years ago, I was tens of thousands in debt, with no plan out. Wife crying because the fridge and cupboards were bare, money was tight. Fast forward to today, I'm sitting on a healthy FICO score of 800-827, with many lines available, with nice amounts available. She the same. Don't need credit cards. Don't need credit. Don't need to refinance ever. I don't need an improved credit score. I just don't need anything credit related, but I understand the power that a solid credit line provides - and it's my intention to both keep it solid, and benefit from it. You can sometimes make the numbers dance. So, what do I do with myself today? I scout for welcome offers, because it's honestly both enjoyable, and its highly addicting. You probably know where this is going.
If you like the welcome offer life, you're probably around or past the 5/24 limit, scouting around how to skirt it for cards that may or may not govern by this rule. While each lender has their own set of rules, well, got to push that limit a bit - so why not...
Today, I was a bit saddened, but here's where it gets a bit funny. A nice and kind p*ss off, better luck next time response hit me in the face today. A hard pull recently fell off the report bringing me within limit, so I thought I would pursue another card that has a bonus that I though would be really useful. I really wanted this one. Granted I'm using the bonuses, but I'm also cycling a nice chunk of business through their cards. I apply to a card I've been watching for some time, and instant denial. Hmmm. I apply to another card that offers a specific point exchange program I still want, much like the first, and a second instant denial. Mothertrucker. I apply to a third card that is much more loose than the rest, and doesn't follow the 5/24, and a credit line I don't own. At this point I'm more applying for an anything bonus to see what's up, and then again, instant denial. Haha, three strikes I'm done. I will call on the reconsiderations, hoping to snag one, but I think I'll probably hang it up for a year or two. Let the inquiries fall off and start again.
Sometimes, you just have to take a timeout, in which I will do with the credit lines. We have nearly five years of paid vacations planned using their points. But, but those bank bonus checking welcome offers....
Now that's a nice opportunity in the meantime. Ironically, this same day after the three credit card declines, it looks like I was approved for another bank savings and checking account, that will offer a very nice bonus upon completion.
So why post this? We aren't all that different. We all get eff you or pizz off letters from time to time. I guess I'm not seeking out advice so much as trying to share a funny story. Stuff happens, then we reset, and go at it again. Prior to my three attempts today, I was sitting at 827 score. Denied...
$XXX,XXX in credit lines. First digit isn't a one or two.
4-5 weeks in free credit reward vacations, booked through 2028.
$X,XXX in bank rewards in only 12 months.
I like FREE...
800+ FICO.
Making all numbers dance on a financial ledger.
Abuse that score responsibility for maximum gain.
Starting Score: 789