I searched for the answers on the forum but nothing obvious popped up...
So I got a couple emails from Shell and Exxon "inviting me" to apply for their gas cards -- still rebuilding but making progress with scores at least north of 620 for the first time in a long time.
So feeling particularly masochistic today and with a road trip coming up in a couple weeks to take my son to visit college campuses, I figured I would give it a shot and both approved me -- much to my amazement once I learned they were Citi (right now, Cap1 is still considered "prime" for me!)
So my question is do these gas cards ever "graduate" or lead to "Big Boy" credit cards with Citibank? (I realize the arm that finances the store cards is different from their Big Boy cards but still....?)
Is there hope that if I manage these responsibly over the next 6 months to a year they might convert me to real credit cards?
Thanks in advance for any wisdom.
p.s. I just checked my email and received emails from both Exxon and Shell -- the interesting thing is that both cards have me listed as a member since 1999?! I know I used to have a Shell card waaaaaay back when and think I might have signed up for Exxon Smart Pass at some point -- could they really have resurrected my old accounts? If so, that would really help my AAoA.
@designated_knitter wrote:I searched for the answers on the forum but nothing obvious popped up...
So I got a couple emails from Shell and Exxon "inviting me" to apply for their gas cards -- still rebuilding but making progress with scores at least north of 620 for the first time in a long time.
So feeling particularly masochistic today and with a road trip coming up in a couple weeks to take my son to visit college campuses, I figured I would give it a shot and both approved me -- much to my amazement once I learned they were Citi (right now, Cap1 is still considered "prime" for me!)
So my question is do these gas cards ever "graduate" or lead to "Big Boy" credit cards with Citibank? (I realize the arm that finances the store cards is different from their Big Boy cards but still....?)
Is there hope that if I manage these responsibly over the next 6 months to a year they might convert me to real credit cards?
Thanks in advance for any wisdom.
p.s. I just checked my email and received emails from both Exxon and Shell -- the interesting thing is that both cards have me listed as a member since 1999?! I know I used to have a Shell card waaaaaay back when and think I might have signed up for Exxon Smart Pass at some point -- could they really have resurrected my old accounts? If so, that would really help my AAoA.
Well you at least have your foot in the door with Citi. I'd say that's a start as some people have a hard time. They may not graduate you to better cards but building a healthy relationship with them will show that you are responsible and may allow for app approvals of bigger cards.
Also Capital One is not necessarily out of your league. They have cards for those with bad credit/no history, while they also have "Prime" cards, but nothing really in between. Just something to think about.
Anyway Congrats on the approvals 
Thanks for the encouraging words -- something to hang my hat on ...
I was being tongue-in-cheek about Cap1. I actually have 4 of their cards -- 2 started out as HSBC and Orchard bank and added 2 within the last year... I'm actually very grateful to Cap1 because they have been good to me -- and thanks to this board, I learned how to work the EO and get my limits up to 1500 each within the last year so even if I were to get to the land of milk and 850 credit scores, I think there is a part of me that would always still carry a Cap 1 card just because they have stuck by me through my ex's (and by extension, my) tax liens, our foreclosure, my subsequent divorce.... In retrospect, I should have married them ;-)
@designated_knitter wrote:Thanks for the encouraging words -- something to hang my hat on ...
I was being tongue-in-cheek about Cap1. I actually have 4 of their cards -- 2 started out as HSBC and Orchard bank and added 2 within the last year... I'm actually very grateful to Cap1 because they have been good to me -- and thanks to this board, I learned how to work the EO and get my limits up to 1500 each within the last year so even if I were to get to the land of milk and 850 credit scores, I think there is a part of me that would always still carry a Cap 1 card just because they have stuck by me through my ex's (and by extension, my) tax liens, our foreclosure, my subsequent divorce.... In retrospect, I should have married them ;-)
Glad to hear that! Cap One is a love or a hate for most people. I happen to have a loving relationship with them. The way I see it stick by them as they have been good to you and show them that you can be responsible and sensible in your financial life. Live within your means and always remember those who have been good to you! Good luck in your journey my friend