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When asked for how much you spend every month on CC

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Anonymous
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When asked for how much you spend every month on CC

I was asked how much money I spend on a credit card each month and this was the first time I have been asked this question. I said $400, the question did not apply to the card that I was applying but a general question I assume. In such a case what is the best number to give?

I felt like if I gave a high number I would have made myself look like a risk or a low number and get a low CL or denied.
Message 1 of 8
7 REPLIES 7
Anonymous
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Re: When asked for how much you spend every month on CC


@Anonymous wrote:
I was asked how much money I spend on a credit card each month and this was the first time I have been asked this question. I said $400, the question did not apply to the card that I was applying but a general question I assume. In such a case what is the best number to give?

I felt like if I gave a high number I would have made myself look like a risk or a low number and get a low CL or denied.

How about giving a number that is what you spend?  Honesty tends to be the best approach.

Message 2 of 8
SecretAzure
Valued Contributor

Re: When asked for how much you spend every month on CC


@Anonymous wrote:

@Anonymous wrote:
I was asked how much money I spend on a credit card each month and this was the first time I have been asked this question. I said $400, the question did not apply to the card that I was applying but a general question I assume. In such a case what is the best number to give?

I felt like if I gave a high number I would have made myself look like a risk or a low number and get a low CL or denied.

How about giving a number that is what you spend?  Honesty tends to be the best approach.


Sounds harsh but realistically, that is what you should give. In reality, they can use that number however they want.

 

IE:

Scenario 1) You spend only $400 per month? We'll give you a 3K CL so you don't go overboard

Scenario 2) You spend $400 per month? That's a low so we'll give you a 5K CL so you can rack up interest and we can make money off of you

 

It really depends on each individual lender and what they're looking for at the time.

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Message 3 of 8
Anonymous
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Re: When asked for how much you spend every month on CC

Put down the maximum you would spend.
Message 4 of 8
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: When asked for how much you spend every month on CC


@SecretAzure wrote:

@Anonymous wrote:

@Anonymous wrote:
I was asked how much money I spend on a credit card each month and this was the first time I have been asked this question. I said $400, the question did not apply to the card that I was applying but a general question I assume. In such a case what is the best number to give?

I felt like if I gave a high number I would have made myself look like a risk or a low number and get a low CL or denied.

How about giving a number that is what you spend?  Honesty tends to be the best approach.


Sounds harsh but realistically, that is what you should give. In reality, they can use that number however they want.

 

IE:

Scenario 1) You spend only $400 per month? We'll give you a 3K CL so you don't go overboard

Scenario 2) You spend $400 per month? That's a low so we'll give you a 5K CL so you can rack up interest and we can make money off of you

 

It really depends on each individual lender and what they're looking for at the time.


This is true but from a swipe-fee driven perspective, they probably want a high but realistic number. I would just tell them your combined monthly expenses, even the ones you don't pay by card.

Message 5 of 8
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: When asked for how much you spend every month on CC

i put 1.5k but its what i spend most of the time.

Message 6 of 8
Skye12329
Valued Contributor

Re: When asked for how much you spend every month on CC

I always feel this is a trick question almost a double edged sword mainly due to if you do put a high amount due to running all your bills it could possibly lead to a better credit line but it could also seem as a possible risk too from my POV
BK7 - 2/21
Cap1 QS - 2k (4/21) - Closed
Mission Lane - 4k (11/21) - Closed
Venmo - 900 (11/21) - Closed
SavorOne - 2700 (12/21)
VentureOne - 2000 (7/22) - Closed
CareCredit - 15000 (6/23)
Sam's Club - 5000 (7/23)
Venture - 5500 (8/24)
HELOC - 33000 (7/23)
Venture X - 15000 (11/24)
WF Reflect - 5000 (6/25)
Costco - 6800 (8/25)
Message 7 of 8
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: When asked for how much you spend every month on CC

This question is usually optional so I leave it blank .
Message 8 of 8
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