Would appreciate some advice

[Anonymous]

Would like some advice...

My partner has been setting back on the sidelines and supporting me through my last year rebuildung. Being I’m quiet obecessed with the topic of everything credit, I share my moments of glory and defeats of my journey. My partner wants to apply for some new lines of credit. Many on this forum have MUCH more experience than me so I want to get input.

Partners stats are as follows - TU: 830 / EX: 837 / EQ: 829
AAOA - 8.5 years. | UTIL 58% (bank cards) | 0 INQ’s across theboard
0 CA | 0 CO | 0 30/60/90/120 late. | Never filed BK

Thick profile. 3 Student loans (2 loans paid in Full from 2005. 1 active that is 80% paid off from 2001)
4 Auto loans showing on all profiles (2 paid off, 2 of which still owes 50% of balance, the other 30% of the balance)

5 bank Cards in Total (1 closed @ $0 by customer in 2011 and 4 Open) 1 new bank card in 2 years. Other 3 cards 5+ years old.
2 Slate Cards, 1 Wal. MC (was Disco.) & 1 AMEX Revolver

I think it's worth noting that UTI is ONLY high due to lack of credit savvy ways. Allowing large balances to hit cards monthly and using 0% check offers from lendeers. Ive discussed this and explained tho. Also not knowing how to ask for CLI so cards that are now several years old havent been fostered well. Some advice here would be good too!

Partner is looking for a travel card amd wants to be smart about it. Likes the CSR. Also would like a good everyday rewards Card as well. Any and all input here is welcome and GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks in advance for those who take Thier time to help here.

[elim]

CSR and Freedom Unlimited (if the extra 1/2% is worth the new account = 500 more UR's than CSR per 1k spend)  would be my pics. Congrats to you both on having great credit. Tell partner "great scores!"

[Anonymous]

Frankly I don't know what to suggest. Your uti may be high, but everything else is something creditors absolutely love. You are considered very low risk, so you pretty much have a pick of any card you want.

The only thing I can think of to suggest is to look at what companies offer and choose what best suits your interest. CSR and Freedom unlimited is a very solid option. Amex has some good options as well...although amex can't be used everywhere. There are so many options available to you, I just don't know what to suggest.

As for CLI, I'd call up those banks for increases. Point out how your history shows how you've been with credit. Try to negotiate limits....with your scores? I'd even inquire about Apr's. Even if they already are good.

Best of luck going forward.

[zerofire]

I really cannot find a flaw in that report other than questionable utilization that can be quickly fixed with a CLI. Overall If you want a card you can pick and chose one or multiple specially if you make the higher tiered card application go through first. I cannot imagine any bank declining that kind of profile and most cards should be instant response too.

Chase should have a Request Credit Limit Increase button on their site.

Walmart/Synchrony definitely has one on theirs and you can chat if it says no.

AMEX I heard has one too but calling in might be the the only option if there isn't.

The button is great for those of us that don't want to deal with people.

[Anonymous]

Quickest thing would be some Credit Limit increases.  This would decrease his utilization, and thereby provide an instant score increase, although the scores are very high already.  Amazingly high, considering the utilization.  Paying down balances would help too.

Emphasize that he should get the CLI with soft pulls, if possible.  This is also a good time to ask for an interest rate reduction.

Other than that he will likely get whatever card he wants.  The top 3 travel cards right now are the Amex Platinum, Chase CSR, and Citi Prestige.  Right now the edge probably goes to the Chase CSR.

Good everyday rewards card:  right now Discover IT would likely give him a high CL, and your first year of cash back they double on your 13th statement.  They have 1% on everything, and 5% cash back each quarter on revolving categories (this quarter, Amazon - Dept Stores - Sams) for the first $1500 of spending on those items in that quarter.  So you get 2% on everything, and 10% (up to $150 back) per quarter.  After that, depending on spending, any 2% cash back card would probably be as good (Citi Double Cash).