Lurker for the past 11 years or so. Figured that since I have gotten such great advice from everyone, it is time I contribute something!
Applied for the Citi Double Cash card(first Citi card), after pre-qualifying on their website. Experian 732, Equifax 725, TransUnion 739. AAoA is currently 5.5 years (a bit of an application spree the past 10 months), Oldest account is 17 years. Two late baddies from 3.5 years ago. One 30 days the other 60 days. Inquiries Experian 4, Equifax 7, TransUnion 2. Annual income is $104,000, which is slightly less than what is on my taxes for 2018. I get bonuses, but they vary so I just put my straight salary to avoid any problems if they verify income. I have a pretty thick file, with 44 accounts listed and 23 active accounts. I have about 8 installment loans(car and student loans), and a mortgage reporting, with a total outstanding amount owed of approximately $243,000 in total.
They pulled FICO 8 Experian first and then Equifax shortly thereafter(I'm in Colorado). Approval was instant after verifying my phone number. Starting Limit: $11,500. APR: 18.49.
If there is anything I have learned over the past 10 months, banks seem to offer a higher starting limit than your last card. I started with a Amex Cash Magnet at $3,000, Chase Disney at $3,500, Wells Fargo Propel at $5,000, then Chase Amazon at $5,400, then Amex Everyday Preferred at $7,000, then $11,500 on Citi Double Cash. I'm sure your mileage will vary, but it seems each new card likes to see responsible usage of the limits reported previously.
I pay all of my cards in full every month, however I typically pay after the statement cuts, so I show anywhere between 1-3% utilization on my revolving lines. I have a total of 10 credit cards, but only actively use 3-4 on a monthly basis. I spend approximately $3,000 a month, with some months closer to $5,000. Amex gets a majority of the spend.
I applied for a Citi Best Buy card in August 2018 and was denied due to too many new accounts. Citi apparently doesn't like to see too many new accounts in a short time. Looks like 6 months is what it took to overcome that.
I plan on taking a break from applying for any new credit for about a year. At that time, my inquiries will drop in number to 2, maybe 3 per report at most. It will give my report time to increase my AAoA, as I don't want to drop below 5 years.
I hope this is helpful to someone else!
Updated: Added that they pulled FICO 8 score.
Updated: Added APR.
Congrats.