After 2 years of rebuilding and bringing down utilization and only 1 new credit card in that time, my scores dramatically improved so I decided to apply for a few CC's I had prequalifications for along with a few others with some good results - all but 1 approved (I don't think Synchrony likes me)
A year ago my scores were in the low 600s. My Ficos are currently: Equifax: 713 Transunion: 712 Experian: 716. 6 hard inquiries. 2% utilization < 2 years AAoA. Only 1 negative from 2012 that shows paid.
- Amazon (Syncrhony) - Denied due to too many inquires. Which is odd because at that time I had only 2 inquiries less than a year old on any of the bureaus: 1 for Amex on experian in Feb and 1 from Barclay for a CLI (I hadn't been reading enough here, so I learned that the hard way). I have 2 other CCs with them for Old Navy ($300) and Sunglass Hut ($800) which both have always been paid in full each month (I hardly use the Sunglass Hut one) and have been open for 2 years. They won't give me a CLI on the Old Navy either! Oh well - happy with my other results
On to the approvals
- Chase Freedom Unlimited - $5000
- Discover IT - $3000
- Overstock - $4500 (through the SCT while buying new bedding for my room so no hp)
- Amex SPG - $9000
- Cap One Venture - $15,000 (my biggest ever!) - This was the last one in September and wasn't instant approval. They called yesterday for some verification and let me know I'd hear from them in 7-10 days, so I called today to check and it was approved. I talked to a rep and they let me know the CL.
Now I will be gardening for the next long while (probably 2 years). Time to let the inquiries age and my AAoA increase - Very happy with what I have! Only other card I have any desire for is the Chase Sapphire, but I won't be getting due to the 5/24 rule so I'll patiently wait. I can grow what I have and get a limit I can be happy with. Who knows what will be available then too.
Gardening Until Further Notice
