I think, overall, that not asking for a CLI at all is probably safest. Hasn't stopped me, though, although it's been a lot harder to talk creditors into granting CLIs than it's been in the past, at least from my experience, so I don't want to push my luck any further.
Which issuers are you talking about? Different tactics may work for different CCCs, and they may all be looking for something different. Some may consider a CLI every three months if you've treated the card well, some may practically guarantee one at the same interval (less likely in these economic times, of course), some may not even consider a CLI request at intervals of any less than six months/one year. If you can say which cards you have, then you'll have a lot more luck finding specific experiences people have had in trying for CLIs with those same cards - whether successfully or unsuccessfully.
Searching for "XXXCARD CLI" or similar may help too, although it's always worth asking, of course - if you can tell us which specific issuers you're talking about, you might get some useful recent experiences. I think it's always most useful to see why people have been denied - if you can see that people are repeatedly being turned down for CLIs with that issuer for too many recent inquiries, or because their revolving balances are too high, that might at least give you a clue as to whether you're in with a chance.
If you do apply for a CLI, and have to talk to a real person to get it... again, it all depends on the issuer. If you want to use the card to make a big purchase (because of its great interest rate or rewards, presumably), then maybe you might like to suggest that you're wary of using up too much of your available credit line as you may appear to be overextending yourself. They may like to hear that, they may not. Similarly, if you have a card with a good BT offer and would like to take advantage of that offer, maybe you could see if they'll increase the CL on that card to make room for the BT (again, because you don't want to max out the card, etc etc). If you have a card that you'd really like to use for your everyday purchases, and to make your main "go-to" card, were it not for the small CL... it's worth mentioning that to the CSR. Maybe you already HAVE been using the card for your everyday purchases and have been having to PIF several times a month just to avoid going over your limit. If that's the case, then tell them - that's a great reason to request a CLI!
There's lots of good reasons that can help you get a higher credit line - the ones that will generally work best will involve convincing the CSR that their granting you a higher line will prove beneficial to their company! You have to be diplomatic, of course - if you go around saying "give me a higher CL or I'm closing the card!" they might just call your bluff. But again... if you can tell us (or search for) the particular cards you're talking about, you should be able to get a few good ideas, even if the ideas only extend as far as "probably not a good idea to ask for a CL at this time".
Message Edited by fevmlo on 01-03-2009 09:47 PM
