To answer your first question, it took about a week to get my check.
Also, I saw your other threads and your posts and wanted to relay my experiences with my secured card from BofA.
I had a 99/500 secured card and it graduated in March 09. I had a 630 fako score when I first got it, no tradelines, but some collections from parking tickets, 6 in all I think. When my card graduated, I had 660+ across the board fico's (EX was 662 when I could last get it), and 4 of my collections gone. I had also added 3 credit cards, all same age, and util around 8% when card graduated. I have a checking and savings with BofA, I don't know if that helped. Also, perfect history and full usage to limit with all cards, all paid in full before statement cuts.
In March, 9 months in, I called and card was scheduled to unsecure according to csr, so they unsecured it immediately with a 500 cli to 1000. Same call, I tried to do a product change, and was told I counldn't w/o a new application. Called again, about 3 times finally got one that said I couldn't PC to Accelerated rewards Amex or World Points with current credit lines so he tried to request a increase for me to 5000 for Amex then 2000 for WP, no inquiry. I was denied, so about a couple more calls, I got another analyst and he was able to do a PC for me in about 3 minutes to the Amex, with current cl, no clue. I guess you just have to talk to the right person. Each time I called I had to make sure it wasn't a new app and there was no new hard inquiry. All numbers were from backdoor numbers thread, called them all so I don't remember which one did it for me.
I got the Amex about a month later, but I got to accumilate WPs immediately, no AF and 16 something APR. I didn't get the initial 12 months 0 apr offer, but was so happy with the card that I didn't want to push it anymore. I will wait till June till I request another cli, but it's hard to wait.
I don't know if all your answers were already answered, but I hope this helps to let you know that they still unsecure at 9 months. Also it's possible to do a PC from secured (to Platinum Plus) to Amex or WP's regardless of cl or card type with BofA.
