HARD PULL FOR CL INCREASE?!

[rom828]

Just wondering if anyone has had any experience with getting CLIs from retail accounts, specifically Chadwick, Newport News, Old Navy, Brylane, & Metrostyle.

My situation with them is : Chad  270/880cl    NN 0/670   ON  60/200  Bry 0/250 & Met 40/500

I've only had the Old navy since December 07, all the others are about 2+ yrs old, and with the exception of the Brylane, CLs have been increased w/o request (all started at $250).  I've only used the Brylane once so that's probably why not increased. 

After reading a lot of posts, it seems getting CL increase is good way to help utilization (I have 2 credit cards I'm working to pay down but are currently at 70% between those 2).  Each site has a 'tab' for requesting CLI.  I checked it out and if you submit it says will receive notice by mail in few days.

Would calling be better?! 

I don't want hard pulls done, though, as I know I'd take a hit to my scores (EQ 620, TU 677, EX640)

and I'm trying to improve them  so I can refi my mortgage in the next few months.  Can you ask, and would the rep know, if CLI requires hard/soft pull?

Hoping someone has some ideas/suggestions.

[Anonymous]

Hi rom. Your question is a good one. Very valid.
Yes, a cli is the best way to improve your utils.
If you have 70% utilization, your scores are being hurt majorly bad.

And yes, an hard inquiry can ding your scores for a year. I learned the hard way myself.

If you are not sure that a cli request will not result in a hard inquiry, then I would call them and ask if it would, before you ask for one. That's my standard procedure.

[rom828]

Thanks for the advices, Sylvia.  I definitely dont want any dings, so I'll do as suggested and call to inquire/request.

BTW, didnt hear back from you on my previous post on this forum (couple posts up from this one  on the list.."try to apply--citi & discover"). 

You'd asked about the Cap1 CO and I replied with info.

Still love to hear your thoughts if you have time.

I'm  trying to improve scores asap for mortgage refi, but I also want this weight off my shoulders with these old baddies haunting me!! 

I dug out from under so much between the end of 2003 through 2005 and have kept everything pristeen since, so it's this last old cap1 and the Providian 90 day thing that I think are really hurting me.  I

 know the Cap1 is computing in utlization (learned that from these posts---didnt pick up on it from CRs at first!!) so I need to handle the best way possible all the way around.

As always, thanks for the good advice!!

[Anonymous]

Eeeepppp! Sorry sweetie, I wasn't ignoring you. Just prolly didn't see it.

[rom828]

No problem!  Unfortunately, though, I suffer from low self esteem and an inferiority complex, so I'm traumatized by what I perceived as rejection!  LOL

Do you want me to copy here from that post so you don't have to go looking? 

I don't want to be obnoxious insisting on a post response......but I value your advices!!

[Anonymous]

Check your pm box in upper right hand corner. Should be an orange colored envelope looking thingy.