@RnJ wrote:Not the first 61-day 3xCLI but rather the second (180 days after). My first CLI took me to a reasonably high limit and combined with the rest of the limits on other cards, I'm concerned it might cause my creditors to take a second look. Credit to income ratio is looking good right now, but a 3x approval would take it over the top. Has anyone sat on their last CLI for that reason or what are some of the reasons you didn't?
I'm at $20K, so I will definitely not be doing any more 3x CLI's...lol! I think I'm fine with that CL with AmEx. I'll work on the CSP, though.
I'm sure some will respond that they chose not to go for the full 3x the 2nd time. I'm guessing mostly they will be people who started w fairly high limits.... It seems like there is a fear by a lot of people to request over the 25k mark, because it is possible at the higher limit requests that Amex would request tax information from you.
I got a fairly nice initial limit with Amex, so I didn't do a first 3x CLI. I don't need any additional credit from them right now. If that changed, I'd ask them to raise my limits again.
Starting Score: ~500 (12/01/2008)
@thom02099 wrote:I've never asked for the mythical 3X CLI. I've never felt the NEED for it and AMEX started me off rather handsomely with my first CL.
3XCLI may serve a purpose for low starting CL, but they should never be expected or taken for granted. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. I'm perfectly happy with the CL that I'm at, I really don't NEED more, hence "sitting" on the limit that I have.
You're not the average credit consumer thom 
.
While I agree the 3X CLI should never be assumed, nor presumed, nor expected, nor taken for granted, for anyone who is trying to build a credit file out of a no-file, thin-file, or mixed-file situation, should certainly consisder an Amex revolver not only for the quality tradeline, but exactly for the Amex shortcut to higher credit limits.
It may not work, but it can and has for the majority of people who frequent this forum anecdotally. That's certainly true if one's income and spending is above your current limits: Amex can be fantastic as a shortcut in that scenario.
My theory anyway.
@Revelate wrote:
@thom02099 wrote:I've never asked for the mythical 3X CLI. I've never felt the NEED for it and AMEX started me off rather handsomely with my first CL.
3XCLI may serve a purpose for low starting CL, but they should never be expected or taken for granted. Unfortunately, that's not always the case. I'm perfectly happy with the CL that I'm at, I really don't NEED more, hence "sitting" on the limit that I have.
You're not the average credit consumer thom
While I agree the 3X CLI should never be assumed, nor presumed, nor expected, nor taken for granted, for anyone who is trying to build a credit file out of a no-file, thin-file, or mixed-file situation, should certainly consisder an Amex revolver not only for the quality tradeline, but exactly for the Amex shortcut to higher credit limits.
It may not work, but it can and has for the majority of people who frequent this forum anecdotally. That's certainly true if one's income and spending is above your current limits: Amex can be fantastic as a shortcut in that scenario.
My theory anyway.
We're in complete agreement that for those with the file limits you detailed, AMEX is certainly the consideration for maximum credit growth in minimal time. I sure don't dispute that the 3XCLI are worthwhile.
Yes, you're right -- I'm not the average credit consumer. While the 3XCLI is attractive and beneficial for some, it's just not a necessity for me and I'm happily sitting at my current limit. Will that change in the future? Maybe! If I were to also look at another revolver, then my point of view may change, depending on where AMEX starts me on another revolver. But if they match where I am? Then I'd be a happy camper and NOT go for a 3XCLI.