How do you get past $2k CL?

[bichonmom]

I am finally very happy with the selection of CCs I have. I would still like to add 1 or 2 MC, but mostly I'm good. Thrilled now that I have Amex.

My problem is that I can't seem to get past the $2k threshold. I was really hoping for a higher CL w/my Costco Amex (on the assumption that I would be approved at all, that is). I was kind of taken aback when the guy told me my CL was $2k. It was like, oh, no, not another one. I really thought that if I was approved, it would be around $5k.

Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful that Amex approved me. I'm just frutrated because all of my CL seem to be stuck at that point. It's like no one wants to be the first one to go beyond $2k.

I have $2000 NFCU, $2200 Barclays and $2500 local CU, and now $2000 Costco Amex (plus 2 pitiful Cap Ones, one of which is going bye-bye at the end of this month).

So, my question is: How do you get a higher limit card? How do you get a decent CL to $10k? How long does it take to go from smaller CLs to a good one? What kind of strategy should I have?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I know exactly how you feel....I honeslty don't know how or why Citi gave me a $4,000 CL, but away from that, I can't seem to crack the $500 barrier.

Barclays $500, Discover $500, Chase $500, CU $500, Cap1 $500, etc. 

BoA gave me $800 which is slightly better...Walmart started me with $400 but bumped it up to $900 a few months later. 

I kind of understand since I'm so young, but at the same time I was really hoping that the Citi CL would persuade other CCC's to give me higher CL's, but it hasn't exactly worked out that way. 

[Repo-ed]

Great questioins. Look forward to reading the strats

[afbar1114]

i am in the same boat i cant get past 500 at all 

[lithium78]

I'm stuck at $2k too.  In my case, it's probably because of a ton of baddies I have that are six years and four months old.

[Anonymous]

The easiest way, other than asking for a CLI, is to consolidate credit lines. Some banks will allow you to move most or all of a CL over to another card you have with them before closing down a card. Unfortunately, it looks like you don't have multiple accounts with any creditor except Cap One. Instead of closing both cards maybe see if they will allow to transfer one CL over to the other and keep the better card.

You can try asking for a CLI with Amex after 60 days. It is always a soft pull with them, regardless if it's approved or not. You have to wait 6 months for the next CLI if you get approved for one, 3 months if you get denied.

[Anonymous]

Doesnt discover pull tu for the most part? With a 778 score, unless maybe there are income issues or something, would seem like a good way to go.

Of course, there are also inquires, and all the usual crud they use to limit things.

I dont remember how i got there, but it was only a couple years ago. Now i am sorta stuck at 10-12k. I dont generally ask for increases though..once in awhile but not often anyway.

You will be there within a year or less with amex i would bet. From there it should be a bit easier.

[Anonymous]

I forgot to mention, in my case I had 2 Chase cards - Freedom and a co-branded card that underwent significant changes such that it was no longer a good card. I was able to move most of the CL over to the Freedom giving me a very nice CL and closed the other card.

[afbar1114]

maybe when i get my other chase and a cli on my slate i can combine them 

[Anonymous]

Just be patient! Your new Amex will take care of you. In 61 days, provided all is good in their internal system, you can request your limit increase to $6K, then 6 mos from then, you can go to $10K, 12K, maybe even $18K. Of course, nothing is guaranteed, but if you stay the course, garden from now to then, I think you will make it!