When I first started fixing up my damaged credit I received an offer from Macys to resurrect my account that was closed by them. If I remember correctly I had to pay off what I owed them over three months and they would reopen my account with that much credit. So I did and ended up with a Macys card with a $700 guideline.
I was not perfect and was late with them a couple of times. Nothing that reported to the CRB's, but each time my CL was lowered $100, taking me down to $500. Some years passed during which I used the card, sometimes paying off the balance over a number of months, but always on time. In general my credit picture was improving, too. I was lucky to have a PR removed from all CB's (a very long story) and get a decent auto loan improving my credit mix.
Last fall I needed a few pairs of slacks and I went to Macys, spent some bucks, but nothing extravagant. I paid that off again over a few months. I had some reason to call the automated credit system and was stunned to find that my guideline had been auto-raised to $1500!
A few months later I needed some more clothes and my SO needed some things so I bought her some luggage and jewelry for Mother's Day and her birthday. This time it was spread out over two months, but both months were pif. I waited a few cycles to see if they would auto-increase and nothing happened. Today I called and asked about them changing the color of the card when I crossed the spending lever to the next tier (I am very close). I was told me they would do that automatically at the end of the year - or immediately if I called and asked. So I am about $65 away from having my red card turn gold.
While I had the CSR on the line I asked about a guideline increase without a hard inquiry. He said I was at $1500 and what did I have in mind. I said $2000 would be nice. He asked me to please hold on while he checked the system. He came back and said the system said I was good for $3100(!!) and did I still want to go to $2000. I said he could keep it on a round number and I'd take the $3000. As soon as I got off the phone I called the audio response unit and by the time I could enter my account number my guideline had been adjusted.
I kept my head on this account and did the right thing. I think the reward for my hard work has been ample. I took a closed by grantor account, redeemed it and have worked the guideline up to $3000, which I think is the highest limit I have ever had on a retail card.
I am so pleased!! YIPPIE!!
Next will be a CLI from BofA on my newish AMEX card. As soon as the third statement drops I'll be on that. Hopefully that third statement will reflect my $50 credit, which I have not seen yet.
Message Edited by jmbfl on
07-11-2008 11:48 PM
