This is in regards to a CLI request, but I'm putting this thread in 'Credit Cards' since it is regarding an interesting (at least to me) data point on how Synchrony is changing their routine a bit.
I got my last CLI on my Lowe's back in January, and since it's been four months I figured I would give it another try. My last CLI took me from $7500 to $10k, so I know an any case I'm likely close to what I'll be able to get without going through Credit Solutions.
In the past, I would get a letter that simply stated "not enough experience at current credit limit (sic)"... or something to that effect.
This time was quite different... it had all the formalities of being turned down for a new account. Also on the second page (which is notable in itself; in the past it was only one page) there's the address for TransUnion for me to request a copy of my report due to the "AA" - again, just like a denial for a new account.
I apologize for the poor quality of the image... I had to take a picture of the letter with my phone (I don't have easy access to a scanner). I think you can read it well enough to get the idea, though.
Note that my request was on May 20, 2016 and the date of the SP (according to the letter) was back on February 25, 2016. Also note that my score was 713 (which was sufficient for my last CLI) and my TU is now currently 770+, which would likely be sufficient. The reference to "serious delinquency" was correct at the time, but it no longer applies. Also note that at the time my utilization was around 12% (it's currently around 8%) which isn't perfect but is hardly "high" by most standards.
My number of TU inquiries was (and still is) four, which I doubt is a true problem and is likely just an automated reason spit out by the computer.
I find the last statement especially curious... apparently they don't bother with SPs as often unless you are carrying a significant balance or have significant activity. This is a change from the old days when they would regularly SP people to make sure you weren't having issues with other lenders... that exact scenario actually triggered them to balance-chase me years ago. (This account has some age on it... it's 12 years old).
I know with a phone call (and possibly a HP?) I could likely get my CLI, but at the moment I'm OK with it at $10k. I'm only providing this here to demonstrate that things are indeed changing over at Synchrony. This along with the thread where folks are reporting getting a HP from Credit Solutions (which at one time never happened) goes to show that nothing is set in stone. 
Edited to correct date of last CLI.
It's an election year UncleB. For the next year, the credit industry will probably tighten up again like they did from 2009-2011. I'm suprised about them turning you down, especially with your scores. I was able to get to $15k before the proverbial train went into the station. I would think that in your case a HP would be worth it to ask for $35k. Thanks for the data point. 
@Anonymous wrote:It's an election year UncleB. For the next year, the credit industry will probably tighten up again like they did from 2009-2011. I'm suprised about them turning you down, especially with your scores. I was able to get to $15k before the proverbial train went into the station. I would think that in your case a HP would be worth it to ask for $35k. Thanks for the data point.
You're very welcome!
I agree, things are definitely changing with them, and it looks like not for the better. In the past I've been content to "play" with the button every four months but soon I might go ahead and make the call to CS to get it increased once and for all.
If I recall correctly CS always does a current SP (or sometimes HP) while you're on the phone with them, and I think they would like my current score a bit better than their computer liked my old one.
I don't think my income would support a $35k limit, but I would be very pleased to get $20k on both my Lowe's and my Sam's Club MasterCard - then I could stop bothering over it... LOL. 
@UncleB wrote:
@Anonymous wrote:It's an election year UncleB. For the next year, the credit industry will probably tighten up again like they did from 2009-2011. I'm suprised about them turning you down, especially with your scores. I was able to get to $15k before the proverbial train went into the station. I would think that in your case a HP would be worth it to ask for $35k. Thanks for the data point.
You're very welcome!
I agree, things are definitely changing with them, and it looks like not for the better. In the past I've been content to "play" with the button every four months but soon I might go ahead and make the call to CS to get it increased once and for all.
If I recall correctly CS always does a current SP (or sometimes HP) while you're on the phone with them, and I think they would like my current score a bit better than their computer liked my old one.
I don't think my income would support a $35k limit, but I would be very pleased to get $20k on both my Lowe's and my Sam's Club MasterCard - then I could stop bothering over it... LOL.
Uncle B, you know its a combination of both scores and income. Neither my income or scores right now would support $35k but it was good enough for $15k. I hoping in a couple of years post grad school, this equation will change, but for now, I'm coasting with what I can get. I've never been a fan of credit solutions myself. Had better luck with the luv button, but with stagnant scores, I only try for the one's I think I have a chance of success and right now that's Comenity bank.
Thanks for the info UncleB! Since my HP from Amazon through EX,( haha tricky werent they Lol!) I now know to proceed with caution with regards to requesting more credit. I too am surprised they turn you down with a 713. I just hit 700 on my TU with my BK stiill on my report, so ill stand on the brakes a little while longer before doing anymore clis with Synch. Its amazing the reasons for denial they'll use if they decide to not grant your request . I am in the crowd that if you are happy with your 10g limit , you should just request your high limit you want with a possible hp so you can officially chill and really enjoy your limit! Good luck with your future decisions and endeavors!!
@AverageJoesCredit wrote:
Thanks for the info UncleB! Since my HP from Amazon through EX,( haha tricky werent they Lol!) I now know to proceed with caution with regards to requesting more credit. I too am surprised they turn you down with a 713. I just hit 700 on my TU with my BK stiill on my report, so ill stand on the brakes a little while longer before doing anymore clis with Synch. Its amazing the reasons for denial they'll use if they decide to not grant your request . I am in the crowd that if you are happy with your 10g limit , you should just request your high limit you want with a possible hp so you can officially chill and really enjoy your limit! Good luck with your future decisions and endeavors!!
You're welcome, my friend!
I'm not too upset over it... I'll eventually give Credit Solutions a call (I generally avoid phone calls, but it would be a one-time deal to get it bumped-up for good).
As long as CS does a new SP/HP (which it's said they usually do) I think I'll be OK... here's my current TU FICO according to Discover:
As you can see, that 'baddie' aging off made quite a difference.
I will lose a few points once my new accounts start to report, but I don't expect it to be anything severe.
I agree with you that sometimes we (myself included) tend to go overboard with the CLI requests, but at some point in the next year or so I plan to use my Lowe's to get a storage shed and I want to use the promotional financing to get 84 months at 5.99%. I want to have the limit to be large enough to be able to carry that purchase without running into utilization issues, and we all know how credit tends to work... it's (usually) always best to get it before you actually need it.
That being said, I have no intention of ever asking for another CLI on my Belk card... it's currently at $5k only by using the 'button', and that's plenty big for me. In my area Belk doesn't sell furniture or bedding, only clothes, so since I PIF it would be silly to get a limit any higher than it already is. (heck, even if I didn't PIF for a few months it wouldn't be more than a couple hundred dollars anyway). I'm not judging anybody who gets higher CLs just to have them; it's just not a good match for me and my profile/income/resources.
@UncleB wrote:
@AverageJoesCredit wrote:
Thanks for the info UncleB! Since my HP from Amazon through EX,( haha tricky werent they Lol!) I now know to proceed with caution with regards to requesting more credit. I too am surprised they turn you down with a 713. I just hit 700 on my TU with my BK stiill on my report, so ill stand on the brakes a little while longer before doing anymore clis with Synch. Its amazing the reasons for denial they'll use if they decide to not grant your request . I am in the crowd that if you are happy with your 10g limit , you should just request your high limit you want with a possible hp so you can officially chill and really enjoy your limit! Good luck with your future decisions and endeavors!!You're welcome, my friend!
I'm not too upset over it... I'll eventually give Credit Solutions a call (I generally avoid phone calls, but it would be a one-time deal to get it bumped-up for good).
As long as CS does a new SP/HP (which it's said they usually do) I think I'll be OK... here's my current TU FICO according to Discover:
As you can see, that 'baddie' aging off made quite a difference.
I will lose a few points once my new accounts start to report, but I don't expect it to be anything severe.
I agree with you that sometimes we (myself included) tend to go overboard with the CLI requests, but at some point in the next year or so I plan to use my Lowe's to get a storage shed and I want to use the promotional financing to get 84 months at 5.99%. I want to have the limit to be large enough to be able to carry that purchase without running into utilization issues, and we all know how credit tends to work... it's (usually) always best to get it before you actually need it.
That being said, I have no intention of ever asking for another CLI on my Belk card... it's currently at $5k only by using the 'button', and that's plenty big for me. In my area Belk doesn't sell furniture or bedding, only clothes, so since I PIF it would be silly to get a limit any higher than it already is. (heck, even if I didn't PIF for a few months it wouldn't be more than a couple hundred dollars anyway). I'm not judging anybody who gets higher CLs just to have them; it's just not a good match for me and my profile/income/resources.
Awesome score!
This is very interesting data. It will probably make me start searching on related experiences like this happening as of late.
I have gotten similar denial letters from Synchrony for my last few attempts at a CLI on my Amazon card. I have no baddies, utli is very low, INQs ranged between 2-3, and my TU score was always over 750 each try (this is with using the love button). I've pretty much determined I'll be stuck at 5k on that card forever 