Request CLI when you have a balance or without?

[masscredit]

I usually request a CLI after I pay my cards to $0.00 but I'm wondering if that really matters. Is it better to use the card, pay it off then request an increase vs requesting an increase when the card has maybe 30-50% utilization?

[SouthJamaica]

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@masscredit wrote:

I usually request a CLI after I pay my cards to $0.00 but I'm wondering if that really matters. Is it better to use the card, pay it off then request an increase vs requesting an increase when the card has maybe 30-50% utilization?

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I don't think it matters.

[pizzadude]

I think your payment history with the lender may carry more weight but in general I'd wager there's a positive correlation between lower balances and CLI approvals.

[Beefy1212]

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@masscredit wrote:

I usually request a CLI after I pay my cards to $0.00 but I'm wondering if that really matters. Is it better to use the card, pay it off then request an increase vs requesting an increase when the card has maybe 30-50% utilization?

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It matters but is so lender and profile specific there is no right answer.

USB gave me a 50% cli on a maxed card no questions asked no hp. Another lender may get spoked. I would try running the balance up see what they say, if no then pay it off wait 2-3 months and try again. 

The thing is with a maxed card and low overall uti, and plenty of reported income you are showing why you need more credit with that lender having a 0 balance shows you don't need more credit.

[Thomas_Thumb]

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@masscredit wrote:

I usually request a CLI after I pay my cards to $0.00 but I'm wondering if that really matters. Is it better to use the card, pay it off then request an increase vs requesting an increase when the card has maybe 30-50% utilization?

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They look at payment history. Really should make no difference unless you are over 50% and trending higher every month. Of course, aggregate utilization can also impact CLI (or CLD) decisioning.

The only time I was denied was when time since last CLI was too short. Best to wait 6 months between requests (on the same card) - imo.

[masscredit]

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@Beefy1212 wrote:

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@masscredit wrote:

I usually request a CLI after I pay my cards to $0.00 but I'm wondering if that really matters. Is it better to use the card, pay it off then request an increase vs requesting an increase when the card has maybe 30-50% utilization?

---

It matters but is so lender and profile specific there is no right answer.

USB gave me a 50% cli on a maxed card no questions asked no hp. Another lender may get spoked. I would try running the balance up see what they say, if no then pay it off wait 2-3 months and try again. 

The thing is with a maxed card and low overall uti, and plenty of reported income you are showing why you need more credit with that lender having a 0 balance shows you don't need more credit.

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A couple of my Cap1 cards are coming up on 6 months since their last increases. One is currently at $3600/$5000. The statements close on 8/2. Most of the time I go with AZEO but I was debating letting this card report then PIF. Maybe I'll pay it down to under $2500 before the statement closes. That will show I can make use of a CLI and also can pay it off. This and the other card has been this high then PIF over the last few months.