Store Cards and Credit to Debt Ratio Help

[Anonymous]

I was wondering if any of you credit savvy individuals could help me with a question regarding increasing/decreasing the debt ratio.  I have been all over these boards for the past six months and a lot of people have recommended increasing the amount of credit available to yourself while maintaining low usage as a way of increasing your credit score.  When I applied for certain cards there would be a range of approvals anywhere from JC Penny $200 to Target, $300 to Amazon $700 along with Overstock 2500.  My question is this with my current FICO scores at 650 which store cards offer the greatest amount of credit lines in order to increase my available credit.  Adding $200 here and $300 there is not raising my ratios significantly.  Does anyone know if there any other companies out there like Overstock that is generous in their credit lines for 650 FICO credit? 

Thank you,

[Anonymous]

Padding only helps when you aren't maxing out individual cards.

[Anonymous]

I have 3 Comenity accts: VS 850, Eddie Bauer 1250 and J Crew 1650.  I got them in this order starting last year:  EB - 1250, JC- 1650, VS - 800.  I also just got a Macy's card with 1000 CL.  My advice (mine only) is to start with EB and Macy's and go from there.

[Anonymous]

Thank you for responding!

Greatly appreciated...

[jbsea]

I would stop with the store cards and look for a visa, mc, amex, or discover.  in the end the store cards are going to hurt you.  use what you have and keep your utl low (below 9%) and let them age for awhile.

[Anonymous]

Overall utilization only matters to a point for score optimization. A very limited scope. Individual cards need to be managed as well for utilization purposes.

A 10K store card with 0 balance will NOT negate two 2K CCs with 60% utilization each.

[IncrsCredScore]

+1

[Anonymous]

I hear what you're saying there, however with my three FICO scores being 635, 640, and 652, I have yet to find a credit card like Visa, MC that will approve me.  I just got denied last week from the Barclay Visa.  That is why I was looking to obtain a few store cards that are easier to obtain to raise my score higher to qualify for a regular credit card.  Does that make sense, your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

[Anonymous]

Go try Chase prequal. Its a long shot but give it a chance. You don't have to resort to quick easy and useless just to see the word "Approved" on your screen.

[Anonymous]

Thank you, 

I just applies at EB and ...

CONGRATULATIONS, BRIAN. Your application has been approved.

Credit limit: $500

It's a start... thank you!