Around 3 years ago my hubby and I wanted to build our dream home. Before that we had paid for everything. Debit card that is. Thought it was great to have no debt. Well, we sure got a lesson in no credit when we applied for a mortgage! We had to open a couple of cards. One with Cap One at 750.00 and a secured 500.00 card with BOA. We got a few more low limit cards just to show we can charge and pay. Merrick, Credit One, Premier were all pretty low. When our fico scores started going up they did offer us bigger limits. Yes, even with these cards. As much as 3k. But not the normal prime cards we wanted and with the larger limits. So I decided to come on here and check things out. Thanks to all the knowledgable ones on here, I then knew what I had to do.
We bought a Rogue that was used just to make payments on it. Traded that in also about 22 mos ago for a BMW with their 2.3 apr. and even though we had the funds to purchase hubby's new bike, we decided to finance it just to show that we can make those payments as well.
I slowly app'd for the prime cards once my fico scores hit 700. That was 17 months ago. I not only got the cards I wanted, but managed to get those awesome limits to match. My scores are on their way up and I won't stop until they're 850 across the board.
I could have never done this without the support of everyone here. I gained more confidence in myself and know I can do anything I set my mind too!
Btw, hubby has higher scores than mine and quite a bit of his own credit too.
It's a different attitude and a different life. 
Great thread! 
I've dealt with small limits numerous times over the years, and my attitude is if there is value in the card I'll use it regardless of the credit line. Obviously more is better when it comes to credit lines (usually, anyway) but I'm not too proud too work around a small-ish limit if it will benefit me.
Currently I'm carrying two Amex cards that have a limit of $1k each. The reason for the small limit is that I included an Amex account in a bankruptcy back in 2000. When I've requested an increase on my BCP they always state out-right that as the reason for the denial (yep, seriously...).
Knowing this, and knowing that it's not likely to change I don't have a problem with my BCP. I use it for groceries (6% cash back) and simply PIF each month. I know many folks don't even want to bother with such a tiny limit (and would quickly close it), and I don't judge them for that - different strokes for different folks and all - as long as they don't judge me... LOL.
My cards have to earn their place in my wallet... I like to say, "Make 'em pay". Even with the tiny credit line, my BCP does pretty well... American Express pays me around $20/month for the privilege of being allowed to keep their card in my wallet. So even with the tiny CL, I'm able to justify it. 
Note that the 'new kid' (Delta Gold) isn't paying me that much, since I have little use for SkyMiles, but that's OK - I have other plans for it. After 13 months I plan to have as much of it's credit line as possible transferred to the BCP, and afterwards to close it out. Since it's been destined to be a 'donor' all along I'm giving it a pass on how much it is required to pay for it's slot.
I'll also add that a couple of my oldest accounts (Lowe's and Belk) started out embarrassingly small, but have grown nicely in addition to being my oldest two trade lines at 12 and 10 years, respectively. I say if a tiny card is serving it's purpose well, there's no point in shutting it down.
Just my 2¢.
@UncleB wrote:Great thread!
I've dealt with small limits numerous times over the years, and my attitude is if there is value in the card I'll use it regardless of the credit line. Obviously more is better when it comes to credit lines (usually, anyway) but I'm not too proud too work around a small-ish limit if it will benefit me.
Currently I'm carrying two Amex cards that have a limit of $1k each. The reason for the small limit is that I included an Amex account in a bankruptcy back in 2000. When I've requested an increase on my BCP they always state out-right that as the reason for the denial (yep, seriously...).
Knowing this, and knowing that it's not likely to change I don't have a problem with my BCP. I use it for groceries (6% cash back) and simply PIF each month. I know many folks don't even want to bother with such a tiny limit (and would quickly close it), and I don't judge them for that - different strokes for different folks and all - as long as they don't judge me... LOL.
My cards have to earn their place in my wallet... I like to say, "Make 'em pay". Even with the tiny credit line, my BCP does pretty well... American Express pays me around $20/month for the privilege of being allowed to keep their card in my wallet. So even with the tiny CL, I'm able to justify it.
Note that the 'new kid' (Delta Gold) isn't paying me that much, since I have little use for SkyMiles, but that's OK - I have other plans for it. After 13 months I plan to have as much of it's credit line as possible transferred to the BCP, and afterwards to close it out. Since it's been destined to be a 'donor' all along I'm giving it a pass on how much it is required to pay for it's slot.
I'll also add that a couple of my oldest accounts (Lowe's and Belk) started out embarrassingly small, but have grown nicely in addition to being my oldest two trade lines at 12 and 10 years, respectively. I say if a tiny card is serving it's purpose well, there's no point in shutting it down.
Just my 2¢.
Since the top two credit lines in my wallet started at less than $1k limits, I've accepted that no limit is embarrassing to start with.
But I get what you are saying. Most of my cards serve a purpose too. Even if that purpose is kinda intangible 
