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Tips for CLIs from a low SL?

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Anonymous
Not applicable

Tips for CLIs from a low SL?

Hey everyone,

 

I want to get CLIs on my two cards to help improve my score and utilization.  Typically use both heavily, Cap1 is kept at 40% util and Disco has been 60-70% util. Never any late payments and always PIF.

 

Cap1 Secured - first CC and I've had this since June 2018.

SL: $200

CL: $500 (Only one auto CLI, standard after making first few on-time payments)

 

Disco IT unsecured - second CC, since Jan 2020

SL and CL: $1,000

 

The only other positive account I have is 2.4k in student loans that I've been paying since ~2016. Other than those, I only have two baddies on my report. One in collections with a DOFD on Nov. 2013 and a chargeoff with a DOFD in 2015. Hopefully, the one collections will fall off around November.

 

I feel like my heavy usage and PIF will help my case in requesting CLIs but my FICO keeps jumping around:

 

  • Jan '20 - 652
  • Feb '20 - 600
  • Mar '20 - 593
  • Apr '20 - 614

 

Should I request before or after I PIF? After Discover FICO updates? Thanks for any feedback, also I'm all ears to other strategies!

Message 1 of 7
6 REPLIES 6
elixerin
Established Contributor

Re: Tips for CLIs from a low SL?

i'd request after executing the AZEO method (with the results showing on all three)

 

maybe give a couple days after the banks individual scorecard updates or you see it in your credit monitoring

Message 2 of 7
Ficoproblems247
Valued Contributor

Re: Tips for CLIs from a low SL?

Your Cap1 card is a secured card, it will not grow further. If you would like a higher line with them, you may apply for an unsecure card when you feel your scores and profile are ready. They have a prequalify tool to check approval for the Platinum and QS1 card; I would recommend the platinum as you can PC it to the no annual fee QS usually after 6 statements or so. The Discover card you may request a CLI at any time on their website. Personally I do it once a month the day after my statement cuts. There have however been multiple recent reports of Discover CSRs telling customers their policy on CLIs for new card holders are now restricted to having your card for a minimum of 1 year. Feel free to ask away with any products from either of those lenders as they are SPs, and if denied you may ask again at any time; there is not a clock that resets for a denial. 





FICO 8 Sep '23 EX 755 EQ 765 TU 739
TCL $199,800
Message 3 of 7
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Tips for CLIs from a low SL?

 

@elixerin wrote:

i'd request after executing the AZEO method (with the results showing on all three)

 

maybe give a couple days after the banks individual scorecard updates or you see it in your credit monitoring


Thanks! I may implement this AZEO method next month... Does Credit Karma show when they report? All I see on my dashboard is last updated date of May 15th.

 


@Ficoproblems247 wrote:

Your Cap1 card is a secured card, it will not grow further. If you would like a higher line with them, you may apply for an unsecure card when you feel your scores and profile are ready. They have a prequalify tool to check approval for the Platinum and QS1 card; I would recommend the platinum as you can PC it to the no annual fee QS usually after 6 statements or so. The Discover card you may request a CLI at any time on their website. Personally I do it once a month the day after my statement cuts. There have however been multiple recent reports of Discover CSRs telling customers their policy on CLIs for new card holders are now restricted to having your card for a minimum of 1 year. Feel free to ask away with any products from either of those lenders as they are SPs, and if denied you may ask again at any time; there is not a clock that resets for a denial. 


My third statement from Discover should cut in the next few weeks, I'll try and request after that then.

 

Another note, I've been getting mail about being prequalified for the QS so I'm half tempted to apply for that one since my CreditWise shows me at making excellent improvements to 695; although my FICO scares me since it's in the low 600s. Do you know if the promo mail the same as the prequal page?

Message 4 of 7
elixerin
Established Contributor

Re: Tips for CLIs from a low SL?


@Anonymous wrote:

 

@elixerin wrote:

i'd request after executing the AZEO method (with the results showing on all three)

 

maybe give a couple days after the banks individual scorecard updates or you see it in your credit monitoring


Thanks! I may implement this AZEO method next month... Does Credit Karma show when they report? All I see on my dashboard is last updated date of May 15th.

 


@Ficoproblems247 wrote:

Your Cap1 card is a secured card, it will not grow further. If you would like a higher line with them, you may apply for an unsecure card when you feel your scores and profile are ready. They have a prequalify tool to check approval for the Platinum and QS1 card; I would recommend the platinum as you can PC it to the no annual fee QS usually after 6 statements or so. The Discover card you may request a CLI at any time on their website. Personally I do it once a month the day after my statement cuts. There have however been multiple recent reports of Discover CSRs telling customers their policy on CLIs for new card holders are now restricted to having your card for a minimum of 1 year. Feel free to ask away with any products from either of those lenders as they are SPs, and if denied you may ask again at any time; there is not a clock that resets for a denial. 


My third statement from Discover should cut in the next few weeks, I'll try and request after that then.

 

Another note, I've been getting mail about being prequalified for the QS so I'm half tempted to apply for that one since my CreditWise shows me at making excellent improvements to 695; although my FICO scares me since it's in the low 600s. Do you know if the promo mail the same as the prequal page?


Trust me, you're gonna wanna ignore VantageScores and focus on the FICO's.. that's what majority of lenders look at

 

CK and FAKO will give u points for all cards at zero balance while FICO penalizes for not utilizing credit thats why the AZEO is recommended, just one along a variety of other reasons

 

Last year, i used to try to get approvals off my CK scores and ate so many denials.. it was harsh, to the tune of about 16-20 inquiries each.. when i started focusing more on the FICO scores i found i was getting more approvals and just having an easier time in general in the credit space

 

can't ignore the help from the forum either Smiley Tongue

Message 5 of 7
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: Tips for CLIs from a low SL?

I suggest high use and PIF. That's usually worked for me with Cap1. I haven't had the secured card but from a lot of posts I read in the forum it seems that once Cap1 sticks you with a low SL, your CLIs are low and few between. I started with the QS1 then to V1. In between that time I app'd for a Journey card then PC'd to a QS w/ no annual fee. For these card I would cycle through the cards frequently and PIF then request CLI or Upgrade. Good luck!

Message 6 of 7
CreditInspired
Super Contributor

Re: Tips for CLIs from a low SL?


@Anonymous wrote:

Hey everyone,

 

I want to get CLIs on my two cards to help improve my score and utilization.  Typically use both heavily, Cap1 is kept at 40% util and Disco has been 60-70% util. Never any late payments and always PIF.

 

Cap1 Secured - first CC and I've had this since June 2018.

SL: $200

CL: $500 (Only one auto CLI, standard after making first few on-time payments)

 

Disco IT unsecured - second CC, since Jan 2020

SL and CL: $1,000

 

The only other positive account I have is 2.4k in student loans that I've been paying since ~2016. Other than those, I only have two baddies on my report. One in collections with a DOFD on Nov. 2013 and a chargeoff with a DOFD in 2015. Hopefully, the one collections will fall off around November.

 

I feel like my heavy usage and PIF will help my case in requesting CLIs but my FICO keeps jumping around:

 

  • Jan '20 - 652
  • Feb '20 - 600
  • Mar '20 - 593
  • Apr '20 - 614

 

Should I request before or after I PIF? After Discover FICO updates? Thanks for any feedback, also I'm all ears to other strategies!


Hi and welcome

 

I suggest not requesting a CLI until your UT is <8.9%. I'm confused how you're PIF but your UT is 40% and 70%. Are you cycling--paying off card, then immediately running it back up. If yes, work on letting a small amount report each month--like $5 on one card and $0 on the other. 


So, keep UT low and then apply. 

GL2U

 

 


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Message 7 of 7
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