Try for 2nd card vs add myself as auth user to wifes card??

[sc2761]

I was last week denied for a Barclays priceline visa.  My chap 7 BK was d/c on 7/7/10.  I think I am not going to apply for any more cards at this point as I am at 5 inquiries until 2 fall off in October.  So since a 2nd card is probably not a good idea right now, since I don't want a low limit card with an AF, do you all think it would be a good idea to have add myself to my wifes Cap one as an authorized user.  Also to add her to mine as an authorized user.  We each have the cap one with $2500 line and no AF.  This way we would each show a $5000 available credit and a 2nd card reporting as well.  WE have the accounts on auto pay each month and only charge one utility bill each on them.  Would this raise our scores and improve our credit quicker?  Would this be at all a good idea to do this?  Would it help us get second cards by early next year?  Any help is appreciated!!!  Thanks!

[IowaGuy]

I wouldn't, I'd keep it all separate and farm up a decent score. Then go prime. Maybe add a good credit union card, but they arnt always that easy to get and just joining one is often a hard pull.

[sc2761]

Anybody else have any input on this?  Please help.  I want to know pro's and con's of adding each other as an AU, to help make a decision.  Moderators?  Thanks!!!

[Walt_K]

There's no real downside.  If you do it and your score lowers, you just remove yourself again.  If you're only using your card for one utility bill per month, you're utilization is probably fine so you're not going to get a benefit out of the increased CL, unless you decided you wanted to use the card for something besides the utility bill. 

Figure out how it's going to affect your AAoA if you want, but again, this is completely reversible, so there's not harm in trying.

[sc2761]

As far as AAoA, both my card and my wife's card were opened in the same month in 12/2010.  So I don't know if the effect would be positive or negative.  It would give me double the credit line from $2500 to $5000 and then I could continue to use only 3% or less of my line(s).  So if it doesn't work out and I remove myself as an AU, would the reporting remain on my CRA's?  Or would they remove the line completely?  Also, would this help me get a 2nd card down the road if I do it???  Thanks all again, I love this forum!!

[Karunch]

Did you try calling the backdoor number for Barclays and speaking to a rep about a recon?  If not, you should definitely try doing that.  The worst thing that they can say is no, and since they already have your credit report on file it won't cause another inquiry. And you very well might end up getting approved.

A week or two ago I had applied for a Barclays iTunes Card and was initially denied, called the backdoor number and was approved for a $2,000 CL after answering a few questions.

[sc2761]

I tried to recon Barclays twice, and was told simply that I am only 1 year out of d/c of BK chap 7 and don't have enough credit history yet.  My only card after Bk was opened 12/2010.  They wouldn't give me an answer as to how much positive history I had to show before reapplying.  I was told it doesn't matter how many cards I have when I apply again, but just positive history since the BK.  I don't want a 2nd card with low limit and AF, so I might just have to wait it out or add myself as AU to my wifes card.

[Walt_K]

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@sc2761 wrote:

As far as AAoA, both my card and my wife's card were opened in the same month in 12/2010.  So I don't know if the effect would be positive or negative.  It would give me double the credit line from $2500 to $5000 and then I could continue to use only 3% or less of my line(s).  So if it doesn't work out and I remove myself as an AU, would the reporting remain on my CRA's?  Or would they remove the line completely?  Also, would this help me get a 2nd card down the road if I do it???  Thanks all again, I love this forum!!

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It should stop, but if it doesn't you can dispute the TL and then it would be removed.