@nitrov wrote:
So my credit has been kind of stagnant for a while since I've been carrying some heavier balances than I'd like after an emergency medical expense late last year.
Emergencies happen but high revolving utilization can certainly hold you down. Keep in mind that it has signifiicant impact and falls under Amounts Owed.
http://www.myfico.com/crediteducation/whatsinyourscore.aspx
Get it down and work on setting up a liquid reserve. I know that's easier said than done but ideally one shouldn't rely solely on credit for emergencies.
@nitrov wrote:
Mini app spree for NEW Chase Sapphire, CLI on Freedom...maybe CLI on IHG card too? Or should I not push it?
@nitrov wrote:
my AAoA kind of sucks.
You don't see the disconnect here? It's not surprise that your AAoA took a major hit given how many accounts you've opened in the past 2 years. I see at least 9. How old are your newest accounts? People seem to frequently overlook that recent credit activity has an impact on one's credit profile.
If your AAoA is in poor shape, opening new accounts will not help. What purposes will these new cards serve? Is that a bigger priority then getting your credit profile in better shape?
@nitrov wrote:
I'm just trying to minimize some accounts so my credit report doesn't look like such a cluster-you-know-what.
What do you mean by minimize? If the accounts are on your reports it's too late for that. You need to consider this before applying -- not after. Closing will not remove an account from your reports.
I'd advise working with what you have. You've already had a lot ot recenty activity. More credit seeking activity will not help you.
@nitrov wrote:
I wasn't sure if there were some other tricks or some other insights people had specifically on any of the creditors I have but I think I've researched pretty much all of them at this point thanks to these forums and the only reason I'd be closing them is because they stink with giving CLIs or I otherwise have no use for them.
Certainly close what is of no use to you but the limits you get will be determined based on what your credit profile and income qualify for. Don't rely solely on the creditor/product to determine limit. That's just half of the equation. If you aren't getting the limits and CLI's you want then you need to improve your credit profile so it qualifies.
Don't rely on tricks, quick fixes, etc. Building credit is a long, slow process and even if you get to where you want to be you'll have to continue to be vigilant to maintain it. The gains come slower as you move on up -- pretty much like any curve.
@nitrov wrote:
I want to keep the PRG only because it's backdated and one of my oldest accounts but I def don't need a PRG AND a Platinum, especially with those hefty AFs.
Consider the info in the Closing Credit Cards thread linked in the Helpful Threads sticky. A closed account will typically remain on your reports for 10 years after closure and continue to factor into AAoA until it falls off. If you have no need for the PRG but want to keep it then consider PC'ing it to charge card with a lower AF. See if the Senior Green is still avaialble.
@SouthJamaica wrote:
Sure you can but closing cards will create a downward pull.
Depends on how the factors add up. I closed many cards while rebuilding. Don't just assume that closing means a negative hit. Again, see the Closing Credit Cards thread. One does not need to hoard credit to build credit despite the popularity of the meme.
