@Lawlover2 wrote:
Been on this forum for several years, started w/ scores in the mid 400's. Now FICO TU 676 and EQ 668. I finally got the courage to apply for the Citi Advantage Card (I have always wanted one!) . . . APPROVED . . . with a $9,000 CL. I seriously almost passed out and I think I had tears in my eyes!!! I now have Cap1 at $4,000, Sams of $600, BOA (secured - set to *hopefully* unsecure in August) of $500. I know some people will say it isn't the best but for me, it is a goal I finally reached! I just had to share my good news and tell everyone who responded to my questions - THANK YOU! What a great feeling . . .
Congratulations!!! I have about the same scores as you, so I can imagine how good it feels. Do you mind filling us in on the rest of your report - inquiries, UTI, etc? I don't think I'll be apping but am still curious...thanks! 
Starting Score: 670 EQ and 674 TU
Sure. I keep my utilization between 7 and 9% by using just my Cap1 card which reports the balance on the 18th. All the others I just use and pay off - occassionally. I had 5 inquiries in the past year on TU - 2 for a home loan 2 for car loans - and 1 for BOA secured card last August. About the same on EQ. I had SEVERAL 90+ lates all of which are 2 years old as of this month. I have not been late on anything in the past 2 years but before that . . . late on everything ALL of the time. I have no collections and no judgments. I have a $300k home loan, $25k car loan and another $20k car loan (all w/ DH). I also have about $100k in student loans
- all mine. Income of $230k for household. I don't think I have ever had a Citi card (its been about 18 years if so!). let me know if you want any other information!
- all mine. Income of $230k for household. I don't think I have ever had a Citi card (its been about 18 years if so!). let me know if you want any other information!
@Lawlover2 wrote:
Sure. I keep my utilization between 7 and 9% by using just my Cap1 card which reports the balance on the 18th. All the others I just use and pay off - occassionally. I had 5 inquiries in the past year on TU - 2 for a home loan 2 for car loans - and 1 for BOA secured card last August. About the same on EQ. I had SEVERAL 90+ lates all of which are 2 years old as of this month. I have not been late on anything in the past 2 years but before that . . . late on everything ALL of the time. I have no collections and no judgments. I have a $300k home loan, $25k car loan and another $20k car loan (all w/ DH). I also have about $100k in student loans
Thanks! I don't have any lates in my history, and the only baddie I have is a medical collection from 3 years ago that should hopefully be off soon. However, my utilization is about 27% and Equifax probably has close to 10 inquiries (TU has 4 - everyone pulls Equifax in my state). So I think I'll hold off for a little while and let some inquiries fall off. But I'm excited to know I might have a good shot soon!
@Lawlover2 wrote:
Sure. I keep my utilization between 7 and 9% by using just my Cap1 card which reports the balance on the 18th. All the others I just use and pay off - occassionally. I had 5 inquiries in the past year on TU - 2 for a home loan 2 for car loans - and 1 for BOA secured card last August. About the same on EQ. I had SEVERAL 90+ lates all of which are 2 years old as of this month. I have not been late on anything in the past 2 years but before that . . . late on everything ALL of the time. I have no collections and no judgments. I have a $300k home loan, $25k car loan and another $20k car loan (all w/ DH). I also have about $100k in student loansCongrats! I'm sure over a qtr mil income didn't hurt!