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What I am doing wrong?

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GBR
Member

What I am doing wrong?

Greetings,

 

For the last 3 years I am down to 2 cards (Master and Home improvement card). Combined they are around 20k with the credit limit. I am using both occasionally. Consequently for last 3 years my FICO is fluctuating (809-813). I have good credit history, never missed payment.

So, it doesn't matter what I do (or don't do) it seems I can't get FICO to go over 813.

Recently I applied for Amex Cash (had Amex account in good standing for over the decade) and got approved for 6k. I found that kinda low since my cousin with virtually no credit history got approved for 2k.

 

What can I do to get this score up? I apologize if I sound greedy, just wondering I am doing anything wrong.

Any input is appreciated.

 

Thanks

Message 1 of 14
13 REPLIES 13
thom02099
Valued Contributor

Re: What I am doing wrong?


@GBR wrote:

Greetings,

 

For the last 3 years I am down to 2 cards (Master and Home improvement card). Combined they are around 20k with the credit limit. I am using both occasionally. Consequently for last 3 years my FICO is fluctuating (809-813). I have good credit history, never missed payment.

So, it doesn't matter what I do (or don't do) it seems I can't get FICO to go over 813.

Recently I applied for Amex Cash (had Amex account in good standing for over the decade) and got approved for 6k. I found that kinda low since my cousin with virtually no credit history got approved for 2k.

 

What can I do to get this score up? I apologize if I sound greedy, just wondering I am doing anything wrong.

Any input is appreciated.

 

Thanks



With a FICO score above 800, it looks to me like you're doing everything right!  Yes, you might have expected a higher credit limit, but scores are not the only factor that's considered.  There are many other factors, but frankly I think whatever you're doing is working so don't mess (too much) with success !  You could always try for a CLI further down the road, and if you're inclined to, you could apply for more cards.  Just be judicious in that. 

 

I'm sure others will probably have advice and comments as well.  It would be helpful to know a bit more about your history; number of inquiries, which scores from which CRA, AAoA, any baddies (probably not, I'm guessing !) ...that sort of thing. 

Message 2 of 14
Shogun
Moderator Emeritus

Re: What I am doing wrong?

I too think you are doing a great job. Don't forget about the AMEX 3x CLI after 61 days. That would make it a $18k CL. I'd say that's pretty good.
Starting Score: 504
July 2013 score:
EQ FICO 819, TU08 778, EX "806 lender pull 07/26/2013
Goal Score: All Scores 760+, Newest goal 800+
Take the myFICO Fitness Challenge

Current scores after adding $81K in CLs and 2 new cars since July 2013
EQ:809 TU 777 EX 790 Now it's just garden time!

June 2017 update: All scores over 820, just pure gardening now.
Message 3 of 14
GBR
Member

Re: What I am doing wrong?

Thanks for your response. I am happy with the score etc, just puzzled with no FICO movement for years. Little bit disappointed with only 6k from Amex since I planned to charge more than that occasionally.

I was just reading about 3X CLI...hope that works down the road.

Thanks again,

 

GBR

Message 4 of 14
myjourney
Super Contributor

Re: What I am doing wrong?


@GBR wrote:

Greetings,

 

For the last 3 years I am down to 2 cards (Master and Home improvement card). Combined they are around 20k with the credit limit. I am using both occasionally. Consequently for last 3 years my FICO is fluctuating (809-813). I have good credit history, never missed payment.

So, it doesn't matter what I do (or don't do) it seems I can't get FICO to go over 813.

Recently I applied for Amex Cash (had Amex account in good standing for over the decade) and got approved for 6k. I found that kinda low since my cousin with virtually no credit history got approved for 2k.

 

What can I do to get this score up? I apologize if I sound greedy, just wondering I am doing anything wrong.

Any input is appreciated.

 

Thanks


800+ scores are great ..not good but great

The fact that your new Amex probably won't hurt your scores due to the long AAoA is also a plus and due to the backdating I think in a month or two you will in fact see a score bump thus breaking the 813 mark

Before you app think...
Have you done your research of the CC?
Does it fit your spending?
Do you have a plan for the bonus w/o going into debt?
Can you afford the AF?
Do you know the cards benefits? Is it worth the HP?
Message 5 of 14
Shogun
Moderator Emeritus

Re: What I am doing wrong?

I also think that your CR might be just a bit thin with only 2 CCs.  That could have held you down a few points.  Not sure, but it's a possibility.

Starting Score: 504
July 2013 score:
EQ FICO 819, TU08 778, EX "806 lender pull 07/26/2013
Goal Score: All Scores 760+, Newest goal 800+
Take the myFICO Fitness Challenge

Current scores after adding $81K in CLs and 2 new cars since July 2013
EQ:809 TU 777 EX 790 Now it's just garden time!

June 2017 update: All scores over 820, just pure gardening now.
Message 6 of 14
dp246
Established Member

Re: What I am doing wrong?

I would say that you are doing everything right! Congratulations on your exceptionally high fico credit scores. I am not an expert  (though I am occassionally reading the forums here on myfico over the last 4 - 5 years or so), and something I found to be very helpful is the "understanding your score" section that gives you an analysis of your scores  -especially for your equifax and trans union fico scores. It lists positive and negative factors effecting your score. With a score of 800 or higher, I guess you may have no negative factors listed at all! However, sometimes there is still room for improvement. Maybe you can look at this section and find areas where there is still room for improvement. I have noticed that sometimes it seems that just simply letting your accounts age will raise your scores. You can't really control this entirely, it just happens as everything ages. If you are not at the desired ages, yet:  try to keep your average age of accounts app. 6 years or higher, and if you haven't opened your oldest account at least  19 or more years ago, when you reach this desirable age you may see your scores become even higher than they are now!

Message 7 of 14
GBR
Member

Re: What I am doing wrong?

All positive factors are 'great' or 'very good', with no negative factors. Average age of my accounts is over 8 years. It could be as someone mentioned that I need to get another card or two. I haven't applied for CC for many years now. I had this thought that applying/carrying more cards will make me bigger risk and lower my score. Maybe my line of thinking was not accurate.

This is great forum. You guys are very helpful.

 

GBR

 

Message 8 of 14
Anonymous
Not applicable

Re: What I am doing wrong?

Points are harder to gain when your scores are that high.  Just an FYI.

Message 9 of 14
blondy250
Established Contributor

Re: What I am doing wrong?

Your file is a little thin, the AMEX will help it. Frankly I wouldnt worry your about it your score is great. When you move over 800 it becomes much more difficult to make point gains, in my experience.

Fico 8 12/9/17
Equifax 850, TransUnion 842 10/30/17 , Experian 842 12/11/17 . AAOA 12 years Oldest 20
No inquires since 2014
All credit reports frozen
Fico 8 Equifax Bankcard 866 12/27/16
Message 10 of 14
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