Thin File -> Thick File

[Thomas_Thumb]

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@Thomas_Thumb

Get the collections removed before applying for AMEX again.

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It sounds like from Post 8 that the collections were removed, so perhaps his approval odds have now increased significantly.

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Usually the removal process takes some time.

My take was the collections were likely in dispute and not counting toward score but, perhaps not yet removed from the file.

Also, AMEX may be more difficult than other cards as a student if income is limited.

[Anonymous]

Hi Windrock.  Was it a surprise to you when you realized that you had collections on your report?

Just curious.

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous wrote:

Hi Windrock.  Was it a surprise to you when you realized that you had collections on your report?

Just curious.

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Oh yes.  My dad and I have the same name, except he has no middle name and I do.  This is often a cause of confusion. He is going through debt consolidation, so the unpaid doctor bills got matched to my report.  Oddly enough, only Experian had them, whereas Transunion and Equifax were fine.  Both collection agencies removed my debt the same day I called, and my report is now updated with my middle name and no collections.  I'm at a 721 Ex, 735 TU FICO now.

With my student income, I'm essentially looking for the AMEX card for groceries and another general spend card cashback card that I can get a decent CL on. 

• Citi Doublecash seems popular at 2%, $100 back on $500 and free Equifax FICO scores. 
• Wells Fargo earns cashback at 1.5% and a $200 back on 1k, seems like they'd take me with their rebranding,.
• Captial One Quicksilver earns at 1.5% and $150 back on $500.  Pulls all three bureaus but I heard they are good about CLIs.
• US Bank Cash 365 earns at 1.5% and $150 back on $500, but its on the AE network and my Platinum card has had the same limit for 3 years.  I think it would have been increased automatically already, but the false collections held them back.  It's a hardpull otherwise.

Any thoughts? Sorry for all the questions!

[arkane]

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@Anonymous wrote:

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@Anonymous wrote:

Hi Windrock.  Was it a surprise to you when you realized that you had collections on your report?

Just curious.

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Oh yes.  My dad and I have the same name, except he has no middle name and I do.  This is often a cause of confusion. He is going through debt consolidation, so the unpaid doctor bills got matched to my report.  Oddly enough, only Experian had them, whereas Transunion and Equifax were fine.  Both collection agencies removed my debt the same day I called, and my report is now updated with my middle name and no collections.  I'm at a 721 Ex, 735 TU FICO now.

With my student income, I'm essentially looking for the AMEX card for groceries and another general spend card cashback card that I can get a decent CL on. 

• Citi Doublecash seems popular at 2%, $100 back on $500 and free Equifax FICO scores. 
• Wells Fargo earns cashback at 1.5% and a $200 back on 1k, seems like they'd take me with their rebranding,.
• Captial One Quicksilver earns at 1.5% and $150 back on $500.  Pulls all three bureaus but I heard they are good about CLIs.
• US Bank Cash 365 earns at 1.5% and $150 back on $500, but its on the AE network and my Platinum card has had the same limit for 3 years.  I think it would have been increased automatically already, but the false collections held them back.  It's a hardpull otherwise.

Any thoughts? Sorry for all the questions!

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Citi, WF, and US Bank are all pretty conservative with limits. Capone not so much but if you get bucketed, good luck ever getting out. So i'd call them a four way tie basically as far as CL is concerned.

Citi DC would obviously be the best % wise but make sure you actually see the $100 after $500 offer in your application page. I don't remember them offering a SUB on the DC. All other 3 I'd pass on.

If getting a good CL is important to you though, I recommend you have a look at BoA's travel rewards. Don't be fooled  by the name, it's really just another 1.5% card with a $200 on $1k SUB. You do get a 10% bonus if you redeem it into a BoA checking account making it a slightly better 1.65% card. BoA is pretty generous with limits though, especially after they've gotten to know you for a bit.

[Anonymous]

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@Anonymous

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Oh yes.  My dad and I have the same name, except he has no middle name and I do.

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The name curse strikes again!

My suffix is V (my pops is IV) and I have zero regrets not naming my son the VI.  It's been a nightmare my entire life.

[arkane]

You should've named your son Mark VI.

[Anonymous]

Haha, Mark IV would be pretty original.

I applied for Chase Freedom Unlimited and got approved for 2.5k!!  The bonus was $150 on $500 so it was similar to many other cards, but I can begin my relationship with Chase.  I didn't feel good about being approved with Capital One Quicksilver with my "new credit" status, and the annual fee wasn't appealing.

I appreciate everyone's help! Now hoping AMEX will take me in a month!