Ok...can we make a list of credit card approvals that we've experienced with BK's? Let's put secured or unsecured to be clear. I'll start with what I know:

Capital One - unsecured, gold
Aria Visa (now GetSmart) - unsecured
Aspire Visa - unsecured
Cross Country Visa - Unsecured *
Cross Country Mastercard - Unsecured *
Target - Unsecured

*Please don't yell at me! ROFL...These were hubby's first cards after bk and he's, er, fussy about them. I've tried to explain..you all know how it is..ROFL

This could be an interesting list, I believe.

Thank you and Happy Saturday morning!

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

Aww, c'mon guys, I know you have some to add to the list! :(

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

Let's qualify starter bk cards vs rebuilding after bk (1, 2 years or so). I also waited 9 mos post bk discharge to apply for a thing. I was slow. :)

STARTER BK CARDS: score? bad.
1. Household unsecured 300 (the bad one, 19 app fee, 79 annual fee). they won't upgrade to nonprime card but increased to 1900 limit, 15.9 apr, annual fee rebated.
2. Cap1 Unsecured mc 300
3. Providian unsecured visa 500, later upgraded to Gold

6 MOS - 1 YEAR REBUILDING CREDIT: score low 600s
1. Cap1 unsecured gold visa 500
2. Prov MC unsecured 500

1-2 YEARS REBUILDING: score mid 600s
1. Aria/Getsmart unsecured visa (likely could've gotten earlier, just applied at 1 1/2 years or so)
2. Target unsecured 300 (likely could've gotten earlier)
3. Nextcard unsecured 750 o annual fee. Thought it was my first step into semi-prime. Now I'm not liking their APR increases for no reason whatsoever.
4. Cap1 Platinum unsecured 5000. Yes, platinum. started w/regular card and negotiated credit line to platinum.

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

OK..I'm appointing myself the keeper of this list..ROFL..but, I can't help much with the time periods of mine because we didn't even attempt credit cards until 4 years post bk..so I'll have to give the info as I know it...I'll add as people post..which they will, right, people? If your experience differed, please let me know so I can fix since I didn't apply until much later. I'm also going to put the lowest amount approved for so people can know what to expect worse case..for instance, for me, Target was $200 so I'm lowering that to $200 since that's the lowest we know of. Also, I will list them at the first possible time period someone received the card. So, if someone got Aspire before what's listed, please tell and I'll move it. Thanks!

STARTER BK CARDS: score? bad.
1. Household - unsecured 300 - 19 app fee, 79 annual fee. they won't upgrade to nonprime card but increased to 1900 limit, 15.9 apr, annual fee rebated.
2. Cap1 - Unsecured 300
3. Providian visa - 500 (later upgraded to Gold)

6 MOS - 1 YEAR REBUILDING CREDIT: score low 600s
1. Cap1 - unsecured gold 500
2. Prov MC - unsecured 500

1-2 YEARS REBUILDING: score mid 600s
1. Aria/Getsmart Visa - unsecured - $500
2. Target - unsecured 200
3. Nextcard - unsecured 750 no annual fee.
4. Cap1 Platinum - unsecured 5000. Yes, platinum. started w/regular card and negotiated credit line to platinum. (Wow!)
5. Cross Country Bank Visa - unsecured - $300, then $600, then $1250 over time. *
6. Cross Country Bank MC - unsecured - $350 *

2+ Years Rebuilding: score low to mid 600's:
1. Aspire - unsecured - $500

*See note in first message of thread

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

Hold them horses...did I just read this?

Nextcard? The one that I can create my own card? As in the Avalanche Card?

Oh, wait, it's probably copyrighted, eh? So...no problem..put my grandson and wait for the logo card till I'm prime??

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

Hi all - I could have never gotten the cards below with the limit increases if it were not for the people on this board. I would not have had the courage or knowledge how to ask nor the right phone numbers, if it weren't for the stories and methods people here have shared. I may have committed suicide, I felt that low before learning how to rebuild and move into the future. Thank you all!

Since my discharge 2 years ago here's my credit picture:

Providian (Silver) opened in Nov 1999 with a $1000 CL, now $7000 (apr now 19.8)

FCNB: $1k to $3000
Orchard $500 to $2000
Aria $2000 - the same
Dillards: $500 to $2500 (don't report limits so it may go after it ages)
Circuit City $2000 - last week approved - may close/not accept the card due to the lowering of fico

-- Felice

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

I forgot! My fico is 600. I have no idea what it was 3 months ago but it is about 600 today. I say about because a couple of inquiries has knocked it down, both from banks opening a checking/savings account. I learn the hard way!

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

Felice: What happened to your fico after circuit city approval? Was it specifically that one that hurt you more?

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

Folks, please help with info on this thread! Please include wireless service info as well. Felice, I just put your starting amounts as that was the lowest but check the dates when you first got those for me, please. Thanks! (I figured some were before the 1-2 year mark.)


STARTER BK CARDS: score? bad.
1. Household - unsecured 300
2. Cap1 - Unsecured 300
3. Providian visa - 500

6 MOS - 1 YEAR REBUILDING CREDIT: score low 600s
1. Cap1 - unsecured gold 500
2. Prov MC - unsecured 500

1-2 YEARS REBUILDING: score mid 600s
1. Aria/Getsmart Visa - unsecured - $500
2. Target - unsecured 200
3. Nextcard - unsecured 750 no annual fee.
4. Cap1 Platinum - unsecured 5000. Yes, platinum. started w/regular card and negotiated credit line to platinum. (Wow!)
5. Cross Country Bank Visa - unsecured - $300, then $600, then $1250 over time. *
6. Cross Country Bank MC - unsecured - $350 *
7. F.C.N.B. - unsecured - $1000
8. Orchard - unsecured $500
9. Dillards - unsecured - $500
10. Circuit City - $2000


2+ Years Rebuilding: score low to mid 600's:
1. Aspire - unsecured - $500



*See note in first message of thread

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

I got orchard for $1500 (which immediately turned into $1700) 6 months after and FCNB unsecured for $500 before discharge

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

while you are making lists Nana, want to make a list of people who will deny you automatically for having a bk (without including them) Such as i guess monogram bank (Home Depot, Lowes)

Oh yeah, I got a Chevron card for $400 before discharge. I think that was a fluke though.

-scott

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

Hi Nana,

My best guess is that my fico went down from 600 to 583 when Circuit City pulled my credit. I thought since Circuit was my second department store card that could be the reason, but I do have number of inquiries (4) in the last 6 months. Maybe you could tell why the score went down and when generally will it go back up (assuming that I will keep my accounts in good standing)

All of the credit I have obtained that I mentioned to you before is in the last two years. Here it is and let me know if you need more info to include in the interesting idea of yours to track credit/bk data. Thanks Nana!

FCNB September 1999 $1000 (unsecured)
Providian Visa Classic Nov 1999: $1000 (unsecured)
Orchard August 2000 $500 (unscecured)
Aria November 2000 $2000 (unsecured)

Dillards January 2001 $500 (unsecured)
Circuit City July 2001 $2000 (unsecured)

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

Before discharge? Was this a bk 7 or bk 13?

I'll add automatic turndowns right now...would everyone include that, as well? Good idea!

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

STARTER BK CARDS: score? bad.
1. Household - unsecured 300
2. Cap1 - Unsecured 300
3. Providian visa - 500
4. FCNB - unsecured - $1000
5. Chevron - unsecured - $400

6 MOS - 1 YEAR REBUILDING CREDIT: score low 600s
1. Cap1 - unsecured gold 500
2. Prov MC - unsecured 500
3. Orchard - unsecured $500

1-2 YEARS REBUILDING: score mid 600s
1. Aria/Getsmart Visa - unsecured - $500
2. Target - unsecured 200
3. Nextcard - unsecured 750 no annual fee.
4. Cap1 Platinum - unsecured 5000. Yes, platinum. started w/regular card and negotiated credit line to platinum. (Wow!)
5. Cross Country Bank Visa - unsecured - $300, then $600, then $1250 over time. *
6. Cross Country Bank MC - unsecured - $350 *
7. Dillards - unsecured - $500
8. Circuit City - $2000


2+ Years Rebuilding: score low to mid 600's:
1. Aspire - unsecured - $500

Will not accept BK
Monogram Bank = MB
1. Lowe's (MB)
2. Home Depot (MB)



*See note in first message of thread

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

Thanks, Felice...glad to help! I know it will help me. Tell me, was the Circuit City trade line reporting when your score dropped or just the inquiry?

I'll be back later..have to run with family

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

Turndowns:

Walmart - April 2001
Mervyn's - April 2001
NextCArd - January 2001

Nana - btw, I did not mention that I checked my fico this last week and found it to be 583. I checked it last before then in May, and it was 600. I also got approved for a checking account and that put an hard inquiry on my credit report, so that makes five inquires.

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

Nana,

The Curcuit City trade is not reporting, just the hard inquiry. I will wait for your analysis.

-- Felice

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

Stay away from Chevron. You can call them to confirm what I am about to say:

Chevron policy is to automatically deny credit for exactly 5 years from date of filing.

Also, forget Exxon Mobile.

On the positive side, Nordstrom will consider you 2 years after filing if you have other new credit since filing and your credit is spotless since filing.

My experience is first hand with these 3 guys.

Jim

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

Felice, Or anyone else who might know

Did Circcuit City pull EX, EQ, or TU?

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

They pulled Equifax.

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

GET THE MBNA AMERICA AVALANCHE CARD...

http://www.mbna.com/credit_sports.html

3.90% 6 MONTHS "GO TO" 13.99%

Re: Credit Card Approvals with BK
 

Okay here's my list.

Cap 1 secured $99.00/$200 Cl 4 months as filing bk-13- current Cl $1700

Providian Gold 4 years after filing bk, $2000 CL
Current Cl $3550

AT&T wireless 3 years after bk (hard inquiry but no deposit)

Checking account (Bank-One) hard inquiry 5 years after bk, with debit card access after 6 months of usage.

Target $300 Cl 5+ years after bk (New)

Mortgage 5+ years after bk (New)

Providian MC 9 months after opening my Gold Providian CL $1000 no GP. Will close in March of 2002 in terms do not improve.

Turndowns

Amex Green 1998
Nextcard (Twice) in 2001 and 3/2000
Citgo 2000
Amex Optima Secured 3/2000
Home Depot 7/2001
Citi-Bank 2000 (incl. in bk filing)

Recent pre-approvals

Aspire (Twice) 2001
Orchard 2001
Cross County 2000

I think that is it. This board has helped as I have learned about Mr. Miller and how to "speak" to Providian and that Target is easy cc target. 8-)

Best regards,
Sam

update
 

Please don't stop now!!

Credit Cards After BK filing date. (If this is incorrect, please let me know. For instance, for BK13..is it after discharge/dismissal? Let me know how you were couting, BK13 group.)

Clarifications: MOved Chevron because it was thought to be a fluke and with Jim's info added.

STARTER BK CARDS: score? bad.
1. Household - unsecured 300
2. Cap1 - Unsecured 300
3. Providian visa - 500
4. FCNB - unsecured - $1000
5. Cap1 - Secured

6 MOS - 1 YEAR REBUILDING CREDIT: score low 600s
1. Cap1 - unsecured gold 500
2. Prov MC - unsecured 500
3. Orchard - unsecured $500

1-2 YEARS REBUILDING: score mid 600s
1. Aria/Getsmart Visa - unsecured - $500
2. Target - unsecured 200
3. Nextcard - unsecured 750 no annual fee.
4. Cap1 Platinum - unsecured 5000. Yes, platinum. started w/regular card and negotiated credit line to platinum. (Wow!)
5. Cross Country Bank Visa - unsecured - $300, then $600, then $1250 over time. *
6. Cross Country Bank MC - unsecured - $350 *
7. Dillards - unsecured - $500
8. Circuit City – unsecured -$2000


2+ Years Rebuilding: score low to mid 600's:
1. Aspire - unsecured - $500
2. Providian Gold
3. AT & T Wireless – No deposit
4. Bank One Checking Account with Debit Card after 5 months usage
6. Mortgage
7. Nordstrom
8. Chevron - unsecured - $400


Will not accept BK
Monogram Bank = MB
1. Lowe's (MB)
2. Home Depot (MB)
3. Walmart
4. Mervyns
5. Exxon/Mobile
6. Amex Green
7. Nextcard **
8. Citgo
9. Amex Optima Secured
10.Home Depot
11.CitiBank



*See note in first message of thread
** Seen on approved and not approved both.

George..is MBNA a no bk CC? That was my bet!

Re: update
 

George..is MBNA a no bk CC? That was my bet!
-------------------------------------
DON'T KNOW...

Re: update
 

Well, George, that card is mine in 03!!! :) I can't wait!

Re: update
 

Apply for a no-annual-fee credit card today.
Credit Cards
1-800-932-2775

CALL AND ASK...
Tell them it has been years ago...

You could ask for a "PAPER" application be mailed to you...
Put it in a frame on your wall above the "PUTER"...

Re: update
 

I concur on ATT Wireless, Providian, Cap 1, and household.

But does anyone know where Sears fits on this list? I am a semi-new home-owner and would LOVE to have this card (all the 10% off, zero financing deals).


Shawn

Re: update
 

*ATT phone on the plan where they charge automatically my credit card at 1 1/2 years post bk. 200 limit basically and then they charge your card 200. At 2 years they released my perfect account and I bill like everybody else. You get all their normal plans (no penalty plans w/no long distance or roaming). I can now have as many phones as I want, no limit. I like them a lot.

* Associates: Citgo told me a bk is an auto computer turndown but with 3 lines 24 mos good history (open accts..) they'll manual review. They encouraged me to reapply in Jan (when I have 3 lines / 24 mos good) and I'll be 3 years post bk discharge too :)

* First USA said auto decline for bk. After 5 years post discharge they'll consider you.

* Bank of America credit card I've heard auto decline. No idea of manual override.

*Monogram used to be able to manually override. That's why I tried for their Home Depot card. No longer. Don't even bother.

Re: update
 

I filed for ch 7 in 8/00 and it was discharged in 12/00. I got the chevron card in 11/00. I think it was a fluke in that, as I recall the sent me a preapproved offer before I filed and I decided after a month or so to send it in. There was an inquiry on one of my reports, but I guess there is some chance the bk wasn't there yet.

Based on what Jim says, I would say I just got lucky.

Oh yeah, I got Target for $200 7 months after. (though I think maybe that was a mistake since i have Dillard's for $3000, Lord & Taylor for $700(survived bk) and Chevron for $400...oh well)

BTW...great idea for a thread nana :)

-scott

Re: update
 

Kicking this back up to the top..I know there is more info out there..c'mon, everyone!! This'll make for a great list!

Thankyou kindly..and the info on here is fantabulous!


Glad this is helping!

Re: update
 

SORRY I CAN'T HELP YOU...I HAVE ENOUGH PROBLEMS "FINE TUNING" MY PORTFOLIO WITH-OUT A BK.

Re: update
 

That's ok, George..I understand...

BTW, LOL about framing the application! You crack me up!

Oh, and I'll add Qwest Wireless, no deposit at 1-2 years.

Re: update
 

NanaC. Not sure what the other bk-13 group feels. To me the bk-13 is worse than the 7.

It seems that creditors start the count the moment I am discharged from the bk as oppose as filing. Unless it's TU who keep on verfying that my bk-13 is dimissed not discharged.

The idea in my mind was to least try to pay back something to my creditors as oppose to not paying anything. I guess the only good thing is that it comes off the CR after 7 years, unless it's TU who will finally confirm my bk as discharged by start a new filing date of 2003.

Btw, Cap 1 gave me a secured card after 4 months of my filing. Providian after 4 years. AT&T after two years. Going to have to stick with Cap 1 as it's my oldest tradline going on 4+ years.

Best regards,
Sam

Just Say No to Junum!

Re: update
 

I agree with you. I thought I was doing the "right" thing by going BK13..in the sense of paying back creditors. WRONG. They would have much preferred I was a 7..and I would have recovered much faster. Not to mention the restrictions placed on you when in a 13.

Ex-troll has a 705 with BK7 2 years after mine. NOT FAIR! He didn't pay back a penny. OH, yeah, I remember why...I had all his negatives on my report when his wife used my SS#. :( Am I grumbling yet?

Re: update
 

BUMPing to ask.......

Anyone with a previous BK get a Sears card?

Anyone who has a recent Sears card care to share their situation/scores?

I know I must seem fixated with this card, there is just a lot of things I could use it for right now...especially with the 0% and 10%off deals.


THANKS!

Shawn

Re: update
 

Just curious here...a ch13 is considered discharged after the 3 year (or whatever) repayment period?

-scott

Re: update
 

I thought it was discharged when paid off in full (according to terms set up).

Re: update
 

Bump....is that really all the bk people here who have things to add to the list?

Re: update
 

Dissapointing, huh Nana...and not one person commented on Sears.....


<grin>


Shawn

Re: update
 

Yeah, what's up with that? Ok..let's rephrase it...Those of you who have a Sears card...got a bk in the past or not?

Si' o No?

Re: update
 

Nana,

A couple of comments on my prior post:

Get Chevron off your list. There is a future thread coming from me if I get my EQ inquiry off due to the 5 year rule. Don't consider Chevron as a maybe.

Nordstrom is BK friendly after 2 years but my advice is to call them and apply. Don't do it on-line. When you call, the policy will be read to you.

I got Cap One the month I filed for Chap 7 BK.

Don't overlook the credit unions. 2 of my 6 visa cards are CU. All favorable terms, low apr. etc.
$6K on one card $2K on the other.

Ford is very BK favorable for an auto loan

I am - Filed Chap 7 BK in 11-98. Discharged 2/99

Yes you are at a disadvantage with a Chap 13. Sorry about the troll.

Re: update
 

I have more credit cards that survived my BK (I had $0 balances on them, so they were not filed) than I have opened since my BK.

I filed a Chapter 7 last year and I have a Sears. This is what happened though, I had a $0 balance on Sears so I did not file them. I pulled my TU in November to find out Sears closed the account and stated it was due to BK. I obtained my Sears in 99 before all my credit problems started. My attorney tried re-affirm Sears (with the $0 balance just to keep the card open) just prior to discharge. The rep told him that since the account was already closed, Sears could not re-affirm or re-open the account. The rep told my attorney to have me re-apply for a new account 4 months post BK and because I did not file them in the BK, they would open a new account.

This really bothered me because I did not include them in my BK and did not owe them at the time. A couple of months ago, I called their BK department and was told that my account was not closed due to BK, but because I had a zero balance and that Sears will arbitrarily close accounts with zero balances. My attorney also told me that Sears will do this. Their BK dept is only open till 7P.M. central time and I happened to call at 6:45. I explained what was told to my attorney about opening a new account. The rep looked up my old account said it looked good. He suggested that I called earlier in the day the next day and request to speak to a supervisor. He couldn't promise anything, but was pretty sure my old account could be re-opened. I did what he said and it took about two weeks for Sears to review my account, but happily Sears reinstated my account with my old CL. They corrected their entry on my credit report.

Unfortunately, I cannot speak about apply post BK the only thing I can suggest is calling and asking a supervisor what their guidelines are.

Re: update
 

Sears!!!!!!!!!!!! I think they do a multi-generational search and ask for a pint of blood the next successive generations and some DNA. For the life of me, even when I had good credit, I could not get a Sears Card. I will keep my fingers crossed for my grandchildren. maybe they will be able to get one.

annie

Re: update
 

LOL...there you go..there's your answer!

Re: update
 

DARN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I wanted a Sears card.

My Ex (girlfriend that is, never been married) got a pre-approval with a 3500 limit and she is totally maxed out with a few slow pays....my score has to be higher than hers.

Must be some weird alogarithm in ther esomewhere....


Thanks for your help, Nana...

Keep this AWESOME thread going.....

Shawn
(soooo addicted to this board)

Re: update
 

BUMPing back to page one.

Inquiring minds want to know!!!!!!



Shawn

Re: update
 

Sears is brutal,
Turned my father down for having too much open credit on a major appliance purchase.

Despite his perfect credit rating.

Update to list!
 

Credit Cards After BK filing date. (If this is incorrect, please let me know. For instance, for BK13..is it after discharge/dismissal? Let me know how you were couting, BK13 group.)

Clarifications: Moved Chevron because it was thought to be a fluke and with Jim's info added.

STARTER BK CARDS: score? bad.
1. Household - unsecured 300
2. Cap1 - Unsecured 300
3. Providian visa - 500
4. FCNB - unsecured - $1000
5. Cap1 - Secured

6 MOS - 1 YEAR REBUILDING CREDIT: score low 600s
1. Cap1 - unsecured gold 500
2. Prov MC - unsecured 500
3. Orchard - unsecured $500
4. Target - unsecured 200

1-2 YEARS REBUILDING: score mid 600s
1. Aria/Getsmart Visa - unsecured - $500
2. AT&T Wireless - No deposit
3. Nextcard - unsecured 750 no annual fee.
4. Cap1 Platinum - unsecured 5000. Yes, platinum. started w/regular card and negotiated credit line to platinum. (Wow!)
5. Cross Country Bank Visa - unsecured - $300, then $600, then $1250 over time. *
6. Cross Country Bank MC - unsecured - $350 *
7. Dillards - unsecured - $500
8. Circuit City – unsecured -$2000


2+ Years Rebuilding: score low to mid 600's:
1. Aspire - unsecured - $500
2. Providian Gold
3. Voicestream - No deposit
4. Bank One Checking Account with Debit Card after 5 months usage
6. Mortgage
7. Nordstrom - suggest not applying on-line

Will not accept BK
Monogram Bank = MB
1. Lowe's (MB)
2. Home Depot (MB)
3. Walmart
4. Mervyns
5. Exxon/Mobile
6. Amex Green
7. Nextcard **
8. Citgo
9. Amex Optima Secured
10.Home Depot
11.CitiBank
12. Associates: Citgo (try manual 24 ms+, 3 good lines)
13. First USA (try manual 5+ years discharge)
14. Bank of America
15. Sears

Smart Suggestions:
1) Try Credit Unions
2) Ford is BK friendly



*See note in first message of thread
** Seen on approved and not approved both.

Re: Update to list!
 

Sorry I'm so late chiming in, Nana...

Bank of America - will consider post-BK if you have established credit and can show unusual circimstances (business loss, medical, etc.)

First N.A. Nat. Bank - 3 years after, was sent pre-approved $1000, now (6 years later) it's $7900

Citibank MC- will consider post-BK after 7 years

Citibank Diners Club - will consider post-BK if you have established credit and can show unusual circimstances (business loss, medical, etc.)

Fleet - forget it - won't do anything with you until BK falls off (they inherited me from a merger and I had unsecured lines of credit and MC).

First USA - "office of the president" person I spoke with last year said as long as the BK is showing on the credit report, no explanations could override the system.

NextCard - 5 years post-BK, without any explanation needed, $10k (with $5k bal xfer).

Monogram Bank:
-Home Depot: preapproved $2k sent & accepted 4 years post-BK, now $11k
-Exxon: preapptoved $1k sent & accepted 4 years post-BK
-WalMart Store Card: preapproved $2k sent (I didn't return it - I like Target)
-JCPenney Store Card: preapproved $2500 sent (I didn't return it- I like Macys)
-Mens Wearhouse: applied after receiving all of the above preapproved offers ... declined, nothing they can do about it until BK goes off credit report (can't you take $1k off my Home Depot and put it on a Mens Wearhouse card?? no way, sorry)

Federated (Macy's) Store Card - 2 years post-BK was able to override with explanation.

Federated (Pres. Club Visa)- 3 years post BK was able to override with explanation and good (>680) score

That's all I can add... hope it helps!

-mj

Supershawn-Sears and bk
 

Hi-
My husband got a Sears Plus in Feb with a bk from 7-91 (yeah, fell of this month). This is only for large purchases. The credit limit is $472. However, our starting balance was over $600! I am arguing with them now that I know this is a bad thing.

I didn't know anything about credit way back then (5 months ago!!), so I don't know his score, but from May on they have been low 600's. We have several negs we are working on.

We applied for a "regular" Sears card and were turned down due to bk. They told us to apply again when it was gone (they knew it would be July) and we should be approved. He did, and they sent a letter last week telling him he could not apply because it was too close to the last time he applied!

Re: Update to list!
 

mj,

I couldn't tell from the post whether the NextCard 10k was your starting limit? How about the others - all yours?

Great job on credit if they are all yours.

Re: Update to list!
 

Nana,

Cheveron told me they approve starting 5 years after filing date of bk. They only go back five years and do not care if Chevron was on bk (mine had them, that's why I asked). Then it's your score and credit worthiness the previous five years.

You said someone posted to you on Chevron, but I wasn't sure of the information because I didn't read it.

I apologize if I am duplicating info for your list.

Re: Update to list!
 

Explanation of the Monogram cards above: old system used to allow manual overrides on bk.

NO MORE.

hence why the same person can have old Monogram cards but cannot get new ones.

Re: Update to list!
 

I have been reading all of this and seeing the cards and limits and I am just astounded. I have never had a BK, but a foreclosure and I am sure this is impacting me. But even before then, i could not get this sorts of limits. The most I have is:

Dillards $1500
FashionBug $990
Kmart $200

I call all my denial and get the same song and dance. I beg, cajole and sometimes get down right hostile. So I guess time clean and sober is the only thing that will help me (from apps that is , LOL!)

Annie

Re: Update to list!
 

Sorry Nana C I missed this post. I've been working hard with the Studies... Anyway I was Mr. Chapter 7 here for a while... I see I got some buddies!

Chapter 7 Jan 96.

3/98 First Premier for $250 (cost $200 in Fee's)
Closed 11/99

1/99 Providian Classic for 1K now 7K. Alot of activity. 19.8 APR now.

11/99 Western Security Bank 1K (Secured) (They closed all secured accounts because of trouble in some type of descrimination suit) 11/00 Great card had 5.99 APR!!!! I should have asked for a regular card!

1/00 Direct Merchants Bank $1001 (Semi-secured they have $600 of my $)

6/00 Aria $1k now at 2.1k and Now it's GETSMART.

4/00 Sprint PCS with $200 ASL (Assigned Spending Limit - Lifted in 6 months).

Equifax score of 675.

4/01 Target (through advice of postings here-needed a store card) $500. Have not been offered or recieved new card.

Don't need anymore credit now. Will recheck score in November when Target is > 6 months old. I think I could see 700 before it falls off.

Re: Update to list!
 

Opps Forgot Capital one


11/99 Capital One Visa $500 now $1600 (Has a Grace). Use often

Also I wanted to ad. I only use Providian Visa for net purchases and Large Purchases that I can't make with others. Everyone knows PROVIDIAN is subprime card.

I used Direct Mechant Titanium card mostly on little purchases here and there. People mistake it for platimun. I can tell because I always get that double-take look. (Grin)

I use Capital one Casually too.

Re: Update to list!
 

Felice-

10k was starting limit (now 12) - they offered 3k @ 15.99 with no balance transfer, 6k @ 12.99 with 3000 in transferred balances, and 10k @ 9.99 with >$5k in transfers.

It went as low as 7.49 (prime + .49) but the s-o-b's changed the terms to 9.99 fixed when the prime went down!

---------

To the rest - my situation is probably a little unique - my BK didn't include any of my consumer debt, medical and stuff, so when I send the creditor the list of what was included in the BK, and they see my credit report (20+ accounts in good standing, 1 negative - the BK filing) it makes sense to them.

It did take a lot of effort on my part to overcome - and there are still lenders that won't work with me. That's OK - I'll never do business with them even when my credit is back to >800 FICO.

I'm diapoointed to hear about Monogram, but I can believe it. The cards I've gotten from Monogram were all pre-approved. The only one I tried for I was declined for. D-u-m-b!

-mj

Re: Update to list!
 

This is a great thread! I refer to it all the time. I thought it would be a great idea to give it alittle update. Anything anyone can add????

Re: Update to list!
 

NanaC, Sorry I'm so late chiming in, I've been working 'round the clock with little time for my computer. I got my chapter 7 BK discharged in 1996. I stayed away from credit until 2001. In April 2001 my scores were all in the low 400's. My scores have climbed since then, but I'm having a helluva toe to toe fight with Equifax.

I don't have any secured cards except a partially secured First Nat'l Bank of Marin Visa. The secured amount is $200, the Credit Limit is $800. All the rest of my credit cards are unsecured cards that have been mentioned already.

But I was turned down last week for Amex LOC despite my 723 Experian score. They pulled Experian and rejected me due to the BK. I have 10 positive tradelines all with perfect payment histories. I have 0 negative tradelines. My Equifux is not high enough yet for me to expect to get approved for everything I apply for. But when I get turned down by someone that pulls Experian, I pretty much know it's the BK. I am currently under consideration by Umbrella Bank, (they pull Experian) we'll see what happens.

I reluctantly enlisted the aid of a credit repair service again on an unusual trial basis because they want to take a stab at my BK. They say they have a few tricks up their sleeve that I haven't tried yet. We'll see what happens.

Can you post the latest updated list NanaC?

Re: Update to list!
 

Add Bloomingdales to the list. However, I have been a Macy (sister company) customer since the 1980's. I got BL exactly 3 years after filing BK.

I got the Target visa with a 10K limit also at the 3 year mark. I had a regular Target card for some months before the visa became available.

As a side issue, I have opened thousands in CU unsecured credit since July when this thread was last open. This credit includes credit cards and a line of credit.

I am pleased that someone reopened this thread for the new members interested in BK friendly companies.

Jim

Re: Update to list!
 

How will a BK affect potential mortgage rates?

Re: Update to list!
 

I have seen a number of references to bk-friendly CU (lines or cards?) in this thread....can somebody provide some NAMES?

Re: Update to list!
 

Yes.

Boeing CU and Orange County Teachers CU.

Solzy,

If you get interested in joining a CU - look up your local ones. The ones I mentioned are headquartered in Washington and California. CU's have membership restrictions.

Jim

Re: Update to list!
 

Jim, are you a teacher in OC?

Re: Update to list!
 

this is *TOO* funny. Of all the gin joints in the world.......*ASIDE* from octfcu, can folks provide any other suggestions. Especially for plastic.

I've always assumed that CUs wouldn't be good places cuz they would require membership, so I am wondering who all these bk friendly CUs are? And are folks joining as members before applying?

Re: Update to list!
 

My cu turned me down. They want 2 years of perfect credit. I'm sure they're not all like that, tho.

Re: Update to list!
 

Depends on what type of bk. But the rate will be high, my guess somewhere in the low double digits.

This will also include a healthy downpayment.

Best regards,
Mirage

Re: Update to list!
 

I am going to do Ted75 and all of us BKer's a favor and reopen this post. Thanks Sassy for locating it. I first read it when I got here in Jan.

Re: Update to list!
 

Thanks King.

Anyone know about Discover card? Are they BK friendly?

Oh, I almost forgot...what about AMEX Centurion??? just kidding...

Re: Update to list!
 

Discover is very UNFriendly to BKer's or anyone with any damaged credit. MY wife & I both tried. Our friends have been turned down with minor credit blemishes.

What about Citibank - AT&T Platinum
 

I noticed Citibank was not on the NanaC list...

Anyone know abut Citibank's AT&T Universal Platinum Mastercard?

I received an offer in the mail, but it didn't mention Pre-Approved.

Re: What about Citibank - AT&T Platinum
 

Citibank is known to deny automatically if you have a BK. We both got turned down for this 1 too. I hope somwbody has had success with Citi but i will realy be surprised to hear it.

Re: update
 

Bank of America rep told me last week that no one with BK gets approved for credit card, secured or unsecured.

doesn't matter if BK discharged, the BK has to fall off...she said no override available.

And even tho they have secured cards available, she said you cannot get a secured card, because after 12 mo it becomes nonsecured with good payment history, and that would conflict with their no BK policy....HMMMMM...

I even have checking and savings accts both at B of A. Have had them for six years, right before I filed for 13BK [[[ had to open a new Bank account, since my old one was with a Credit Union who had my car loan and they closed my checking account privledges ]]]

Re: update
 

Maggie- this may be 1 reps view, or it's a recent change in policy.

My BK was discharged in 95. I was approved in '99 for a Platinum Visa with $5k limit. That card is now at $13.5k with a 10.14% APR (I mainly use it for BTs at PR+0%).

When I applied, I was automatically declined (as expected). I sent in a letter explaining the situation and a loan officer overrode the decline.

Like I said- this may be a new policy. Amex has recently changed from a "after 7 years we can look at it" to "absolutely not" .

I wonder about Citi - they used to be "after 7 years we can look at it" but now that everyone has seemed to tighten up their criteria...

-mj

Re: update
 

re: Bank of America, I was just told by a CSR that they only consider BK if you have re-established credit.

On a related note, does anyone here have any experience or suggestions about chapter 13? I applied twice in 1998, and both times it was dismissed before anything was discharged. (Before the creditors meeting even.)

It *really* sucks to be saddled with the BK and not have gotten ANY benefit from it! I filed in an attempt to save my house, NOT to avoid paying my unsecured debt.

Sorry, it just really pisses me off...heh.

Re: update
 

OH, My..this thing is still around..I'm so glad...I need to go read what I missed...

Discover...no way, uh uh, nopers, nope.

Re: Update to list!
 

We got ours with an FHA, 3%down. Did it all online, too. It was a breeze (Hi, BREEZE!) Anyway, I think it has more to do with length of time since BK.

I"ve updated the list-hope it helps
 

Clarifications: Moved Chevron because it was thought to be a fluke and with Jim's info added.

STARTER BK CARDS: score? bad.
1. Household - unsecured 300
2. Cap1 - Unsecured 300
3. Providian visa - 500
4. FCNB - unsecured - $1000
5. Cap1 - Secured

6 MOS - 1 YEAR REBUILDING CREDIT: score low 600s
1. Cap1 - unsecured gold 500
2. Prov MC - unsecured 500
3. Orchard - unsecured $500
4. Target - unsecured 200
5. First Premier - $200
6. Providian Classic - $1000


1-2 YEARS REBUILDING: score mid 600s
1. Aria/Getsmart Visa - unsecured - $500
2. AT&T Wireless - No deposit
3. Nextcard - unsecured 750 no annual fee.
4. Cap1 Platinum - unsecured 5000. Yes, platinum. started w/regular card and negotiated credit line to platinum. (Wow!)
5. Cross Country Bank Visa - unsecured - $300, then $600, then $1250 over time. *
6. Cross Country Bank MC - unsecured - $350 *
7. Dillards - unsecured - $500
8. Circuit City – unsecured -$2000
9. Western Security Bank - secured
10. 1/00 Direct Merchants Bank $1001 (Semi-secured)
11. Sprint PCS - $200 Assigned Spending Limit



2+ Years Rebuilding: score low to mid 600's:
1. Aspire - unsecured - $500
2. Providian Gold
3. Voicestream - No deposit
4. Bank One Checking Account with Debit Card after 5 months usage
6. Mortgage
7. Nordstrom - suggest not applying on-line
8. First N.A. Nat. Bank - 3 years
9. Citibank MC- will consider post-7 years
10. Nextcard - 5 years
11. Exxon - 4 years
12. Home Depot - 4 years
13. Bloomingdales - 3 years


Special Considerations:
1. Bank of America - will consider post-BK if you have established credit and can show unusual circimstances (business loss, medical, etc.)
2. Citibank MC- will consider post-BK after 7 years
3. Citibank Diners Club - will consider post-BK if you have established credit and can show unusual circimstances (business loss, medical, etc.)
4. Federated (Pres. Club Visa)- 3 years post BK was able to override with explanation and good (>680) score
5. Federated (Macy's) Store Card - 2 years post-BK was able to override with explanation.




Will not accept BK

1. Lowe's (MB)
2. Home Depot (MB) **
3. Walmart
4. Mervyns
5. Exxon/Mobile **
6. Amex Green
7. Nextcard **
8. Citgo
9. Amex Optima Secured
10.Home Depot
11.CitiBank
12. Associates: Citgo (try manual 24 ms+, 3 good lines)
13. First USA (try manual 5+ years discharge)
14. Bank of America
15. Sears
16. Fleet
17. First USA
18. Mens Wearhouse
19. Monogram Bank = MB
20. Amex LOC

Smart Suggestions:
1) Try Credit Unions
2) Ford is BK friendly



*See note in first message of thread
** Seen on approved and not approved both.

NanaC

Re: I"ve updated the list-hope it helps
 

You can add target and generations. Both aproved me post chapter 13

Re: I"ve updated the list-hope it helps
 

Target is there..how long after for Generations?

Thanks!

Re: I"ve updated the list-hope it helps
 

I am not sure on there policy but I was aproved 6 years post chapter 13. No anunal fee 15.9 apr and a $ 1000. line of credit . They also sent me a letter stateing after each year of on time payments they will lower the rate untill I get to the lowest rate

Re: I"ve updated the list-hope it helps
 

Thanks! I'll add that after a few more posts! Appreciate the info!

Re: I"ve updated the list-hope it helps
 

I was turn down for a Generations last year. (my 5th year post bk-13).

So make sure that Generations do approve at the 6th year mark.

Best regards,
Mirage

Re: I"ve updated the list-hope it helps
 

NanaC, thanks for getting together this list

I am very interested in avoiding a "hard inquiry/declination". I am 6years past CH13 BK, and this spring is my first foray into getting credit credits.

Re: I"ve updated the list-hope it h
 

This thread has probably helped more people than you know, NanaC. "What can I do credit-wise after bankruptcy?" has got to be one of the most commonly asked credit related questions, and Nana's list pulls it together like nothing else I've seen on the net. (And I'm a credit website ho, so I definitely know what I'm talking about, lol!)

Doc

Re: I"ve updated the list-hope it helps
 

Coppyed from another post

<<Generations Bank
Loan Underwriting Standards


FAIR LENDING STATEMENT

Credit is made available on a fair and consistent basis to all applicants who meet our lending standards without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, familial status, handicap, age (providing the applicant has the capacity to enter into a binding contract), source of income, or the exercise of rights under the Consumer Credit Protection Act.

Customers and prospective customers deserve the best products and service we can provide. We are committed to making all potential and current customers feel welcome and valued.

UNSECURED CONSUMER LOANS AND CREDIT CARDS

The general requirements for an unsecured consumer loan (including credit cards) are a credit bureau score of 650 or more, a debt to income ratio of 33% or lower, annual income of $15,000 or more, no current delinquencies and no bankruptcies within the prior two years. Interest rates range from 9.9% to 21.9% and are primarily determined based upon credit bureau scores. >>

Re: I"ve updated the list-hope it helps
 

Add Mervyn's to the list. We got it about 2 years post BK, scores in the high 500's at the time. It is Retailers National Banks, same as Target. They do CL increases about every 3 months if you ask.

Re: I"ve updated the list-hope it helps
 

Don't know what to say as my score at that time was 650 and my household income was about 100k. Debt rati was high, about 65%. BUT the reason for rejection was the bk-13 (filed in 1996)

Best regards,
Mirage

Re: I"ve updated the list-hope it h
 

LOL, and you're the best one I've seen in a long time, DOC! You are too funny!

Re: I"ve updated the list-hope it h
 

Add Washington Mutual Visa secured card issued by Citibank N.A. South Dakota to the list. I got approved with a prior bk that is 5 years old and I also included Citibank on my bk.