I am maxxed out on 6 cards, total of $65,000. I always pay on time, never late. Over 20 years of perfect credit (there were a few negatives but those were deleted so the reports are perfect now). But, due to illness, had to overuse the cards. I am now working and have no trouble making the payments. My Fico is about 714 (it is low because of high balances). I have only one inquiry in the last six months. I get the impression here that most people are having good success with Citi - easy approval, high limits. Do you think they will consider me, especially since I am maxxed out? I have a Citi card now with $15,000 limit. I don't need extra credit, but I would like a card with lower rates, especially for balance transfers. I have some unused revolving credit (Sears, Home Depot, etc) so I am actually only using 65% of my available revolving credit, but my Master cards and Visas are maxxed out.
George might be able to chime on citi and excessive credit lines. i dont remember his situation exactly.
MY F.I.C.O. 685-698 DENIED CITIBANK 5-6 TIMES IN 2 YEARS. WIFE F.I.C.O. 725-741 DENIED CITIBANK... They must not use F.I.C.O. because everybody with WAY LOWER F.I.C.O.'s can get many CITIBANK cards... I disputed the last denial and got a SECOND INQUIRY for my trouble and still DENIED!!! I have 23 years of 100% PERFECT PAYMENT HISTORY...BUT CAN'T GET CITIBANK...
George, It just occurred to me that with your credit scores, Citibank may not think you fit their customer profile. They have an internal system as well as the external credit scoring system. Sometimes, if a customer has a high credit score, high income, and high credit lines, a prospective creditor may assume that this person will not remain with them long, because of the many "options" this customer is perceived to have. Credit card companies want people to charge a lot, pay on time, carry a balance, and remain with them for the long haul. With your scores, I don't think they can compete in the long run. It doesn't sound like you're really being hurt by this, so don't let it bother you. My scores are a lot better than when I got my citibank card, yet chase will not approve me for a simple classic card. Everything's relative. Have a Blessed Day!
WAY LOWER F.I.C.O.'s can get many CITIBANK cards... ------------------------------------------------------------------- THIS IS DISCRIMINATION...
Tom, Citibank credit department reps have told me that they are very sensitive to utilization on revolving cards, so that no one card should be above 65%. If you have been paying on time, and not been overlimit, I suggest asking all of your current credit cards for limit increases (sell yourself as a big spender who needs to have a larger credit line to work with). Then when you get the updates to your credit reports, apply for another Citibank card. If you are denied, you can speak to a supervisor and explain how the balances are high b/c of ____ illness but that through all that you were on top of things enough to pay on time in spite of trying conditions. Now that you are working full time, your balances are falling quickly and you want to facilitate that by using a card with a balance transfer rate which can help you meet your goal even more quickly. Ask to fax in relevant statements and (if you're desperate - lol...) a personal financial spreadsheet/chart showing how significantly you've paid down debt recently. The goal is to show them that you are financially astute, responsible and able to pay down balances on time. You will get nicer consideration b/c of the illness... I also think Jim and Dogman have experience in talking their way way through BK denials based on explaining their illnesses, so you may want to ask them for their personal experiences. Citibank 1-301-733-5501 Hope it works for you,
What is your percentage used on your current citibank card? I was turned down once (I can't remember now if it was for an increase or new card) from citi because I was using over 65% of my credit limit on my current citi account.
I was, too, but I faxed and explained that I was using the Citi card above 65% b/c of a balance transfer rate. They approved me for a new card.
Citi is maxxed out as are the other 5 cards. Marci, I think you gave me the answer I expected. I will pay down some on the existing cards before trying to get another card. Thanks
I think this is a smart idea - in addition to asking for all the credit line increases on the current cards as you can (use planetfeedback.com). That way you'll break the 65% barrier all the more quickly. Good luck...
